16 Affordable Small Towns Where You Can Live on Social Security Alone

If you're planning for retirement on a small budget, you likely want to maximize every penny. And if you plan to live on nothing but Social Security, you will really have to tighten the purse strings.

The average Social Security check hovers around $2,000 a month. While such a small amount of cash may not cut it in larger cities, there are charming small towns across the country where you can build a comfortable life on a modest income.

Ready to start planning your escape? Here are 15 small towns where you can live on nothing but Social Security and set yourself up for a vibrant, active retirement. All home price and rent figures come from Zillow unless otherwise noted.

Median home price: $318,317

Average rent: $1,655

With just 8,000 residents, Camp Hill fits the bill for an affordable small town, yet it has a culture that punches above its weight.

Here, you'll find a walkable community with a thriving downtown. It's also located just a few miles outside the larger city of Harrisburg.

Median home price: $222,083

Average rent: $1,500

If you love historic architecture, Cleveland Heights is a great retirement destination. This small town has beautiful homes in a variety of styles, including colonial, arts and crafts, and Tudor.

There is also a dynamic theater scene for those who want to add culture and the arts to their retirement plan.

Median home price: $159,967

Average rent: $850

College towns are always great places to retire thanks to their abundance of sporting events, cultural activities, and continuing education opportunities. In Frostburg, you'll find Frostburg State University.

There's also a thriving main street and arts district.

Median home price: $270,833

Average rent: $1,150

Big Rapids — a town north of Grand Rapids — is known for its booming brewery and winery scene. The town also has a surprisingly thriving restaurant scene, particularly for the size of the area.

When you're looking to get outside and get active, check out the Big Rapids Riverwalk or Newaygo State Park.

Median home price: $183,000

Average rent: $945

If you are proud of being Irish, Emmetsburg might be the right location for you. This town is known for its great annual St. Patrick's Day celebration.

The rest of the year, you'll find great parks and trails.

Median home price: $267,360

Average rent: $1,095

If you want both affordability and an emphasis on sustainable living, come to Maplewood, which is a small-town suburb of St. Louis.

Maplewood was named the nation's first Green Dining District, which means the restaurants place an emphasis on sustainable practices. You'll also find historic homes and craft breweries here.

Median home price: $198,269

Average rent: $546 (Apartments.com)

Home to Mayville State University, Mayville has everything you'd expect from a vibrant college town, including a theater and sports.

You'll also find the Island Park, as well as the Rainbow Garden and Sculpture Walk. Community amenities like a wellness center and golf course are also part of Mayville.

Median home price: 150,572

Average rent: $1,200

Retirement gives you time to dive into interests that you often had to put on the back burner during your working years. If the arts are one of those interests, Sharpsburg can be a great small town.

The creative community here is thriving, and both preservation and history are priorities for many of the residents.

Median home price: $194,656

Average rent: $1,550

Willowick is a vacation town on the shores of Lake Erie. This small town has been a popular resort spot since the 1920s.

Today, Willowick is popular with retirees looking for waterfront activities and a town full of art galleries and restaurants.

Median home price: $300,741

Average rent: $1,495

In Lindale, you'll discover both classic Texas culture and a region that lends itself to blackberries and wine.

This small town in East Texas hosts plenty of events, concerts, and festivals all centered around delicious blackberries. There's also a wonderful downtown full of shops and restaurants.

Median home price: $359,686

Average rent: $1,950

Edgewood is a charming Midwestern town that's a suburb of Cincinnati. It's on the Ohio River and blends the quiet calm of a small town with the walkability of a larger city.

You'll find history, restaurants, and Presidents Park in this quaint Bluegrass State town.

Median home price: $327,458

Average rent: $1,379

Detroit is known for its affordability, and this suburb of Motor City is no exception. Farmington is a small town known for its charming main street and historic district.

Retire here for walkability and weekends spent strolling through the Farmington Farmers and Artisans Market.

Median home price: $217,795

Average rent: $1,200

Genoa is a historic small town south of Toledo. It's known for arts establishments such as Packer Creek Pottery, the Genoa Opera Hall, and Schedel Gardens and Arboretum.

The area is also filled with parks for those who want to stay active and immerse themselves in nature throughout retirement.

Median home price: $160,765

Average rent: $800

Meadville is a manufacturing town that also happens to be home to a variety of unique festivals.

These festivals include the Crawford County Fair, the Thunder in the City Classic Car & Bike Show, and the Thurston Classic Hot Air Balloon Event.

You can also go golfing or enjoy parks as part of your everyday retirement activities.

Median home price: $309,402

Average rent: $1,244

Mankato is a small town that's been experiencing a major revitalization recently. However, it's still affordable for retirees living on Social Security.

The downtown now has bustling restaurants and shops, but you can still find budget-friendly housing with walkability. Depending on your tolerance for winter weather, there are outdoor activities year-round, including hiking, parks, and ice fishing.

Median home price: $296,890

Average rent: $1,550

If you want the sun to shine down on your retirement, you will be hard-pressed to find a better place to live than Yuma.

The Arizona city is one of the sunniest places on earth, with more than 90% of days bathed in sunshine. The town also offers easy access to incredible desert landscapes.

If you're looking for ways to stretch your retirement dollars further, choosing a new and more affordable place to live can make a big difference.

So, consider spending your golden years in any of the small towns on this list. They offer a lower cost of living and many other great perks.