6 Towns Perfect for Retirement in the Southern United States

Southern hospitality is legendary, and retirees can expect to be welcomed with open arms in these six towns in the Southern United States. From the literary charm of Oxford, Mississippi, to the equestrian heritage of Aiken, South Carolina, and the picturesque wine country of Dahlonega, Georgia, retirees can immerse themselves in rich cultural experiences and outdoor adventures. With close-knit neighborhoods, friendly locals, and a strong sense of community, the decision to spend the golden years just got a little bit easier.

Oxford, Mississippi

Oxford, Mississippi, is located in the northern part of the state, about 70 miles south of Memphis, Tennessee. In 1837, the town incorporated and named itself after Oxford, England, hoping to one day become the American equivalent of the prestigious academic city. Ten years later, it became the home of the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) and is known worldwide for its rich literary history, vibrant cultural scene, and charming Southern atmosphere.

Retired literary buffs will find much to see and do in this bookish town. The university’s grounds are lovely to stroll through while admiring the architecture of the Lyceum, the iconic administration building that once served as a hospital during the Civil War. There’s a museum at the site, and Rowan Oak, the former home of William Faulkner, is within walking distance. Some say the heartbeat of this little town is the independent bookstore, Square Books, and its family of stores: Off Square Books, Rare Square Books, and Square Books Jr.

Retirees can find a new home in Oxford at a median sale price of $545,000 (according to realtor.com) in early 2024, higher than the US average price of $400,000. Still, when you consider the vibrant literary and arts scene and the town's reputation for welcoming retirees with warm hospitality, it is worth considering. Baptist Memorial Hospital-North Mississippi in Oxford provides healthcare should the need arise.

Aiken, South Carolina

Active retirees with an affinity for all things equestrian will love the town of Aiken, South Carolina, in the heart of “Thoroughbred Country,” about 20 miles from Augusta, Georgia. With roots dating back to the early 19th century, Aiken has a rich history steeped in equestrian heritage and a strong sense of community. Thanks to its desirable climate, the town hosts many equestrian events throughout the year, like dressage and horse jumping competitions and polo matches at the Aiken Polo Club. Hitchcock Woods is the largest privately owned urban forest in the U.S., with 2,100 acres and a haven for walkers and riders. Saddle up and hit the 70 miles of sandy trails in the park with Rebel Ranch Horse Tours or the Trail Riding Company.

Downtown Aiken is full of various shops, galleries, and eateries, like Malia’s Restaurant, which prides itself on ethically sourced ingredients. The Alley is a popular pedestrian walkway that hosts events, outdoor dining, and music. The Downtown Taproom is a great place to drop in for a pull on one of their 48 taps of beer, ciders, wine, sodas, and kombucha, where drinkers pay by the ounce or by the pint.

The Aiken Regional Medical Centers address the health and wellness needs of the residents of Aiken and is a “High Performing Hospital for Heart Failure” and a “High Performing Hospital for Stroke” by U.S. News & World Report for 2023-2024. Retirees can find a lovely new home in Aiken for a very affordable median sale price of $312,000.

Dahlonega, Georgia

According to Travel + Leisure, Dahlonega, Georgia, a small town of around 7,000 residents in the Blue Ridge Mountains, is one of America’s Best Small Wine, Beer, and Spirits Towns for 2023. It’s no wonder many retired Wine Spectator readers are choosing to toast the second chapter of their lives with no fewer than eight wineries in Dahlonega’s hidden wine country. The Montaluce Winery at Restaurant, whose Tuscan-style vineyard sits on 400 acres of land. Wolf Mountain Vineyards, Kaya Vineyard, and Winery perched on a ridge 1,600 feet in elevation.

While California may claim the country’s first gold rush, thousands of prospectors flocked to north Georgia to find their fortunes twenty years before the 1849 gold rush. The Dahlonega Gold Museum, housed inside the 1836 Lumpkin County Courthouse, pays tribute to its gold mining heritage and even explains the story behind "There's gold in them thar hills!"

Homes in the Dahlonega have a median sale price of $487,000. Residents in Dahlonega have a new hospital for emergency and inpatient care and can now have surgery closer to home. The new Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) Lumpkin Hospital treated its first patients on April 15, 2024.

