9 Best Places To Call Home In The Southern United States In 2025

If you’re seeking a Mississippi destination that captures the full span of America’s history, look no further than Natchez. Once home to the region’s original Native peoples, later shaped by French and Spanish colonists, and eventually central to America’s expansion and statehood, this Mississippi River town stands as one of the nation’s most significant historic treasures; a place where every corner holds a story to tell. With a cost of living below the national average and a median home price of around $170,000, Natchez offers affordable housing alongside a rich cultural lifestyle.

Home to approximately 14,200 residents, it is renowned for its stunning antebellum architecture, featuring landmarks such as Longwood and Stanton Hall, as well as breathtaking Mississippi River overlooks, particularly at sunset. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the Natchez Trace Parkway, a 444-mile scenic route rich with history and nature, while history lovers can explore the Grand Village of the Natchez Indians or visit heritage sites such as the Forks of the Road Slave Market to understand the complicated history of the city. Though smaller in scale, the town provides career opportunities in healthcare, tourism, and education, making it an appealing choice for those seeking a tight-knit community, historical character, and access to both cultural and natural attractions.

Harpers Ferry, West Virginia

Harpers Ferry sits at the scenic meeting point of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers and is home to just over 300 residents, giving it a close-knit, small-town atmosphere. With a median home price below the state average, Harpers Ferry offers affordability alongside remarkable natural and historic surroundings, making it particularly appealing for retirees or anyone seeking a quieter lifestyle.

The town is best known for Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, which preserves much of its 19th-century character and includes landmarks like John Brown’s Fort and the John Brown Museum, where visitors can learn about one of the defining events leading up to the Civil War. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the Maryland Heights Trail, a 4.5-mile hike leading to the famous overlook with sweeping views of the rivers, bridges, and town, or the longer Loudoun Heights Trail, which rewards hikers with panoramic sights from Split Rock Overlook. Beyond history and trails, Harpers Ferry is also a gateway to the Appalachian Trail, where visitors can explore the legacy of one of America’s most iconic long-distance hiking paths.

Mount Airy, North Carolina

Mount Airy, North Carolina, often nicknamed “Mayberry,” is more than just Andy Griffith’s hometown; it’s a welcoming small town of about 10,400 residents, where affordability and charm go hand in hand. With a median home price of around $186,000, it offers retirees and families alike the chance to settle into an affordable, slower-paced lifestyle without giving up vibrant community life.

Residents and visitors can relive the nostalgia by touring downtown in a vintage 1960s squad car, visiting the Andy Griffith Museum with its world-class memorabilia collection, or enjoying a famous fried pork chop sandwich at Snappy Lunch. Every September, Mount Airy hosts Mayberry Days, its biggest annual festival celebrating The Andy Griffith Show. The week-long, family-friendly event features comedy shows, bluegrass concerts, tribute acts, gospel performances, and games, all centered around the Andy Griffith Playhouse. The highlight is the colorful Mayberry Parade down Main Street, transforming the town into its nostalgic 1960s sitcom persona. Mount Airy offers career opportunities in education, health services, hospitality, tourism linked to its Andy Griffith heritage, as well as in small businesses and municipal services.

Florence, Alabama

Florence, Alabama, often called the “Renaissance City,” is one of the most inviting places to call home in the South. With a population of about 40,000, it blends small-town charm with rich cultural history as the birthplace of the Muscle Shoals Sound, a world-famous music legacy. Florence stands out for its affordability, with a median home price around $205,000, making it an attractive option for families, retirees, and young professionals alike.

A highlight of Florence is the Frank Lloyd Wright Rosenbaum House, a striking showcase of the architect’s signature organic design and the only Wright home in Alabama. For history enthusiasts, Ivy Green, the childhood home of Helen Keller, offers an intimate look at her remarkable life and legacy. Adding to the city’s cultural depth, the Florence Indian Mound Museum preserves and presents artifacts that celebrate the area’s rich Native American heritage, making it a must-visit for those eager to connect with the region’s past, or immerse themselves in art and history at the University of North Alabama and its cultural events.

Biloxi, Mississippi

Biloxi is a coastal city with approximately 49,000 residents, known for its white sand beaches, vibrant casino scene, and rich seafood heritage. Often overshadowed by its glitzy casinos and nightlife, Biloxi’s natural beauty is equally compelling. The city’s maritime heritage, sandy beaches, offshore islands, and stunning coastal vistas are surprisingly underrated. With a cost of living slightly below the national average and a median home price around $250,000, Biloxi provides an appealing combination of scenic beauty, recreational opportunities, and economic stability, making it a compelling place to call home.

