Tryon named one of the best places to retire in the country

Published 11:01 am Monday, March 17, 2025

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

TRYON—In its March issue, Travel + Leisure magazine named Tryon one of the 50 best places to retire in the United States and ranked it sixth among the top ten retirement destinations in the Southeast. 

The article described Tryon as “A small but welcoming town, which has a lot to offer those looking for a peaceful retirement.”

Alongside Tryon, the list features several other noteworthy locations, including Paris, Tennessee; Paducah, Kentucky; Sebring, Florida; Litchfield Beach, South Carolina; and the top-ranked town, Waycross, Georgia.

Sign up for our daily email newsletter

Get the latest news sent to your inbox

In its assessment, Travel + Leisure highlights Tryon’s unique attributes. “Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the ‘Friendliest Town in the South’ boasts a relatively low cost of living, with the county median household income at $61,005. Known for its rich equestrian history and charming local boutiques and restaurants, Tryon provides an appealing environment for retirees.”

The article also highlighted the numerous outdoor attractions, including the Foothills Equestrian Nature Center and Harmon Field, along with the temperate climate.

Travel + Leisure further notes that Tryon is an excellent choice for anyone looking for the comforts of a close-knit community, noting the slightly older demographic as Polk County’s median age is 54.4, the highest among the listed destinations.

Published in New York City, Travel + Leisure magazine reaches approximately 4.8 million readers annually. Originally established in 1937 as U.S. Camera and Travel, the magazine adopted its current title in 1971.