4 Best Small Towns Where Retirees Can Still Afford a Home Under $300K
Written by
Stacy Sare Cohen
Edited by
Zuri Anderson
Commitment to Our Readers
GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services - our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our products and services review methodology.
20 Years
Helping You Live Richer
Reviewed
by Experts
Trusted by
Millions of Readers
More Americans are opting for small-town retirement. In a GOBankingRates survey we conducted of 997 people across the country, spanning different generations, 26% of respondents said they’d prefer to retire in a small town rather than a beach community (19%) or a large city (10%).
However, with the national median housing list price at $405,967 as of October 31, 2025, per Zillow data, you may wonder if it’s possible to afford a small-town lifestyle after age 65. The good news? It is.
Here are four of the best small towns where retirees can still find a home under $300,000.
Tryon, North Carolina
Nestled at the base of the steep Blue Ridge Escarpment in western North Carolina is “The Friendliest Town in the South,” according to the town’s branding. In this equestrian community, many residents bonded with their love of horses. However, there is much more to do in Tyron than saddling up. Retirees can enjoy wineries, vineyards, golf courses and many parks and trails in this dramatic mountainside town.
Situated in the “thermal belt,” Tyron has cool summers and mild winters. You can find a home in Historic Beaumont Village for around $127,320 and Downtown for about $266,158. The median annual tax bill for Tryon is approximately $1,500, $890 less than the national average ($2,400).
Santa Rosa, New Mexico
The median sale price for buying a home in Santa Rosa was $193,000 at the time of reporting, per Redfin, which is quite a steal. This small town of about $2,700 residents has plenty to see and do for its petite size.
Go fishing at Perch Lake and Blue Hole Fishing Pond, enjoy pup-friendly trails for hiking and biking or head to historic downtown for a scenic drive along the Pecos River. You can also enjoy arts and entertainment venues, explore a vintage car museum and take the grandkids to the Billy the Kid Museum in nearby Fort Sumter, with over 60,000 artifacts on display.
Gregory, South Dakota
Nestled among vast farmlands, prairies and rolling hills, Gregory is home to 1,219 residents. This charming, rural town has a median list price of $190,000, according to Realtor, no state tax on retirement income and a low risk of natural disasters, ensuring your peace of mind.
Seniors can enjoy abundant outdoor recreation, including birdwatching, fishing and pheasant hunting or head to its historic downtown or the Gregory County Fair and Rodeo. The Missouri River, a short drive away, offers plenty of scenic boating and fishing opportunities.
Cortland, New York
Enveloped by tree-covered hills that radiate orange, gold and crimson hues during autumn, the small town of Cortland is the perfect backdrop for the Cortland Pumpkin Festival in October. This historic small town, housing about 17,000 people, is situated 45 minutes south of Syracuse and 35 minutes north of Ithaca.
The best thing? The median home sold price was $187,000 in September 2025, according to Realtor.
In Cortland, there’s a wealth of indoor and outdoor activities to keep retirees busy. Tour the 1890 House Museum with exhibits straight out of the Victorian era, take in a show at the Cortland Repertoire Theater, try your swing at the Cortland Miniature Golf Course, watch a movie at the Crown City Cinemas, or stroll through art galleries and explore nature trails at the Lime Hollow Nature Center.
More From GOBankingRates
