My sister is planning on relocating after her youngest finishes college, and most likely wants two areas depending on the time of year. She travels extensively, but when he starts college she’s planning on going the VRBO route and spend 4 - 6 weeks in different locations (currently in a large Chicago suburb but lived in Chicago for many years). She feels she doesn’t get a real sense of an area in just a week or so.
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I think it makes good sense to live for an extended period in wherever folks are considering relocating (particularly in the “bad” weather seasons), just to see how well they would live as a ‘local.’ I’ve read of many folks who uproot and move away only to move back because the other place didn’t truly have greener grass. So much to consider in a new location—friendliness, food, medical, transportation, traffic, ease of loved ones to visit, and on the list goes.
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New Orleans is a very walkable city with good public transportation. I’m not sure it’s exactly a retirement destination.
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That’s exactly what we did a few years before we moved. We came out here in January and February and rented VRBO in two different areas (Airbnb was still couches and spare rooms and such). We took a detailed look at the real estate market all over, which helped us narrow down our choices when we started looking for real.
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When I was thinking we should spend 6-12 weeks in various locations to check them out, I found a rental company where everything was done through them and then you just picked your locations (no having to fill out new paperwork and agreements for each new location). Now I can’t remember what it was called and can’t find it in any type of search. Basically, all of the units were turn key and they didn’t require a lot of notice for move in and move out which was great in case you wanted to stay longer or got somewhere and knew right away you didn’t want to stay as long as you thought you would. From what I could gather, most units were in condos and residential hotels and seemed to have been bought by this company rather than being just a matching service like AirBnB.
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This thread has been an absolute treasure trove of helpful ideas, insights, and suggestions. I’m recording all of them for further research.
I appreciate the follow-up questions on additional criteria for ‘second stage’ – beyond walkability.
My wish list is long (and while unlikely to find all - why not try? 
):
- mix of ages, 2) access to good quality healthcare, 3) access to public transportation and not too far from airport, 4) not bitterly cold weather (although could finesse a bit with two month annual rental in warmer climate), 5) some proximity to cultural events, 6) not super high taxes/cost of living, 7) ability to get a small house or townhouse for under $500k.
That last budget factor may have blown apart a lot of the (very kind) suggestions upthread. Husband is very into building (cars & almost everything else) - so wants space for that. And he wants warmer weather. I’d probably be happy in a condo if it were just me.
I’m committed to visiting and traveling to various places first - so thanks again for the amazing suggestions.
I’m first checking out that AZ community mentioned - since will be heading there soon to see Culdesac.
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Some planned communities have CC&Rs prohibiting certain activities like working on cars in driveways or parking outside one’s garage. Make sure you know the rules before committing to a place or even seriously considering it.
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Well my town is out based on cost. You might check Mt Juliet. It’s close to the Nashville airport. And not far from downtown so culture.
Not sure about walkability. You might find some small there under $500k.
Myrtle Beach is inexpensive. Lots of flights and golf. Not sure about walkability.
Sadly $500k will be limiting. Society has gone nuts cost wise.
Good luck.
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You could buy a townhouse in Staten Island (NYC) for $500k. Because of anomalies in the system, real estate taxes in NYC for 1-3-family houses are very low. Amazing bus network and limited Staten Island Railroad, and of course there’s the ferry to Manhattan. Very very diverse which was not the case 30 years ago. University hospital, several colleges, beautiful parks and your husband could fix cars in the driveway–no problem.
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Here are 33 properties in Franklin Tennessee offered below $500k. There are also several that could come in below although ask is slightly above.
And some recent sales…
Median sale price by bedrooms in Franklin so lots of 1 and 2 bedroom options and likely some 3 bedrooms that need work.
- 1 bedroom: $257,500 in January 2025
- 2 bedrooms: $480,000 in January 2025
- 3 bedrooms: $684,900 in January 2025
- 4 bedrooms: $1,000,000 in January 2025
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Good point, Bunsen, about the limits on building, etc. - worth keeping in mind.
Yeah budget is small by CC standards I think! Prefer to have no debt in retirement and extra money for helping kids, renovations, travel, paying for any health emergencies, etc.
