This Lesser-known Beach Destination Is One of the Best Places to Retire in the U.S. for Its Cost of Living, Tax Perks, and 32 Miles of Coastline
Located near the Alabama-Florida border, Orange Beach offers a low cost of living and a laidback lifestyle.
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Aerial view of Ono Island in Orange Beach, AlabamaAhh, the sweet sound of the word "retirement." It's lovely, isn't it? But deciding where exactly to enjoy your golden years can be tough. Thankfully, our friends at Investopedia and Southern Living have you covered.
For the second year in a row, the two publications partnered to identify the best places to retire in the American South. As Investopedia editor-in-chief, Caleb Silver reported in Southern Living, the list was created by evaluating "economic and livability metrics using data on housing prices, median income levels, and proximity to recreation and cultural activities ... We interviewed locals, depended on the experience of Southern Living editors, and looked for spots where the quality of life is high."
Ten locations across the South made the list for being the best places to retire, but we think you should know more about one destination in particular: Orange Beach, Alabama.
"Orange Beach shares the same dolphin-filled, clear blue waters but at a more affordable price than its better-known Gulf Coast neighbors," Southern Living reported. It's also worth noting that there's 32 miles of white sand that stretch between Orange Beach and the bordering town of Gulf Shores, Alabama. So, there will be plenty of space and coastal-related activities for every retiree (and their visiting families) to do.
The estimated median monthly housing cost of Orange Beach is just $1,279. That means residents can spend less on housing and more on all the fun that the town — and surrounding areas — have to offer. For example, they could plan an afternoon at the dining, shopping, and entertainment district, The Wharf, or explore one of many nearby parks, such as Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge. And, as gulfshores.com notes, there's plenty to do on a rainy day, too. Locals could catch a film at the town's massive movie theater, AMC Classic Wharf 15, or take a class at the Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach.
If you do choose to retire to Orange Beach, you'll be in good company. The estimated median age of the city is 51.6 years old, and nearly 30 percent of the city's residents are 65 or older. And here's the best news of all: Alabama doesn't tax Social Security benefits.
"Our slogan is 'Life is better here,' and it truly is," Annette Mitchell, an Orange Beach City Council member, said in a statement to Southern Living.
Of course, there are nine other spots on the list to consider, including longtime favorites for retirees such as Fredericksburg, Texas, and Hot Springs, Arkansas. However, if long walks along the water are essential to your retirement vision, there are a few other Southern coastal towns to keep in mind including Englewood, Florida; Vero Beach, Florida; and North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
