If you’re planning your
retirement, you’ve probably already made a list of popular cities and towns
to explore. But not every great retirement spot is popular. Odds are, you’ve
glossed over pretty great options that’ll have your retirement checks stretching
for longer.

Below, we look at underrated retirement spots that some retirees are realizing
offer an excellent balance of affordability and comfort compared to other
well-known spots.

Editor’s note: All housing data and COL data come from
Apartments.com, Realtor.com, Zillow, and the United States Census Bureau, unless
otherwise noted.

Clemson, South Carolina

Median rent: $1,200

Median home price: $390,293

Clemson’s housing market gives you reasonable options. It’s more affordable than
popular retirement destinations in SC, such as Hilton Head Island and
Charleston, where median home prices and rent are nearly double the price.

Clemson also has a temperate climate with warm summers and mild winters, which
is great for outdoor activities. This quintessential, top-ranked college town is
a hidden gem for retirees who enjoy a pedestrian-friendly downtown filled with
shops and eateries.

Ocean Shores, Washington

Median rent: $1,244

Median home price: $333,675

If you love water, Ocean Shores might be the place for you. Directly bordering
water bodies such as the Pacific Ocean, this coastal town offers access to
leisure activities like fishing.

While Ocean Shores is on the costly side, it’s more affordable than other
hotspots in Washington, such as Olympia. Olympia’s median home price and median
rent are $570,000 and $2,000, respectively.

Pueblo, Colorado

Median rent: $1,039

Median home price: $280,108

Located along US Highway 50, Pueblo is an excellent option if you want a
retirement spot with great weather. The city receives roughly 300 days of
sunshine annually, which means you can enjoy the outdoors for most of the year.

It also features two lakes and amenities such as golf courses, public pools, and
trails, helping residents maintain active lifestyles. Pueblo is a more
affordable alternative to the popular retirement spot Boulder, where the median
home price and rent are around $900k and $2,103.

Gregory, South Dakota

Median rent: $614

Median home price: $139,900

Gregory is one of the best retirement locations for people who love small-town
living. With an estimated population of 4,110 residents, it’s great if you want
a close-knit community after retirement. The town offers several parks and a
9-hole course, giving retirees multiple ways to connect.

It’s also more affordable than its popular counterpart, Rapid City, which has a
median home price of $389,900 and a median rent of $1,200.

Athens, Georgia

Median rent: $1,160

Median home price: $327,822

Also known as “The Classic City,” Athens is home to the University of Georgia.
This gives it a college-town vibe, ideal for retirees seeking a vibrant culture.
If you love the arts and events like music festivals, it could be the place for
you.

Beyond being lively, Athens is pretty affordable housing-wise, compared to
hotspots like Smyrna. Smyrna’s median house price is $455,000, while its median
rent is $1,760.

Pella, Iowa

Median rent: $825

Median home price: $344,516

Pella has a population of 11,211, making it a great option if you’re looking for
a close-knit community. It also offers multiple exciting events, such as Tulip
Time, which allow for socialization.

Rent is similar to other popular Iowa destinations like Cedar Rapids. However,
the sense of community is hard to find anywhere else.

Port Orange, Florida

Median rent: $1,442

Median home price: $$331,873

When people think about retiring in Florida, Palm Coast and Naples often come
before Port Orange. However, Port Orange is more affordable for homebuyers. In
comparison, Palm Coast’s median home price is $403,000, while Naples’ sits at
$716,840.

Located near New Smyrna Beach and Daytona Beach, it provides coastal living
without the high COL in major hubs. It also offers multiple community centers,
parks, and a golf course, helping retirees socialize and stay active.

Raton, New Mexico

Median rent: $550

Median home price: $143,932

A small town surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery, Raton is one of the best
yet most overlooked retirement spots for people seeking quiet comfort. It offers
affordable homes, and its COL is 14% below the national average and 7% below New
Mexico’s.

Compared to retirement hotspot Albuquerque, whose median rent and home price are
$375,950 and $1,440, Raton is significantly more affordable.

Bottom line

There’s a sense of security that comes with choosing well-known hubs like Naples
and Charleston for your retirement. But these locations often come with high
property and rent costs and growing congestion, which can affect your quality of
life.

If you’re creating a
retirement plan, look into the underrated spots highlighted in this list.
Some can help you stretch your Social Security checks further, and others can
give you a better sense of community, which is crucial post-retirement.