8 Budget-Friendly Towns in Mid-South for Retirees

While Florida maintains a reputation for being one of the most popular states for retirement, thanks to the tax benefits and the year-round warm weather, the mid-south of the United States has some hidden gem towns for retirees. This portion of the country, which includes states like Tennessee, Kentucky, and Virginia, has towns with an affordable cost of living, incredible landscapes, and support services to help older adults no matter their needs. This specific area also boasts some of the best weather in the country, avoiding overly hot summers and severe winters, making it a great location for anyone with a love for all four seasons.

If you’re ready to plant your feet in the mid-south for your golden years, these eight towns have a perfect mix of welcoming communities and safe neighborhoods. Each state’s unique charm will offer you a fun and exciting retirement experience. Experience the perfect fusion of affordability, natural beauty, and convenience in these budget-friendly retirement havens.

Sevierville, Tennessee

Situated in East Tennessee among the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Sevierville is a town perfect for those who enjoy spending time in the great outdoors. Sevierville is geographically just north of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, which allows residents to enjoy all the amenities and entertainment options in these larger cities while still being able to come back home to the quiet atmosphere of this smaller town. There’s a highly-rated hospital, LeConte Medical Center, located in town, with a 24-hour emergency room as well as primary care services that can help older adults feel at ease. Additionally, the home prices in Sevierville average $380,417 (according to Zillow), while the Census Bureau and Department of Housing and Urban Development found the average US home sale price to be $433,500 in April 2024.

There’s no shortage of amenities for Sevierville residents, regardless of age or interests. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is just 15 miles from Sevierville, while locations like Hollywood Wax Museum in Pigeon Forge and the Moonshine Mountain Coaster in Gatlinburg are also a short drive away. Other must-see spots for residents and travelers are the Dolly Parton Statue on Court Ave and the Forbidden Caverns, which are open year-round.

Glasgow, Kentucky

Glasgow is a town in Barren County with a population of just over 15,000 people. This area is ideal for retirees who want to take advantage of the quiet, rural beauty of the town while still having the option to travel to larger cities like Nashville and Lexington in just a few hours. In addition to the many amenities geared towards older adults and younger residents, Zillow cites the average home price in Glasgow to be roughly $192,000, which is considerably lower than the national average. There’s also the added bonus of having T.J. Samson Community Hospital located right in town, a medical institution with an emergency room and cardiac services that’s served the community for over nine decades.

Glasgow’s senior center and various community services provide ample support to the area’s retirees to promote safety and independence. The senior center, open to residents over 60, has exercise programs, recreational sports, and meal assistance. This town is also known for its numerous attractions that are great for the whole family. Mammoth Cave National Park is just a 20-minute drive from Glasgow and is home to one of the longest-known cave systems in the world. There’s also Gorin Park, Weldon Park, and Beaver Creek Park, where visitors can get outside and enjoy the scenic views.

Creve Coeur, Missouri

Once a small farming town in Missouri, Creve Coeur is now a prominent area with the perfect balance of suburban charm and big-city luxuries. Creve Coeur is considered to be a part of the greater St. Louis area and had a reported population of just under 19,000 residents with an average age of 44.1 in 2022. This town has an iconic downtown section closely tied to its rich history, and today boasts a wide selection of shops, dining establishments, and entertainment options. Some of the most popular locations include the Antique Mall of Creve Coeur and the New Jewish Theatre, a performing arts center that puts on live shows for theater lovers.

Older adults who need an affordable place to enjoy retirement shouldn’t overlook Creve Coeur just because of its close proximity to St. Louis. There are several senior living facilities that range in the level of care they offer, with Creve Coeur Assisted Living & Memory Care and Brookdale Creve Coeur being the two highest-rated options. Creve Coeur is also home to several primary care physicians, as well as Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital, offering an emergency room for those who need immediate care and specialty services like an ICU, heart & vascular doctors, and robotic surgeries.

Guntersville, Alabama

Nature lovers who are ready to spend their retirement relaxing by the water should consider Guntersville, Alabama, as a potential new home. Guntersville sits along the southern tip of the Tennessee River, and along with having the reputation of ‘Alabama’s Lake City,’ this town was also listed as one of the “100 Best Places to Live in America” (according to Relocate America). There are countless attractions in Guntersville, ranging from informative historical sites to sprawling lakeside parks. Some of the most frequented locations include Lake Guntersville State Park, a 6,000-acre park with boating, fishing, and golfing, and Guntersville Museum, a military museum offering free admission.

Seniors can take comfort in knowing the cost of living in Guntersville is not only lower than the state average but also lower than the national average. For example, Zillow lists the average home cost in Guntersville as roughly $294,000, which is considerably lower than the national average. The Guntersville City Senior Center is a great in-town resource for seniors that’s open weekly and provides engaging activities, along with free transportation if needed. Retirees can also opt to move to a community like Lakeshore Senior Living, where individuals can thrive with the level of support they need while being surrounded by a friendly, caring community of older adults.

