Hot Springs, Arkansas, October 1, 2025
News Summary
Hot Springs, Arkansas, is an ideal destination for retirees seeking a cozy Southern lifestyle with excellent golfing opportunities. With affordable housing, vibrant communities including a significant senior population, and numerous outdoor activities such as hiking in Hot Springs National Park, it is a perfect blend of relaxation and recreation. The town also boasts multiple golf courses like Granada Golf Club, making it an exceptional choice for golf enthusiasts considering retirement.
Exploring Hot Springs, Arkansas: A Retiree’s Paradise
If you’re dreaming of retirement in a cozy Southern town, Hot Springs, Arkansas might just be your perfect match. With a population of around 38,000, about 24% of residents are aged 65 and over, making it a vibrant community for retirees. One of the best perks? Social Security benefits aren’t taxed here!
Located about 50 miles west of the capital, Little Rock, this charming town features affordable housing. As of September 2025, the average home value sits at $245,000. The area boasts nine golf courses, including the stunning Granada Golf Club. Nature lovers can bask in the beauty of 47 natural hot springs at Hot Springs National Park, with a must-see attraction being Hot Water Cascade. For those looking to immerse themselves in greenery, Garvan Woodland Gardens offers a breathtaking botanical experience. Plus, local amenities like the Hot Springs Senior Center and CHI St. Vincent Hot Springs provide vital services for residents.
Parkersburg, West Virginia: A Historic Treasure
Parkersburg, West Virginia also makes the list with approximately 30,000 residents. Home prices are around $150,000, which is quite a steal considering the state average is $170,000. This historic town is perfect for those who love a good historic narrative and offers self-paced walking tours through the Julia-Ann Square Historic Association. Golf enthusiasts can hit the links at Worthington Golf Club, while the Oil and Gas Museum highlights local history. Retirees can find support through services provided by the Wood County Senior Citizens Association and can access medical care at WVU Camden Clark Medical Center.
Colonial Heights, Virginia: A Quieter Retreat
If you’re seeking a quieter alternative to bustling Richmond, look no further than Colonial Heights, Virginia. With a population of around 18,000, this town offers a median home value of around $295,000, notably less than Virginia’s state median of $400,000. Residents enjoy nine parks across 75 acres, including White Bank Park and the Appomattox River Trail System. For social activities, the Colonial Heights Senior Center is a welcoming hub, while Bon Secours – Southside Medical Center takes care of medical needs.
Hickory, North Carolina: Where Affordability Meets Comfort
Hickory, North Carolina, with its population of approximately 43,000, boasts an affordable median home value around $290,000, compared to the state average of $335,000. Known for its mild weather year-round, Hickory is recognized by Southern Living magazine as a top affordable retirement location. Baker’s Mountain Park has six miles of walking trails, while the Hickory Furniture Mart is a popular shopping destination. The local Catawba Valley Medical Center provides healthcare services for residents.
Surfside Beach, South Carolina: Coastal Living at its Best
If a beach-town vibe speaks to you, consider Surfside Beach, South Carolina, where about 4,100 residents enjoy life just nine miles south of Myrtle Beach. Home prices average around $350,000, and the family-friendly atmosphere includes events like the Surfside Beach Farmers Market from April to October. Residents can immerse themselves in the outdoors at the Surfside Beach Fishing Pier and Fuller Park, while the South Strand Senior Center caters to socializing opportunities. Medical services are accessible at Tidelands Waccamaw Community Hospital.
Englewood, Florida: A Sunny Beach Retreat
With a lovely beach-town vibe, Englewood, Florida, home to around 20,000 residents, offers an average home price of $330,000, which is surprisingly lower than Florida’s median of $380,000. Stump Pass Beach State Park is ideal for fishing and beach relaxation. Don’t miss the Englewood Farmers Market held Thursdays from October to May, and check out the Englewood Museum for a taste of local history. The HCA Florida Englewood Hospital covers medical needs.
Dahlonega, Georgia: A Grapevine Haven
Dahlonega, Georgia, often referred to as the heart of Georgia Wine Country, has around 7,500 residents and median home values near $380,000. The area is famous for its wine-tasting rooms and community events, like the annual Old Fashioned Christmas. Dicks Creek Falls in Chattahoochee National Forest is a natural wonder you wouldn’t want to miss. The Lumpkin County Senior Center and Northeast Georgia Medical Center provide excellent local resources.
Kilmarnock, Virginia: Small-Town Charm
For those in search of a peaceful escape, Kilmarnock, Virginia has around 1,400 residents and a delightful small-town lifestyle. With an average home value of $360,000, this charming town is below the state median of $405,000. Community-oriented events like Music on the Half Shell Stage Concerts enrich local culture. Boutiques and eateries abound downtown, and the Lancaster Active Lifestyle Center provides valuable services for seniors. Residents can rely on Bon Secours Rappahannock General Hospital for healthcare.
Frankfort, Kentucky: The Capital with Character
Frankfort, Kentucky, the state capital with a charming population of about 28,600, has median home prices around $240,000. The area is known for its numerous bourbon distilleries and rich culture, with attractions like Kentucky’s Old State House. The Capital City Activity Center offers opportunities for seniors, while Frankfort Regional Medical Center serves locals with healthcare.
Jonesborough, Tennessee: History and Nature Combined
Considered Tennessee’s oldest town, Jonesborough has a population of roughly 5,800. Median home values are around $330,000, which is right at the state average. Tennessee has the added bonus of not taxing Social Security and retirement income. Enjoy scenic walks along the historic Main Street and visit the Chester Inn Museum for local history. For hiking and biking, outdoor enthusiasts can head to Persimmon Ridge Park, with Johnson City Medical Center just six miles away for healthcare.
Biloxi, Mississippi: Coastline and Culture
Lastly, Biloxi, Mississippi, with its 49,000 residents, sits beautifully on the Gulf Coast. Median home values here are around $225,000, making it an attractive option for retirees. Renowned for the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art and the Biloxi Lighthouse, this town also boasts a vibrant theater scene with the Biloxi Little Theatre. Services like Harrison County East Biloxi Senior Center support the senior community, and residents can rely on Memorial Hospital Biloxi for their medical needs.
If you’re considering retirement, the Southern United States delivers sun-soaked towns that are not only affordable but brimming with community spirit. Whether you’re looking for the beach, mountains, or rich history, there’s a lovely Southern town waiting to welcome you home.
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Additional Resources
- World Atlas: 11 Best Towns in the Southern United States for Retirees
- Wikipedia: Retirement in the United States
- Kiplinger: Best Places to Retire in the US
- Google Search: Best places to retire
- Reader’s Digest: Best Place to Retire in the South
- Google Scholar: Retirement in the South
- CNBC: Worst US States to Retire
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Retirement in the US
- GoBankingRates: Best Places in the South to Retire with 500k in Savings
- Google News: Retirement Locations
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
