8 Safest Towns In Georgia For Senior Living
The Peach State is rich in natural beauties and histories. Georgia is home to diverse landscapes from the soothing coastal plains of the south to the mighty Blue Ridge Mountains of the north. Its mild climate, safe neighborhoods, affordable living and access to exceptional medical care, serve as a powerful draw for seniors looking to enjoy their final chapter. From Southern comfort foods to Civil War era historic sites to peaceful, small towns, Georgia has exactly what matures are looking for.
Among the top small towns in Georgia that stand out are Braselton, with its rolling hills and wineries, Thomasville known for its Victorian charm, Dahlonega in the foothills of the Appalachians, Toccoa with its World War II history, Peachtree City and its 100+ miles of golf cart paths, Milton’s blend of rural and upscale living, Senoia’s historic charms and Douglas’ state park. Join this tour of eight senior friendly towns.
Thomasville
The downtown boasts red-brick streets and provides historic charisma with modern amenities. The thriving art scene, boutique shopping and fine restaurants round out a fine town center. Thomasville is nested in southwest Georgia and provides residents a mild climate and rolling plains. It is the perfect outdoor living and gardening spot, by Georgia standards. Historic landmarks are Pebble Hill Plantation (historic estate and gardens), Big Oak Tree (living wonder that is over 320 years old), Lapham-Patterson House (unique Victorian-era home). Commercial attractions include the Rose Garden (where the annual Rose Festival is held) and local food tours, which showcase the best of local cuisine. Nearly 18% of the population is age 65 and older. The median home value is a shockingly affordable $190,400. The Archbold Memorial Hospital in-town provides quick access to quality medical care. All that coupled with low crime, makes this a retirement hotspot.
Dahlonega
The senior public (65 and older) of Dahlonega is just under 20% of the overall population. Why? What makes this town so popular with the silver-hairs? For starters, it has one of the lowest crime rates in the state. Further, the median home value is a respectable $392,600. Northeast Georgia Medical Center in nearby Gainesville, offers quality medical care. Those are just the stats. What also makes this town attractive is its location, nested in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Dahlonega offers waterfalls and wooded areas and serves as the gateway to the Appalachian Trail. The downtown is vibrant and features many well-preserved historic buildings, all centered around the courthouse square. Many buildings date back to the 19th century and today house wine tasting rooms and artisan shops. Historical landmarks are the Dahlonega Gold Museum, the Consolidated Gold Mine and the Holly Theater. Commercial attractions include the Amicalola Falls State Park with hiking and picnicking spots and local wineries like Wolf Mountain Vineyards.
Toccoa
Nestled at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, enveloped by forest and graced by rivers and waterfalls is the town of Toccoa. Historic landmarks include the Toccoa Falls, a 186-foot waterfall, the Currahee Military Museum and the Paul Anderson Park, which honors the Olympic gold medalist from Toccoa. Other attractions include the Traveler’s Rest Historic Site, a 19th century stagecoach inn and Lake Hartwell. The town has many seniors, in fact nearly 21% of the overall population is 65 years of age or older. The median home value is an astonishingly low $124,400, making it exceptionally affordable on a fixed income. Stephens County Hospital is located right in-town for all of one’s medical needs. Toccoa is also relatively safe, no worse than the national average.
Peachtree City
Marked by its wooded areas, open spaces, peaceful lakes and rolling hills, Peachtree City is a picturesque, well-planned community, offering a high quality of life. The area is exceedingly walkable, and offers golf cart access. The villages of Aberdeen, Braelinn, GLenloch, Kedron and Wilksmoor, each have their own unique amenities. Historical landmarks include the Tinsley Mill Site (remnants of the historic mill), the Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater and the Line Creek Nature Area. Flat Creek Nature Area boasts boardwalks in the wetlands for excellent birdwatching and Line Creek Brewing Company are examples of two commercial attractions. In nearby Fayetteville, residents have access to top-tier healthcare at Piedmont Fayette Hospital. The median home value is a reasonable $435,300 and nearly 20% of the population is 65 years of age or older. Peachtree City is also one of the safest cities around.
