9 Quaint Southern Cities Where You Can Retire on $1,700 a Month (Or Less)

If you want to make the most of your retirement savings, finding an affordable place to call home can make all the difference. Living in the right city can help you avoid wasting money on sky-high rent or mortgage payments.

For many retirees, living well on a tight budget means heading to the South, which isn't a bad thing, considering the milder winters, entertaining recreation options, and plentiful senior communities. FinanceBuzz recently evaluated 180 cities using weighted, standardized data across four key dimensions—livability, affordability, culture and recreation, and climate—to produce category scores and an overall ranking of snowbird-friendly destinations.

This guide explores several Southern cities that have rentals available for $1,700 per month or less, according to a recent FinanceBuzz study.

Median Monthly Rent: $1,691

Memphis is the self-proclaimed "Home of the Blues, Soul, and Rock N' Roll." But you won't have anything to feel blue about when you lock in affordable housing costs in this Southern city. Throughout town, you'll find plenty of museums and a downtown that's steeped in a deep musical history.

For seniors, the city's collection of active senior centers could present an opportunity to find friends in your new community. In town, there are several hospitals, which will likely cover any medical needs that come up.

Median Monthly Rent: $1,669

Augusta sits on the picturesque banks of the Savannah River and boasts an offbeat Southern charm that's sure to feel like home. As the "Feel Good City" Augusta has no shortage of things to do and restaurants to try. Plus, there's a highly rated hospital available for your medical needs.

Augusta has several senior centers scattered around the community, some of which have daily activities scheduled. Additionally, Augusta and the surrounding areas are home to several retirement communities, which could make it easier to get comfortable in your new environment.

Median Monthly Rent: $1,666

You could paint yourself into a front porch swing in this charming Southern town. Birmingham boasts several museums, including an art museum, a motorsports museum, and botanical gardens.

The city is home to several hospitals, making medical care easily accessible. Finding a good spot within the city could be easy if you opt to move into a retirement community. With several retirement community options across Birmingham, you could find a built-in social network when you arrive in town.

Median Monthly Rent: $1,665

Lexington might be best known for its top-quality racehorses, bluegrass, and bourbon. But that combination of entertainment is set on a backdrop of historic homes and rolling hills.

For those 60 and older, the senior center offers a range of activities and services to help you enjoy your golden years. It offers fitness classes, craft gatherings, card games, and more. Plus, a collection of hospitals dot the city, which means you'll have access to health care when you need it.

Median Monthly Rent: $1,664

Jacksonville offers easy access to the great outdoors, with plenty of paddling and boating options. In town, you'll find ample dining and shopping opportunities. The town's food options are so great that it's made its way onto the International Food Trail.

Retirement communities are scattered throughout the city, giving you plenty of choices if you are looking to set up a new life around like-minded seniors. At the county's senior center, you'll find endless activity options, including group trips, classes, and clubs.

Median Monthly Rent: $1,662

Brunswick is a part of Georgia's Golden Isles, making it a beautiful beach town with miles of coastline and easily accessible parts. Beyond the natural beauty that draws in artists and birders, the sprawling live oaks throughout town make a quaint background for your next chapter.

With a hospital and several other health care facilities, you'll have easy access to medical care. At the local senior center, you'll find everything from fitness classes to legal assistance.

Median Monthly Rent: $1,650

Lake Charles offers a collection of scenic parks, giving residents easy access to the waterways that the Bayou State might be best known for. In town, a never-ending stream of festivals means you'll never run out of things to do. Plus, the city's Mardi Gras celebration is one of the largest in the state.

You'll find easy access to health care in Lake Charles, with several local hospitals around town. Plus, the city offers several senior centers, with each offering activities each week.

Median Monthly Rent: $1,637

Rome, Georgia, might not be quite as culturally rich as its namesake in Italy. But its quiet charm still has a lot to offer residents, starting with easy access to nature via the many trails near town. Downtown, you'll find plenty of dining and shopping options set in Rome's historic backdrop.

Multiple medical centers throughout town can make it easy to find health care when you need it. And the various retirement communities in the area make finding the right spot to call home a breeze.

Median Monthly Rent: $1,631

Chattanooga sits in the beautiful Appalachian Mountains. Nearby, Chickamauga Lake offers 810 miles of shoreline to explore. In the thriving downtown, you'll find highly rated restaurants, shopping, and even riverfront concerts.

The town is home to several hospitals, including two highly rated options. And the active senior center's full schedule of activities might make it easy to find new friends.

Moving to a beautiful Southern city could help you set yourself up for retirement. It may offer a way to make your retirement more comfortable in more ways than one. Beyond the financial savings, heading South often unlocks milder winters and more room in your budget to cover the fun parts of your retirement dream.