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11 Mid-Sized Towns Realtors Swear Are About To Be Retirement Hotspots

Who doesn’t dream of moving to a place with all of the amenities and features you can dream of in retirement?

By Cat Lafuente

Edited by Lauren Wellbank

Updated Jan. 26, 2025

Conventional financial wisdom tells us that one of the smartest ways to build wealth is to buy a home. All the better if you can do so in an up-and-coming retirement hotspot where property values are poised to rise.

Given that moving to a retirement hotspot is a goal for many retirees — sometimes for warmer weather, a supportive and like-minded community, a lower cost of living, or maybe even all of the above — you’ll want to keep these destinations on your radar as you look for the perfect place to spend your golden years.

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Beaufort, South Carolina

If island life is calling you in retirement, look no further than Beaufort, explains real estate agent Joy Aumann, founder of LuxurySoCalRealty in La Jolla.

“Beaufort, South Carolina has a peaceful, slower pace without being too far from essentials,” she says. “Its waterfront setting and proximity to Charleston strike the right balance between tranquility and convenience.”

Moss covered trees and lowcountry vibes await in this bucolic town of 14,000. “The historic homes, quiet streets, and welcoming community events make it feel like home for many retirees,” Aumann continues.

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Las Cruces, New Mexico

Sunny Las Cruces is where real estate agent Kenneth Yim, broker of record and managing partner at Owncondo in Toronto, helped his aunt buy her retirement home.

“After 30 years in real estate, I've never seen so much value for your money,” he says. “She grabbed a stunning three-bedroom with mountain views for $284,000!”

On top of that, Yim sees the community as fuel for the hotspot fire. “What really got me were the farmers' markets, where we watched a local chile roasting and ended up staying for hours chatting with the friendliest people,” he adds.

Richmond, Virginia

Richmond is poised to become a retirement oasis, as noted by real estate agent Nadia Khan, founder of Nadia Khan Estates in Mclean, Virginia.

“It's a cute town situated near famous hiking spots and renowned wineries,” she says. “Richmond offers walkability to restaurants, shops, theaters, and concert venues, all with a mom-and-pop artsy culture.”

There’s very practical perks to living here as well. “Richmond is more affordable than the DMV region but only a close trip for those who want to be close to a major city,” Khan continues, of the area that includes Washington D.C., Northern Virginia, and Maryland.

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La Quinta, California

Warm weather and excellent healthcare access aren’t all that makes La Quinta so attractive, shares real estate investor Holden Andrews, founder of Helpful Home Group in Southern California.

“I think this is going to be a hot spot because of its proximity to Los Angeles while having a lower cost of living,” he says.

There’s no shortage of activities, either. “There is also an already established community of older adults with a vibrant pickleball and golf scene, so it is easy for the retirees to stay active,” Andrews continues.

Maryville, Tennessee

This Tennessee gem is poised to become a retiree magnet, notes real estate agent Alexei Morgado, CEO and founder at Lexawise Real Estate Exam Preparation.

“It's close to the Smoky Mountains, and at a median home price of $385,234, relatively affordable in the context of national housing market rates,” he says. “Tennessee doesn't have a state income tax and its property taxes are low.”

On top of the financial advantages, Marysville has the right vibe, says Morgado. “The town has a mild climate, several parks, and cultural opportunities that make it a particularly pleasant place to live,” he adds.

Sandy Springs, Georgia

Home to the The Dorothy C. Benson Senior Multipurpose Complex, this city of just over 100,000 offers retirees a suburban vibe, explains Aumann.

“It’s close to Atlanta’s resources while offering the peace of a smaller town,” she says.

As for Sandy Springs' most famous asset? “The Chattahoochee River provides plenty of opportunities for hiking and kayaking, which makes it great for retirees who love staying active,” Aumann adds.

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Pensacola, Florida

“Pensacola, Florida is a great affordable beach town for someone looking to retire in Florida but on a budget,” says real estate agent Ryan Dossey, co-founder of SoldFast, a real estate brokerage. “Housing is 25% cheaper than the national average.”

Pensacola’s panhandle location means no sweltering South Florida summer, adds Dossey.

“My wife and I personally lived there for three years and we enjoyed the incredible restaurants, beautiful beaches, and great hospital systems," he says.

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

Once an industrial steel town, Bethlehem has come into its own, shares Yim.

“The town shines with excellent healthcare, a vibrant arts district anchored by Lehigh University, and four gentle seasons perfect for active retirees who enjoy both indoor and outdoor activities year-round,” he says.

The good stuff just keeps going, too. “Its median home price of $322,000 offers incredible value compared to nearby Philadelphia or New York,” Yim continues.

Port Charlotte, Florida

Port Charlotte is the perfect mix of calm and bustling, as noted by Aumann.

“With easy access to boating, fishing, and kayaking along the Gulf Coast, it’s perfect for staying active in Florida’s warm weather,” she says.

Port Charlotte has advantages over its neighbors, too. “Homes are more affordable here compared to other coastal areas, making it easier to enjoy a great quality of life without overspending,” Aumann continues.

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Sun City Center, Florida

“This 55+ community has a median home price of $300,159, down 4.5% from last year, which makes it quite opportune for buyers,” says Morgado. “Amenities include golf courses, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and several clubs to keep its residents busy.”

Should you need services and amenities from a larger city, Tampa is just a stone’s throw away, adds Morgado.

Eureka Springs, Arkansas

You may feel as though you’ve stepped back in time when you arrive at this historic town, explains Aumann.

“Eureka Springs is a hidden gem for retirees who value charm and affordability,” she says. “Nestled in the Ozarks, its Victorian architecture and thriving arts scene give it a unique vibe, making it a budget-friendly yet fulfilling place to settle down.”

Bottom line

Moving to a mid-sized town can lower your financial stress, especially if you’re relocating from a large, expensive city for retirement. It also offers perks harder to find in huge metropolitan areas, like abundant green space and close-knit communities.

Even if these towns don’t have everything you need right then and there, they’re all close to big cities that certainly will, giving you the best of both worlds.

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