Want to live your golden years in the South? Travel + Leisure's retirement picks

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Post published:January 6, 2026
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Jan. 6, 2026, 2:21 p.m. ET

When you’re young, the word “retirement” paints a picture that many have imagined at some point. It is also one that holds less weight when your life has only just begun.

Sitting on the beach, watching the sunset with your loved one at your side, is an image that is all too familiar. Combine that with warm weather year-round, and it may seem like you have the ideal retirement all mapped out in your mind.

If you are on the verge of retiring and are thinking of flocking to the South to escape the bitter cold and snow, know that other reasons besides good weather make the region worth spending your golden years in.

“A great retirement destination balances affordability, comfort, and long-term support. Access to quality health care, including hospitals and Medicare-friendly providers, is essential. A mild climate allows for year-round outdoor activity, while low crime rates and a strong sense of safety promote peace of mind,” Leah Robinson-Christian, an associate broker at Engel & Volkers Atlanta, told Travel + Leisure.

Here’s what southern destinations check off all the boxes when it comes to meeting the needs of retirees, including two areas in the Palmetto State.

This historic town gives retirees more for their buck

Lexington, located near the state capital of Columbia, may be the small-town charm you’ve been looking for if you like the idea of living in South Carolina, where Social Security benefits are not taxed. Deductions on other forms of retirement income are also offered in the state.

Since Lexington is more affordable, retirees will have more money to save or spend ― whichever floats your sailboat.

“With average home prices in the mid-$300,000s, Lexington is a great place to retire,” Jennifer Beeston, executive vice president at Rate, told Travel + Leisure. “It has the perfect retiree combo of warm weather, low cost of living, and Lake Murray,” which she described as a fisherman’s “dream.”

Experience all four seasons in South Carolina’s gem city

Upstate residents often joke that you never know what weather you’ll get living in the region. While it’s true that those who live here experience spring, summer, and autumn, the winter season is brisk and mild, giving snowbirds relief whenever the season’s chill draws near.