10 Places to Retire on Social Security Alone

The average monthly Social Security benefit was $1,179 in March 2011. A couple who each earns that amount would have a retirement income of $28,296 annually. Here are a few places where the median household income is lower than the average Social Security benefit for a two-earner couple.




The median household income in this city is $21,630, about $6,000 less than a couple who each receives the average Social Security check would earn. The home of Auburn University has mild winters, hot summers, and plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities.


Residents of Blacksburg earn a median of $26,792 annually, but there are plenty of affordable amenities. This mountain town is located between the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains and offers access to the Appalachian Trail, Jefferson National Forest, and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.


This low-cost Blue Ridge Mountain town provides free public transportation via a regional bus service, AppalCART. Residents can attend free outdoor concerts at the Jones House Cultural and Community Center on Fridays in the summer. Seniors age 65 and older can also enroll in classes at Appalachian State University, tuition-free.


This small city of almost 12,000 people has a below-average cost of living and a median home sale price of $162,000 in 2010. This college town is located just outside of Spokane and near dozens of lakes and the Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge.

Learn more about Cheney, Wash.

10 Ways to Boost Your Social Security Checks

The age you first sign up for Social Security can impact the payout you will receive for the rest of your life. Here are some strategies to maximize your monthly benefit.

Workers can begin receiving payments at age 62. But payouts are reduced unless you wait until your full retirement age, typically age 66 or 67. Benefits further increase for each year you delay claiming up until age 70.