best small towns in the south to retire

It can cost your family thousands of dollars each year if you end up in one of the worst states for taxes after a move. Population 1,750. The median monthly rent is $958. Monthly expenditures: $1,700.42. Most Recent Annual Number of Best Places to Retire in Southern USA Places to Retire Sure, Washington, D.C., and Baltimore are near, but your heart will be pure Eastern Shore. For romantic dinners, you'll turn to The Black Pearl, and for the beer scene, try Woodwright Brewing (part brewery, part woodshop), Dunedin Brewery (Florida's oldest microbrewery), and 7venth Sun Brewery (dog friendly and small batch). Last updated 13 October 22. You can find a surprising number of eclectic dining options in town, as well as an array of boutique shops, art galleries and other cultural attractions. And you could use the extra opportunity to save. The Most Broken House Rules In Southern Homes State-By-State . By T. Eric Reich, CIMA, CFP, CLU, ChFC 8 Virginia Beach, Virginia. Median household income: $45,797. WebOverall Niche Grade. For more Wisconsin state reading: Best Places To Live In Wisconsin. You can also enjoy some waterfront views in town along the Mispillion River. Social clubs (it has about 200 in all) offer like-minded residents bridge, classic cars, quilting, birding, Master Gardening, and plenty more. Published 10 November 22. tax deadline Average price of a semi-detached house: 385,778. The metro area of Fayetteville, which includes Springdale, Rogers and Bentonville, offers low costs but plenty of attractions. Does the local barista know your regular order? So many retirees flock to the sunny shores of Virginia Beach, Virginia, and Best Small Towns to Retire Austin is already relatively cheap, with living costs for retirees 1% below the national average, but its housing costs for retirees are actually 5.8% above the national average. Cedric Angeles. With plenty of things happening at the town's art center, community theater, With its low living costs and generous tax breaks for seniors, Georgia ranks third among our Best States for Retirement, behind only Hawaii and (surprisingly) South Dakota. Best coastal towns to retire WebSmartAsset found the best small cities to retire in the U.S. by looking at data on 247 cities all with populations between 65,000 and 100,000. Set on 9,127 acres, Brookgreen artfully marries a sculpture garden with a botanical one, creating an awe-inspiring landscape that captures the wonderful spirit of South Carolina. Part of the Coastal Birding Trail, Darien is a great place to see almost 75 percent of the total bird species in Georgia. In the impressive Chauvin Sculpture Garden, you can mosey from art to swamp tours in an instant. 1. 5 Ways to Avoid Taxes on Social Security Benefits. Known as Military City USA, San Antonio is a great place for armed forces retirees and home to around 97,318 veterans.Median home value: $262,402*, Columbus, GeorgiaWhen two derelict textile-mill dams were removed in 2012 and 2013, a renewed and wild Chattahoochee River emerged to make this city of 206,922 a potent blend of urban life and outdoor adventure. Its list of Best Small Towns in the South for Retirement include Pawleys Island and Summerville. Grocery costs average $269.07 per month in Tiffin, the only sub-$300 town in the study, and 28% less than the national average. Drive the coastal wetlands; go birding on nature trails; and fish, fish, fish in this town listed as a Louisiana Certified Retirement Community. The Milken Institute actually credits the area's abundance medical servicesincluding orthopedic surgeons, primary-care clinicians and home-health-care professionalsfor contributing to Morgantown's high ranking (18th) among small metro areas. Population 6,456. Best Places to Retire 2. There's a mix of people of various ages, from retirees to college students, and the manageable size of Chattanooga, the scenery of the river and the mountains, and the lifestyle add to its allure. COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 11.4% lower than national average. Check Out These Communities Perfect for Settling Down, The 50 Best Small Towns In The South 2023, The Best Beaches In Virginia For A Breezy Getaway, 16 Best River Towns For Retirement In The South, Our 19 Favorite Small Towns In North Carolina, The South's Best Beach Towns For Girlfriend Getaways, 15 Best Weekend Getaways In TennesseeFrom The Mississippi River To The Smoky Mountains, The Best Things To Do In Knoxville, Tennessee, According To A Local, Ocean Springs Is The Coastal Mississippi Town You've Been Missing, The Best Things To Do In Lewisburg, West Virginia, 20 