6 Most Affordable Towns To Retire In Georgia

Georgia is known for ungroomed beaches, especially in the southern parts of the state, trees draped in Spanish moss, and the age-old Southern hospitality. Moreover, retirees will love Georgia's moderate climate year-round, Atlanta's cultural attractions, and the state's geographic diversity. Plus, one can retire here on the cheap since Georgia does not tax Social Security retirement benefits. Also, the state's median home listing price is 554,541, way lower than many other states. For retirees who want to stretch a dollar, we reveal below the six most affordable towns in the state to spend your golden years.

Elberton

Elberton is in the northeastern Georgia Piedmont between the Savannah and Broad Rivers — about 80 miles from Augusta, Georgia's second-largest city. This town is known for granite, has more granite monuments than any other place on Earth, and is often called The Granite Capital of the World. A retiree here would love to catch a show at the Elbert Theatre, which opened in 1940 as the most advanced movie theatre in Northeast Georgia. Alternatively, she will enjoy a brisk walk on the scenic Granite City Walking Trail — or a cottage stay at the Richard B. Russell State Park, a convenient 15 minutes east of town. The park offers some of the state's finest fishing and boating adventures.

Considering what it offers, a median home listing price of just $180,000 looks like a steal. Plus, the highly-ranked Elbert Memorial Hospital is in town. Alternatively, the Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center, ranked in the top 250 hospitals in America, is a short drive away in Athens. Boasting a median age of 34, a retiree here will revel in youthful zeal and ardor. But all is not lost. Residents aged 60 and above comprise 25% of the town's population, meaning opportunities for same-age interactions are ample. Finally, Elberton is incredibly diverse: Blacks and Whites comprise 46% and 43% of its population, respectively.

Riverdale

The median listing home price in Riverdale is $249,900. At this affordable price point, a retiree will access Southern Regional Medical Center, which is right in town — or make the short, 9-mile trip to Fayetteville to get the services of Piedmont Fayette Hospital, a 2022 recipient of the America's 50 Best Hospitals Award. For even more options, Atlanta is an easy 25-minute drive away and offers numerous big-city amenities and cultural attractions. A retiree can relax and clear her mind at the peaceful Riverdale Regional Park, enjoy regular brisk walks at Flat Shoals Park, or catch a concert at the Riverdale Town Center. Riverdale's median age is 37. However, residents aged 60 and above comprise 20% of its population. An empty nester here can decide to roll with the young or have a fireside chat with friends in the same age bracket.

Toccoa

Toccoa is tucked away in northeastern Georgia on the Dahlonega Upland — about 33 miles from Lake Hartwell. The area is known for its rich soil and beautiful natural scenery. Toccoa Falls, which pours its waters from 186 feet, is among the tallest freefalling waterfalls east of the Mississippi. It is even taller than Niagara. Wine-loving retirees, however, will want to make the family-owned Currahee Vineyard and Winery their second home. More outdoor fun and adventure await at Lake Hartwell, one of the biggest lakes in the South. The exciting part is that a retiree does not have to deplete his savings to own property in Toccoa. Homes in Toccoa are listed for a median price of just $285,000. In a medical emergency, a retiree can be treated at the Stephens County Hospital, which is right in town. That said, Demorest, Seneca, and Lavonia are minutes away. Toccoa's median age is 42. In a similar vein, residents aged 60 and above make up 26% of its population.

Lithonia

The median listing home price in Lithonia is $287,500, making it almost as cheap as Toccoa and one of the most affordable towns in Georgia to retire. While small and hosts just about 2,500 sunny faces, Lithonia is saddled with restaurants where a retiree will want to enjoy a slow brunch or a romantic dinner. For example, Mamie's Kitchen Biscuits is an excellent venue for Southern-style breakfast and lunch — while Fireside Jamaican Restaurant serves traditional cuisine in a no-frills setting. Besides, Mystery Valley Golf Club, with its 230 acres of gently rolling land, is a fantastic place to enjoy a round of golf. At the gasp-inducing Arabia Mountain, a scenic trail takes one through the woods, by a sparkling lake, and over granite outcrops that look otherworldly. Also, while Emory Hillandale Hospital often meets the medical needs of residents, Atlanta is just 18 miles down the road via Interstate 20. And if you enjoy learning from other cultures, you will fall in love with this Georgia charmer. Lithonia boasts excellent ethnic and racial diversity.

Union City

Rounding off this list is Union City, which is close to Georgia's largest city, Atlanta — yet has an attitude that is miles away. A retiree can own property here for just about $295,900. Considering Georgia's median listing price is an eye-popping 554,541, homes here are way cheaper. Mayors' Park is a lovely green space gem in town where a retiree can enjoy a rejuvenating stroll along a well-maintained walking track. Alternatively, a tranquil nature trail at Ronald Bridges Park is an immersive outdoor experience and can make the skin glow. As a retiree, you want to dine out occasionally. Fortunately, Union City hosts numerous restaurants, including Corner Cafe, which serves eclectic comfort dishes in a laid-back atmosphere. In a medical emergency, Piedmont Fayette Hospital is right next door in Fayetteville. On a different note, Union City's median age is 32. Thankfully, residents aged 60 and above comprise 15% of its population.

Sylvania

A quaint, everyone-knows-everyone type of city, Sylvania is in east-central Georgia and boasts features and amenities that will appeal to an empty nester. Because homes in Sylvania are listed for a median price of just $177,400, it earns a spot among the most affordable towns in the state. At that unbelievable price point, Sylvania has a hospital (the Optim Medical Center Screven), a beautiful, 9-hole golf course (the Brier Creek Country Club), and a small but scenic lake (the 14-acre Bennett Lake). While a few shops serve the town and provide essential items a retiree will need, Statesboro is just 23 miles down the road and boasts a much larger retail scene. Sylvania's median age is 43, and residents aged 60 and above comprise 32% of its population. For perspective, this means 1 in 3 residents is a fellow empty nester.

The Takeaway

When the time comes to slow down, travel the world, and enjoy life, a retiree must be careful to pick a retirement venue that is safe, friendly, and provides amenities, including hospitals. While one can enjoy traveling to a middle-of-nowhere town, living in such a town is off the table. Then again, a retiree should afford his ideal retirement venue: Spend cash — but not the whole of it. Because Georgia exempts retirement income from taxation, it can make for an affordable retirement destination. That said, to buy property on the cheap, consider towns such as Sylvania, Elberton, Riverdale, and Toccoa.