Looking for a new home for your retirement years? You might be surprised to learn that the small town of Tryon, North Carolina, was recently named one of the top retirement destinations in the U.S. Nestled at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this Polk County town with a population of 1,620 offers an attractive combination of history, culture, and natural beauty atꦡ an affordable price.

Cost of Living in Tryon, NC

Retirees must balance their desire to maintain a high quality of life against the limitations of a fixed income, making the cost of living an essential consideration when planning for this stage of life. Tryon is uniquely compelling as an affordable destination, as the Polk County median household income is $61,005, and the median home value countywide is $281,100. By comparison, the median sale price of a home across the U.S. was $419,200 as of the latest data.

County median monthly housing costs for the area around Tryon are $900, less than half the national average of $2,120 for 2023. Average monthly food costs across Polk County are also well below the average nationwide, coming in at $657 compared to $832 across the country. Average county monthly taxes are $704, also lower tha♋n many regions o💃f the U.S.

The southern region of the U.S. tends to have a 澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果体彩网:lower cost of living overall than some other parts of the country. 

Healthcare and Accessibility

Another key consideration for retirees is the accessibility of healthcare facilities and services. Because o⛄lder individuals tend to have more frequent and potentially more significant healthcare needs, ensuring that a good variety of facilities is🔯 within easy access is especially important.

Polk County has 43 healthcare facilities and eight hospitals, so Tryon residents have quite a few options when it comes to medical services. For those willing to venture a bit farther, the state of North Carolina has 110 hospitals.

Accessibility also depends on transportation options, costs, and proximity to urban centers and major airports. Monthly transportation costs for Polk County average to $1,304. The county offers various transportation services, including to and from medical appointments, airports, train and bus stations, and more.

Those interested in using Tryon as a jumping-off point for additional travel or adventure will be happy to know it is about 191 miles from Atlanta and 45 miles from Asheville. The closest major airport is Charlotte Douglas International Airport, located about 70 m꧋iles from thꦬe county center.

Lifestyle and Recreational Activities

Despite its small size, Tryon has a rich cultural history. As a “railroad town” in the 1800s, Tryon became a popular destination and residence for famous figures such as F. Scott Fitzgerald and Grace Coolidge, the wife of President Calvin Coolidge. Tryon is also the birthplace of beloved singer and activist Nina Simone.

Today, in addition to the historic downtown area, residents can enjoy the Tryon Arts and Crafts Center, the 𝔍Antique Mall and Marketplace, Nina Simone Plaza, the locally focused Tryon Hist🉐ory Museum, and several vineyards in the area. Polk County offers 19 arts and entertainment establishments.

Outdoor activitie🧸s abound in the Tryon area as well. Hiking, horseback riding, parks, and many recreational areas are easily accessible, and the town is a won𒐪derful access point to the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains.

For climate-conscious retirees, Polk County has been assessed to have a “very low” risk associated with climate change, so the area's outdoor opportunities should remain available.

The Bottom Line

Tryon, North Carolina, offers retirees the charm of a small town with arts, culture, and historical amenities well beyond its size. Located close to the Blue Ridge Mountains, Tryon provides ample opportunity for outdoor recreation. Its cost of living is low compared with national and statewide averages based 𒀰on several metrics. It has many healthcare facilities and hospitals located close by, and residents are just a short drive away from larger urban centers in the surrounding area. Al💝l of this makes Tryon a great option for retirees searching for a new home.