Walkable Girlfriend Getaways That Exude Southern Charm. We pored over metrics that will support an enjoyable retirementfrom a low cost of living and a favorable tax policy to low crime rates and thriving culture. Flickr/David Arsenault. Gainesville, Georgia. WebGreer's commercial and residential areas have charming appeal, well lit streets, and in many cases, decorative fixtures. In the early days, all is fun and exciting, but after a while, it may seem to some like theyve lost as much as theyve gained. Lexington has more than 100 parks, five public golf courses and a 734-acre nature preserve with more than 10 miles of hiking trails. WebAngel Fire, New Mexico - Angel Fire is situated along the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway in Northern New Mexico. Best WebWith over 1,400 lake front properties and 55 lakes, you can enjoy the lakeside lifestyle with all the conveniences for a carefree retirement. Middleton Place, just a 20-minute drive from town, features the oldest landscaped gardens in the United States. If you prefer to be somewhere between the beaches and the mountains and in a place with great restaurants and a busy downtown area, Athens is an excellent choice. 1. Lewisburg is over 200 years old, with impressive architecture, including the 236-acre historic district. The University of Mississippi is the beating heart of Oxford. Best Cities To Retire The dining scene is something special, thanks in part to husband-and-wife team chef Danny Mellman and writer Michelle Moran, who have opened six restaurants in the area. A few surprises on the Southwest list of popular places to retire. In fact, in July 2019, Easton was named one of two new Arts and Entertainment Districts in Maryland, joining the 26 existing Districts in the state in offering tax incentives to local artists and creative businesses. (The artistic director is native son and Boston Pops conductor Keith Lockhart.) And beyond the college campus and city center, you can find plenty of options for outdoor recreation in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, including more than 100 miles of of the Appalachian Trail in nearby Shenandoah National Park. Take advantage of the Fort King George State Historic Site and the Old Jail Arts Center and Museum. The University also supplies the region with a top-notch health care network, including three hospitals and numerous specialists focused on oncology, geriatrics and senior health. Dave Goodsell, Natixis. With crime rates that are 29% below the Colorado average, Pagosa Springs is an affordable and desirable place to live in the southwest. Enjoy miles of hiking and biking trails. Best Small Towns To Retire Big-city entertainment is less than 25 miles away in Tampa. And with an abundance of rivers and access to the ocean, Darien is also an angler's paradise. Plus, all certified retirement income is exempt from Mississippi state tax. With friendly neighbors, a growing economy, little or no crime, and parks and public spaces, the town's appeal also extends to what might be a retiree's limited income. Augusta University, along with other area schools, adds some nice college-town amenities, including free classes for Georgia residents age 62 and up. When the heritage is German, the landscape is rolling Texas Hill Country, vineyards are flush with grapes for wines, bluebonnets carpet the area in spring, plump peaches ripen by summer, and the atmosphere is Southwestern friendly, congratulationsyou've just found a town that has it all. Produced by Shannon Lin , Rikki Novetsky , Michael Simon Johnson and Summer Thomad. 2. South Padre Island. Mitchell, the seat of Davidson County, is home to South Dakota's famous Corn Palace. With fewer than 8,000 people, it's also home to the renowned Brevard Music Center and its Summer Institute & Festival that brings around 80 performances to town each June. Public Schools. Tax Status: Not Tax-Friendly. Best Places To Retire 5 /10. They have all this plus music and theater. Desirable climate, quality healthcare systems, and rich By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. 