8 Senior-Friendly Towns in the Southern United States
Warm weather, sunshine, wide roads, and barbecue, the Southern United States is well-known for its big personalities, climate, and hospitality. Snowbirds have famously called much of the South home for the winter each year, taking advantage of the region's outdoor recreation and accessibility. The Southern United States has ample towns and villages that are senior-friendly and ideal to call home year-round in retirement.
With low crime rates, excellent cost of living, and affordable housing prices in any landscape you might yearn for, there are awesome senior living communities to explore across this expansive American region.
Texarkana, Arkansas
Located on the border between Arkansas and Texas, Texarkana is an affordable option for those looking to retire in the Southern United States. Median house prices sit at $127,500, and the cost of living sits at 22% below the national average and 5% below the state average (according to Economic Research Institute). Crime rates are also generally low, with most crime types occurring at rates below the national average. Texarkana has an interesting layout, with Main Street dividing the Arkansas Texarkana from the Texan municipality. The Arkansas side houses approximately 29,000 residents.
Notable attractions in the town include the Four States Auto Museum, Ace of Clubs House, and the Museum of Regional History. The SWADC Miller County Senior Adult Center offers everything from medical services, to meals, to game nights, and transportation support to the senior community in Miller County.
Hot Springs, Arkansas
The cost of living in Hot Springs is comparable to Texarkana, with the median house price sitting at $127,500 and the cost of living being 19% below the national average and 1% below the state average. Crime is also relatively low in Hot Springs, and the city has a walk score of 80 (out of 100), which ranks it as "very walkable." The 38,000 residents of Hot Springs have unparalleled access to the Hot Springs National Park and an array of natural thermal baths that extend throughout the region.
The best things to do in town include visiting the Garvan Woodland Gardens, the Gangster Museum of America, and the Mid-America Science Museum. Hot Springs hosts the regional hospital CHI St Vincent Hot Springs, which offers state-of-the-art healthcare to residents.
Tullahoma, Tennessee
The median house price in Tullahoma is $159,600, and the cost of living is 19% below the national average and 7% below the state average. Crime rates are also relatively low. Close to major cities such as Nashville and Chattanooga, Tullahoma is perfectly situated to offer small-town comforts with easy access to city services. Home to 21,107 residents, this community has the Vanderbilt Tullahoma-Harton Hospital and a highly active Parks and Recreation Department.
The best recreational activities in Tullahoma include visiting a show at the South Jackson Performing Arts Center and Mitchell Museum, getting outside on the Sunrise Rotary 18-hole Disc Golf Course, or swimming at the Splash Island Water Park.
Dickson, Tennessee
The cost of living in Dickson sits at 18% below the national average and 6% below the state average. The median home price is $169,900, and crime rates are relatively low in this Tennessee town. Dickson's historic downtown is full of local retail and recreation, with some of the best spots being the Clement Railroad Hotel Museum, Ragan's Friendly Neighbor Store, and Reading Rock Books. There are 16,000 residents in Dickson, but the town often feels larger, attracting tourists year-round.
The Dickson Senior Activity Center is open to residents 55 and over looking to get involved with their community. The center offers recreation, game nights, and adult learning opportunities.
Florence, Alabama
With its low crime rate and high affordability, Florence is an excellent choice for retirement in Alabama. This town houses roughly 40,000 residents, but it has high tourist volumes year-round. The median house price is $142,000, and the cost of living is 24% below the national average and 9% below the state average. Downtown Florence is a walkable historic area, part of the greater The Shoals region.
The best things to do downtown include visiting the Shoals Theatre, Pope's Tavern Museum, and the Kennedy - Douglass Center for The Arts. Florence has the regional, North Alabama Medical Center as well as the Florence Senior Citizens Center.
Northport, Alabama
Northport's cost of living is 18% below the national average and 3% below the state average. The median house price is $187,500, and the town has a walk score of 74, meaning it's "very walkable." Northport sits across the Black Warrior River from Tuscaloosa, and 31,000 residents call the town home. The historic downtown has many gems, such as the Kentucky Art Center, Brown Bag Restaurant, and The Blue Plate Restaurant.
The Area Agency on Aging of West Alabama serves the seven-county region, supporting the region's aging community by offering social and medical services and events year-round. Northport also has the Northport Medical Center, meaning there is no need to sacrifice well-being while taking advantage of the serenity of small-town living.
Paris, Texas
Not to be mistaken for Paris in France, Paris, Texas's cost of living is 22% below the national average and 14% below the state average. Crime is very low in Paris, and the median home costs $86,400. This community is roughly half the size of Little Elm, with about 25,000 residents. Paris embodies the country feel of Texas, where you can explore its beautiful architecture downtown, including the "Other" Eiffel Tower.
From the Historic Downtown Square, you can explore local shops such as the Green Boutique and Olive Paris. Paris has numerous senior and retirement centers and communities, including the Paris Retirement Village and the Golden Acres Retirement Community Center.
Little Elm, Texas
An affordable and beautiful part of North Dallas, Little Elm's cost of living is 7% below the national average, with the median home costing $270,600. The Little Elm Park and Little Elm Beach will make you think you are on the ocean with its clean sand and swimming areas. Little Elm acts as Texas' main beach vacation spot you can call home year-round. Approximately 50,000 people reside in Little Elm and contribute to its beachy vibe. Little Elm has both a senior center and several medical clinics and emergency rooms.
With its proximity to Dallas, there is no shortage of access to specialty healthcare within a short drive, making Little Elm an ideal choice for those looking for a small-town attitude but who need to be connected to big-city healthcare and services.
There are countless places that are worth calling home along this Southern American band. These towns have ideal combinations of activities, healthcare access, affordability, safety, and beauty, but they are by no stretch the only communities that match these criteria. The Southern US boasts countless welcoming regions that will suit whatever you may want out of retirement, whether that is comfort in the woods or excitement in the heart of the city.
