11 Best Places To Retire In The Southern United States
If you want a slower pace of life, warm weather, and welcoming communities in your later years, the American South is where you want to be. If you wish to rise with the sun year-round, walk through the avenues of colorful small towns, breeze down historic streets, or soak up the sun by the seaside, these 11 places in the South offer a low cost of living, quality of life, and uniqueness for retirees.
Chattanooga, Tennessee: Outdoor Adventure & Culture
Chattanooga is a mid-size Southern city with charm, outdoor opportunities, and city services along the Tennessee River and the Appalachian Mountains. It’s a great retirement destination, with a median home price of $381.81k, below the national average.
Seniors can explore outdoor activities like hiking down to Sunset Rock or meditating and learning something new in class at The Chattery. From the Hunter Museum of American Art to Civil War sites such as the Chickamauga Battlefield, there’s always something to discover in Chattanooga.
Charleston, West Virginia: Small-town Charm with Big-City Amenities
Known for its affordability and appeal to retirees, Charleston offers scenic mountain living, affordability, natural beauty, and small-town charm with big-city amenities. It's a budget-friendly retirement choice with median home prices of $137,500, significantly below the national US average, and a cost of living lower than most of the South.
It boasts excellent healthcare and rich arts and culture for retirees. Seniors can benefit from a rich cultural scene by exploring the different art galleries as well as historic landmarks like the State Capitol.
North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina: Beachfront Bliss Without the Crowds
Who doesn’t love access to a relaxing beach during retirement? Unlike bustling Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach is less commercialized, with a slower pace and fewer crowds. Its 9-mile coastline includes serene spots like Cherry Grove Beach and Windy Hill Beach. With a population of about 18,000, seniors can access beach life, fun activities, and warm weather. South Carolina has a graduated income tax, making it an ideal destination for retirees.
St. Petersburg, Florida: Sun, Art, & Coastal Beauty
St. Petersburg has been a classic destination for seniors for 100 years, and its incredible beaches are a big draw year after year. St. Petersburg's livability is ranked better than 98% of areas in the US.
This tax-friendly, walkable mid-sized city has 361 days of sunshine, world-class art galleries, saltwater breezes, and fine beaches just minutes away. Home to the Salvador Dalí Museum, Museum of Fine Arts, live music, and theaters, it offers an active lifestyle to retirees who never want to get bored.
Eureka Springs, Arkansas: A Storybook Town in the Ozarks
Eureka Springs is a tiny town with a population of 2,200. It feels like a storybook coming to life. Set in the lush Ozark Mountains, it features winding streets, historic stone buildings, and an artsy vibe, all wrapped in natural beauty.
Eureka Springs has a good livability score of 66/100 and low crime rates, which makes it a draw to seniors. Its home prices are around $299.000, lower than the US average. This town is perfect for artists, history buffs, and nature lovers who crave a tight-knit community.
Beaufort, North Carolina: Coastal Living & Tax Perks
As the third-oldest town in North Carolina, Beaufort offers retirees a deep sense of history alongside its scenic coastal views. It is the friendliest small town in North Carolina, combining coastal charm, a relaxed pace, well-rated medical facilities, and a welcoming community.
Retirees enjoy beautiful waterfront views, a reasonable cost of living compared to other waterfront towns, mild winters, and pleasant year-round temperatures. North Carolina also offers tax-friendly advantages for retirees, with no tax on Social Security income and lower property taxes compared to many coastal areas.
Savannah, Georgia: Southern Charm & Retirement Benefits
Savannah is a Spanish moss draping over oak-lined streets, historic squares around every corner, and a slow, sweet rhythm of life that makes it one of the South’s most enchanting places to retire. Retirees feel like stepping into a postcard, with year-round sunshine and outdoor beauty.
Georgia offers many benefits to retirees, such as a retirement income exemption for those 62+, and social security is also fully tax-exempt. Seniors can soak up the sun at Tybee Island, about 18 miles away, or benefit from several entertainment and attractions, live music, and food.
Lexington, Kentucky: Horse Country & Outdoor Living
Lexington offers retirees a mix of cultural richness, Southern hospitality, and outdoor beauty in the rolling Bluegrass Region, all at a lower cost than many U.S. cities.
At Lexington, seniors can have an active lifestyle.They can visit Keeneland Racecourse or the Kentucky Horse Park, home to the 2010 FEI World Equestrian Games 27, hike the Legacy Trail, enjoy the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, or explore The Mary Todd Lincoln House and Headley-Whitney Museum of Art.
Valdosta, Georgia: A Vibrant Destination for All Ages
Front gateway at Valdosta State University in Valdosta, Georgia. Editorial credit: Rob Hainer / Shutterstock.com
Valdosta, Georgia, is perfect for retirees craving an active lifestyle during their retirement days. It offers fantastic hiking spots, world-class golf courses, and a bustling downtown arts scene. A huge draw is its affordable housing, with median housing costs of $248,400, less than the national US median housing costs. Valdosta boasts active 55+ Communities as well as excellent healthcare & wellness facilities. The city is also home to Valdosta State University, contributing to a lively local atmosphere and access to cultural events.
Charleston, South Carolina: Coastal Elegance & Culture
Charleston isn’t just a postcard-perfect city; it’s one of the South’s dream spots for retirees, combining historic elegance, coastal living, senior-friendly tax laws, and modern amenities. There are several senior living communities in Charleston, and seniors enjoy the thriving arts and culture scene.
It is also a great choice for foodies and a wonderful place to dive into the unique Gullah and Lowcountry cuisine. Charleston is perfect for retirees looking for culture, coastline, and community. While pricier than some Southern cities, the quality of life is unmatched.
Englewood, Florida: A Coastal Oasis
Englewood is a coastal town ideal for retirees and those seeking a peaceful, sun-soaked lifestyle. It is popular among retirees with a median age of 67.8 and an excellent Livability Score of 75/100. Seniors are drawn to outdoor activities, easy beach access, parks, golf courses, and the below-average crime rate. The Old Englewood is also an option for people who like to shop, as it boasts various boutiques, restaurants, and a farmer’s market for food lovers. Englewood’s Lemon Bay and nearby nature preserves also provide peaceful spots for kayaking, birdwatching, and sunset walks.
Why the Southern U.S. Offers More Than Just a Warm Retirement
Whether you envision lazy afternoons in a delightful coastal town or an active retirement with golf, festivals, and cultural events, or you prefer a city alive with art festivals, farm-to-table dining, and live blues music drifting down historic streets, the South offers a retirement tailored to your dreams. With quality healthcare, welcoming communities, low taxes, and endless activities, it’s the perfect place to enjoy your golden years. Relax, explore, and make retirement genuinely unforgettable!
