Realtors Claim These 10 Popular Retirement Towns Still Have Affordable Homes

If you're hoping to relocate in retirement, there are several factors you'll want to consider about your destination of choice — from general affordability to community to access to things like healthcare — so that you can set yourself up for a stress-free retirement.

Regardless of what you are looking forward to doing in your golden years, towns with thriving retirement communities that are still affordable tend to be big sellers. Here are 10 options that real estate professionals tout for their charm, communities, and affordable homes.

Des Moines may not be the first city that comes to mind when you think of retirement hotspots, but with low median home prices of around $215,000, a thriving arts and culture scene, and an array of retirement communities like popular Glen Meadows, it's an ideal spot if you're looking to maximize your retirement savings, according to Jacob Naig, a real estate agent and investor with We Buy Houses in Des Moines.

"Des Moines offers affordability, quality healthcare, and an active cultural scene," Naig continues, adding that this makes it a top option for those who want to "enjoy their golden years without going bankrupt."

Compared to many other hotspots around the Grand Canyon State, Tucson is much more affordable and offers many of the same draws that make Arizona attractive for retirees, including spectacular scenery (there are stunning desert skies and mountain ranges galore) and dry heat.

For retirees looking to escape the cold but still have access to a thriving metro area, Tucson is an excellent choice. Zillow puts the average home sale price at just under $334,000, and prices are down over the past year, which may indicate a positive trend for hopeful homebuyers.

Retirees hoping to enjoy the perks of renting — AKA: The "no maintenance lifestyle" — and pleasant weather should consider Bluffton for their golden years, according to Richard Ross, real estate expert and CEO with Quinn Residences.

"It's on the coast, so there's a lot of physical beauty," Ross explains, adding the location gives residents access to a lovely town square, shops, restaurants, medical care, and more. Plus, rentals are available at an array of different price points, giving homebuyers a mix of options that will make it easy to suit their needs.

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Retirees who want to move out west will find plenty to do in St. George. Located in the southwest corner of Utah, St. George residents enjoy pleasantly warm weather, mild winters, proximity to the breathtaking beauty of Zion National Park, and more.

It's one of the pricier destinations on this list, with Zillow putting the median home value at just over $528,000. That being said, it's doable for those with a ton of equity in homes located in higher-priced areas.

It may not be the most well-known retirement town in the Carolinas, but Hickory offers plenty of charm for retirees and visitors alike. It's well-known for its furniture-making industry, has a thriving arts and crafts scene, and is a great option for those on a tighter budget, according to real estate investor Fred Loguidice with Sell My House Fast Providence.

"With a median home price around $219,950, and a median rent of $743 per month, it's a relatively affordable choice for retirees," Loguidice says.

While many hot retirement spots in Florida have seen home prices soar, Ocala, located in the central part of the state, north of major tourist draws like Orlando, remains affordable.

"Ocala is a mix of Southern hospitality and value," Loguidice says. "It's about 58% cheaper per square foot than markets like Naples-Marco Island [and is] a very attractive option for retirees seeking value without sacrificing."

Located along the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains, Roanoke offers a solid mix of natural beauty, a thriving downtown, and popular retirement communities.

Though the area has been growing in popularity recently, and home prices have been growing with it, the median home price is still a reasonable $269,190, according to Zillow.

Chattanooga regularly makes it onto "best places to retire" lists. Ross, whose company also operates a community in the area, chalks that up to a mix of natural beauty and modern convenience. "When you think of Tennessee, you think of Nashville," he says, noting that Chattanooga is a small city and off the radar.

"It has a river running through it, it has natural beauty, but it's also 90 minutes from Atlanta," Ross continues. Not only that, but residents can also enjoy the perks that nearby cities provide, like access to major airports and health care, as well as the beauty of the surrounding mountains and community.

Lexington has quite a bit going for it when it comes to draws for retirees, like proximity to great health care facilities, a moderate cost of living, and a particular flavor of southern charm.

"Known for its vibrant arts community and rich history, Lexington has a blend of urban and countryside living," Loguidice explains. "The city offers moderate cost of living with houses to accommodate various budgets."

Punta Gorda is a great option for retirees hoping to spend their golden years out on the water, particularly those who enjoy fishing. Located on Florida's southwest coast, it's a Sunshine State gem that still offers affordability, and Zillow puts the average home price around $367,000.

Proximity to some of Florida's biggest draws, plus the state's favorable tax situation, means investing in the area could be a smart money move for homeowners as well.

Popular retirement towns that offer charm, but maintain a lower cost of living, favorable tax situation, or affordable home prices, are the dream for many retirees hoping to relocate. And as you can see, there are options like these across the U.S., no matter what your retirement goals are.

As an added bonus, many of the options featured here also tend to draw vacationers and visitors, making them solid options if you want to buy a vacation home or rent out part of your space to help pay for your mortgage while pursuing your retirement dreams.