8 Secret Retirement Towns Nobody Is Talking About

Visions of Florida palm trees might come to mind when you think about retirement. However, several great retirement towns are less well known, which we’ve included on this list.

The cities mentioned here all have a low cost of living as well as activities that are conducive to a retiree’s lifestyle. When you retire, it’s a good idea to choose a town that has a low cost of living so your money can stretch further as you age.

Choosing a location with things to do and a sense of community is also a good idea. Research from the Stanford Center on Longevity shows that strong social networks can increase longevity.

Also check out the top 50 fastest growing retirement hotspots in America.

Bermuda Run, North Carolina has a population of just 3,118 and a median age of 60.1. The average median property value is $277,200. Although it’s a small town, it has world-class golf courses and many wineries nearby. You’ll enjoy affordable housing, parks, and a community of people who are closer to retirement age than not.

If you’re looking for warm weather in retirement, consider the little-known town of Sun City, Arizona. This town has a median age of 72.6, which means many people of retirement age enjoy life in this small town.

To add to its list of benefits, the average property value of a home in Sun City is 233,600, making it an affordable place to buy a home for retirees. You’ll find many 55+ communities with built-in social activities that retirees would enjoy.

In Georgetown, Texas, there is a retirement community called Sun City. This 55+ neighborhood has social clubs, a Mardi Gras ball, and pickleball courts. The median housing price in the neighborhood is nearly $500,000, and the area is growing rapidly as more and more retirees move there.

If you love the mountains, Chattanooga, TN, is a nice mid-sized town that is still an affordable place to live. Although the median age in the area trends younger at 37, the average home price is $230,500, making this one of the more affordable mountain towns.

Chattanooga is also a tourist destination and offers many unique activities, including a railroad museum, beautiful parks, an aquarium, hiking, and more.

If you’ve ever seen the movie Steel Magnolias, you were looking at the quaint town of Natchitoches, Louisiana. If you’re looking for a town that’s incredibly affordable but full of charm, Natchitoches has a great mix of both.

The average property value is $ 175,200. Additionally, Northwestern State University is nearby, allowing residents to enjoy the perks and events of a college town. Natchitoches is also known for its Christmas Festival, a six-week season that showcases over 300,000 lights and lots of holiday-themed events.

Fairhope, Alabama, is a beautiful coastal town that offers many benefits for retirees. It’s a clean town with friendly people, although the median property value of $292,300 is higher than others on this list.

However, one major benefit is that residents over 65 years old might be eligible for a property tax exemption. Speak with an accountant or tax attorney before moving there to see if you qualify.

Eagle, Colorado, is a gorgeous mountain town with approximately 7,500 residents. Due to the popularity of living in Colorado, the median property value is high at $659,400. However, we included it on the list for retirees who love the outdoors and the fresh mountain air.

Compared to some of Colorado’s more popular ski towns, Eagle gives you the same beautiful landscape without the hustle and bustle of being a tourist town. You’ll enjoy golf courses, state parks, hot springs, and more. Plus, it’s only a two hour drive to Denver and a 30 minute drive to Vail. 

If you want to live in a low cost of living area with nice weather, consider Woodstock, Georgia. This up and coming town is full of historic buildings, antique shops, charm, and other amenities that retirees will love. The town is growing each year, but as of right now, the population is approximately 35,000 people.

The median property value in Woodstock is $359,800, making it an approachable and affordable place for people to move for retirement. Plus, if you enjoy traveling, you are near the Atlanta airport, which has numerous non-stop flights to both domestic and international destinations.