7 Top-Ranked Towns In Georgia For Retirees
Georgia is a state that is renowned for its southern charm, fresh peaches, and antebellum homes. However, it has become a popular retirement destination for those seeking a peaceful place to spend their golden years. Several communities in Georgia offer the tranquility and satisfaction that many seniors desire, from historic small towns nestled in the foothills of the Appalachians to coastal retreats bordering the Gulf of Mexico. These seven small towns provide reasonable living expenses, friendly taxes, and plenty of outdoor activities to keep seniors engaged and entertained. They are the best places in Georgia to enjoy life during retirement.
Madison
Madison enjoys its role as one of the best places to retire with its beautiful antebellum homes, brick-lined streets, and small-town charm. Located an hour east of Atlanta, this vibrant community of 4,000 residents has excellent schools, a walkable historic district, and a slower pace of living. The median home price is nearly $500,000, but with several tax-friendly advantages, the cost of living is very affordable. Fuel and grocery costs are reasonable at about 11.2% less than the national average.
The Morgan Medical Center is the primary small hospital, with 25 beds, but it offers excellent emergency and outpatient services. With the proximity to Atlanta, specialized care is within easy driving distance. The crime rate has declined over the past decade and now sits slightly above the national and state average. With 17.9% of the residents over 65, this quaint community is becoming more attractive to retirees every day.
Culturally, there are many opportunities to engage with the region's history. The town has nearly 100 antebellum homes, and Heritage Hall is among the best. This pre-Civil War home has a great ambiance, and the interesting tour will inform and delight history lovers. The historic district is one of the largest in the state, filled with rich architecture, quaint shops, and plenty of dining choices. If you need a nice place to stay, the James Madison Inn is a charming boutique hotel in the heart of the historic district. Try Town220, serving excellent steaks, seafood, and pasta for a nice meal.
Thomasville
Known as Georgia's Rose City, the community honors the iconic flower with an annual spring festival. The two-day celebration features a parade, artisan vendors, and first-class entertainment that make for a fun community event. If you get the chance, stroll through the Thomasville Rose Garden, a lovely park filled with over 1,500 blooms, making it the perfect place for a lovely walk or family picnic. The town has numerous antebellum homes, including the Pebble Hill Plantation or Lapham Patterson House. The Jack Hadley Black History Museum is a must-see, with over 4,469 artifacts and displays, educating visitors on the history of African Americans both regionally and nationally.
The median listing price of a home in Thomasville is $319,000. The community enjoys living costs that are slightly less than state and national averages and a crime rate that is about normal compared to other areas. The Archbold Medical Center is a large hospital with 264 beds, and as the only level 2 trauma center south of Macon, it offers excellent urgent and specialized care.
Several historic districts offer excellent opportunities to view old-style architecture as you browse the quaint shops. For an excellent seafood meal, try Jonah's Fish and Grits on Jackson St., serving some of the best Southern Scratch Cooking on the planet. The Thomasville Bed and Breakfast is top-rated in the 1908 Fannie Bottoms Home. Enjoy exquisite Queen Anne architecture, twelve-foot high ceilings, and an elegant multi-course breakfast.
Peachtree City
Peachtree City is a suburban area located about 40 minutes south of Atlanta. Home to nearly 38,000 residents, the town is a perfect destination for retirees due to its safe streets and low cost of living. The median price for a home is a bit steep at $649,000, but there is excellent access to medical facilities in nearby Fayetteville. The Piedmont Fayette Hospital is a state-of-the-art 310-bed trauma center specializing as a non-profit provider of both general and urgent care services. With a 19.7% retiree population, the city remains committed to improving and supporting the lives of its seniors.
Peachtree City is home to many diverse cultures, which can offer a rich tapestry of unique experiences for older adults. The city hosts many festivals yearly, including the Peachtree City Corners Festival every fall and the largest July Fourth celebration south of Atlanta. The Flat Creek Nature Area is a vast 500-acre forested wetland preserve that features boarded and mulched walkways and several excellent areas for observing wildlife.
For an excellent dining experience, try Pascal's Bistro, offering a cozy ambiance and unique menu items crafted with locally sourced ingredients. The Cottages at Laurel Brooke offer great Southern charm and hospitality when one needs a place to stay overnight. With its proximity to the metro Atlanta area, historical heritage, and excellent services, Peachtree City is a popular choice for retirees.
Douglas
Retiring in Douglas offers retirees a rich cultural experience, a favorable living cost, and a safe community environment. The city boasts a cost of living index below the national average, allowing retirees to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without breaking the bank. Crime rates in Douglas are notably lower than in many larger cities, and access to medical care is readily available. The Coffee Regional Medical Center offers comprehensive healthcare services to residents. With the median home price being a very reasonable $267,000, it is easy to see why this town in southern Georgia attracts so many.
