Located in the southeastern United States, just north of Florida, the Peach State is an attractive retirement destination to suit a wide range of lifestyles and budgets. From small towns to big cities, the Atlantic Coast to the Blue Ridge Mountains, and affordable neighborhoods to upscale communities, Georgia offers a diverse landscape. In 2023, AARP cited tax benefits, relatively affordable housing prices, warm weather and travel convenience as reasons for retiring in Georgia, and also warned about the state’s poor ranking in health care.
Bankrate ranks the best and worst states to retire, taking into account affordability, cost and quality of health care, weather, crime, overall well-being, and more, giving the former a 40% weighting. Ta. Georgia ranked third in 2024, primarily based on the cost of living and improvements in the healthcare sector in recent years. Certain areas have lower crime rates, which retirees may need to take into consideration when deciding on a particular city, town, or neighborhood. According to 2022 data from the U.S. Census Bureau, 15.1 percent of the state’s population is age 65 or older, much closer to the national average of 17.3 percent.
Georgia does not tax Social Security benefits, but income from pensions, annuities, dividends, and withdrawals from pre-tax accounts are taxable. However, states allow individuals age 62 and older to exclude large amounts of taxable income, and the deduction increases once you reach age 65. The state has no inheritance or inheritance tax.
There are many great places to live in the state, and we spoke to local experts about the best communities to retire to. According to our research, these are some of the best places to retire in Georgia.
decatur
Architecture in Decatur, Georgia.
Bugic/Getty Images
The city of Decatur, about nine miles from downtown Atlanta, attracts retirees, empty nesters, and seniors who move to be closer to their grandchildren. Lisa Kronick of Sotheby’s Fine Homes points out the city’s walkability, along with its festivals, events, concerts, and restaurants. “Apartments, condos, and single-family homes make living in Decatur possible for retirees of a variety of financial means,” she says. Emory University offers continuing education as well as cultural and entertainment opportunities, which is a plus for many retirees.
The city’s excellent school system, which is attractive to many young families, equates to a tax increase, but seniors (age 65 and older) qualify for a tax break. When it comes to housing, the median home price is $654,400, according to Niche.
Living in Decatur also allows you to enjoy outdoor activities with an abundance of parks and green spaces, as well as close proximity to Atlanta’s museums, entertainment, and professional sports venues. Additionally, according to SmartAsset, Decatur offers a “high number of medical centers at 13.98 per 1,000 residents.”
dalton
Cherokee Brewing in Dalton, Georgia.
Courtesy of Explore Georgia
Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Dalton is known as the “Carpet Capital of the World” due to its more than 150 carpet producers and textile history dating back to the early 1900s. “We’re excited to announce that we’re proud to be a part of the 2020-2020 2018-2020 project,” said Laura Young, a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Kinnard Realty. We have a vibrant downtown nightlife with great restaurants, unique shopping, bars, breweries, and an open container policy. ” In addition to nightlife, Young adds, “Haig Mill Lake Park offers great hiking and canoeing. It’s small but beautiful and offers fishing, picnicking, and two walking trails.”
Dalton also has affordable housing and a low unemployment rate, making it attractive for seniors on a budget or those looking to work part-time in retirement. According to Best Places, Nich says the median home price is $182,500, good medical resources and mild winters.
Sandy Springs
Paddleboarding in Sandy Springs, Georgia.
Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
About 30 minutes north of downtown Atlanta and easily accessible by MARTA public transportation, Sandy Springs is located on the Chattahoochee River and has more than 32 miles of riverfront, said Robin Conklin, a real estate agent and 11-year resident. There are parks and trails. of luxury residential real estate. “Sandy Springs is a wonderful place to live and retire. We have four seasons and are only two hours from the mountains and five hours from the beach,” Conklin said. “A big benefit for retirees is the Dorothy C. Benson Sr. multi-purpose complex with art, computer and other classes. Adult day care. Fitness program. Lectures. Weekly travel is also possible and income requirements are also low to participate in the program. There is no charge.”
There’s also a wide range of housing options, with the average home sale price last year being $730,000, according to Conklin. She points out another benefit for retirees. “Sandy Springs has the highest concentration of major medical facilities in metro Atlanta. It also has a great performing arts center, festivals, parades, tennis courts, pickleball courts, and a farmers market. Lost Corner Preserve offers free… We offer lectures, fitness classes, photography and book clubs, and a community garden.
