This article will look into the 5 most affordable places to retire on the East Coast. If you want to check out more places, go to 15 Most Affordable Places to Retire on the East Coast.
5. Chester, Virginia
Cost of Living: 86.5
Rental Expense: $1,634
Livability Score: 79
Alongside the banks of James River, Chester has much to offer retirees besides just affordability. There are lots of parks and museums around the city with ample recreational opportunities. Median home prices in the city stand at around $361,000, while average rents are $1,634. The cost of living in the city is 13% cheaper than the state average, making it one of East Coast’s most affordable retirement places.
4. Garden City, South Carolina
Cost of Living: 85
Rental Expense: $1,761
Livability Score: 81
Garden City, South Carolina is another relaxing retirement destination located south of Myrtle Beach. Retirees can keep themselves occupied with the many fishing, birding, crabbing, and boating activities throughout the creeks and tributaries. Seafood lovers can also find plenty of seafood restaurants to devour. Another highlight of Garden City is The Pier, which offers live music, service bars, a full arcade, and nightly summer concerts too. The cost of living is 15% cheaper than the state average here. Meanwhile, the median home costs around $320,000.
3. Roanoke, Virginia
Cost of Living: 83.5
Rental Expense: $1,038
Livability Score: 74
Forbes has proclaimed Roanoke, Virginia, as one of the best scenic places to retire in the states. The air quality and climate are good, and crime rates are below the national average. There are lots of cultural activities, art opportunities, and top-notch medical facilities available. Some of the attractions here include Explore Park, Mill Mountain Park, and the Science Museum of Western Virginia. The cost of living for a person is $1659 on average. Median home costs are affordable, too, at around $200,000.
2. Greensboro, North Carolina
Cost of Living: 82.7
Rental Expense: $1,239
Livability Score: 69
Greensboro is a place full of amenities yet affordable enough to retire to. A wide variety of restaurants, coffee shops, parks, pubs, and theatres are available in the city. It’s also in close proximity to places such as Raleigh and Durham Area and even Charlotte. Overall, the laid-back lifestyle and small-town feel are a great attraction for retirees looking for some peace and quiet in their golden years.
1. Newberry, South Carolina
Cost of Living: 71.6
Rental Expense: $1,651
Livability Score: 62
Newberry in South Carolina offers the perfect amalgamation of affordability, climate, and nature. The city is one of the most affordable places to retire to on the East Coast, with a cost of living that is 28.4% cheaper than the state average. Median home costs are $195,000, which is an affordable price. Median rents stand at $1,400, and overall, retirees find that they can stretch their retirement income further when living here.
Insider Monkey focuses on uncovering the best investment ideas of hedge funds and insiders. Please subscribe to our free daily enewsletter to get the latest investment ideas from hedge funds’ investor letters by entering your email address below. You can also take a peek at 16 Best Retirement Communities in Florida Near the Beach and 10 Stocks Jim Cramer Thinks Can Weather a Debt Default.