In this article, we take a look at the 10 best southern cities to live in for retirees. If you want to check out more countries, go directly to the 25 Best Southern Cities to Live in for Retirees.
10. Daytona Beach, Florida
Cost of Living Index: 86.7
Percentage of Seniors 65 or Older: 20.8%
Livability Score: 64
The low cost of living, good livability score, and idyllic weather make Daytona Beach a desired choice for retirement. There are spectacular beaches, modern amenities, and lots of retirement communities to choose from. No wonder 20% of the population in the city is aged 65 or older.
9. Chattanooga, Tennessee
Cost of Living Index: 86.5
Percentage of Seniors 65 or Older: 16.6%
Livability Score: 68
Over 16% of the population in Chattanooga comprises seniors, thanks to its ideally mild weather, excellent healthcare, and no state income tax. The city offers lots of scenic beauty and an active outdoor lifestyle with many options for hiking, fishing, canoeing, and even kayaking.
8. Corpus Christi, Texas
Cost of Living Index: 83.7
Percentage of Seniors 65 or Older: 25.4%
Livability Score: 80
Low taxes, affordable housing, and warm weather attract retirees to Corpus Christi, Texas. The perfect year-round climate near the beach, southern touch, and rich cultural heritage make this city an attractive retirement destination.
7. Greensboro, North Carolina
Cost of Living Index: 82.7
Percentage of Seniors 65 or Older: 13.4%
Livability Score: 69
Greensboro is considered North Carolina’s picturesque heartland revered for its historic downtown, beautiful landscapes, and dense suburban feel. The “Tournament Town” also offers lots of athletic venues around the area, such as stadiums, courts, pools, and fields.
6. Oxford, Mississippi
Cost of Living Index: 82.7
Percentage of Seniors 65 or Older: 11.7%
Livability Score: 71
Retirees love Oxford, Mississippi, for its small-town charm, rich history, and thriving community. The “Cultural Mecca of the South” also boasts a low cost of living, an arts and culture scene, and good air quality.
5. Laredo, Texas
Cost of Living Index: 82.0
Percentage of Seniors 65 or Older: 9.3%
Livability Score: 78
Laredo, Texas, is one of the safest cities to retire to. It is also one of the most affordable cities for those looking to stretch their retirement savings. The city offers a dense, suburban feel. There are lots of parks to visit, and the climate is sub-tropical, with hot summers and mild winters.
4. El Paso, Texas
Cost of Living Index: 82.0
Percentage of Seniors 65 or Older: 12.8%
Livability Score: 79
El Paso, Texas, has a warm, dry climate with lots of outdoor parks and open spaces to explore. There are many opportunities to raft, canoe, and fish, whereas there are plenty of rock climbing and hiking spots too. Low cost of living, semi-arid climate, and international cuisine are some prominent characteristics of the city.
3. Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Cost of Living Index: 80.6
Percentage of Seniors 65 or Older: 25.5%
Livability Score: 69
The cozy mountain town of Eureka Springs offers stunning Victorian architecture, a mild-temperate Mediterranean climate, and plenty of outdoor activities to try. The city offers a rural feel, and there are lots of parks, restaurants, and bars to explore.
2. Florence, Alabama
Cost of Living Index: 79.4
Percentage of Seniors 65 or Older: 18.5%
Livability Score: 69
Florence is one of the best places to retire in Alabama thanks to its favorable tax regime, access to medical care, and overall low cost of living. The city is one of the most inclusive and diverse places to live in.
1. Montgomery, Alabama
Cost of Living Index: 77.3
Percentage of Seniors 65 or Older: 14%
Livability Score: 71
Montgomery, Alabama, tops our list of best southern cities thanks to its low property taxes, reasonable cost of living, and decent livability score. There are plenty of assisted living communities for seniors throughout the city who love it for its cosmopolitan feel and Southern charm.
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