Southern Living names Fredericksburg one of South’s 10 most affordable retirement spots

Southern Living magazine has recognized the Texas Hill Country town of Fredericksburg as one of the 10 Most Affordable Places to Retire in the South.

Fredericksburg ranked as one of the pricier towns on the list, with an estimated monthly median housing cost of $1,254. However, the magazine said the destination has plenty to offer for the price, including the fact that almost a third of its population is 65 or older.

Southern Living also praised the natural beauty of the Texas Hill Country and the town’s “quaint feel.” Its abundance of bluebonnets, wineries, shops and restaurants also drew raves, as did the town’s rich cultural tradition displayed in its biergartens and Bavarian bacchanals.

“The area’s German heritage is reflected in its architecture, cuisine, and beer selections,” Southern Living says in its description of the town. “Oktoberfest is the largest of more than 400 annual events and celebrations, which also include a bluegrass festival, a craft beer-and-polka gathering, and Christmas traditions.”

The other towns included on the list are:

• Charleston, West Virginia
• North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
• Vero Beach, Florida
• Hickory, North Carolina
• Maryville, Tennessee
• Hot Springs, Arkansas
• Orange Beach, Alabama
• Englewood, Florida
• Valdosta, Georgia

In an explanation of its methodology, Southern Living stated that “the median household income and monthly housing cost estimates were collected from the 2022 American Community Survey (five-year) for each of the places.”

The publication added that “the final choices were determined by a variety of economic and lifestyle criteria, including housing costs relative to the rest of the South; taxes; and the prevalence of restaurants, hospitals, and colleges.”
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This article appears in Oct 16-29, 2024.