Outdoor enthusiasts will love the Braxton Rocks, a 1,650-acre protected preserve of streams, wooded trails, and waterfalls. Retirees can immerse themselves in the city's vibrant past at the Heritage Station Museum, which showcases the area's history through many excellent exhibits and artifacts. Additionally, retirees can explore historic homes like Ashley Slater House or tour the WWII Flight Training Museum. The city also hosts the annual South Georgia BBQ & Outdoor Festival, a beloved celebration of Southern cuisine and hospitality that attracts visitors every September.
For a sampling of some of the delicious barbeque, try Pa-Bills BBQ, a local institution for over 30 years. Cow Tippers is the place to go for a burger because, with a name like that, you know the cooks know what they're doing.
Kingsland
If you're looking for a small community that sits close to the beach, you can't go wrong with Kingsland. This small town is less than an hour from the Atlantic and is located in Camden County, about as far southeast as you can get in the state. The town's warm climate provides year-round opportunities for outdoor activities, from strolls along the waterfront to scenic boat cruises. Retirees can also enjoy the region's rich natural beauty by exploring nearby nature reserves, including Cumberland Island. This preserve has unique forests, undisturbed beaches, and wide open marshes. Additionally, the Okefenokee Swamp is considered one of Georgia's seven natural wonders, offering moss-laden trees, lily pads, and plenty of alligators and other wildlife viewing options.
The median price for a home in Kingsland is $349,000, and the cost of living is comparable to other areas of the state. The community is just an hour north of Jacksonville, Fla, and a small 40-bed hospital is in St. Marys. With low crime rates, the town celebrates its location as one of the best spots on Georgia's coastal wetlands, attracting many seniors with its slower pace.
The best place to eat is Steffens Restaurant, which is a local favorite and is always crowded. If you prefer pizza, Angelo's is a great place for Italian, with cheap wine and a homey atmosphere. Golfers will want to play the course designed by Davis Love III at the Laurel Island Links. This unique course has excellent risk/reward opportunities and magnificent marsh views.
Barnesville
This small town is located about 37 miles north of Macon and honors its legacy as a premier buggy maker, producing nearly 25 buggies daily around the turn of the 20th century. In early September every year, the community hosts Barnesville Buggy Days, where visitors can partake in various activities, from riding in horse-drawn carriages, entering hog calling contests, or even enjoying down-home fiddle and bluegrass music.
The median price for a home in Barnesville is a very reasonable $315,000, and with low costs of living, decent food and fuel costs, and safe neighborhoods, this town has a lot to offer. The percentage of retirees is only 13.2%, but there is excellent access to medical care, and the ratio of physicians to residents is slightly better than the national average.
The downtown area is pedestrian-friendly, with picturesque walkways, shade trees, and quaint buildings. Explore the wide variety of antique stores like Taylor and Main, Antiques on Atlanta, or English's Antique Store. Be sure to stop in Georgia Southern BBQ for cheap eats dripping with a homemade sauce that will have you begging for more.
Brunswick
Brunswick is a beautiful coastal city and a popular destination for retirees due to its peaceful lifestyle. The town's serene setting is perfect for outdoor activities such as golfing, fishing, or enjoying a leisurely walk on the sandy beaches of the Atlantic Ocean. The city's rich history is another attraction, with its roots dating back to the early 1730s when it was established as a British settlement before being incorporated in 1771. The town is named after King George III's lineage of the house of Brunswick and served as an essential port for the Revolutionary and Civil Wars.
Brunswick boasts excellent healthcare facilities, with the Southeast Georgia Health Systems anchoring a 300-bed hospital, ensuring that retirees can access top-notch medical services when needed. The cost of living is reasonable compared to many other retirement destinations, with a low crime rate and a median price for housing sitting at an affordable $325,000. Additionally, the tight-knit community fosters a sense of belonging, with numerous social clubs, volunteer opportunities, and cultural events to keep retirees engaged and connected.
When you stay, stay at the Brunswick Manor or the Open Gates Bed and Breakfast; both are top-rated and offer excellent amenities. The best place to eat is the Indigo Coastal Shanty, with its unique Caribbean and Southern flavors.
Choosing the proper small town for retirement in Georgia involves a balance of natural beauty, community warmth, and cultural amenities. Each of these seven towns offers a unique blend of these qualities, providing retirees with a peaceful and enriching environment for their golden years. Whether surrounded by coastal breezes or taking in the sights of historic architecture, these small towns in Georgia are sure to make retirement a delightful and fulfilling experience.
