The Best Cities To Retire In The Southern United States
The Southern United States is known for many things, from postcard-perfect beaches to charming coastal towns, and more. All of these are among the reasons it is such an amazing place to retire, but there is more. The US South is an affordable place to live, with several of its cities boasting some of the country’s lowest tax burdens and home values.
Pensacola, for one, is a paradise for retirement, located in Florida, one of the most tax-friendly states in the US, while having affordable home prices, year-round sunshine, and endless recreational opportunities. Find similar cities in the south, including one with a barrier island featuring some of the country’s most beautiful beaches, and another with the largest home in the US, hosting everything from gardens to restaurants where one can hang out with delicious southern-style meals. From Asheville, North Carolina, to Savannah, Georgia, learn more about the best cities to retire in the Southern United States.
El Paso, Texas
According to recent figures released by the US Census Bureau, Texas saw the biggest population increase of any state in the US in 2025, and that is no coincidence. People have been moving in droves to this state for years due to several factors, like low cost of living, warm weather, job opportunities, and friendly policies, including zero tax on personal income, which also includes retirement benefits. In El Paso, one of the state’s largest cities, even more appealing features await retirees. These include some of the lowest crime rates among similarly-sized cities, and incredibly affordable home prices, at $229,250 on average, according to Zillow.
Additionally, this city in West Texas is home to many retirement-enriching facilities, including the top-rated Kindred Hospital El Paso, which offers intensive, cardiac, and kidney care, alongside diagnosis, rehabilitation, and other services. The El Paso International Airport also sits proudly in this city, offering year-round flights to major destinations around the country.
Meanwhile, recreational opportunities abound in El Paso, with the El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens always open to delight animal lovers with over 200 species, including endangered animals like Mexican gray wolves and Malayan tigers. Active retirees also have the Franklin Mountains State Park to enjoy thrilling adventures, from hiking and mountain biking to scenic driving. The park features 125 miles of multi-use trails, alongside primitive campsites. Back in downtown El Paso, the Plaza Theatre will delight retirees with Broadway productions, musical concerts, and other events in a historic Spanish Colonial Revival-style building dating to 1930.
Asheville, North Carolina
Situated in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is a delightful city to retire in the Southern United States for a long list of reasons. For starters, this city combines picturesque mountain scenery with big city amenities, like the highly-rated Mission Hospital, which provides a wide range of quality health services, ranging from cancer and surgical care to trauma and emergency services. For nature lovers, particularly, Asheville promises to be exciting, as the city is home to attractions like the Western North Carolina Nature Center, which hosts a large collection of animals native to the Southern Appalachian, including bears, foxes, and more. Similarly, the North Carolina Arboretum is a pleasant attraction in the city, where retirees who love nature can enjoy biking and hiking through beautiful gardens.
Those who appreciate history will have plenty to explore here, including the Biltmore Estate, an 8,000-acre estate featuring the sprawling Biltmore House, famous as the largest home in America. This historic estate dates to the early 1890s, and welcomes everyone to explore its sprawling mansion, gardens, and have lunch at one of its restaurants, like the Stable Cafe, which serves southern barbecue and other regional favorites. And just in case the need to travel arises, the Asheville Regional Airport offers easy access to dozens of domestic destinations, including Orlando, Phoenix, and Denver.
Savannah, Georgia
Nicknamed the hostess city of the South, Savannah is an incredible place to retire and experience the historic and cultural charms of the Southern United States. The oldest city in Georgia, founded in 1733, is famous for its over 20 squares and historic districts, particularly the Savannah Historic District, which features cobblestone and oak-lined streets adorned with 18th- and 19th-century architectural styles. Retirees will enjoy strolling through this district to see its notable attractions, like the 1870s Congregation Mickve Israel, America’s third-oldest synagogue, and Johnson Square, the oldest and largest in Savannah, featuring two fountains and more age-old structures. Elsewhere in the same district, Forsyth Park will be a regular hangout spot for retirees, with its iconic fountain, live oaks, sports facilities, and walking paths.
Beyond the attractions, Savannah is home to reputable establishments, including some of the best hospitals in Georgia, like the highly-rated Candler Hospital. The second-oldest running hospital in America, it includes nearly 400 beds and offers a long list of quality services, including primary care, surgery, and cardiology. The Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport is also in the city to provide convenient access to destinations around the country, plus the town’s housing market is affordable, with average home values at $321,700 according to Zillow.
