6 Towns Perfect for Retirement in the Southern United States

The South is renowned for its hospitality, and retirees can expect to be welcomed with open arms in these six towns in the Southern United States. From the literary charm of Oxford, Mississippi, to the equestrian heritage of Aiken, South Carolina, and the mountain-and-vineyard vibe of Dahlonega, Georgia, you can settle into rich cultural experiences, easy outdoor adventures, and that close-knit “everybody-knows-everybody” community feel. Whether you’re looking for porch-swing calm, a walkable downtown, or a calendar full of events, these Southern havens make the next chapter feel refreshingly doable.

Oxford, Mississippi

Oxford, Mississippi, is located in the northern part of the state, about 70 miles south of Memphis, Tennessee. In 1837, the town incorporated and named itself after Oxford, England, hoping to one day become the American equivalent of the prestigious academic city. Ten years later, it became the home of the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) and is known worldwide for its rich literary history, vibrant cultural scene, and charming Southern atmosphere.

Retired literary buffs will find much to see and do in this bookish town. The university’s grounds are lovely to stroll through while admiring the architecture of the Lyceum, the iconic administration building that once served as a hospital during the Civil War. There’s a museum at the site, and Rowan Oak, the former home of William Faulkner, is within walking distance. Some say the heartbeat of this little town is the independent bookstore, Square Books, and its family of stores: Off Square Books, Rare Square Books, and Square Books Jr.

Home prices here tend to run above many similarly sized Southern towns. As of early 2026, Realtor.com reports a median home sale price around $490,000 in Oxford. Baptist Memorial Hospital-North Mississippi provides local medical care and has received recent national recognition for quality and performance.

Aiken, South Carolina

Active retirees with an affinity for all things equestrian will love the town of Aiken, South Carolina, in the heart of “Thoroughbred Country,” about 20 miles from Augusta, Georgia. With roots dating back to the early 19th century, Aiken has a rich history steeped in equestrian heritage and a strong sense of community. Thanks to its desirable climate, the town hosts many equestrian events throughout the year, like dressage and horse jumping competitions and polo matches at the Aiken Polo Club. Hitchcock Woods is the largest privately owned urban forest in the U.S., with 2,100 acres and a haven for walkers and riders. Saddle up and hit the 70 miles of sandy trails in the park with Rebel Ranch Horse Tours or the Trail Riding Company.

Downtown Aiken is full of various shops, galleries, and eateries, like Malia’s Restaurant, which prides itself on ethically sourced ingredients. The Alley is a popular pedestrian walkway that hosts events, outdoor dining, and music. The Downtown Taproom is a great place to drop in for a pull on one of their 48 taps of beer, ciders, wine, sodas, and kombucha, where drinkers pay by the ounce or by the pint.

For healthcare, Aiken Regional Medical Centers serves the community and continues to earn national recognition in U.S. News & World Report’s procedures-and-conditions ratings. On the housing front, Realtor.com currently reports a median home sale price around $354,900 in Aiken—still appealing for retirees who want value without giving up an active social calendar.

Dahlonega, Georgia

Dahlonega, Georgia, a small town of around 7,000 residents in the Blue Ridge Mountains, is a favorite for retirees who want both scenery and a lively town square. The area’s wine scene is a big draw—think tastings with mountain views at places like Montaluce Winery & Restaurant, plus popular local stops such as Wolf Mountain Vineyards and Kaya Vineyard & Winery.

While California may claim the country’s first gold rush, thousands of prospectors flocked to north Georgia to find their fortunes twenty years before the 1849 gold rush. The Dahlonega Gold Museum, housed inside the 1836 Lumpkin County Courthouse, pays tribute to its gold mining heritage and even explains the story behind "There's gold in them thar hills!"

As of 2026, Realtor.com shows a median listing home price around $385,000 in Dahlonega. On the healthcare side, Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) Lumpkin opened in April 2024 and expanded local access to emergency, inpatient, and surgical services—so residents can handle many needs closer to home.