White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia

Tucked into the beautiful scenery of Greenbrier County lies White Sulphur Springs, a charming town with just over 2,000 residents. This specific section of the state is rich in history that ties back to the mid-1700s and includes the city gaining the nickname “Queen of the Watering Places.” The nickname spawned from the belief in the healing properties of the mineral water and led to the infamous Greenbrier Hotel being built on the site in 1913. Today, White Sulphur Springs is an incredible location bustling with fun things to do and delicious restaurants to enjoy. Locals recommend stopping into Big Draft Brewing to try a craft beer or one of the new creations at Road Hog’s BBQ.

While some may assume White Sulphur Springs is expensive due to its breathtaking scenery and being a resort town, the Economic Research Institute finds the cost of living to be lower than the national average. The site also finds the average home income in White Sulphur Springs to be just over $39,000, making it a great choice for seniors worried about the cost of living to income ratio. Additionally, there are three hospitals within a short drive from town, including Greenbrier Valley Medical Center in Ronceverte and the larger Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital in Roanoke, Virginia. The town also has the White Sulphur Springs Center, where residents can obtain skilled nursing care and short-term rehab for injuries.

Lumberton, North Carolina

With a convenient location directly between New York and Florida, Lumberton, North Carolina, is an excellent landing point for seniors who enjoy traveling up and down the coast but want a peaceful home pace. This is one of the larger towns listed, with a population of around 18,000, but that doesn’t mean you’ll feel congested. Lumberton has a mostly suburban feel, with a downtown section that hosts numerous arts and cultural events throughout the year. Residents and visitors can spend time at the Biggs Park Mall for some of the best shopping in the area or see important historical artifacts at the African American Cultural Center. Golf enthusiasts can enjoy the well-maintained course at Fairmont Golf Club before enjoying a meal at the on-site pub.

Many retirees may be surprised to learn that Lumberton is an NC Certified Retirement Community, earning the title in 2010 and again in 2018. This certification shows that the town is dedicated to providing housing and entertainment amenities at low costs for seniors. It’s clear this certification has attracted retirees from across the country, as the percentage of residents over 65 is 17.2% (according to the US Census Bureau). Lumberton also has the UNC Health Southeastern Hospital, located in town, which provides everything from primary care services to intensive care.

Spartanburg, South Carolina

Another city on the larger side for retirees is Spartanburg, South Carolina, with 38,000 people. This city sits in the northern portion of the state and has the added bonus of experiencing all seasons, from humid summers to wet and cold winters. The average household age in Spartanburg is only 38 years old, but that doesn’t mean this area isn’t a good fit for retirees. This town has an impressive cost of living, which is found to be lower than the US average, though it is slightly higher than the South Carolina median. Still, Spartanburg has numerous amenities catered towards older adults, especially through organizations like Shepherd’s Center of Spartanburg.

The Shepherd’s Center of Spartanburg strives to keep seniors active and creative through programs such as music lessons, arts and crafts classes, and gentle aerobics. Retirees who enjoy the arts can visit the Spartanburg Art Museum and enjoy the changing exhibits or the Spartanburg Science Center for an afternoon of fun and learning. The Spartanburg Medical Center (SMC) is located on East Wood Street and has everything to help older adults feel at ease living there. Overall, Spartanburg is a top contender for the ideal retirement spot thanks to its senior-focused amenities and tax laws.

Big Stone Gap, Virginia

Finally, there’s Big Stone Gap, Virginia, a town with a rich history entwined with the coal mining industry and its location right in the Appalachian Mountains. Just over 5,000 people live in Big Stone Gap, making it a great size for keeping a quiet, suburban feel while still having a close-knit community. Living in this area will suit retirees who want to wake up every day surrounded by beautiful mountain ranges and neighborhoods that exude classic Southern hospitality. Retirees relocating to Big Stone Gap can visit the Harry Meador Jr. Coal Museum to learn about the town’s heritage or the John Fox, Jr. Museum to see the author’s home as it’s a preservation of the time period.

Big Stone Gap offers older adults an affordable cost of living, with the average home price hitting $129,000 (according to Zillow). The Dogwood Terrace Apartments is a low-cost senior living option in town, and the Kingston Center is an assisted living facility in nearby Duffield. For those seeking more specialized care, the Heritage Hall Big Stone Gap is a highly rated and trusted nursing facility. Another organization dedicated to helping seniors thrive is the Mountain Empire Older Citizens (MEOC), which serves southwest Virginia with countless programs. MEOC offers transportation via bus routes Monday through Friday, as well as interactive events, in-home care, and advocacy services.

While Florida is celebrated as a retirement haven, the mid-south region of the United States has a delightful blend of hidden gems perfect for retirement. These towns provide a harmonious blend of affordable living, stunning natural landscapes, and comprehensive support services, all within a climate that avoids the extremes of summer heat and winter snowstorms. Experience the unique Southern charm and affordability of the mid-south, and discover the perfect place to call home in these budget-friendly retirement towns.