12 Southern College Towns Where Retirees Can Live on $1,800 Monthly

Many people approaching retirement have dreams of warm weather, a great community, and easy living in their golden years, and many southern college towns check off most (or all) of those boxes. But to maximize your senior benefits, it's essential to consider how far your dollars will stretch in such towns, particularly if you'll be living on a fixed income.

These 12 southern college towns each have their own charm and perks, and retirees can enjoy them all on a $1,800 monthly budget.

Editor's note: Rent and median home prices come from Zillow, and cost of living data from Salary.com.

Lubbock, home to Texas Tech University, is a top choice for retirees seeking southern living in a lively, affordable, yet historically rich city. As a fun bonus, it's the birthplace of Buddy Holly.

The average rent in the city is $1,350, and the median home price is $205,775. The cost of living is generally quite affordable. For example, residents can expect to pay 5% less than the national average for food.

Whether you're a foodie, an outdoorsy type hoping to enjoy the beauty of the Mississippi River, or something of a history buff, Louisiana's capital city has a bit of something for everyone.

Baton Rouge, home to LSU, has lower-than-average housing costs, with average rent around $1,350 a month and a median home price of $224,744. Plus, transportation and health care costs are 19.2 % lower than the national average.

Clemson, home to Clemson University, sits at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and might be the ideal choice for retirees hoping for a more rural experience in their golden years.

Despite proximity to natural beauty and Clemson's lively campus, housing prices are low, with an average rent of $1,200 a month, while the median home price sits at $395,906. Clemson residents pay significantly less for food, health care, and energy compared to the national average.

Montevallo is an excellent option for those who enjoy small-town living, and it's home to the state's only public liberal arts university, the University of Montevallo.

The charming southern Alabama city is about 30 miles from Birmingham, offering proximity to big-city perks without the price tag. The average rent in Montevallo is $1,500, and the median home price is $240,959. Plus, health care and food prices are all below the national average.

There are many colleges in Louisville, home of Kentucky bourbon, the Kentucky Derby, and more, though the University of Louisville is perhaps the most well-known. The city offers a fun mix of college-town and big-city vibes while remaining affordable.

Average rent is just over $1,200 a month, and home prices average $251,300. Housing and food prices are both nearly 30% less than the national average.

In Hattiesburg, home to the University of Southern Mississippi, natural beauty, great dining options, breweries, and college sports are all in abundance.

The average home price is $215,418, and the average rent is $1,169 per month. The cost of living is about 9% below the national average.

Wichita Falls is home to a smaller university than many others on this list, Midwestern State University, but offers plenty of the same college town perks, like a lively downtown with plenty to eat, drink, and do.

Overall, the cost of living in Wichita Falls is 13% below the national average, with low housing costs a significant factor. The average home price is just $168,945, and the average rent is about $1,100 per month, also making it a great place to invest in real estate.

Florida's capital city, which is home to both Florida State University and Florida A&M University, offers a healthy mix of college sports, cultural gems, and affordability.

While the average rent in the area is $1,500 a month, home prices average $284,791, and the cost of living, from food to energy prices, is below the national average.

The average rent in Greensboro, North Carolina, home to the lively University of North Carolina at Greensboro campus, is just under $1,500 a month, and home prices average $258,030.

The cost of living is 5% below the national average, and though food prices tend to be higher in the area, energy, transportation, and health care costs are significantly lower than average.

The home of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga offers a cost of living that is about 6% below the national average, and residents can expect to pay less for food, energy, and health care.

The average rent price in the area is $1,600, while home prices average $314,828, making it an interesting city for retirees who are also looking to invest.

Home to the small, private Wheeling University, this charming West Virginia town sits along the Ohio River and offers college town living at a price that really can't be beat.

With average home prices at $147,062 and rent at $839 a month, housing is very affordable in Wheeling. The cost of living, including food and health care, is also significantly less than the national average.

Mount Olive is a top choice for retirees who want the perks of living in a college town while also enjoying the charm of small-town living. While it's known as the home of the University of Mount Olive, the town's other claim to fame is the annual North Carolina Pickle Festival.

Average rent is about $1,350 a month, while home prices average $125,618. The overall cost of living in the area is lower than the national average, with significantly lower housing costs driving that.

It may seem counterintuitive, but college towns offer unique perks for retirees looking to relocate. These towns are often surrounded by plenty of great dining and entertainment options, may offer better public transportation, and sometimes come with easy access to health care.

To set yourself up for retirement, it may be worth considering the costs and community benefits of living near a university.