For many retirees, relocating to the American South makes common sense. The weather is warmer year-round, the people are incredibly hospitable, and most importantly, the cost of living is lower. Who wouldn’t want to move?
With an average monthly income of $6,252 and a median monthly income of $4,191 for adults aged 65 and older, the area requires retirees to be cautious with their budgeting. Fortunately, there are numerous places in the South to call home for $3,000 a month or less. When you see the qualities each city has to offer, you’ll want to pack ASAP.
Hattiesburg, Mississippi
At 54 square miles and a population of 47,068, Hattiesburg isn’t the biggest of cities, but that’s a large part of its charm and appeal. The city of 100 murals has an arts and culture scene rivaling that of any metropolitan area,
When you live in Hattiesburg, there’s some form of musical performance nearly every day of the year, and the art galleries display works from renowned artists. All of this and more can be yours for $2,978 a month.
Covington, Kentucky
Called “The Cov” by the local population, Covington, Kentucky, is a hidden jewel in the Northern part of the state. The city has four distinct neighborhoods: Ludlow, Mainstrasse Village, Roebling Point, and The Madison District, each with a lot of Kentucky culture.
You can go on a Riverwalk Statue Tour or check out the Roebling Murals. Northern Kentucky borders Southern Ohio; you can experience the best of both states for a monthly cost of living of $2,966. It’s like getting two states for the price of one!
Charleston, West Virginia
West Virginia has some of the most beautiful mountain scenery in the country, but places like Charleston are amazing, too. It may be a capital city with all the attractions you’d expect, but it very much feels like a small town.
The streets of downtown Charleston are lined with one-of-a-kind small businesses, and public art can be found around the city. If you want to catch scenic views of the countryside, take a Country Roads Tour. The monthly cost to live in Charleston is $2,938.
Baltimore, Maryland
An exhilarating city surrounded by a quiet suburban area best describes Baltimore, Maryland. The city can be enjoyed wherever you go. On land, you can experience the city’s many green spaces, and run or walk along the scenic paths.
At sea, Baltimore’s famed inner harbor has several historic ships that function as museums on the water in addition to the Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse. The National Aquarium and Maryland Science Center also sit on the inner harbor. There is a lot to enjoy for $2,919 a month.
Brownsville, Texas
Being situated so close to the border with Mexico, Brownsville is the very definition of a multicultural city. The city is attractive in many respects. Its year-round temperature averages a nice 74 degrees, and the monthly cost of living is $2,838.
On the edge of the Rio Grande River is the 8-mile-long Boca Chica Beach, where you can spend your days in the sun or fish. As a bonus, the white sand beaches of South Padre Island are a mere 15 minutes away from Brownsville.
Campbellsville, Kentucky
In the heart of Taylor County, Kentucky, is Campbellsville. Anyone who enjoys leaving the house will love everything this city offers. Campbellsville Main Street is a historically preserved area that’s a quaint throwback to a simpler time.
Campbellsville is big on agritourism, with gorgeous surroundings like Sleepy Hollow Farm with its pumpkin patch, creek crossing, and petting zoo. You can also purchase fresh produce from local farms at Wengerds Produce Market. You can have this life and more for $2,834.
Glasgow, Kentucky
If you can afford $2,826 monthly, you can retire comfortably in Glasgow, Kentucky. Getting back to nature is quite easy in Glasgow, with its picturesque hiking trails at the Brigadoon State Nature Preserve, and any of the city’s public parks.
Another unique way to experience the city is to go on Glasgow’s Unusual Old Trees Self-Guided Walking Tour. Step back in time at Historic Fort Williams, or if you want to walk the links instead, try the 18 holes at Fox Hollow Golf Club.
Russellville, Arkansas
If you’ve never heard of Russellville, Arkansas, then you’re in for an incredible experience. As the home to Arkansas Tech University, it’s a proud college town, but there are plenty of other activities and interests for retirees, with a $2,812 monthly cost of living.