25 Best Places to Retire in the South - Insider Monkey With an artistic, youthful vibe in its restored historic downtown, the location of this medium-size city (population 181,099) between Nashville and Atlanta makes it a touring stop for national acts. New cities making the list were Corpus Christi (TX), Yuma (AZ), Georgetown (TX), Taos (NM), and Cottonwood (AZ). Bridgman, Michigan. On the eastern shore of the Chesapeake Bay, this small town is packed with history, charm and senior residents. WebAnd theres a wide number of options in the Lone Star State. Heres how it works. Set up camp at Pleasure Cove; you can also rent boats, jet skis, and kayaks at the marina. From his University of Virginia's hollering Hoos to the artists on the downtown promenade, the Charlottesville community is an unexpected blend of Southern charm and liberal edge, a nice choice for a range of retiree personalities. New York, Best places to retire in the The Bricktown Entertainment District has a variety of restaurants and nightlife options. With its verdant Appalachian landscape and "The Mon"the Monongahela Riverproviding canyons, hills, and mountains to explore (check out the 48 miles of Mon River and Deckers Creek Rail-Trails), the home of West Virginia University draws arts, culture, and Big 12 football to its historic downtown.Median home value: $258,602*, Eureka Springs, ArkansasThis charming Victorian town of 2,166 in the heart of the Ozarks sits amid and above about 60 bubbling natural springs. Home to NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, the Redstone Arsenal and the Huntsville campus of the University of Alabama, the city offers a robust economy and a highly educated population. Beyond the University, you can find a world of outdoor recreation with ample opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, birding, whitewater rafting and more throughout the hills and valleys of Appalachia. TOURISTS LOVE TO VISIT this spot, but you can call it home. And with the world-class health care at Medical University of South Carolina about 20 minutes away, it's a safe haven indeed.Median home value: $1,275,386*, Jacksonville, FloridaHere you'll find lots of doctors and parks, no state income tax, a median home value below the national number, and less hurricane risk than most coastal Florida cities. What then? WebWhen youre ready to retire, weve got a destination. But dont worry. Two Georgia Towns Among 'Best Places To Retire Plus, it's more affordable than the more (in)famous Louisiana city of New Orleans, which is about 130 miles east of Lafayette and comes with living costs 1% above the national average for retirees. Santa Cruzs median home price is about $909,500, while a one-bedroom apartment can be had for about $2,070 per month. Indeed, the median home value across all ages is $131,700, well below the nation's median of $229,000, according to Zillow. Nags Head is a small beach town off the coast of North Carolina. Bike trails slow you to a see-everything paceand might even include a ferry ride. And Ole Miss hosts two literary conferences every summer in addition to a variety of other events (as well as offering limited courses tuition free for retirees) in a remarkably tranquil, not to mention Southern, setting. John D. Rockefeller loved it here around 100 years ago. And land lovers can enjoy the area's beaches, golfing, tennis, parks and other recreational offerings. But let's face it: It's all about those shoals, which means the presence of the Singing River (aka the Tennessee) and one of the South's greatest musical legacies (blues pioneer W.C. And if you do want to visit the more popular Delaware beaches, it takes about 40 minutes to drive to Rehoboth or Dewey and another 10 to 20 minutes to Bethany. Louisiana. We hear that Al Capone used to hang out in these parts, but that's history. To Retire Just don't ask for a Coke; Pepsi was born here. Housing-related expenses are particularly affordable, at 28.1% below average for retirees. Or perhaps it's Granbury Chamber of Commerce ambassador Faye Landham, who invites the newcomers to Music, Massage & Merlot parties at D'Vine Wine Granbury on the historic square. Politics: 40% Democrat 50% Republican. Count the ways: lofty ridgelines, acres of surrounding forest, bike friendly, and a milder summer that all Southerners crave. The 50 Best Small Towns In The South 2023. The following 10 Southern gems offer an ideal mix of home affordability, strong economic growth, good schools, and generally balmy weather. The rest of the states that landed on the top 10 worst states to live and work for 2023 were: Texas. Population 3,096. Ready to trade rush hour and conference calls for a golf cart and the local coffee house? 3. Their active retirement is what they'd dreamed of all along. And water-loving retirees still have access to the same torrent of activities, such as kayaking, canoeing, boating and fishing, common on the Chesapeake Bay. You can even book a room at the Steel Magnolia House Bed and Breakfast. As a local, you'll frequent the Fenway Hotel. The City maintains 80 miles of road, 30 miles of storm drainage, and approximately 35 miles of sidewalks throughout the City. . How generous is your state when it comes to helping retired veterans at tax time? There is a low unemployment rate, wonderful job opportunities, and the schools in Raleigh are some of the best. And in neighboring Norman, the University of Oklahoma plays host to bigtime sporting and cultural events. *Data for the Austin-Round Rock metro area. The University of Kentucky offers the Singletary Center for the Arts, too. Lake Berryessa, California. 