10 Southern Cities Where Retirees Have the Best Shot of Owning a Home

When you think about retirement, beautiful beaches and plenty of sunshine may spring to mind. 

For many seniors, home ownership is a key part of their dream retirement. Yet, with the rising prices of real estate, finding an affordable city where retirees can find peace of mind and stability is challenging, to say the least.

Here are 10 Southern cities where you can find the right mix of affordability, charm, and comfort when you make smart homeowner moves.

Homes are relatively affordable in Greenville, South Carolina, with a median price of $325,904, below the national median price of $367,969. Besides affordable housing, the city boasts a warm climate with moderate winters, an attractive and revitalized downtown, and an abundance of amenities and entertainment.

Even better, South Carolina doesn't tax Social Security benefits, making it easier to stretch your retirement budget.

As the name of this city suggests, it's a place of natural beauty and recreation, surrounded by the Hot Springs National Park and beautiful lakes. Beyond the spa vibes, Hot Springs has a walkable downtown and high-quality health care.

Housing is relatively inexpensive in this Arkansas town, with a median home price of around $249,507. Additionally, the state doesn't tax retirement income.

This beautiful coastal city is perfect for relaxing on the beach, strolling along its walkable streets, and enjoying a variety of outdoor activities year-round. It's also home to world-class restaurants, historical sites, and great entertainment.

Florida is another state that doesn't tax Social Security benefits. Pensacola is significantly more affordable than other cities in the state when it comes to housing. Its median price is $263,380, compared to the average Florida median price of $386,556.

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The college town of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, serves as a hub for travel, students, and transportation. Its cost of living is 22.6% lower than the U.S. average, and a family only requires a yearly income of $35,280 to live there.

Hattiesburg has mild winters and is nestled in the rolling hills of Southeastern Mississippi, among fragrant pine forests. It also has affordable homes, with an average home value of $216,303. The state has one of the lowest median property tax rates in the country, which is great news for retirees.

Moving to Texas during retirement is a smart move. This state doesn't tax your retirement income, and Georgetown has way more going for it than financial savings.

This city is home to the Sun City retirement community, a master-planned would-be home for seniors over 55. Excellent health care is available in nearby Austin. Georgetown also has a historic town square and many golf courses, parks, and lakes within walking distance of downtown.

Gainesville, Georgia, is less than an hour's drive from Atlanta. Despite that, its cost of living is below the national average, the average home value is only $371,703, and Georgia doesn't tax Social Security.

Besides its financial incentives, Gainesville is a great spot to enjoy outdoor pursuits like boating, fishing, and living on Lake Lanier. It also has a walkable downtown and offers specialized medical care at Northeast Georgia Medical Center.

The charming coastal city of Fairhope, Alabama, offers retirees a strong cultural scene, picturesque walking trails, and water-facing parks. This beautiful town is quite affordable, considering its average home value of $420,700.

Fairhope's cost of living is below the national average, and you'll pay less for products and services (6% less than the national average) if you move there.

Buying a house in Conway, South Carolina, is surprisingly affordable, with a median home price of only $290,225. South Carolina offers deductions on retirement income, in addition to not taxing Social Security benefits.

This city is more affordable than neighboring Myrtle Beach, not to mention more beautiful, especially along the scenic Waccamaw Riverwalk.

Abingdon welcomes retirees with a vibrant theater scene, walkable streets, and gorgeous Appalachian mountain views along the Virginia Creeper Trail. It also offers high-quality medical care at the Johnston Memorial Hospital.

Settling in Virginia won't break the bank. The median home price in Abingdon is $289,660. Even better, the state exempts Social Security and offers deductions on other sources of retirement income.

If you love the great outdoors and horse farms, pick Ocala, Florida, as your home for retirement. This beautiful town, located near the Ocala National Forest, offers seniors excellent golf courses, nature trails, and a quiet yet active lifestyle.

Living in Ocala won't put a burden on your budget. The city's average home value is $274,319, and its cost of living is 13% lower than the U.S. average.

If you want to own a home during retirement, pick one of these 10 Southern cities and enjoy stress-free golden years without any financial woes.

Affordable housing isn't the only thing these locations have going for them. They're the best money moves for homeowners because of their accessible health care, tax advantages, and lower cost of living. The best incentive? They're as easy on your pocket as they are on your health care needs.