8 Best Places To Retire In Georgia
Georgia, or the Peach State, is not only bountiful with delicious fruits all year round, but it also harbors a heavenly oasis for retirement. Georgia’s mild climates make the state ideal for any retiree looking to escape freezing climates. Aside from the amazing temperatures, Georgia offers other amazing attributes for retirees, such as low cost of living, affordable housing, and tax breaks. The state is home to beautiful natural surroundings like the gardens of Northern Georgia and the Appalachian Trail. Georgia also has several top-rated healthcare facilities that are near many of their retirement-friendly towns. The best places to retire in Georgia are sure to give any retiree a great overall quality of life.
Decatur
As a suburb of Atlanta, Decatur is known for its picturesque downtown area, which also provides fantastic amenities. Downtown Decatur is famous for being the setting of many movies, including classics like Remember the Titans and The Blind Side. Come see the town that Hollywood loves! Retirees in the town love the illustrious parks such as Legacy Park. Legacy Park gives retirees ample activity opportunities while hosting a scenic landscape. The park features 77 acres of forest, wetlands, and historic buildings that allow anyone in retirement to maintain an active lifestyle.
No need to worry about where the nearest hospital is, Decatur features the nationally recognized Emory University Hospital. Emory University Hospital was ranked in the top 50 of all hospitals in the country, gaining them the impressive accolade of being in the top 1% of all hospitals in the nation!
St. Simons
St. Simons provides an eccentric beach lifestyle with numerous ways to stay active while you are relaxing. Located right on the Atlantic Coast, St. Simons gives retirees beautiful views of the ocean. St. Simons boasts a senior population of 38% with a median age of 59, meaning seniors are already flocking to the area! St. Simon contains amazing beaches, perfect for a walk as you watch the sunrise over the horizon.
The entire island is bike-friendly, so be sure to bring your bike to travel on the paths and see some highlights of the town, like the shops in Pier Village or the beauty of the East Beach. If you do not have your own bike, the island has a convenient rental available! St. Simons’ average temperature during the winter months of January and February is over 60 degrees Fahrenheit, so you are sure not to freeze!
Dalton
Dalton is a scenic town located near the legendary Blue Ridge Mountains. Dalton is a perfect area for retirees to have a comfortable lifestyle at a fraction of the cost. The median home listing prices are about $100,000 below the national average, making the city affordable for many retirees. Dalton is home to top-of-the-line medical facilities like Hamilton Medical Center, which is located only 2 miles from downtown Dalton!
The area gives retirees numerous opportunities to walk or bike at places like Haig Mill Lake Park. The lake allows for beautiful views as well as extensive fishing activities for all of its residents. Dalton is home to the annual Prater's Mill Country Fair, which showcases the town's rich history while providing great live music from local artists! The town offers residents a convenient transit service that will take you to all of these locations at the low cost of $4.
Woodstock
About 30 miles north of Atlanta, Woodstock is a town known for its rich cultural scene and its catering to retirees. Around 12% of the town's population is 65 or older, which means the town houses a thriving older population. Home to the world-renowned Woodstock Arts, Woodstock provides engaging cultural activities that include concerts, art productions, art exhibitions, in-depth classes, and camps.
There is always an artistic event happening in town, so be sure to stay up to date all year round. Woodstock has ideal recreation opportunities, like Dupree Park. Dupree Park is a perfect place for walking on trails, flying a kite, or if you are planning a picnic! Disc Golf fans can play on their immense 18-hole golf course, which offers amazing views of the local scenery. Wellstar Towne Lake Medical Center and North Atlanta Primary Care Woodstock provide essential healthcare for residents.
Peachtree City
A southern suburb of Atlanta, Peachtree City is a desired oasis for anyone looking to retire in style, especially if you are a fan of peaches. Peachtree City is known for its welcoming community of seniors, with almost 20% of the population in the 65+ age bracket. Peachtree City hosts incredible social services for seniors that ensure the older population remains independent as they get older. The Peachtree Medical Center is just north of town and serves the local residents.
The town offers a variety of activities for its retirees, including golf at the Braelinn Golf Club, tennis at one of the 10 courts in the Tennis Center, or swimming at the Kedron Fieldhouse and Aquatic Center. Be sure to keep your golf cart because the town hosts 100 miles of golf cart paths that allow residents to travel around town with ease. Be sure to drive your cart over to the Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater to catch a concert or another cultural event.
Blue Ridge
Blue Ridge is nestled in the North Georgia Mountains and is perfect for those who love scenic views of the great outdoors. In Blue Ridge, you can take a walk on the beautiful trails at Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest to fully appreciate the landscape of the mountainous region. You can also take an adventure along the natural landscape of Lake Blue Ridge or the Toccoa River if you are interested in fishing opportunities. If you are looking to stay in shape, take a hike on the famous Appalachian Trail near the Appalachian Mountains. Although Blue Ridge is a smaller town of just 1,366 people, the town still contains many amenities.
One of these amenities is highly rated healthcare, which can be found at Blue Ridge Medical Center. The hospital is located very close by, which ensures you have easy access to emergency services. The town also boasts tasteful wineries like the Mercier Orchards, where you can taste some of the local produce.
Adairsville
Adairsville is a tightly-knit community that harbors a sense of belonging for retirees, with almost 25% of the population 65 years or older. Adairsville has a lower population density and only around 5,000 residents, so you will not feel too crowded. The town lies in the beautiful landscape of Oothcalooga Valley, with mountains encompassing the town. While in Adairsville, you can walk and admire the 26 gardens that are on the North Georgia Garden Trail, starting with Barnsley Resort.
Barnsley Resort is a historic private estate garden that was designed in the 1840s and harbors a diverse collection of flora and fauna. Adairsville is located near the larger cities of Rome and Cartersville, which allows seniors to access all of the amenities they need, including quality medical facilities like AdventHealth.
Fayetteville
Fayetteville is another city that hosts small-town charm while also being close to the bigger city of Atlanta. Retirees, which account for over 20% of the population, looking to stay active have a plethora of choices in Fayetteville. The town provides over 50 parks and 100 miles of paved pathways that are perfect for hiking or biking. Try biking around Lake Horton and take in the breathtaking views of this one-of-a-kind lake. If you want to spend a little more time at the lake, try fishing or picnicking at any of the designated areas near the lake!
Fayetteville has a high quality of healthcare! Nearby is the Piedmont Fayette Hospital which is a well equipped 310 bed facility with a comprehensive range of services for seniors. Piedmont is even ranked in the Top 1% of all hospitals in America, making this area perfect for those wanting to stay healthy.
Georgia is an ideal place for retirees to find a home where they can settle down. Not only does it offer a mild climate, but it gives its residents low housing and utility costs while also having great amenities. With the beautiful Garden Trail and scenic mountain ranges of the Appalachians located in Georgia’s backyard, retirees are sure to maintain an active lifestyle as they enter the golden years. Be sure to try a famous Georgia peach during your stay!