Sarasota, Florida
In a state famous for some of the friendliest tax policies in the US, Sarasota ranks as one of its best cities to live and retire. Situated on Florida’s Gulf Coast, this coastal paradise checks even more boxes outside low taxes, including a warm tropical climate, a more relaxing lifestyle compared to nearby cities, and quality healthcare. Notably, the Sarasota Memorial Hospital is one of the highest-rated in Florida, and will give retirees peace of mind with its wide range of services, including specialty services like cancer, urology, vascular, orthopedic, and cardiology. Moreover, the city’s attractions are some of the most sought-after in the South, from Sarasota Jungle Gardens, which features a botanical garden, flamingos, and other animals, to Walt’s Fish Market Restaurant, where one can savor tasty seafood dishes and also shop for the day’s freshest catches.
And just off the coast of Sarasota, retirees will find other incredible attractions to enjoy, particularly Lido Key, a barrier island featuring luxury hotels, and the famous Lido Key Beach, one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches in Florida.
Greenville, South Carolina
The gorgeous city of Greenville is an excellent place to retire in the South, with year-round mild temperatures and endless attractions. Positioned at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Greenville is home to Falls Park on the Reedy, a 32-acre park featuring a waterfall, landscaped gardens, and the uniquely curved Liberty Bridge. Retirees will enjoy strolling through this park and the beautiful bridge, which provides breathtaking views of the falls. Just a few steps from the park, retirees will find several cozy establishments that embody the true meaning of Southern hospitality. UP on the Roof is just one such establishment, and a great place to hang out and dine. In addition to serving modern American dishes, craft cocktails, and beers, this highly-rated restaurant offers a rooftop experience with jaw-dropping views of the city.
Meanwhile, the Peace Center Concert Hall at the heart of the city is a vibrant cultural hub that will further enrich the lives of those who retire here, serving as the region’s premier venue for year-round live performances. Over 300 events are held at this art center each year, including Broadway shows, a wide variety of musical concerts featuring famous artists, and even political debates.
Huntsville, Alabama
Affordability, tax-friendliness, and moderate weather are some of the retirement appeals of Huntsville. The city boasts affordable average home values of $279,371, cementing its reputation as one of the best cities to retire in the Southern United States. On top of that, Huntsville offers more peace of mind with its several hospitals, including the acclaimed Huntsville Hospital, arguably the best in Alabama, featuring over 880 beds, and providing a wide range of specialty services, from orthopedic to cardiovascular, and surgical care.
Retirees to Huntsville also have the Huntsville Botanical Garden to stroll through and enjoy the sights of beautiful trees, butterflies, and a wide variety of plants. Those who enjoy more thrilling adventures have the Monte Sano State Park to hike, bike, picnic, and camp with breathtaking mountain and forest scenery. Located on the city’s east side on the slopes of Monte Sano Mountain, the 2,500-acre park features over 30 miles of hiking and biking trails, alongside 80 campsites, and over a dozen rustic cabins.
Huntsville is a hub of art and culture, featuring notable attractions, including Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment, the nation’s largest privately owned arts facility. Retirees who love the arts will appreciate living near this arts center, which features over 150 working studios, sculptures, seven galleries showcasing a wide variety of artworks, and performance venues hosting year-round events.
Pensacola, Florida
Florida is an incredible place to live, work, and retire in the Southern United States, due in part to the state’s friendly tax policies and places like Pensacola. Located on Pensacola Bay, this city is known for its affordability, temperate weather, and friendly Southern culture. Notably, the average home value in Pensacola is $258,070, one of the lowest in the US, making home ownership within reach for many retirees. This comes at the backdrop of the city’s top-notch facilities, ranging from the Pensacola International Airport, which places most major destinations around the US within easy reach, to the reputable HCA Florida West Hospital, which provides emergency care, urology, and neurology, among other services.
Additionally, Pensacola is full of interesting attractions to explore, including Historic Pensacola Village, an eight-acre complex lined with notable historic buildings and museums that highlight the city’s long history. Meanwhile, retirees can catch regular baseball, soccer, and football games, along with other events and beautiful water views at Blue Wahoos Stadium. For beach lovers, there are several beaches around Pensacola to enjoy, including the soft-sand, swimming-friendly Langdon Beach, located just 30 minutes away.
Enjoy the charms of Southern hospitality when you retire to these cities. From Pensacola to Huntsville, these cities have everything one could ever want from a retirement destination, from top-notch hospitals to airports serving as gateways to major destinations around the country. And for those on a budget, most of these towns have been selected for their cost-friendliness, with some, like El Paso, placing home ownership within easy reach, with prices far below the national average. Moreover, these cities host sizeable senior populations, with Sarasota featuring a whopping 29% of people aged 65 years and older. And while the weather can vary throughout the year, these cities boast relatively great conditions year-round, and that is in addition to the great Southern food and friendly people. That said, retire to these cities today.
