20. Spartanburg, South Carolina

Spartanburg is one of the South’s most underrated retirement destinations — affordable, growing, and well-positioned between Charlotte and Greenville in the I-85 corridor. Average 1-bedroom rents sit around $920 per month, and South Carolina does not tax Social Security income. The state also offers a generous retirement income deduction for residents 65 and older.

The city has undergone significant downtown revitalization, with the RJ Rockers Brewing Company, the Chapman Cultural Center, and the new Hub City development creating a vibrant gathering space. Croft State Park — just minutes from downtown — offers hiking, equestrian trails, and a pristine lake. Healthcare is served by Spartanburg Regional Medical Center and Mary Black Health System.

For retirees who want Southern warmth, low costs, a growing city culture, and proximity to larger metros for major medical or airport access, Spartanburg hits a sweet spot in 2026. It’s close enough to Greenville and Charlotte for day trips, but quiet and affordable enough to make everyday life genuinely comfortable on Social Security income.