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If you're planning your retirement, you've probably already made a list of popular cities and towns to explore. But not every great retirement spot is popular. Odds are, you've glossed over pretty great options that'll have your retirement checks stretching for longer.
Below, we look at underrated retirement spots that some retirees are realizing offer an excellent balance of affordability and comfort compared to other well-known spots.
Editor's note: All housing data and COL data come from Apartments.com, Realtor.com, Zillow, and the United States Census Bureau, unless otherwise noted.
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Clemson, South Carolina
Median rent: $1,200
Median home price: $390,293
Clemson's housing market gives you reasonable options. It's more affordable than popular retirement destinations in SC, such as Hilton Head Island and Charleston, where median home prices and rent are nearly double the price.
Clemson also has a temperate climate with warm summers and mild winters, which is great for outdoor activities. This quintessential, top-ranked college town is a hidden gem for retirees who enjoy a pedestrian-friendly downtown filled with shops and eateries.
Ocean Shores, Washington
Median rent: $1,244
Median home price: $333,675
If you love water, Ocean Shores might be the place for you. Directly bordering water bodies such as the Pacific Ocean, this coastal town offers access to leisure activities like fishing.
While Ocean Shores is on the costly side, it's more affordable than other hotspots in Washington, such as Olympia. Olympia's median home price and median rent are $570,000 and $2,000, respectively.
Pueblo, Colorado
Median rent: $1,039
Median home price: $280,108
Located along US Highway 50, Pueblo is an excellent option if you want a retirement spot with great weather. The city receives roughly 300 days of sunshine annually, which means you can enjoy the outdoors for most of the year.
It also features two lakes and amenities such as golf courses, public pools, and trails, helping residents maintain active lifestyles. Pueblo is a more affordable alternative to the popular retirement spot Boulder, where the median home price and rent are around $900k and $2,103.
Get a protection plan on all your appliances
Did you know if your air conditioner stops working, your homeowner’s insurance won’t cover it? Same with plumbing, electrical issues, appliances, and more.
Whether or not you’re a new homeowner, a home warranty from Choice Home Warranty could pick up the slack where insurance falls short and protect you against surprise expenses. If a covered system in your home breaks, you can call their hotline 24/7 to get it repaired.
For a limited time, you can get your first month free with a Single Payment home warranty plan.
Gregory, South Dakota
Median rent: $614
Median home price: $139,900
Gregory is one of the best retirement locations for people who love small-town living. With an estimated population of 4,110 residents, it's great if you want a close-knit community after retirement. The town offers several parks and a 9-hole course, giving retirees multiple ways to connect.
It's also more affordable than its popular counterpart, Rapid City, which has a median home price of $389,900 and a median rent of $1,200.
Athens, Georgia
Median rent: $1,160
Median home price: $327,822
Also known as "The Classic City," Athens is home to the University of Georgia. This gives it a college-town vibe, ideal for retirees seeking a vibrant culture. If you love the arts and events like music festivals, it could be the place for you.
Beyond being lively, Athens is pretty affordable housing-wise, compared to hotspots like Smyrna. Smyrna's median house price is $455,000, while its median rent is $1,760.
Pella, Iowa
Median rent: $825
Median home price: $344,516
Pella has a population of 11,211, making it a great option if you're looking for a close-knit community. It also offers multiple exciting events, such as Tulip Time, which allow for socialization.
Rent is similar to other popular Iowa destinations like Cedar Rapids. However, the sense of community is hard to find anywhere else.
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Port Orange, Florida
Median rent: $1,442
Median home price: $$331,873
When people think about retiring in Florida, Palm Coast and Naples often come before Port Orange. However, Port Orange is more affordable for homebuyers. In comparison, Palm Coast's median home price is $403,000, while Naples' sits at $716,840.
Located near New Smyrna Beach and Daytona Beach, it provides coastal living without the high COL in major hubs. It also offers multiple community centers, parks, and a golf course, helping retirees socialize and stay active.
Raton, New Mexico
Median rent: $550
Median home price: $143,932
A small town surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery, Raton is one of the best yet most overlooked retirement spots for people seeking quiet comfort. It offers affordable homes, and its COL is 14% below the national average and 7% below New Mexico's.
Compared to retirement hotspot Albuquerque, whose median rent and home price are $375,950 and $1,440, Raton is significantly more affordable.
Bottom line
There's a sense of security that comes with choosing well-known hubs like Naples and Charleston for your retirement. But these locations often come with high property and rent costs and growing congestion, which can affect your quality of life.
If you're creating a retirement plan, look into the underrated spots highlighted in this list. Some can help you stretch your Social Security checks further, and others can give you a better sense of community, which is crucial post-retirement.
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