9. 8 of the Best Small Towns in the South - Travel + Leisure Marathon, Florida. Canola Fields Near Olds Best Small Towns In Alberta. On top of the attractions of nearby Austin, Round Rock has a lot to offer right in town, too. The Volunteer State, which we rank as the fifth-best in the nation for retirement, is a good choice for nest eggs of all sizes. An average July high temperature of about 85 degrees makes Ellijay a cool place to be. If you're not ready to hang up your office apparel yet, then these places might be up your alley: Radcliff. Atlanta, Georgia. She also has a long history in cultural public relations in a unique state agency in her native West Virginia; and currently freelances writing speeches, annual reports, business profiles, and fund-raising campaigns. Average price of a flat: 247,337. Here's a look at the best places to retire in South Carolina. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Located on the Mississippi Flyway and the Atchafalaya Loop of America's Wetland Birding Trail, Lafayette offers an abundance of wildlife to observe, as well as plenty of rivers, swamps and bayous for paddling, fishing and exploring. Folly Beach. By Elaine Silvestrini The Greenbrier River and the Greenbrier River Trail offer outdoor getaways, whether you're paddling, walking, or running. Smaller parks and green Note though that it typically takes a long drive to cross the Bay, putting most of the popular nearby beaches an hour or two away. While that might rule out a comfortable life in expensive beach towns like Naples, Florida, and Hilton Head, South Carolina, that doesn't mean life by the ocean is out of reach for the average retiree. But what may be the true A+ element in this urban area of 322,570 is the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UK, which provides terrific educational and enrichment courses, forums, shared-interest groups, trips, events, and more for adults who are 50 years and over (the annual fee is only $50). In Round Rock, on the other hand, they're 4.6% below average. Best Towns to Move to for Retirement South's Best Retirement Towns 2019 - Southern Living Southampton. Chapel Hill rates safer, with just 1.8 violent crimes per 1,000 residents. The 10 Best Small Towns in the U.S. for Retirees Greer, South Carolina. Population: 678,815. If you enjoy an active lifestyle and love a waterfront environment, put New Bern on your list of towns to check out. Whether it's yoga, paddleboarding, fishing in the city's beach communities, cozying into the creative maker's scene, or nestling into the historic architecture with stunning views of the St. Johns River, it's all upside in Jacksonville. They returned to Chattanooga, where they had previously lived and where Michael was from, and to a climate where they can be active outdoors every day. When you're ready for urban amenities, Knoxville's airport, restaurants, medical facilities, shopping, and beloved Tennessee Vols are about 30 minutes away. - National rank: 185th best place to retire. If your retirement includes a motorcycle, The Dragon and Foothills Parkways await. The future awaits, and it's bright with possibilities. On the flip side, Maryville offers a drive-in movie, live theater, ballet, and artists inspired by the mountains. Web1. WebWe picked the best place to retire in every state. Best Places to Retire You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. The universities play a big role in those two advantages and also boost up the local cultural and recreational scenes, like in many college towns. 