13 Quaint Southern Cities Where You Can Retire on $1,600 a Month (or Less)

A key part of planning for retirement is deciding where you want to live after you quit the workforce. The South is a popular pick, but even in a notoriously affordable region, it's hard to pinpoint cities where you can live off of Social Security alone — which is why we did the hard work for you.

As part of our study ranking the best U.S. cities for snowbirds, we found 13 Southern cities where the median rent is below $1,600 per month. With the average Social Security check now at $2,008.31, life in these cities can ensure you always have a portion of your benefit left over each month after paying rent.

Median monthly rent: $1,564

Jacksonville exemplifies Florida's fair-weather appeal: winter temperatures rarely descend below 55 degrees. A solid public transportation system means you shouldn't have to spend too much on gas and car maintenance. 

And if you love the great outdoors, especially the waterfront, there's no better place to settle — the city boasts more shoreline than any other town in the country.

Median rent: $1,540

Charlottesville is home to the University of Virginia, where retirees can enroll in certain classes after living in Virginia for one year. Charlottesville also has a rich history: it was established in the 1760s and is located near Thomas Jefferson's home, Monticello.

A 155-acre golf course can keep you occupied on sunny days, or you can head to the foothills of the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains for hiking, walking, and biking.

Median rent: $1,532

Like Charlottesville, Chapel Hill is a good place to settle for continuing education. At the University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill's Digital and Lifelong Learning Center, retirees can take affordable enrichment classes from UNC faculty members.

The university's presence also means Chapel Hill residents can access world-class healthcare at multiple UNC medical centers.

Median rent: $1,520

Punta Gorda is such a popular retirement spot that over 52% of the city's population is age 65 or older. Temperate weather means you can enjoy the city's many golf courses for most of the year, as well as 18 miles of pedestrian and bike trails.

The city is home to the Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary for exotic animals, which offers guided wheelchair-friendly tours.

Median rent: $1,516

Slightly smaller than the nearby Daytona Beach, Ormond Beach offers just as much at a quieter pace. The four-acre Andy Romano Beachfront Park gives you easy beach access with amenities like shaded pavilions and concessions.

The Ortmond Memorial Art Museum and Gardens takes part in the city's art walk and hosts classes on everything from watercolors to crafting felted winter solstice lights.

Median rent: $1,506

Panama City Beach was ranked one of TripAdvisor's top three best beaches in the United States, and with 27 miles of sea and sand, it's not hard to see why. The city goes out of its way to cater to its snowbird and senior residents, hosting a "senior" prom each winter.

Don't miss the fireworks display during Thanksgiving weekend or the New Year's Eve beach ball drop, featuring 10,000 beach balls and more fireworks.

Median rent: $1,505

Even in a region known for its beauty, Gastonia stands out. Thanks to the nearby botanical garden, lavender farm (home to 5,000 lavender plants), pumpkin patches, and state parks, you'll never run out of ways to stay active in retirement.

Median rent: $1,491

Virginia's capital city has a below-average cost of living, which is good news for those who want to enjoy the city's 900+ restaurants. Events like NASCAR races and the Richmond Folk Festival — a three-day, completely free celebration — help make up for the occasionally chilly winters.

Median rent: $1,482

With nearly 200,000 residents, Savannah is bigger than most cities on our list. But in spite of its size, Savannah retains its cozy Southern charm in part due to its well-preserved historic buildings. Multiple colleges ensure residents have a never-ending supply of arts and cultural events to participate in.

Median rent: $1,465

With a growing number of retirees moving to Virginia Beach, the city is an ideal retirement spot for active seniors in search of community. And while the city may be small, it has easy access to high-quality healthcare at the Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital.

Median rent: $1,433

Even in January, Houston's temperature is a relatively balmy 62 degrees. You don't have to drive far to access bright blue beaches on the Gulf of Mexico, or you can stay in the city to enjoy a nonstop buffet of some of the best food in the nation.

Median rent: $1,426

Wilmington is an extremely livable city with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Cape Fear River on the other. The picturesque historic district spans 230 blocks and looks just like a scene out of a postcard with mossy oaks, historic brick buildings, and beautiful riverfront views.

Median rent: $1,409

Located along Florida's beautiful Treasure Coast, Sebastian is around 90 miles away from Orlando, so you can enjoy big city entertainment on the weekends without overspending on housing. 

Its average year-round temperature of 74 degrees means you don't have to wait until summer to enjoy its wildlife refuges, beaches, and golf courses.

When you don't have to worry about how you're going to afford rent, it's much easier to enjoy a stress-free retirement. Taking advantage of free opportunities for entertainment and using public transit instead of driving can also help you keep more money in your pocket during your golden years.