13 Affordable Southern Cities Perfect for Snowbirds on a Limited Budget

Sunny skies and warmer weather are a dream for many retirees looking to start their next chapter. But desirable Southern cities often come with undesirable costs of living.

The more popular a destination is for the snowbird set, the more costs skyrocket. But that doesn't mean you have to give up your ambitions of playing golf year-round or enjoying your garden even in the midst of winter. You just have to pick the right locales for your budget, and that means paying close attention to the cost of living.

Luckily, FinanceBuzz did the research for you. Want to kick off your retirement with a smart homeowner decision? Our team analyzed 180 different cities to find the best spots for snowbirds. Here are the 15 affordable Southern locales where you can live the snowbird lifestyle on a budget.

Cost of living score: 76.9

Texarkana, as its name would imply, straddles two states: Texas and Arkansas. This affordable region is known for its access to transportation and access to interstates, which is perfect if you plan on spending your retirement road tripping across the South. It's also known for robust health care, something that is top of mind for many retirees.

While Texas has a reputation for being stinkin' hot, you won't find the extreme temperatures in Texarkana. Even in January, the average temperature is only 45 degrees, according to the FinanceBuzz study.

Plus, you'll find an affordable median monthly mortgage of $1,379 here, as well as a median monthly rent of $939.

Cost of living score: 74.7

When you're looking for a more laid-back way of life, rural Lawton could be your ticket to the South. This town is a favorite of those looking for access to the outdoors, parks, and an area rich in Native American history.

The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge spans 59,000 acres, while Lake Ellsworth, Lake Lawtonka, and Lake Elmer Thomas offer access to recreational activities on the water. There's also a VA hospital for vets.

Curious about housing? The median monthly mortgage cost is $1,485, while the median monthly rent will only run you $1,001.

Cost of living score: 79.6

Florence is loaded with small-town charm. There's a bustling downtown with restaurants, shopping, and vibrant artisans, plus, you'll find museums that hit way above its weight. Want to explore the outdoors? The Pee Dee region is full of opportunities to golf or get out on the water at Lynches River County Park. In fact, according to the FinanceBuzz study, there are nine golf courses per 100,000 people.

You'll pay a median monthly mortgage cost of $1,348 in Florence, and, if you decide to rent, that will run you about $1,023 monthly.

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Cost of living score: 72.7

Albany is rich in history and culture, which is a main attraction for those looking to settle down in an area where they can dive into the community. From civil rights history to arts and cultural institutions, you'll find an incredible range here.

How much will it cost you to live here? Albany's median monthly mortgage comes in at $1,356, and its median monthly rent is $975.

Like much of the South, Albany has short winters, and in January, the coldest month, temperatures only reach an average of 49 degrees.

Cost of living score: 73.6

Dive into desert cowboy culture in Amarillo, where you'll get the best of the Southwest, along with quintessentially Texas appeal. There's barbecue and ranching, plus wide open plains.

There's also a strong economy for those still looking to work. Amarillo's housing costs do come in a bit higher than other cities, despite its low cost of living score. The median monthly mortgage cost is $1,778, and the median monthly rent is $1,097.

Summer in Amarillo is sunny and hot, so if you like to see blue skies, this is your place. But buckle in for winter — it's short but cold. Average temperatures in February are 39 degrees.

Cost of living score: 76.1

Love music and food? You'll have plenty of time to enjoy both if you spend your golden years in Jackson. This city is known for soul music and soul food, making it a favorite of those hoping for a vibrant retirement.

Move to Mississippi, and your median monthly mortgage payment could be $1,526, while your median monthly rent might be $1,100.

Plus, Mississippi is no stranger to long, hot, muggy summers, and Jackson stays true to that reputation. But even in January, the average temperature is only 47 degrees.

Cost of living score: 76.3

Southern music is alive in Macon, where you'll find the Allman Brothers Band Museum, the Capricorn Sound Studios and Museum, and the Douglass Theatre. This charming town is straight out of a movie, which is why so many movies have been filmed here.

Plus, in Macon, you can get that perfect Southern town experience without a high price tag. The median monthly mortgage payment is $1,567, while the median monthly rent is $1,104.

You'll have lovely early spring and late fall weather in Macon, and winter temperatures are mild, though the summers are every bit as hot and humid as you'd expect in Georgia.

Cost of living score: 77.4

Warm weather year-round (even in January, temperatures only reach an average of 49 degrees) means you can get outside almost anytime of the year in this town known for its outdoor recreation. This is where you can have an adventurous retirement, working on your kayaking skills on the Pinebelt Blueways or biking along the Longleaf Trace.

Plus, you'll have money leftover for new gear, considering the median monthly mortgage cost in Hattiesburg is just $1,504, and the median monthly rent is $1,096.

Get used to sweating if you move to Hattiesburg. Muggy, hot weather from spring through fall is the standard this far south.

Cost of living score: 77.7

Plan on spending an occasional evening at the casino when you settle down in your golden years? Shreveport is known for its riverfront casinos, and if you win big, you can take that money right to some of the area's best restaurants. The FinanceBuzz data reveals that there are almost 197 restaurants per 100,000 people.

The median monthly mortgage payment in Shreveport is $1,471, while the median monthly rent payment is only $990. Wet, short winters and long, hot summers are what you should expect when you look at moving to Shreveport.

Cost of living score: 79

As the capital city of Alabama, Montgomery is a larger city than other affordable Southern locations. From a minor league baseball team to museums and cultural institutions to sites honoring the civil rights movement, there are places for enrichment or volunteering. It's also a city with economic opportunity, perfect for those looking to start their second act in retirement.

In Montgomery, the median monthly mortgage payment is $1,460, and the median monthly rent is $1,141. Like the rest of its neighbors, Montgomery has bearable winters and summers that stretch their humid days in both directions towards spring and fall. The average January temperature only drops to 47 degrees.

Cost of living score: 79.2

While Sumter has the benefits of a mid-sized city, it's not lacking in small-town charm. You'll find great southern food, unique shopping, and culture highlights like the Opera House. There's also the famed Swan Lake Iris Gardens that show off the area's natural beauty.

In terms of affordability, Sumter has a median monthly mortgage payment of $1,253 and a median monthly rent of $1,110.

You won't often get extreme temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, but Sumter gets its fair share of heat. Spring and fall are short here, and the average temperature in January is 45 degrees.

Cost of living score: 80

While it has a great location along the Savannah River, Augusta's claim to fame is, of course, the Masters. This tournament is held annually in April, which is one of the prettiest times of year in the state, just before the extreme summer heat sets in.

According to FinanceBuzz, the median monthly mortgage payment in Augusta is $1,669, and the median monthly rent is $1,243. Add in renting your house out to golf enthusiasts during that busy April week, and you could bring that cost down to practically zero in a jiffy.

Cost of living score: 79.4

In the North Alabama town of Gadsden, you'll find incredible natural beauty, including proximity to Lookout Mountain and Noccalula Falls. These incredible vistas are accompanied by a vibrant arts and cultural scene. This is where you should move if you want small-town charm, a bustling downtown, an active outdoor lifestyle, and access to the arts.

Plus, you'll have room in your budget to take advantage of all of these opportunities, with median monthly mortgage costs of $1,390 and median monthly rent rates of just $834.

However, pay attention to the weather. This is one place in the South where it gets colder. Because of its location in the mountains, the average temperature in January drops to 41.

Moving to a city or town with a high cost of living or neglecting to do your full research before making a move is one of the surprising retirement mistakes that too many people make.

Consider all factors — cost of living, housing, weather, access to activities — and make an informed decision. That way, you'll move once and find your forever hometown on the first try.