Rising housing costs have pushed many popular destinations out of reach for middle-class retirees, forcing tough choices between affordability and quality of life. But across the American South, vibrant cities offer the chance to live well on less, with rich cultural scenes, beautiful natural settings, and genuine community charm.
FinanceBuzz analyzed 180 cities across the U.S. and evaluated them based on affordability factors. These Southern spots combine cost savings with cultural heritage, outdoor recreation, and modern amenities that make retirement affordable and less stressful.
Editor’s note: All data on rent listed below came from FinanceBuzz’s research, and all cost-of-living data was pulled from Apartments.com…