People in the US often go south to retire because it’s warmer there. If you’re ready to retire but don’t know where to go, Southern Living and Investopedia have found the best places in the South to do so. Both are owned by Dotdash Meredith, which also owns Travel + Leisure.
The team began by looking at Southern Living’s The South’s Best 2023 series, which has 41 of the best places to visit. Then, they looked at how much homes and rent cost, how old the average resident was, how much unemployment there was, what industries offered the best jobs and pay, and how many restaurants, hospitals, and colleges were in each place.
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Even though it has 184,000 people, Chattanooga still feels like a small town even though it has a lot to offer. If you have grandchildren, this is a great place to go because they might enjoy seeing places like the Tennessee Aquarium, the Creative Discovery Museum, and the Incline Railway at Lookout Mountain. Tennessee also has the second-fastest-growing economy in the country. This is because of its job market, cheap housing, and fun things to do.
Chattanooga is the place to be if you love history, culture, scenery beauty, adventure, and fun in a family-friendly setting, according to Lizzer Graham, a real estate agent at Fletcher Bright Realty/Luxury Portfolio International who was born and raised in Chattanooga. “The neighborhoods here in Chattanooga are as diverse and wonderful as the city itself.”
Greenville, South Carolina is Best for Food
There are more than 110 restaurants in downtown Greenville, so you can eat out twice a weekend and never go to the same place twice a year.
St. Augustine, Florida is the Best Beach Town
You can find St. Augustine on the beaches or in the beautiful Spanish-style buildings. It is one of the oldest towns in the United States.
Savannah, Georgia
Savannah is a great place for the arts because it is home to the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). Plus, it has 70 parks, so there’s always nature close by.
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
The 1,610-square-acre Lake Leatherwood City Park is close to Eureka Springs. It has 25 miles of walking tracks. There are more than 60 hot springs and parks near them that make up the town.
Fort Worth, Texas
Living in a small place might not be for you as an older person. Fort Worth might be a better choice. There are many museums there, such as the Kimbell Art Museum and the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth. There is also a lively food scene in downtown Fort Worth.
Conclusion
Southern Living and Investopedia have identified the best places in the South for retirees, based on factors such as cost, age, unemployment, job opportunities, and amenities. Chattanooga, Tennessee, is a family-friendly destination with a diverse history, culture, and economy. Greenville, South Carolina, is best for food, while St. Augustine, Florida, Savannah, Arkansas, and Fort Worth, Texas, offer diverse attractions and lively food scenes.
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