11 Southern Retirement Cities To Avoid At All Costs

When you dream of a retirement destination, it's often somewhere warm. Even though many Southern cities boast warmer weather and charm, not all are a good fit for retirees. If you want to enjoy a stress-free retirement, picking the right destination for your golden years is key.

Explore some of the Southern retirement cities to avoid at all costs below.

On the west coast of Florida, Cape Coral sits in an extremely hurricane and flood-prone area. Those threats have pushed home costs higher. Cape Coral has more homes at risk of flooding than any other city in Florida, according to a study from the First Street Foundation.

Years after Hurricane Ian's devastating landfall, housing costs have spiked, largely due to soaring insurance premiums. Retirees might want to avoid this city for budget and safety reasons.

Jacksonville sits in Duval County, which has relatively high crime rates. Unfortunately, violent crime and property theft numbers are well-above the national average, according to Crime Explorer.

For aging seniors, the unending urban sprawl of Jacksonville might be a downside. Since amenities tend to be spread out, car dependence could spell trouble later in life when frequent trips around town become more daunting.

Savannah's unique charm might make it a great vacation spot. But before you put down roots in this tourist town, it's essential to consider the downside of living in a vacationer's dream. It might be fun to explore downtown.

But the seasonal influx of visitors could make the crowds a bit of a drag for any retiree looking for a quiet pace. Beyond the tourists, Savannah's coastal position puts it at risk of flooding and hurricanes, which often lead to higher insurance costs and more extensive home maintenance requirements.

Fort Lauderdale has attracted retirees for decades. But with most residents living less than 5 feet above sea level, the city government admits that many will become increasingly vulnerable to tidal flooding. The extensive flooding and hurricane threats, combined with other insurance market issues, have pushed home insurance premiums up dramatically in recent years.

Additionally, retirees seeking warmer weather might not appreciate the rising number of extreme heat days in this retirement mecca. By 2050, Fort Lauderdale is expected to experience an average of 91 days of extreme heat, over 92.8 degrees Fahrenheit, according to Climate Check.

While visiting is always fun, moving to New Orleans as a permanent retirement destination might not be for everyone.

For starters, the city's position below sea level leaves it highly vulnerable to flooding, as seen in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. In part, this risk explains the relatively high home insurance premiums, which keep the cost of living high in the Bayou State.

When you factor in the city's high crime rate — the city has the highest murder rate in its home county than any other major city in 2023, according to USAFacts — New Orleans might not be the best place for your retirement dreams.

Birmingham offers relatively affordable home prices, with a median sale price of $132,690, according to Zillow. But with a 10% combined sales tax rate, the costs of getting by could quickly add up for many retirees.

Additionally, the city has a well-above-average crime rate. According to Neighborhood Scout, it has one of the highest crime rates in Alabama.

Miami has an international reputation as a vibrant city full of things to do. Although you'll find plenty of fun activities, the large metro area is notorious for intense traffic congestion and rising housing costs.

Like many other coastal cities in Florida, Miami's low elevation makes it vulnerable to flooding and powerful hurricanes. And although the state's property insurance crisis is easing, home insurance costs remain among the highest in the nation.

Plus, the state holds the unwelcome title of having the highest car insurance costs in the nation.

Although Beckley offers easy access to the beautiful Appalachian Mountains and relatively affordable home prices, the city leaves much to be desired.

With over 27% of the approximately 17,000 residents living below the poverty line, many retirees won't find the amenities they are accustomed to. Specifically, residents don't have access to quality healthcare options found in other cities.

Additionally, it has an above-average crime rate that might not appeal to anyone looking for a peaceful retirement.

Home to the Happiest Place on Earth, Orlando's vast array of theme parks could be a dream come true for many retirees. But unless you have endless magic on your mind, Orlando's expansive sprawl might not be a good fit. That's especially true when you consider the city's well-above-average violent crime rate, according to Neighborhood Scout.

Many are attracted to the natural beauty of Tampa Bay. Although the water is undeniably beautiful, this city on Florida's west coast is vulnerable to major hurricanes.

For example, Hurricane Ian recently brushed by Tampa and caused extensive damage. If a hurricane directly hit the city, it's clear that many would suffer extreme property losses. This risk is reflected in high home insurance premiums, which can take a toll on retirement incomes.

Like many of the other cities on this list, Corpus Christi's coastal position puts it at risk of flooding and hurricanes. Although the city is working on climate resilience strategies, most of the burden is on homeowners to secure their homes and carry extensive insurance.

Moving is expensive, and a little bit of research can help you avoid wasting money in retirement. As you look for a retirement spot to call home, warmer weather should only be one factor to consider. Before jumping into life in a new city, make sure you explore the costs, crime rates, and access to health care.