Retirement doesn’t mean you have to give up nice weather or the enjoyment of life. Yes, it’s tough to live on a fixed income, but location is everything.
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According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American household’s expenses are $78,535 a year, but depending on where you settle, having a monthly income of $2,500 can cover a comfortable pace of life. Here are five small towns where you can retire on a modest budget and soak up the beautiful weather.
1. Las Vegas, New Mexico: Affordable High-Desert Retirement With Sunny Weather
- Population: 13,000
- Cost of living: 21.5% lower than the U.S. average
- Average home value: $241,426
- Median household income: $50,585
Las Vegas, New Mexico, isn’t as flashy as the strip in Nevada, but it has something else going for it — affordability. Retirees who enjoy outdoor activities and spending time in nature can live there for about $2,333 a month, according to BestPlaces. The high-desert climate is dry and sunny, with especially beautiful weather in the spring and fall.
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2. Sebring, Florida: A Budget-Friendly Retirement Town With Year-Round Sunshine
- Population: 11,382
- Cost of living: 17% lower than the U.S. average
- Average home value: $238,872
- Median household income: $44,184
Community, year-round sunny skies and a wide range of activities are perks retirees can look forward to in Sebring. Plus, it’s wallet-friendly. You can live there for $2,300 per month, according to BestPlaces.
3. Mason City, Iowa: One of the Most Affordable Small Towns for Retirees
- Population: 27,050
- Cost of living: 26.7% lower than the U.S. average
- Average home value: $154,095
- Median household income: $64,804
Retirees on a budget can enjoy a low cost of living of around $2,133 a month, according to BestPlaces, and enjoy the town’s historic architecture, walking trails, parks and golfing. The area features long, warm summers and shorter cold winters.
4. Brownsville, Texas: Warm Weather Retirement on a Budget
- Population: 189,177
- Cost of living: 25.1% lower than the U.S. average
- Average home value: $195,993
- Median household income: $52,130
With its warm, tropical climate, proximity to South Padre Island beaches and welcoming community, Brownsville is a destination retirees are drawn to. It’s also cost-effective, with monthly expenses averaging $2,400 per month, according to BestPlaces.
5. Grenada, Mississippi: A Low-Cost Retirement Town Near the Lake
- Population: 12,375
- Cost of living: 29.2% lower than the U.S. average
- Average home value: $133,953
- Median household income: $46,303
Grenada is a peaceful small town where retirees can enjoy an affordable cost of living of about $2,000 per month, per BestPlaces. With Grenada Lake nearby, residents have easy access to camping, fishing, hiking and scenic waterfront views.
Retiring in the U.S. has been a financial strain for many, but in the right spot, it’s possible to live on $2,500 a month and still enjoy a fun lifestyle.
Editor’s note: Population and media household income figures were sourced from Data USA. Cost-of-living figures were sourced from BestPlaces, and average home values were sourced from Zillow.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 5 Small Towns With Great Weather To Retire on $2,500 a Month
