7 Welcoming Towns to Retire in the Southern United States
Usually referred to simply as "The South," the Southern United States encompasses a broad region extending from Maryland all the way down to Florida and east to Texas. The appeal for retirees here includes its generally mild winters, extremely hospitable communities (the South is famous for its hospitality), as well as a markedly slower, more relaxed pace of life. All of this adds up to the South being an ideal setting for retirement.
Retirees are also drawn to the South for its affordable cost of living, not to mention its rich cultural history and diverse landscapes, including everything from stunning coastal towns to mountain retreats. In addition, the South also boasts many safe small towns with low crime rates, reasonable housing prices, high-quality healthcare, and amenities suited to senior living. Whether you are already retired or someone for whom retirement is looming, these seven welcoming towns in the Southern United States are worth considering if you are looking for a comfortable place to retire.
Brevard, North Carolina
Brevard, a small town in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, is an excellent option for retirees who love nature. Popular for its proximity to Pisgah National Forest and DuPont State Forest, the area offers countless opportunities for hiking, fishing, and enjoying scenic waterfalls. Brevard’s low crime rates and welcoming community atmosphere are other important factors to consider, making it a safe and peaceful place to settle down and retire. Another benefit is Brevard’s moderate housing prices compared to larger cities in North Carolina like Charlotte and Raleigh, ensuring the town offers a range of affordable living options.
Brevard’s healthcare is also a standout feature, with the Transylvania Regional Hospital providing a range of medical services. Downtown Brevard is another big plus. Extremely walkable, it’s filled with unique shops, art galleries, and restaurants like Morning Social being a great place to gather and meet (and make) friends. The presence of Brevard College and the Brevard Music Center ensures that cultural events are plentiful, as well as providing educational opportunities for those wanting to stretch their minds.
Georgetown, South Carolina
Fancy retiring by the seaside? Then Georgetown, South Carolina, might be for you. Located along the South Carolina coast between Myrtle Beach to the north and Charleston to the south, Georgetown offers a peaceful small-town atmosphere that’s ideal for retirees looking for a slower pace of life. As the third-oldest town in the state, it boasts a rich history, charming streets, and plenty of historical landmarks to explore (check out the town’s Harborwalk). Some of them, like the Kaminski House Museum, even offer opportunities to volunteer so you can give a little back to the community.
Retirees here also benefit from a comparatively low cost of living and a lower-than-average crime rate. Combined with moderate housing prices, it all adds up to making Georgetown an attractive option for seniors looking to stretch their retirement income. Its healthcare system, including Tidelands Georgetown Memorial Hospital, offers high-quality care to residents. Enjoy the outdoors? The town’s proximity to coastal attractions like Huntington Beach State Park and Brookgreen Gardens is also a bonus, ensuring you’ll never run out of things to do with all that time on your hands.
Fairhope, Alabama
Those looking to retire in Alabama couldn’t do much better than Fairhope. Set on the eastern shore of Mobile Bay, this attractive small town is popular for its scenic views, artsy atmosphere, and (a real plus for retirees), its lovely mild climate. Its gentle winters in fact means retirees can enjoy the town’s beautiful parks and public spaces year-round (though it can get a tad warm in the summer months), ensuring plenty of opportunity to keep active. Fairhope’s downtown is also extremely walkable and is home to everything from art galleries to boutique shops and restaurants, all adding up to a great cultural scene.
The town’s healthcare facilities are also top-notch. Thomas Hospital provides excellent medical care, while several senior home care services are also available. New to town? Those looking to meet like-minded retirees can visit the Nix Center, a downtown seniors’ center run by the town. Additionally, the affordable housing options and tax benefits for retirees in Alabama further enhance the town's appeal.
Oxford, Mississippi
Although a college town (it’s home to the University of Mississippi), the small Mississippi town of Oxford rolls out the red carpet for retirees. Full of that famous Southern charm, this appealing retirement destination boasts a tight-knit community atmosphere while the presence of the university adds a youthful energy. The university’s presence also means that older residents wanting to broaden their knowledge (or share their knowledge) can easily do so with numerous further education opportunities to choose from. The University of Mississippi also serves as a cultural hub, including popular attractions like the University Museum, home to the Fortune Gallery and the Seymour Lawrence Gallery of American Art.
Oxford is also well-known for its literary history, particularly as the home of author William Faulkner. The author’s former home, the stately Rowan Oak, is especially popular among the town’s retirees as both a cultural hub and a place to volunteer their time. Add to the equation the town’s relatively low housing prices and access to quality healthcare through facilities like the Baptist Memorial Hospital-North Mississippi, and Oxford certainly meets the needs of retirees seeking affordability, top-notch medical care, and the chance to expand their horizons through volunteering and education.
St. Simons Island, Georgia
The state of Georgia is also no slouch when it comes to appealing to those of (or nearing) retirement age. Topping most 60-plusser’s list of great places to retire in Georgia is St. Simons Island, a coastal retirement haven with picturesque beaches, six superlative golf courses (Sea Palms Golf Club ranks highly), and endless other fun things to do year-round. Highlights include the historic St. Simons Lighthouse Museum, participating in outdoor activities including boating, fishing, and biking, as well as hiking (or even a gentle walk) in places like Cannon's Point Preserve, Gascoigne Bluff, and the excellent John Gilbert Nature Trail.
Other good reasons to retire here include a mild year-round climate, low crime rates, and that stunning Georgia coastal scenery. The island also has plentiful healthcare services on offer through the Southeast Georgia Health System, ensuring residents have access to excellent medical care when needed
Hot Springs Village, Arkansas
There’s often a trade-off when older residents opt for a beautiful destination in which to retire. Not so with Hot Springs Village. Set in the beautiful Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas and just an hour west of Little Rock, Hot Springs Village is one of the largest gated communities in the country and as such is well-suited for retirees. In addition to its extensive sports amenities, including multiple golf courses, tennis courts, and pickleball courts, it also provides residents with direct access to 26,000 acres of natural beauty including forests and lakes, along with plenty of trails… all without ever having to leave the community itself.
The low cost of living and affordable housing options here also attract seniors seeking a peaceful, active lifestyle. As a gated community with strict entry criteria, Hot Springs Village has a low crime rate, adding to the sense of security for residents. And healthcare? Facilities such as CHI St. Vincent Hot Springs provide everything needed on that front, while a roster of local clinics and GPs are also available. Time to get social? The community fosters an engaging lifestyle with frequent events, clubs, and activities tailored for older generations.
Hendersonville, North Carolina
Rounding off this list with a second destination in the Blue Ridge Mountains makes a lot of sense for so many reasons. Not only does Hendersonville boast incredible scenery, but it also comes with a charming downtown that exudes the friendliest of atmospheres. Retirees appreciate the town’s relatively low cost of living along with its diversity of housing options, with choices running the gamut from historic homes perfect for a retirement B&B business to modern developments.
The town also hosts numerous festivals and events year-round, including the North Carolina Apple Festival. Hendersonville is also home to excellent healthcare services, with the Pardee UNC Health Care system providing comprehensive medical care from hospitalizations to specialists and GPs when needed.
The Final Word
Whenever retirement might loom, these lovely Southern towns offer retirees and soon-to-retire folks a unique blend of affordable living, excellent healthcare, safe and secure housing, and access to plentiful cultural and recreational activities. Whether you’re drawn to the coastal charm of St. Simons Island or the mountain serenity of Brevard or Hendersonville, these towns cater to seniors seeking both comfort and engagement in their golden years. With vibrant senior communities, low crime rates, and ample amenities, these seven welcoming towns in the Southern United States are ideal settings for a fulfilling and relaxed retirement life.
