Southern Charm And Affordability Are Key Reasons To Retire In This Underrated Riverside Alabama City

If retirement is on your mind, you know there are so many things to consider when planning for your golden years. Leaving your working years behind, and perhaps an empty nest, frees you up to consider not only how you would like to spend your retirement, but where. The best places to retire in the United States are retirement havens known for their safety, affordability, and quality of life for older adults. Whether you're dreaming of retiring in the European countryside, exploring the best South American countries to retire in, or just want to spend your years in a peaceful stateside small town, there are options to make those dreams a reality. If affordability, Southern charm, and natural beauty top your retirement wish list, you've got to check out Valley, Alabama. 

The charming town of Valley is located right on the Alabama-Georgia state line, smack dab in the middle of each state. It also rests on the banks of the Chattahoochee River, making it ideal for anglers and outdoor lovers alike. If you're a college football fan, it's also worth noting that Valley is just 30 minutes from Auburn University. 

When it comes to riverside towns, Valley is hard to beat in terms of affordability. With a median home value of $130,000 and an average cost of living between $24,800 and $31,000 annually, Valley ranks about 28% lower than the U.S. average. Combine that with temperate weather, small-town living, and unmatched Southern hospitality, and it's easy to see why Valley is making a name for itself as a retirement destination.

With a population of just over 10,000, Valley is a quintessential small town big on Southern hospitality. Valley's Community and Senior Centers are great places to make new friends with their thriving communities, quality facilities, and full calendar of events. Stay active at the Valley Community Center by taking advantage of their indoor pool and walking track, as well as their fitness rooms and classes. 

Gather over games and parties at the Senior Center and explore Alabama destinations on quarterly group trips. The Senior Center also hosts the District 6 Masters Games of Alabama each year, in which qualifying seniors compete in various games and activities, including softball and basketball throws, shuffleboard, and dominoes, just to name a few. The games are also known for their lively pomp and circumstance and host a dance, banquet, and opening ceremonies that locals look forward to every year.

Importantly, the Senior Center also offers transportation to its activities as well as hot lunches for seniors. Lunches are served at the center and can also be delivered to the homebound. It's just one more way Valley is dedicated to caring for its retired community. As for local dining and shopping, Valley enjoys a comfortable mix of locally owned shops and restaurants, along with all the big-name chains for retirees' convenience. The Backwaters Restaurant will easily become your favorite local spot thanks to its welcoming atmosphere and delectable Southern fare menu, not to mention its stunning views of Lake Harding.

One of the biggest draws to Valley is its location along the Chattahoochee River, which also boasts beautiful Lake Harding just 30 minutes downstream. Lake Harding, also called Bartlett's Ferry Reservoir, isn't as popular as its neighbors, West Point Lake and Lake Eufaula, which just means more open water and largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish fishing for local retirees to enjoy all to themselves. If the idea of spending your golden years out on the water, fishing pole in hand (and in a warmer climate, to boot!) sounds idyllic to you, Valley might just be the retirement oasis you've been searching for. 

Valley is also part of a 7-mile rail-to-trail system, which begins north of Valley in Shawmut Village and continues down to the Valley neighborhood of River View. Runners, cyclists, and walkers share the trail, taking in the sights of lush pine forests, historical properties and bridges, and, as you may have guessed, stunning views of the Chattahoochee. 

Valley is also centrally located for a weekend getaway to the great outdoors, whether it's the mountains or the sea that comes calling. It's about four and a half hours to get to the Georgia coast, and about four hours to the nearest beach in the Gulf. It's about the same distance to the Appalachian foothills, three hours to the adorable, fairytale mountain towns in north Georgia, and a little over five hours to Gatlinburg, Tennessee — all perfect for exploring in your retirement years.