This article takes a look at 5 affordable hidden gem Southern cities to retire in. If you wish to read our detailed analysis on navigating retirement living in the US, you may go to 15 Affordable Hidden Gem Southern Cities to Retire In.
5. Norman, Oklahoma
Insider Monkey Score: 89
Average One-bedroom Rental: $795
Average Monthly Groceries for One: $346
Livability Score: 83
Median House Price: $260,000
Taking a short break from Texas cities is our first Oklahoma pick – Norman. While typically not a go-to spot for retirement moves, Norman holds all that senior citizens could require in their Golden Years. To start off, the city offers affordable living with rent and groceries amounting to the $1,200 mark. House prices are also among the lowest on our list – a win for retirees on the search for a forever home. On the leisure side, Norman is home to the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art and the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History, among other attractions.
4. El Paso, Texas
Insider Monkey Score: 90
Average One-bedroom Rental: $888
Average Monthly Groceries for One: $308
Livability Score: 81
Median House Price: $244,500
The last Texas pick on our list is the city of El Paso. Located in El Paso County, the city experiences a year-long dry and sunny climate – making it the perfect place for senior citizens who want to spend their days exploring the great outdoors. That’s not to say that retirees can’t find a good selection of indoor activities as well – El Paso’s most famous attractions include the Plaza Theater, the El Paso Museum of Art, and the Cielo Vista shopping mall.
3. Florence, Alabama
Insider Monkey Score: 93
Average One-bedroom Rental: $695
Average Monthly Groceries for One: $344
Livability Score: 82
Median House Price: $190,000
Perhaps the most affordable city on our list, Florence boasts the lowest figures for both one-bedroom rentals and real estate. Whether you’re a retiree living off of Social Security checks or simply looking to spend the minimum on necessities and splurge elsewhere, Florence has the potential to fit in perfectly with your financial goals. Residents can visit the Frank Lloyd Wright – Rosenbaum House Museum, enjoy a round of bowling at the Lauderdale Lanes, and catch a – rather delicious – bite at Ricatoni’s Italian Grill.
2. Morgantown, West Virginia
Insider Monkey Score: 94.5
Average One-bedroom Rental: $750
Average Monthly Groceries for One: $333
Livability Score: 83
Median House Price: $232,500
Rounding in our top two pick is the city of Morgantown. A college town that is home to West Virginia University, the city enjoys the campus’ sculpture museum and art garden. Residents can catch a game at the Mountaineer Field at Milan Puskar Stadium, watch a performance at the Metropolitan Theater, and sip on their favorite beverage at the Blue Moose Coffeehouse.
1. Lexington, Kentucky
Insider Monkey Score: 95
Average One-bedroom Rental: $900
Average Monthly Groceries for One: $329
Livability Score: 87
Median House Price: $302,000
The number one spot on our list of affordable hidden gem Southern cities to retire in goes to none other than Lexington in Kentucky. Parks, eateries, museums – this Kentucky city has it all. Best known for its horse farms, residents can visit the Kentucky Horse Park to meet their favorite animal friends. The cherry on top, of course, is the low cost of living that many retirees search for.
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