9 Cities That Offer Perks for Retirees Moving There

Whether you're in the early stages of retirement planning or already in your official golden years, you might be thinking about relocating. Many retirees want to get closer to nature or have a more relaxed (or more active) lifestyle. And with Social Security benefits averaging around $2,000 per month, you might be concerned about stretching your retirement budget.

You've probably heard of places offering incentives to help people make the move. Towns and cities aim to attract new residents to boost their local economies or revitalize their communities.

Check out these nine affordable United States locations, which offer cash offers, tax breaks, and other perks that aren't just for young people.

Editor's note: All average rent prices are provided by Apartments.com, and all home prices by Zillow.com.

Average rent: $934

Average home value: $328,351

If you dream of living near water, St. Joseph could be your perfect home. This charming Lake Michigan beach town offers a lot, including art galleries and museums, wineries, and the picturesque lighthouse pier. Eligible remote workers can get up to $15,000 toward a home purchase from the Move to Michigan program.

The cost of living is 4% lower than the national average, and quality health care is nearby — and so is the beach.

Average rent: $895

Average home value: $194,011

Situated on the banks of the Ohio River, Paducah is a UNESCO Creative City known for its arts and crafts, historic, walkable downtown, and gorgeous riverfront. Through MakeMyMove, eligible newcomers can take advantage of relocation perks up to $6,500, including paid moving expenses, and an Arts & Culture Welcome Package that includes free tickets and passes.

Paducah's cost of living is 16% below average, and you'll have reliable health care options as you settle into small-town life.

Average rent: $895

Average home value: $212,641

Tulsa welcomes you with an exciting arts scene, historic neighborhoods, and a revitalized downtown. The Tulsa Remote program offers $10,000 to eligible remote workers, making it easier to settle in and enjoy the low cost of living. Do you love music, museums, a wonderful zoo, and riverfront walks? You'll find it all here.

There's always something interesting to do in Tulsa. And with major health care centers in town, you're well covered for retirement.

Average rent: $874

Average home value: $273,558

If you move to "Almost Heaven," you may be eligible to receive $12,000 via the Ascend West Virginia program. Relocation support for remote workers can make a significant difference, especially if you're the outdoorsy type. Go hiking or kayaking, stroll the riverside Caperton Trail, or enjoy the Wharf District and revitalized downtown.

The cost of living here is 19% below the national average, and with local health care through WVU Medicine, Morgantown might be an excellent choice.

Average rent: $880

Average home value: $195,015

Texarkana straddles the Texas-Arkansas border, just north of Louisiana. It's a charming town that offers $5,000 in relocation assistance, plus other incentives totaling $18,900, depending on eligibility. You'll enjoy museums like the Four States Auto Museum, the theater, Spring Lake Park, and much more.

Texas has no state income tax, and Arkansas residents in Texarkana are exempt from the state's income tax. The cost of living is 20% below the national average, and with solid health care in town, Texarkana might be a good fit.

Average rent: $862

Average home value: $213,787

In the "Land of 10,000 Lakes," Bemidji combines outdoor living with artsy, small‑town charm. With the 218 Relocate program, eligible remote workers can receive up to $2,500 in relocation assistance, including high-speed internet. At Lake Bemidji, you can swim, canoe, fish, or just relax and enjoy the annual Dragon Boat Festival. You'll also find music, the arts, entertainment, and a wide variety of restaurants and cafes.

The low cost of living and robust health care make Bemidji an attractive option.

Average rent: $855

Average home value: $194,562

This lovely small city, situated along the Ohio River, offers big-city amenities, including a thriving arts, entertainment, and food scene, as well as historic districts and riverfront trails. In partnership with MakeMyMove, Evansville offers up to $7,500 in incentives to eligible remote workers. You'll receive free passes for museums, the zoo, and the botanic garden, plus tickets for the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra and more.

With several medical systems serving the region and the low cost of living, Evansville might be your new home.

Average rent: $834

Average home value: $198,024

Newton is perfect if you're looking for midwestern small-town charm. MakeMyMove and the 806 Housing Initiative offer eligible newcomers up to $10,000 toward the purchase of a new home. You'll also get a welcome package worth up to $2,500. Newton's Downtown Historic District is walkable and features shops and boutiques, restaurants, and parks, and you'll have seven golf courses nearby. Des Moines is only 30 minutes away.

Comprehensive health care is conveniently local, and the cost of living is 19% below the national average.

Average rent: $796

Average home value: $148,262

Muncie is a laid-back, affordable place with a lively college-town vibe, thanks to nearby Ball State University. Through MakeMyMove, eligible remote workers can qualify for relocation incentives of up to $6,500 to help cover moving costs. The city offers a historic downtown and plenty to enjoy, including local shops, sports, a six-mile park along the White River, and cultural events.

IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital serves the town and region, and the cost of living is 14% below the national average.

If you're thinking about finding a new place to call home for a stress-free retirement, these incentive‑friendly cities give you a head start. With generous packages, reliable health care, and a low cost of living, one of these towns might be what you're looking for.

Keep in mind that these aren't the only towns and cities offering incentives. Many communities are offering relocation perks for remote workers, and according to MakeMyMove, close to 5,000 households have moved with the help of these programs since 2019.

So, if you're ready to downsize or embrace a new lifestyle, you've got options and real incentives to make the move work.