Milton
Set in North Fulton County, Milton, is prized for its pastoral countryside, rolling hills and its mix of rural living and modern amenities. The topography is lush, open and abundant in parks and nature for the outdoor enthusiasts. The downtown is a blend of historic and contemporary architecture. The atmosphere is welcoming, with many boutique shops and eateries. Historic landmarks are The Old Milton County Courthouse, the Thomas Byrd House and Milton Log Cabin. Attractions like Bell Memorial Park, with its walking trails and picnic areas or Birmingham Park with its hiking and horseback riding make this an ideal place for seniors and their grandchildren. While the town is not the least expensive on our list, the median home value of $642,500 is not unattainable. 10% of the population 65 years of age and older are welcoming. Northside Hospital Forsyth, located in nearby Cumming, provides quality healthcare.
Senoia
One of the safest towns in the state, Senoia is nested in Coweta County. The town has verdant rolling hills, tree-lined streets and lovely vistas. This is a tranquil, friendly town, perfect for retirees. Neary 12% of the population is age 65 years or older and the median home value is under the national average at $358,400. Piedmont Newnan Hospital is only a short ride away in nearby Newnan, with specialized medical care. The brick-line streets, quaint storefronts and historic buildings of the downtown make for an inviting atmosphere. Television fans of the series The Walking Dead, will recognize the town as one of the filming locations. The Carmichael House (a fine example of 19th century Southern architecture), The Veranda Historic Inn (an 18th century Greek Revival mansion) and Hollberg Hotel, are some of the town’s notable landmarks. Nic and Norman’s Restaurant (co-owned by Norman Reedus) and the Senoia Raceway are local attractions.
Douglas
The rolling hills of this South Georgia town are dominated by pine forests, agricultural fields and natural beauties. Douglas is steeped in small-town Southern charm, from its historic brick buildings to its antique shops and cozy eateries. The architecture is a mix of early 20th century design. The Douglas Visitors Center serves as the town’s hub. Residents enjoy the Heritage Station Museum (an old train depot), General Coffee State Park, Ashley-Slater House (a 1900s historical site) and Lone Hill Cemetery (dating back to the mid-1800s) are some of the top landmarks. The Fun Place is a family-friendly attraction with mini-golf, go-karting, roller skating and arcade, making it an excellent place to take the grandchildren. Paulk Vineyards are the place for grandma and grandpa to unwind, after a long visit from the littles. Coffee Regional Medical Center provides quality healthcare to residents. Nearly 12% of the population is 65 years of age and older. The median home value is a shocking $128,200, making every dollar stretch and its low in crime. What’s not to like about Douglas?
Braselton
Enveloped by rolling hills, rural landscapes and vineyards, the town of Braselton is located in the northeastern region of the state. The town offers a mix of suburban and bucolic vibes, with tree-lined streets and nature walks. The surrounding areas are forested and abundant in natural beauties. The historic downtown has retained its early 20th century charms. A prime example is 1904, an historic building which houses boutique shops and eateries. Other nearby landmarks include the Braselton Town Hall, the Historic Schoolhouse and Chateau Elan Winery and Resort. Commercial attractions include Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta and Farmers Market on the Town Green. The Town Green is where many local festivals and events are held throughout the year, adding to the sense of community. The senior public (65 years and over) makes up nearly 14% of the overall population and it is easy to see why. The median home value is a reasonable $395,200 and with Northeast Georgia Medical Center Braselton being only minutes from the downtown, it makes sense many retirees have settled here.
Parting Thoughts
Each town in this article offers safety, a reasonable cost of living, a welcoming community and access to top-notch medical care. Georgia’s mild winters, tall pines, majestic mountains, gentle hills and graceful rivers provide everything seniors need to live out their sunset years in comfort and style. Be sure to add this sunny, peach of a state to the retirement list, visit and discover what 1.5 million other silvers already know.
