13. Knoxville, Tennessee

Knoxville combines natural beauty, a college-town energy, and affordable rents in a package that is hard to beat in the Southeast. Average 1-bedroom rents sit around $970 per month, Tennessee does not tax Social Security income, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park — the most visited national park in the country — is less than an hour away.

The University of Tennessee gives the city a cultural vitality and energy that distinguishes it from similarly priced cities. The Old City and Market Square districts offer independent restaurants, live music, and walkable urban living. Healthcare is excellent, with the University of Tennessee Medical Center and Covenant Health system providing comprehensive senior care across the region.

Knoxville’s four seasons, mountain scenery, outdoor recreation, and sub-$1,000 rents make it one of the most compelling retirement destinations in the South for 2026. The city’s growing population of younger residents also keeps the energy lively — important for retirees who want an active, socially engaged community rather than a purely age-segregated retirement environment.