Bastrop, Texas

Bastrop is on the banks of the Colorado River, so adventurous, active retirees have easy access to activities like canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding in the nearby Bastrop State Park. The Bastrop Riving Co. has everything for independent outdoor enthusiasts who want to go on a self-guided river tour or organized day paddle trips. Hiking is also a popular activity in the park, with several trails ranging from easy to challenging, like the 8.2-mile Lost Pines Loop with its steep hills and gradual descents. After a day of physical activity, a stop at the 602 Brewing Co. for one of their craft beers and a plate of 602 wings is well-deserved.

There is no shortage of entertainment in this Texas town. For live theatre, the Bastrop Opera House, a historic theater initially built in 1889, serves as a cultural hub for the community. Blues, country, soul, and folk music fill the town every September as Bastrop hosts the annual Bastrop Music Festival.

The town is only 30 minutes outside the state’s capital, so it’s the perfect location to retire in, with more affordable housing options than larger cities like Austin. As of early 2026, Realtor.com shows a median listing price around $422,450 in Bastrop. For healthcare, Ascension Seton Bastrop Hospital provides local services.

Hendersonville, North Carolina

Retired travelers will enjoy settling down in Hendersonville, in the “First in Flight” state of North Carolina—a nickname that refers to the inaugural flight of the Wright Brothers in 1903—and visiting the Western North Carolina Air Museum, whose mission is “promoting and preserving our Carolina flying heritage.” The museum features vintage aircraft, artifacts, photographs, and exhibits that highlight the evolution of flight and the contributions of aviators from Western North Carolina. Similarly, the Apple Valley Model RR Club, housed inside the historic Hendersonville Railroad Depot with historic railroad artifacts on the walls, is a retired railroader’s paradise, while outside in the yard are miniature landscapes, buildings, and trains inspired by the Appalachian region.

Hendersonville’s Main Street is full of eclectic shops, restaurants, and cafés, so hit up the Blackbear Coffee Co. for a cup of coffee to go, then wander into McFarlan Bakery for a donut or a pastry. Mast General Store is where to go for outdoor goods and apparel before heading over to take in the sights at Jump Off Rock—a scenic spot overlooking the mountains of Western North Carolina. Hiking and picnicking on one of the nearby trails is also recommended.

Housing here has climbed in recent years. As of early 2026, Realtor.com lists Hendersonville’s median listing price at about $498,750. For healthcare, residents have multiple nearby options, including AdventHealth Hendersonville and UNC Health Pardee in town.

Punta Gorda, Florida

There’s plenty to keep busy during retirement in Punta Gorda, like taking advantage of all that water surrounding southwest Florida by booking a boat tour. Wilderness Boat Tours will help retired sailors find their sea legs again with a two-and-a-half-hour eco-tour on a custom pontoon boat down the Peace River. For a more thrilling ride down the river, book an Airboat Tour with Peace River Charters and be on the lookout for alligators, manatees, and stingrays.

The Harborwalk is a 2.5-mile trail along Charlotte Harbor that is a nice way to slow down the pace. Stop in at tourist hotspot Fishermen’s Village, which features a variety of shops, galleries, and restaurants housed in colorful waterfront buildings designed to resemble a traditional fishing village. Stop in for a basket of conch fritters and a Rum Runner cocktail at Harpoon Harry’s or the Village Brewhouse for a beer and a grouper sandwich.

Healthcare access in Punta Gorda has been in flux: the former ShorePoint Health Punta Gorda hospital site was permanently closed after storm damage in 2024. Looking ahead, AdventHealth announced plans to bring a new, state-of-the-art 24/7 freestanding emergency department to Punta Gorda to restore closer-to-home emergency care. For housing, Realtor.com’s latest local market data shows a median home sale price around $380,000 in Punta Gorda.

Choosing Your Southern Haven

With something unique to offer retirees, these six Southern U.S. towns are worth considering when planning out the second chapter of life. But choosing between Oxford, Mississippi, renowned for its literary heritage; Aiken, South Carolina, with its equestrian events and scenic trails; Hendersonville’s mountain-town walkability; or Punta Gorda’s waterfront lifestyle won’t be easy. Each location offers its own blend of community spirit, recreation, and access to medical care—so the best choice comes down to the pace (and scenery) you want outside your front door.