This article takes a look at the 5 best Southern cities to retire on a budget of $1,500 a month. If you wish to check out our detailed analysis on budgeted retirement living in Southern America, you may go to 18 Best Southern Cities to Retire on a Budget of $1,500 a Month.
5. Lubbock, Texas
Cost of Living Index: 81.1
Livability Score: 78
Average Monthly Rent: $675
Average Monthly Groceries (per Person): $327
Located in Northwest Texas, Lubbock is most famously known for being the birthplace of Buddy Holly, rock ‘n’ roll legend. Retirees can visit the Buddy Holly Center, walk through the West Texas Walk of Fame, or visit the Museum of Texas Tech University, all while enjoying monthly rents as low as $675. For a dose of nature, retirees can take a walk in one of Lubbock’s many parks.
4. Roanoke, Virginia
Cost of Living Index: 80.9
Livability Score: 75
Average Monthly Rent: $1,149
Average Monthly Groceries (per Person): $335
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Roanoke is the perfect retirement escape for senior citizens that want a slower golden period. With trails, a zoo, picnic spots, and a warm, welcoming community, Roanoke residents will feel content – and go easy on their retirement savings in the process. They can also visit the Taubman Museum of Art or pay a visit to the Black Dog Salvage warehouse for some antique finds.
3. Lynchburg, Virginia
Cost of Living Index: 80.9
Livability Score: 90
Average Monthly Rent: $1,095
Average Monthly Groceries (per Person): $330
Our top three spot for best Southern cities to retire on a budget of $1,500 a month goes to Lynchburg in Virginia. Full of African-American history and with an active art community, senior citizens can find new interests to busy their days. They can also make do with a smaller retirement budget as Lynchburg offer a cost of living that is almost 20% lower than the national average.
2. McAllen, Texas
Cost of Living Index: 76.5
Livability Score: 74
Average Monthly Rent: $735
Average Monthly Groceries (per Person): $287
With a cost of living that is almost 24% lower than the national average, McAllen is an affordable retirement city that goes easy on senior citizens that are without an extensive retirement budget. Spanish architecture, interactive exhibits, parks, nature centers, and rich woodlands, McAllen offers a healthy mix of all. Truly a perfect retirement pick.
1. Brownsville, Texas
Cost of Living Index: 74.9
Livability Score: 78
Average Monthly Rent: $775
Average Monthly Groceries (per Person): $288
We finish our list with Brownsville in Texas, our pick for the best Southern place for retirees. With a zoo, state and historical parks, and wildlife refuges, Brownsville offers a happening retirement period for nature enthusiasts. The cherry on top is the cost of living – 25% lower than the national average – that leaves senior citizens with a spending budget for the nicer things in life.
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