Bastrop, Texas

Bastrop is on the banks of the Colorado River, so adventurous, active retirees have easy access to activities like canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding in the nearby Bastrop State Park. The Bastrop Riving Co. has everything for independent outdoor enthusiasts who want to go on a self-guided river tour or organized day paddle trips. Hiking is also a popular activity in the park, with several trails ranging from easy to challenging, like the 8.2-mile Lost Pines Loop with its steep hills and gradual descents. After a day of physical activity, a stop at the 602 Brewing Co. for one of their craft beers and a plate of 602 wings is well-deserved.

There is no shortage of entertainment in this Texas town. For live theatre, the Bastrop Opera House, a historic theater initially built in 1889, serves as a cultural hub for the community. Blues, country, soul, and folk music fill the town every September as Bastrop hosts the annual Bastrop Music Festival.

The town is only 30 minutes outside the state’s capital, so it’s the perfect location to retire in, with more affordable housing options than larger cities like Austin. The median sale price of a new home in Bastrop is $434,000 (according to realtor.com). The Ascension Seton Bastrop Hospital looks after the residents of Bastrop.

Hendersonville, North Carolina

Retired travelers will enjoy settling down in Hendersonville, in the “First in Flight” state of North Carolina—a nickname that refers to the inaugural flight of the Wright Brothers in 1903—and visiting the Western North Carolina Air Museum, whose mission is “promoting and preserving our Carolina flying heritage.” The museum features vintage aircraft, artifacts, photographs, and exhibits that highlight the evolution of flight and the contributions of aviators from Western North Carolina. Similarly, the Apple Valley Model RR Club, housed inside the historic Hendersonville Railroad Depot with historic railroad artifacts on the walls, is a retired railroader’s paradise, while outside in the yard are miniature landscapes, buildings, and trains inspired by the Appalachian region.

Hendersonville’s Main Street is full of eclectic shops, restaurants, and cafés, so hit up the Blackbear Coffee Co. for a cup of coffee to go, then wander into McFarlan Bakery for a donut or a pastry. Mast General Store is where to go for outdoor goods and apparel before heading over to take in the sights at Jump Off Rock—a scenic spot overlooking the mountains of Western North Carolina. Hiking and picnicking on one of the nearby trails is also recommended.

Hendersonville has relatively affordable housing compared to larger cities in Western North Carolina. The median sale price of a new home is $483,000. Maria Parham Health offers healthcare services to residents.

Punta Gorda, Florida

There’s plenty to keep busy during retirement in Punta Gorda, like taking advantage of all that water surrounding southwest Florida by booking a boat tour. Wilderness Boat Tours will help retired sailors find their sea legs again with a two-and-a-half-hour eco-tour on a custom pontoon boat down the Peace River. For a more thrilling ride down the river, book an Airboat Tour with Peace River Charters and be on the lookout for alligators, manatees, and stingrays.

The Harborwalk is a 2.5-mile trail along Charlotte Harbor that is a nice way to slow down the pace. Stop in at tourist hotspot Fishermen’s Village, which features a variety of shops, galleries, and restaurants housed in colorful waterfront buildings designed to resemble a traditional fishing village. Stop in for a basket of conch fritters and a Rum Runner cocktail at Harpoon Harry’s or the Village Brewhouse for a beer and a grouper sandwich.

ShorePoint Health Punta Gorda serves the health needs of the about 20,000 residents of this pretty coastal town and provides outpatient nutrition and dietetic services. A new home in Punta Gorda costs $440,000.

Choosing Your Southern Haven

With something unique to offer retirees, these six Southern U.S. towns are worth considering when planning out the second chapter of life. But choosing between Oxford, Mississippi, renowned for its literary heritage; Aiken, South Carolina, with its equestrian events and scenic trails, or Punta Gorda’s waterfront activities and coastal charm won’t be easy. Each location offers reasonably affordable housing options and access to top-notch healthcare facilities, making them all attractive choices for retirees seeking a fulfilling lifestyle down south. In the end, the hardest part will be which town to choose.