Its humid subtropical climate offers mild winters and hot summers, as well as the rare snowfall, making it ideal for year-round outdoor activities. Residents enjoy iconic attractions such as the historic Biloxi Lighthouse, Paradise Pier Fun Park, and the Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum, as well as numerous opportunities to explore the Gulf Coast. The city’s economy is bolstered by tourism, military installations, healthcare, seafood, and hospitality industries, offering diverse career paths.

Myrtle Beach is one of the fastest-growing cities in the South, with a population of around 37,000 residents. Known for its miles of sandy shoreline along the Atlantic, the city blends small-town charm with big-city amenities. Housing remains affordable, with a median home price of about $280,000, comfortably below the state median, making it an attractive option for families, retirees, and professionals seeking coastal living without the high price tag.

Beyond its beaches, Myrtle Beach offers plenty to see and do. The famous Myrtle Beach Boardwalk is packed with restaurants, shops, and live entertainment. Golfers can choose from more than 90 championship golf courses, while nature lovers can explore Huntington Beach State Park with its trails and birdwatching. For family fun, Broadway at the Beach combines dining, shopping, and attractions like Ripley’s Aquarium. With year-round warm weather, strong career opportunities in tourism and hospitality, and an active, welcoming community, Myrtle Beach is more than just a vacation spot: it’s a vibrant coastal city that offers a relaxed, sun-soaked lifestyle all year long.

With a population of just over 40,000, Danville strikes the perfect balance between small-town Southern charm and access to quality services. Danville stands out for its affordability, with a median home price around $140,000, well below the national average, making it especially attractive for those seeking a home on a budget. The revitalized downtown, set along the scenic Dan River, offers a welcoming community atmosphere and a range of amenities.

Danville is also uniquely positioned along the border with North Carolina, placing residents within easy reach of larger cities like Raleigh, Durham, and Greensboro, while still being far from the hustle of urban life. The revitalized downtown riverfront district is a hub of activity, offering shops, cafés, and scenic walks along the Dan River. The Danville Riverwalk Trail is a local gem, perfect for morning strolls, cycling, or simply taking in the peaceful waterside views. For history lovers, Danville’s role as the final capital of the Confederacy is preserved at the Sutherlin Mansion, which houses the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History, while music enthusiasts can enjoy live performances by the Danville Symphony Orchestra. Danville Community College (DCC) is located there and provides education and training; it also posts jobs for faculty and staff.

Helen, Georgia

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains along the Chattahoochee River, Helen is a storybook town best known for its Bavarian-style architecture and alpine charm. With a population of just over 500 residents, it offers a close-knit community and peaceful lifestyle. Housing here is also relatively affordable, with a median home price around $399,000, which is below Georgia’s state median, making it an attractive option for retirees or those seeking a slower pace of life.

Despite its small size, Helen is surrounded by some of Georgia’s best attractions. Visitors and residents alike can enjoy tubing along the Chattahoochee River, which winds directly through downtown. Just outside town, Unicoi State Park offers a 53-acre lake perfect for fishing and kayaking, plus hiking trails, ziplines, and cozy cabins. For waterfall seekers, Anna Ruby Falls in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest is a must-see, with twin cascades dropping dramatically into a lush creek below. And throughout town, Bavarian-themed restaurants and shops, like The Heidelberg with its schnitzel and beer garden, add a unique cultural flair you won’t find anywhere else in the South.

Guntersville, Alabama

With a population of around 8,600 residents, Guntersville sits on the shores of Lake Guntersville, the state’s largest lake, giving locals daily access to fishing, boating, and water sports. Housing remains affordable, with a median home price of about $258,000, making it attractive for families and retirees alike. Guntersville’s history as a river trading post turned lakeside haven gives it a unique charm, complemented by its vibrant downtown. The Guntersville City School System is a major local employer and provides jobs in education.

Guntersville is a haven for those who love lakes, parks, and peaceful natural surroundings. Lake Guntersville State Park is the town’s crown jewel, offering swimming, boating, golfing, woodland trails, and campgrounds for an overnight escape into nature. For a more laid-back outdoor retreat, the historic Town Creek Fishing Center, one of the area’s oldest campgrounds, provides a fishing lake and canoe, pontoon, and kayak rentals. Adventure seekers can head to the Screaming Eagle Aerial Adventure, where up to 15 ziplines and sky bridge walks deliver a thrilling way to take in the stunning views of Guntersville’s landscape.

In 2025, the Southern United States continues to stand out as a region where affordability, culture, and community come together to create an exceptional quality of life. From coastal towns with stunning views to small cities rich in history and arts, the South offers options that cater to a wide range of lifestyles and preferences. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retirement, a fresh start for your family, or simply a better balance of comfort and opportunity, the South in 2025 offers some of the most inviting places to call home.