10 Best Places to Retire in the Southeast U.S.

Waycross, Georgia

The median home value in Ware County, Georgia—home to the city of Waycross—is $106,500, significantly lower than the median home value for the entire U.S., which, in 2023, was $419,300. So, if you’re hoping to find a home for a decent price, Waycross is a good place to start.

With a population of just 13,643, Waycross feels like a small town, but its residents have access to 10 hospitals and 120 other health care establishments within the area. They’re also within driving distance of a major airport, across the state border in Jacksonville, Florida. Plus, Waycross is located at the northern end of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, which offers a range of activities, from camping and hiking to canoeing, fishing, and wildlife spotting.

Danville, Virginia

By moving to Danville, Virginia, upon retirement, you’ll be able to keep your cost of living on the lower end of the spectrum. According to Investopedia, a house of two adults should expect to spend around $776 on housing, $1,058 on transportation, $586 on food, and $556 on taxes each month.

Danville’s highly anticipated casino opened at the end of 2024, but it's still a place with small-town charm. Enjoy leisurely days exploring the Danville Riverwalk Trail, get a season pass to the Danville Symphony Orchestra, or bring friends and family to visit the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History when they’re in town. Plus, with Danville sitting right at the North Carolina-Virginia border, major cities like Greensboro and Raleigh are within driving distance—just in case you ever crave a weekend getaway.

Litchfield Beach, South Carolina

Love the idea of living in a South Carolina beach town, but don’t want to pay Charleston-area prices? Litchfield Beach might just be the perfect place to retire. The 10,393-person town is an hour and a half from the Holy City and roughly three miles north of Pawleys Island, where you’ll find one of the best beaches in the state.

The median home value within Georgetown County is $262,300; for comparison, Charleston’s current median home listing is $650,000. Another green flag for Litchfield? The number of hospitals and health care facilities in the surrounding area—27 and 185, respectively. There’s also the fact that the community’s wide, gorgeous beach is easily accessible, so you can spend your time breathing in fresh ocean air, taking long walks, and swimming when the weather allows.

Wheeling, West Virginia

Founded in 1769, Wheeling is a historic destination in the northern panhandle of West Virginia. Given its location between Ohio and Pennsylvania, its closest major airport is actually Pittsburgh International, which is just an hour’s drive from the center of town.

The median home value in the larger Ohio County is $165,300, while monthly food costs for two adults are estimated to be $612.

What else makes Wheeling such a great place to retire? For starters, there are plenty of arts, entertainment, and recreation establishments in the county; we counted 53 (think places like the Capitol Theatre, home of the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra, and the Wheeling Heritage Port Amphitheater). Wheeling is also well positioned for anyone interested in outdoor activities; walk along the Wheeling Creek Water Trail, kayak in the Ohio River, or go mountain biking in Oglebay Park. It’s hard to grow bored in a place as multidimensional as the “Friendly City.

Natchez, Mississippi

Retirees searching for a walkable, affordable city should add Natchez, Mississippi, to their short list. The oldest city on the Mississippi River, Natchez is known for its history as well as its variety of attractions—with everything from museums and historical sites to live music, flower shows, and theater performances.

As far as affordability goes, let’s look at the hard numbers. The median home value in Adams County, where Natchez is the county seat, is just $106,300, and monthly housing costs are estimated to be at $592. Additionally, Mississippi residents aren’t taxed on their Social Security benefits or income from their IRA, 401(k), or pension.

Tryon, North Carolina

Tryon, North Carolina, may not be very big—it’s home to just 1,620 people—but it has more than a handful of reasons to call it home, especially for retirees. Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the “Friendliest Town in the South” has a relatively low cost of living (the county median household income is $61,005), a unique equestrian history, and charming local boutiques and restaurants. It’s also flush in green spaces—check out Bryan Park, the Foothills Equestrian Nature Center, and Harmon Field—and typically experiences moderate winters.

All in all, Tryon is a solid pick for anyone seeking a peaceful way of living and all the comforts of a tight-knit community, which skews slightly older; the median age for Polk County comes in at 54.4, the highest of the destinations on this list.

Alexandria, Louisiana

Alexandria bills itself as a “small Southern city with big-city amenities.” It’s close to an airport (Alexandria International Airport, less than 10 miles away, is served by Delta and American Airlines)—and the number of nearby health care establishments and hospitals within Rapides Parish reaches nearly 500.

Other prominent Alexandria features include multiple golf courses and a zoological park; it’s also close to Kisatchie National Forest. Although Alexandria, known as the “heart of Louisiana,” is far from the coast, its residents take advantage of its location along the Red River and its proximity to lakes, marshes, and swamps. Canoeing, kayaking, and birding are also popular activities.

Sebring, Florida

You won’t find bustling nightlife or too many attractions in Sebring, but don’t count this Florida town—home to a population of 11,759—out just yet. In fact, it’s exactly this slower pace, paired with a low cost of living, that makes it one of the best places to retire in the Southeast. Of course, the Sunshine State as a whole is a popular choice for retirees. The warm weather is appealing, as are the financial benefits; Floridians aren’t taxed on their Social Security benefits or income from their IRA, 401(k), or pension.

Curious as to how you’ll stay busy in Sebring? The downtown district, filled with cafés, boutiques, and galleries, is on the National Register of Historic Places—and the Sebring International Raceway has racing events throughout the year.

Paducah, Kentucky

Paducah’s biggest claim to fame is its creativity. In 2013, it was designated a UNESCO Creative City for its rich history of quilt-making. The 26,623-person city is also home to the National Quilt Museum, the Paducah School of Art & Design, and the life-size “Wall to Wall” floodwall murals. The arts and cultural aspects of Paducah aren’t the only aspects of McCracken County that appeal to retirees, though. Its cost of living is also an important factor. The county’s median home value is $182,900, and monthly food costs for two adults are estimated to be around $569.

Transportation is another consideration; Barkley Regional Airport is technically the closest airport—and has direct flights to Charlotte Douglas International Airport—but there’s also Nashville International Airport, which is about a two-hour drive from town.

Paris, Tennessee

It may share a name with the famous French city—and even has a 70-foot replica of the Eiffel Tower—but Paris, Tennessee, considered the oldest incorporated town in West Tennessee, has a personality all its own. For starters, it’s a favorite among outdoorsy types. The Tennessee River is dammed to form Kentucky Lake, where you’ll find Paris Landing State Park, which is a haven for boating and fishing. And we’d be remiss to not mention the World’s Biggest Fish Fry, held in Paris every April at the Henry County Fairgrounds.

As far as affordability and other financial implications, Paris has a few things going for it. The median home value in Henry County is $145,200, and Tennessee residents aren’t taxed on their Social Security benefits or their income from their IRA, 401(k), or pension.