Retirement in the Sunny South

The Scenario: Eyes on the South

Check out the choices Donna Deans had in search of her forever home.

Wangkun Jia / Alamy Stock Photo

1. Sanford, Florida - Sunny in Sanford ($849/month)

Donna’s cousins, who live in this suburb north of Orlando, talked up work possibilities and a vacation-like feel. A gorgeous two-bedroom apartment with new appliances and a small garden “felt like a steal,” says Donna.

2. Wilson, North Carolina - Back to Wilson ($750/month)

Courtesy Donna Deans

Donna’s father grew up here and left during the Depression. “It’s seen better days,” Donna admits. But the people were so friendly, and a one-bedroom rental came with a doorman, a fitness center and a pool.

3. Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia - Family in Fort Oglethorpe ($750/month)

Andrew Hetherington

Another cousin convinced Donna to look at this inviting Chattanooga suburb (on the Georgia side), where she found a sunny, two-bedroom duplex with a patio and new appliances.

Her pick: Option 3! The Georgia duplex!

Andrew Hetherington

Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia ($750/month)

“I’ve been here since May 2020 and couldn’t be happier,” Donna says. All her expenses are covered by her Social Security payments, with money left over. She adds: “I was terrified of driving, but now I tool around in a big old SUV that I absolutely love. I have a cat and a vegetable garden, I volunteer at the North Georgia Animal Alliance, I play bingo on Tuesdays, and I’m auditioning churches.”