St. Simons Island
St. Simons Island Lighthouse on St. Simons Island, Georgia.
Ron and Patti Thomas/Getty Images
One of four barrier islands on Georgia’s Atlantic coast, St. Simons Island offers golf, history, shopping, beaches, museums, outdoor activities, and a small-town feel. Nitsch said the median home price is $445,500 and the median age is 57.4 years, according to the World Population Review.
“With kayaking, boating, fishing, golf, pickleball, nature trails, miles of trails, beaches and more, St. Simons Island has something for everyone,” DeLoach Sotheby’s said Chandra Kendall, associate broker at International Realty. , told T+L: Admire moss-covered oak trees and watch the sunrise on the beach, and you’ll never want to leave. ”
cartersville
Cityscape of Cartersville, Georgia.
Bob Steiner/Getty Images
Cartersville’s small-town style and affordable housing make it an attractive city for retirees. According to Niche, the median home price here is $274,800, while Zillow estimates the median home price is $316,659. “We have a variety of housing options, from single-family homes to apartments to senior communities, including assisted living and independent living,” real estate agent Chris Hardin told T+L.
The walkable downtown offers restaurants, history, art, theater, community events, and shopping. “Residents have easy access to the river, mountains and parks,” Hardin said, adding that public transportation is also available, as are transportation services for seniors and people with disabilities.
Healthcare is also convenient. “When it comes to health care, our Piedmont Healthcare office in Cartersville offers a wide range of services including emergency medicine, surgery, diagnostic imaging and rehabilitation,” Hardin said.
woodstock
Natural landscape of Woodstock, Georgia.
Cavan Images/Getty Images
Located about 30 miles north of Atlanta, Woodstock is known for its walkable downtown, parks, trails, and charming lifestyle. Hardin and his family have lived in Woodstock for 10 years, and he says, “It’s a great place for families and retirees. I see a lot of retirees enjoying the outdoors on electric bikes and golf carts.” A variety of housing options are also available, from apartments to spacious houses, he added. According to Niche, the median home price is $359,800, while Zillow reports the median home price is $448,164, up nearly 4% year over year.
“A lot of seniors are moving here from states like California, and they feel like they can get a lot for a lot of money,” Hardin said. “The city is adding more parking downtown and a hotel is in the works.”
athens
City Hall in Athens, Georgia.
Mark Rasmus/Getty Images
This city in the northeastern part of the state is home to the University of Georgia and is about an hour and a half east of Atlanta. Carol Bitner, an associate broker at Keller Williams Greater Athens, has helped many retirees find homes in Athens.
“They love the fact that they can audit classes at the University of Georgia for free. They also love the fact that they can attend classes at the University of Georgia for free. They also love the fact that the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, which offers a wide range of classes, travel opportunities, and social events for adults age 50 and older, OLLI),” Bitner added, “Athens has a small-town feel with restaurants, concerts, theaters, museums, and beautiful botanical gardens.Here in Athens, we have a huge population of older people of all ages. They enjoy the people. They say it makes them feel younger.”
Niche says the median home price here is $242,300, while Zillow reports the median home price as $322,972. With neighborhoods ranging from downtown to upscale Five Points, there’s a wide range of lifestyle options.
The median age in Athens/Clarke County is 33.3 years, and 21 percent of the population is 60 years or older. The quality and availability of healthcare is rated excellent by Numbeo, which is an important consideration for many retirees.
augusta
A wide street in Augusta, Georgia.
Courtesy of Explore Georgia
Jenna Puckett, real estate agent with Maybaum Real Estate, said: The Savannah River and Augusta Canal offer beautiful scenery, hiking, biking, kayaking, and boat tours. ” Puckett added, “Clarks Hill Lake is also nearby and there are lots of things to do there.” This historic city offers an active lifestyle with a mild climate and low cost of living. Zillow estimates the average cost of a home to be $172,060. In contrast, Niche estimates it at $141,900.
Augusta also hosts the annual Masters Professional Golf Tournament, which draws millions of television viewers and “patrons” (known as Masters guests). “Many homeowners in Augusta rent their homes during the Masters Golf Tournament because there are so many tourists in town,” Puckett said. Numbeo rates the quality and availability of health care as above average, and Puckett comments, “The Medical College of Georgia has schools of nursing, medicine, and dentistry.”
