13. Knoxville, Tennessee
| Avg. 1BR Rent ~$970/mo |
SS Covers Rent? ✅ Yes |
SS Tax? No SS Tax |
State 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.
We live in Las Vegas and need a place that includes utilities and cable. Me and my husband make $38,000 a year and now pay $1000 a month just making it. We need to be out of here by January 2027.
I don’t believe you’ll find any place that pays for cable. Some places pay for water but not gas and electric.
Is Mazatlan Mexico a good option???
I’m in Lakeport Ca I can’t recommend it if you rent good luck finding a good honest landlord. Gas is expensive 5.79 a gallon. Not much to do and some people are strange just like most places I guess. I’m trying to get out asap but where? Please advise 🙏.
I can’t even read the article! All I see are a bunch of ads and links that go to more ads. I see Toledo and that’s it. So where’s the other 24?!
Thank u for this list. I am 59 and want to retire at 62. Can you please send me an updated list in 2 years? Thank you!
Idaho, western states?
You don’t need cable. Just get WI-FI and you can buy a Super Box for about $300.00. This device is capable of streaming tv regular channels, movies and sports. It seems to me that with 38000 a year minus 12000 for rent.-leaving you about 26000 for all other expenses, you should be able to make it. Unless you are gambling your $$ away!