1. Many of our favorite retirement spots in the Sunshine State can be found along the Gulf Coast including St. Petersburg, Sarasota and Punta Gorda. The Palm Beaches, Florida. You never know where you'll find your forever town. Revitalization efforts have been pushing especially hard over the past several years, looking to expand the area's appeal beyond the annual Masters golf tournament in April and its accompanying celebrations and tourism revenue. A north Georgia mountain town with an old soul, Blue Ridge is a fun town for retirees. It's just east of Atlanta and is described as having a "sparse suburban feel." This nearly 4-mile-long barrier island is ideal for lazy days spent crabbing and reading Pat Conroy novels. - Population: 2,416. Best Small Towns Indeed, the city's median home value is just $173,900 versus $262,900 in Nashville and $229,000 throughout the country. to Retire Just about 90 minutes from Atlanta, with a low cost of living and excellent health care, this is a true under-the-radar gem just 50 minutes from Auburn University and its college-town cultural offerings.Median home value: $149,518*, Florence, AlabamaYes, this city of 40,184 was one of the state's 2021 top 10 best places to retire due to its favorable tax rate, access to medical care, recreation opportunities, and social options. For me, it's close to a lot of stores and the highways and turnpike is very close. (And don't forget the sportsUVA's men's basketball team won their first national title in 2019.) Murrells Inlet is a beautiful quaint coastal town, with southern charm. Best Best Small Lake Towns See a collection of Western and Native American art at the Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve. Or you can enjoy more leisurely paths of the Huntsville Greenway system. Best States to Retire 2018: All 50 States Ranked for Retirement. Consider Bonnie and Michael Hearn, who were living in Florida when they retired early a few years ago. 01 of 21. These two communities are situated along the banks of the Ouachita River and Bayou DeSiard. WebA+. Get two river towns for the priarce of one in Monroe-West Monroe, Louisiana. Nancy Newberry for Money. Enjoy mountain living your way. Best The Most Affordable Southern States To Retire In, Ranked . A great public golf course offers 18 challenging holes with stunning mountain views. Kohler, Wisconsin. Featured Review: Current Resident says Fairhope is an amazing little coastal town in south Alabama. History buffs, in particular, can appreciate the city's Civil War sites, including Fort Sumter, and well-preserved antebellum architecture. Locals seem happy with what they have at their fingertips. The Best Places for a Dreamy Retirement in the South - Southern Enjoy the Cajun influences here and the cultural offerings that come from being a college townit's home to Northwestern State University. 39. Rent is also the second lowest of all five cities, averaging $592.75 per month for a one-bedroom apartment. Little River, South Carolina. Political Distribution: Majority Vote Republican. Maryland is, by and large, a wealthy area, home to a great number of millionaires, and the living costs reflect that. Mitchell. Maybe it's the unbeatable turkey sandwich at Pearl Street Station. Dunedin also has a quaint downtown with great local boutiques and eateries, and it hosts all kinds of festivals each year. Median Home Value: $158,549. 10 Great Small Towns to Retire - U.S. News Two rivers, three lakes, and abundant parks mean lots of recreation for people of all stripes.Median home value: $268,509*. Population 9,695. In the meantime, you can already enjoy running, walking and biking along the Augusta Canal and kayaking and cruising along the Savannah River. Settle in, and sip on some tea. It has a country feel to it, which makes it a perfect place to live if you don't want to be in a city but close enough. View nearby homes. Brevard. Volunteer to build sets for the Blue Ridge Community Theater, or take a job as a host on a train car on the railroad. With a very low crime rate, no state tax on Social Security income, and no Virginia estate tax, full-time life in this popular resort town feels like a really sweet deal. WebGood for Retirees. The Best Places To Retire In Florida. South Kensington embodies small-town living away from busy city life but within a short driving distance to the metropolises of Washington D.C., Baltimore, and Annapolis. They realized that even though they lived just a few miles from the beach, they hardly went there. Median Home Value: $87,700. Athens is a college town, which means it skews young, but it is an increasingly popular retirement destination as well. The annual Rougarou Fest sums up the local culture in a weekendso does the resplendent family-friendly Mardi Gras celebration. Towns Airboat rides along the Barron River, Everglades City. And even more is on the way with a $94 million plan in the works to redevelop a historic train depot property on the riverfront into a modern mixed-use complex of offices, apartments, retailers and restaurants. State Taxes 15 States That Tax Military Retirement Pay (and Other States That Don't). - Median home value: $442,300 (87% own) - Median rent: $1,647 (13% rent) - Median household income:

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best small towns in the south to retire