1. Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville, North Carolina, consistently ranks high on many lists of the best places to retire in the South. With two national forests, two national parks, and many state forests and parks surrounding Asheville, you’ll have endless options to choose from if you want to enjoy nature and the breathtaking mountain scenery.

No matter your fitness and activity level, there are lots of ways to enjoy outdoor activities—from hiking to picnics and mountain biking. Also, it’s easy to fuel your next outdoor journey at Asheville’s iconic restaurants and breweries.

While summers in North Carolina tend to get warm, the high elevation due to the proximity of the Blue Ridge Mountains results in cooler summers than many other southern retirement places.