In Russellville, there’s no shortage of entertainment, events, sightseeing, and outdoor activities, including the Fall Festival & Chili Cook-off, visiting one of the area’s state parks, and playing a few matches at Strikers Bowling Alley.
Port Lavaca, Texas
Located on the Gulf Coast in Texas, Port Lavaca’s monthly cost of living is $2,807. This coastal city offers residents miles of white sand beaches and ample opportunities for saltwater fishing. There are numerous events and attractions in addition to the beach.
Places to visit include the Calhoun County Museum with artifacts from Port Lavacs’s long history, the restored Half Moon Reef Lighthouse, the Bayfront Peninsula Park, and live performances at the Main Street Theatre.
Dumas, Texas
The county seat of Moore County, Dumas, Texas, is situated north of Amarillo. With a monthly cost of living of $2,804, it’s also an affordable city and has shown itself to be a vibrant city that reflects the culture and history of Texas.
Creative types can see a revolving display of art from nationally known and local artists, and participate in any of the monthly workshops at The Art Center. You can stroll through a Western town replica to learn about the history of farming and ranching at The Windows on the Plains Museum.
Huntington, West Virginia
The events and activities available in Huntington, West Virginia, show that it is a departure from other Southern towns. One event that sets this city apart from others is the Huntington Area Hot Dog Trail, where you can find your favorite hot dog among many stops.
Huntington is the home city of Marshall University, and you can take a self-guided tour of the actual sites where the movie We Are Marshall was filmed. History buffs can visit sections of the city and surrounding areas that seemingly haven’t been touched by time. The cost of living there? $2,747 a month.
Clarksburg, West Virginia
About three hours north of Huntington is the city of Clarksburg. Foodies have their choice of any number of chain or independent restaurants to visit, such as Big Kahuna food truck, Top Dog Diner, and La Tapatia Super Mercado.
After you have a food tour, you can attend one of the city’s annual festivals, including the West Virginia Italian Heritage Festivals, Frontier Days Festival, the West Virginia Black Heritage Festival, and the Clarksburg WinterFest. The city’s monthly cost of living is $2,666.
North Little Rock, Arkansas
Across from the city of Little Rock is North Little Rock. It may not be as large or as well-known as its sister city, but it stands on its own when it comes to activities and events that are available within the community.
Argenta Plaza is the main public space in North Little Rock, and it hosts several events ranging from weekly yoga classes to performances from the Vibe Music Series to the Northern Lights Holiday Festival
It costs $2,648 a month to live there.
Danville, Virginia
For $2,621 a month, you can spend your golden years in a city with stunning views no matter where you’re at. Danville offers the best of both worlds: an active city that still feels like a small town. What’s even better is the upcoming attraction.
Riverfront Park, slated to open in the fall of 2024, will have something for every member of the family. There’s a splash pad for the grandkids to cool down in, a playground, and the Riverwalk Trail for the adults and the whole family.
Cumberland, Maryland
Referred to by the local population as “The Gateway to the West,” the Cumberland has both city and mountainous attributes. If the city is more to your preference, you’ll find artsy places like the Graphicus Atelier and the Saville Gallery.
If biking through the mountains is what you look forward to most, the Great Allegheny Passage runs from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Cumberland, which connects to the C&O Canal Path that runs between Pittsburgh and Washington, D.C. The monthly cost of living in Cumberland is $2,509.
Pampa, Texas
Pampa, Texas is a city that’s brimming with things to do, all for a $2,305 monthly cost of living. Pampa, whose name is derived from the Pampas in Argentina, has a historic district with streets made of bricks lined with carefully restored buildings.
The Woody Guthrie Folk Music Center, named after the legendary folk singer who called Pampa home for 8 years, is open to visitors. Discover the history of Pampa at White Deer Land Museum, and get familiar with the city’s military history at the Freedom Museum, USA.
