Dreaming of a cozy retreat for your retirement? While the charm of the big metropolis is undeniable, the quaint embrace of a smaller city might be calling your name. Picture a place with less hustle, less bustle, and more of the serene lifestyle you’ve been dreaming about. Smaller communities come with their own set of perks, including smoother traffic flows and a closer communion with nature, whether that’s by the seaside or nestled in the mountains.
Cue HGTV, as they recently published a list of ‘20 Best Small Towns to Retire‘, featuring places with a population cap of 100,000 residents, where the vibe is just right. Think outdoor adventures, artsy museums, foot-tapping music scenes, sports excitement, and brainy pursuits. Where can you stroll, pedal, shop, and savor good food? But that’s not all, aside from those lovely amenities, they also hunt for affordability, accessible housing, safety, top-notch healthcare, and wallet-friendly taxes. In the lineup of these finest retirement spots, Greenville, South Carolina, shines as a leading star.
Greenville, SC: Your Ideal Small Town Retirement Haven
A beloved pick from the Carolinas. Sure, it might not scream “small town,” but Greenville, South Carolina, is the star. A lush, rolling midpoint between Atlanta, Georgia, and Charlotte, North Carolina, Greenville is the embodiment of vibrant comfort.
Nestled near the Blue Ridge Mountains, Greenville boasts a more temperate and comfortable climate. The bonus? HGTV says the cost of living here won’t break the bank—music to any retiree’s ears. With hospitals at the ready, an airport that’s a breeze, and A-list musicians swinging by, Greenville’s got your back.
What’s on the menu in Greenville, you ask? Plenty! Pedal along the Swamp Rabbit Trail, get lost in the 26-acre Falls Park on the Reedy, or root for the home team at a Greenville Drive baseball game in Fluor Field. Foodie alert: Downtown Greenville dishes out culinary magic that rivals big-city vibes. Now, before you start packing, I’m not saying this is your ultimate stop, but Greenville deserves a spot on your radar. Read more about why retiring in Greenville is a good idea.
Other cities that make it to the list include:
- Iowa City, Iowa
- Lawrence, Kansas
- Roanoke, Virginia
- Carmel, Indiana
- Franklin, Tennessee
- Eagle, Idaho
- Cedar Park, Texas
- Liberty, Missouri
- Catalina Foothills, Arizona
- Charlottesville, Virginia
- Bozeman, Montana
- Burlington, Vermont
- Easton, Maryland
- Cheyenne, Wyoming
- Morgantown, West Virginia
- Richland, Washington
- Portland, Maine
- Pittsfield, Massachusetts
- Fayetteville, Arkansas