8/12/2019 10 Places to Retire on Social Security Alone

1/2

10 Places to Retire on Social Security AloneTweet Share on Facebook

By Emily Brandon

| Read Full Story

1 of 12 Back Next

Stretching your payout

(iStockPhoto)

The average monthly Social Security benefit was $1,179 in March 2011. A couple who each earns that amount would have a retirement income of $28,296 annually. Here are a few places where the median household income is lower than the averageSocial Security benefit for a two-earner couple.

Auburn, Ala.

The median household income in this city is $21,630, about $6,000 less than a couple who each receives the average Social Security check would earn. The home ofAuburn University has mild winters, hot summers, and plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities.

Blacksburg, Va.

Residents of Blacksburg earn a median of $26,792 annually, but there are plentyof affordable amenities. This mountain town is located between the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains and offers access to the Appalachian Trail, Jefferson National Forest, and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Boone, N.C.

This low-cost Blue Ridge Mountain town provides free public transportation via aregional bus service, AppalCART. Residents can attend free outdoor concerts atthe Jones House Cultural and Community Center on Fridays in the summer. Seniorsage 65 and older can also enroll in classes at Appalachian State University, tuition-free

Cheney, Wash.

This small city of almost 12,000 people has a below-average cost of living and amedian home sale price of $162,000 in 2010. This college town is located just outside of Spokane and near dozens of lakes and the Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge.

Mount Pleasant, Mich.

You dont need a large income to find plenty of things to do in Mount Pleasant. While the median income is just $27,621, you could easily spend your days along the Chippewa River, at one of seven city parks, or at the 40-acre Florence MaxwellSanctuary.

Murray, Ky.

8/12/2019 10 Places to Retire on Social Security Alone

2/2