I’m just kind of done with having so much money/time devoted to our largish suburban house in medium-high cost of living area on the east coast. Great when raising kids but want house itself to be less.
Of course that cuts out gorgeous places like CA but I’ll keep looking!
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What about Murfreesboro TN? We have friends who live there and love it.
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Sorry, most of my state would not work with price of $500k. List sounds reasonable.
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Not walkable. And even in my town, only certain places have walkability - and they either won’t fit budget or wouldn’t be in a place someone would feel safe - although that is in the eye of the beholder.
Murfreesboro just got Costco. No doubt Trader Joe’s at some point. So likely a good place for appreciation. Schools aren’t as strong. Wont have culture and long drives to the airport if at rush hour.
But mt Juliet and maybe Lebanon might work. I don’t think walkable tho.
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I asked ChatGPT for you Not sure if this helps but here are some options.
Southeast (Lower Taxes & Mild Winters)
- Greenville, SC – Beautiful, vibrant downtown, strong healthcare (Prisma Health), reasonable home prices, and access to GSP Airport. Cultural events include theaters, festivals, and a great restaurant scene.
- Knoxville, TN – No state income tax, affordable homes, UT Medical Center, and a growing arts/music scene. Proximity to the Smoky Mountains adds outdoor appeal.
- Huntsville, AL – Booming economy, top-tier medical care (Huntsville Hospital), affordable housing, and mild winters. Tech-driven city with strong cultural growth.
Texas (Warm, No State Income Tax)
4. San Antonio, TX – Rich history, world-class healthcare (Methodist Hospital, UT Health), strong cultural scene (Theater, Riverwalk), and affordable homes under $500K.
5. New Braunfels, TX – Between Austin and San Antonio, growing arts scene, great medical facilities, and a charming downtown with festivals and events.
6. Georgetown, TX – A suburb of Austin with strong healthcare (St. David’s Medical Center), vibrant downtown, and affordable townhouses under $500K.
Southwest (Mild Climate & Cultural Access)
7. Tucson, AZ – Warm, affordable, access to world-class healthcare (Banner Health, UArizona Medical), great arts and culture, and lots of outdoor activities.
8. Las Cruces, NM – Lower taxes, great healthcare (Memorial Medical Center), a charming historic downtown, and proximity to El Paso International Airport.
9. Mesa, AZ – Close to Phoenix but more affordable, excellent medical care, public transportation access, and warm weather year-round.
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Even double the budget would eliminate my area. Maybe East County, but that’s a whole ‘nuther demographic.
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You can get a home in many college towns in the Midwest for $500k and have money left to buy the warmest parka and boots on the planet. 
Towns would often be walkable, have cultural events, excellent health care and if you’re smart, a Great Lake to enjoy spring, summer, fall!
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My parents lived outside of Knoxville TN in retirement. There are plenty of communities in the area which have lots of out of state residents. My parents made lots of friends and have a very good quality of life. Mom’s community is now becoming “younger” as more and more retirees move in.
It was very nice. Knoxville has good medical facilities, no state income tax, property taxes were very low. They do have a high sales tax but is a pretty inexpensive place to live. No hurricanes. Mom’s insurance rates were low.
It is not very walkable. My mom found things harder as the political climate has changed but that’s almost everywhere.
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One thing to think about when looking for a warm walkable location you have to think about what the weather is like in July & August and how walkable it will be when it is 105 degrees with some humidity.
Where I grew up you didn’t want to be outside after 10AM in July & August just too hot. I can remember working the softball fields as a teenager and we would start at 6AM to get done by 10:30AM before we melted.
In my opinion there are only a handful of places in the US where the weather is truly pleasant year round. Sadly most of those are expensive. I am thinking San Diego for one.
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Good point. We solved this problem by having two places, so we live in a temperate climate year-round, but that doesn’t work for everyone. OTOH, people keep moving to AZ. They hibernate during those hot months like others hibernate from the snow. The difference is you don’t shovel sunshine, and many consider that a gain. But I have always hated the heat and never acclimated.
You can still find nice homes in the Phoenix metro area for $500K or less, same in the Augusta, GA area where our son used to live, but not very walkable and same heat issue (with humidity).
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