Retirement in the Sunny South
Florida, North Carolina and Georgia on her mind
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.
Courtesy Donna Deans
2. Wilson, North Carolina - Back to Wilson ($750/month)
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.
Andrew Hetherington
3. Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia - Family in Fort Oglethorpe ($750/month)
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.
Andrew Hetherington
Her pick: Option 3! The Georgia duplex!
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.”