This southern retirement spot is where seniors want to live out their golden years… And it’s not in Florida!
While Pennsylvania has been touted as one of the best U.S. cities for retirement in recent years, there’s one place in particular where seniors seem to be flocking more and more nowadays, whether they’re retiring early or simply settling down. Destinations like Denver, Nashville, and Austin have attracted younger generations recently.
But in terms of relocating in retirement and improving one’s quality of life, one Southern city has gradually climbed to the top of the list, according to a recent report by analysts. In fact, this place has been making a case for the best place to live out the good ole’ American Dream.
Curious to know more? Continue reading to learn more about the No. 1 southern retirement spot, plus a few other top contenders!
What did experts look for?
Experts scrutinized the criteria most important to retirees: housing affordability, access to health care, cost of living, tax policies, and proximity to major airports.
After starting with a list of counties, the pros used data from the Economic Policy Institute, the US Census Bureau, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and the Federal Aviation Administration to narrow it down to the most sought after southern retirement spots.
Then, they divided its findings into five regions to identify locations in each area that balance financial affordability with lifestyle qualities often desired by people in retirement. The result? Continue reading to find out!
So, what is the best southern retirement spot?
Waycross, Georgia, took the lead as the best southern retirement spot. Now, if you like big-city living, this small town isn’t for you. The population is under 14,000 people, though the greater Waycross “micropolitan” area spans two counties with a population of roughly 54,000.
So what makes Waycross, Georgia, the best southern retirement spot? Waycross has a history as an agricultural hub and railroad town, and it’s also known for being the northern gateway to the Okefenokee Swamp, which is a 450,000-acre national wildlife refuge.
But there’s more to Waycross than first meets the eye, which I learned by talking to the experts and locals. Here’s what I found out:
Access to healthcare in this southern retirement spot
The US News and World Report says that Georgia ranks 44th in the country for health care, but Waycross is in good shape compared to the rest of the state. Jacksonville has a few big hospitals, and there’s also one locally.
Memorial Satilla Health is the hospital in Waycross that offers an emergency room and a full-service, 231-bed, acute-care medical facility. In Jacksonville, you’ll find 20 hospitals, including a Mayo Clinic campus, plus several other high-ranking facilities.
Cost of living in this southern retirement spot
Housing costs are a tremendous consideration for seniors, and according to Zillow, the prices of homes in Waycross are up by 2.3% since last year, but it’s still affordable at about $124,420. If we were to compare this with Saint Simons Island, which is a popular coastal island community roughly 65 miles east of Waycross, the average home value is about $680,288.
So, the bottom line is that the cost of living in this southern retirement spot is outstanding compared to other places. You benefit from being about an hour from the coast, yet the cost of living is much less there.
Beaches in this southern retirement spot
Locals go to Saint Simons Island or Jekyll Island when they want to relax at the beach. Jekyll Island is amazing if you’re looking for a slower vibe. And Saint Simons has more restaurants if you’re looking for something more lively.
This southern retirement spot’s location
If you decide to relocate here for retirement, you’ll be about an hour away from the coast, an hour and a half from Jacksonville, Florida, and Okefenokee Swamp is right nearby.
The good news is that Waycross hasn’t been overly developed. So, it’s still possible to get a home on a piece of land. Okefenokee Swamp delivers habitat for a variety of wildlife, including endangered and threatened species.
Tax policies in this southern retirement spot
We all know that some states are better for taxes than others. Well, a big bonus for seniors looking to move to Georgia is that it’s one of 41 states that won’t tax your Social Security benefits.
As far as property taxes go, they’re pretty average for the state. You also have the benefit of lower home values, which automatically makes your tax bill lower too.
Access to nature in this southern retirement spot
Locals love this part of the country for all the green spaces. Waycross has three golf courses nearby, plus at least another dozen within an hour’s drive, and parks in town that offer tennis, walking paths, swimming, and multiple pavilions and picnic areas.
Okefenokee Swamp has fishing, hiking, hunting, boating, camping, and wildlife watching. And guided tours, including paddling adventures and motorized tours, are also available.
The refuge boasts an assortment of easy-to-moderate trails for seniors and wheelchair-accessible trails for people who want to get out in nature but don’t really have the stamina to be on their feet for long periods.
Access to airports in this southern retirement spot
Jacksonville International Airport is approximately 80 miles away. The town has a small county airport that no longer offers scheduled flights.
But the fun part is that you can visit the terminal for a glass bottle of Coke from a circa 40s Coke machine and grab a complimentary bag of fresh popcorn.
Community in this southern retirement spot
Someone outside Waycross might wonder if they’d feel like outsiders in a community tha’s so tight-knit. But the truth is that it’s a very welcoming place.
A lot of folks have deep roots in this area, but when people move here from somewhere else, word is that they’re received with open arms. Overall, I can say that the community wraps a big hug around you when you get here!
… To learn more about the “Peach State,” check this out!
Bonus: Which other southern retirement spots are senior-friendly?
-Danville, Virginia: Danville offers a much lower cost of living than the nation’s average, making it easier for seniors to live comfortably on a fixed income. This charming town also provides more than enough access to medical services, with 160 healthcare establishments countywide and reasonably priced local transportation.
-Wheeling, West Virginia: Wheeling, West Virginia, offers many benefits that make it a fine place to live. The city’s scenic location, affordable cost of living, reputable healthcare, diverse job opportunities, quality education, and strong sense of community contribute to its charm.
-Natchez, Mississippi: Since way back in 1997, Natchez has been a certified retirement city, which means it meets a long list of criteria seniors seek when moving, including a large number of senior citizens living in the area, quality health care, recreation options and low local and state tax rates.
-Tryon, North Carolina: The city boasts rich historical and cultural attractions that appeal to retirees, including the Tyron Arts and Crafts Center and the various vineyards. Tryon also offers abundant outdoor and recreational activities with nearby natural reserves and parks, such as the famed Blue Ridge Mountains.
So what are YOUR thoughts on the matter? Would you consider living out your golden years in Waycross? Don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments section below.
And if you found this article interesting, I highly recommend also reading: Want to Retire on a Cruise Ship? Here Are 7 Important Pros and Cons
