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Best Places to Retire in Georgia for 2020

Whether you are looking to retire in the mountains of Northern Georgia, enjoy a new life along the Georgia coast, stay close to the hustle and bustle of Atlanta, or enjoy a more rural lifestyle in Southern Georgia, this dynamic state offers a wide range of options to choose from.

Georgia offers a wide range of retirement community options, but my advice to people before choosing a community is to start with location first.

The following are some of the most popular destinations for the various types of retirement lifestyles.

Athens, GA

Downtown Athens, Georgia. The historic southern college town is home to the University of Georgia.

The city of Athens is known for being the home of the University of Georgia, and that college atmosphere combined with its location near the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains about 60 miles northeast of Atlanta creates one of the most unique destinations you will find anywhere in the country.

In addition to having a culture of learning surrounding the school and plenty of outdoor activities near the mountains, Athens also offers a vibrant blend of historic architecture, modern art galleries, and fabulous restaurants to occupy your time.

Austell, GA

Located about 30 minutes west of Atlanta, Austell is one of the many suburban communities we will look at surrounding Georgia’s biggest city. There are less than 7,000 residents in Austell, so it is able to offer a small town atmosphere while still being just a short drive away from all of the hustle and bustle in downtown Atlanta.

Residents of Austell also enjoy close access to Sweetwater Creek State Park and the 61.5-mile Silver Comet Trail.

Bainbridge, GA

With old fashioned charm and a rural location just about an hour north of Tallahassee, FL, Bainbridge is a small town oasis in the middle of southern Georgia.

One of the big attractions here is the excellent bass fishing that residents can enjoy along the Flint River and Lake Seminole. And because Bainbridge is known as “The Bass Capital of Georgia,” there are plenty of local restaurants set up to serve visiting fishermen.

Bainbridge is also known throughout Georgia for putting on one of the most impressive Fourth of July celebrations in the entire state.

Buford, GA

With a population of over 12,000 residents, Buford is one of the larger towns located along the pristine Lake Lanier about an hour northeast of Atlanta. The community offers a historic downtown district, which is anchored by the gorgeous Bona Allen Mansion.

Buford has also become a destination for local artists over the years, and residents here can enjoy taking a stroll through the Tannery Row Artist Colony just a few blocks from downtown. Here they will find more than 20 local artists displaying their creations for the public to see.

Cumming, GA

Nature lovers can enjoy stunning views of the Georgia mountains and all of the benefits that come with living near a gorgeous lake in Cumming. Located to the north of Atlanta, this small town of under 10,000 people is a perfect place for a quiet, relaxing lifestyle in Georgia.

Lake Sidney Lanier is one of the most popular attractions in Cumming. Whether you are into boating, fishing, kayaking, swimming, or just kicking back near the water, there is something for everyone to enjoy here.

Cumming is also located right next to the massive 963-acre Sawnee Mountain Preserve, which offers residents access to a nearly endless number of hiking trails.

Decatur, GA

Located just five miles northeast of downtown Atlanta, Decatur is a suburban option that offers residents a small town lifestyle with a population of just over 20,000. There is also the upside of three MARTA rails stops to help residents visit the big city of Atlanta as often as they like.

The typical retirement in Decatur will likely include frequent trips to the local farmers’ market, exploring over 200 unique local restaurants and boutiques, and regular trips into Atlanta to enjoy all of the amenities offered there.

Decatur is also located just 15 minutes away from Stone Mountain Park.

Fayetteville, GA

Fayetteville is a popular community in Fayette County located 22 miles south of Atlanta. With a population under 20,000 residents, there is a true small town feel to this area that weaves its way into just about every aspect of the lifestyle here.

Popular things to do in Fayetteville include exploring the historic downtown area and getting out into the local parks, and there is never a shortage of activity when you are just a short drive from Atlanta.

Gainesville, GA

Gainesville is one of three popular destinations located on the beautiful Lake Lanier, but it is the only one of those destinations that was tasked with hosting the rowing events during the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta.

Today, the city boasts a population of just over 30,000 residents that are passionate about everything from modern art and agriculture to Civil War history.

Jesup, GA

If getting out in the country is something that appeals to you, then you can’t do much better than Jesup. Located 66 miles southwest of Savannah, this rural town of just over 10,000 residents is all about keeping things simple.

Jesup offers residents the ability to experience real farm life at Poppell Farms, as well as the opportunity to catch catfish right out of the nearby Altamaha River. It is also the home of Georgia’s oldest drive-in movie theater

Lawrenceville, GA

With a population up around 30,000 and a location about 30 minutes northeast of Atlanta, Lawrenceville offers a suburban lifestyle that feels a bit further removed from the hustle and bustle of the big city.

Cultural experiences are a huge part of the lifestyle in Lawrenceville, and those experiences revolve around local treasures like The Aurora Theatre and the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse. Then there are all of the standard shopping and dining options that you would expect from a modern suburban community.

Lilburn, GA

As the home of the largest Hindu temple in the country, the town of Lilburn is a place where diversity and world cultures are celebrated. It is also a place that is only 20 miles outside of Atlanta, which makes for convenient access to all of the big city amenities.

While world cultures are definitely celebrated in Lilburn, the town itself feels like a classic American small town. And with a population just over 12,000, many residents feel that it is just the right size for their lifestyle.

Marietta, GA

Marietta is located on the other side of Atlanta and boasts a population up over 60,000. This growing community is just 16 miles outside of the city, and it also offers close access to the mountain destinations of northwest Georgia.

History is a huge attraction in Marietta, and you can get a great feel for the entire community by taking the one-hour tour on The Marietta Trolley. You can also learn more about the community by exploring the Marietta Museum of History, the Root House Museum, and the Marietta Gone with the Wind Museum.

Newnan, GA

With a population of just under 40,000 residents, Newnan is one of the largest destinations on our list of Georgia retirement destinations. It is located about 40 miles southwest of Atlanta near attractions like Dunaway Gardens and Chattahoochee Bend State Park.

History is a huge part of the Newnan lifestyle, and the entire community is filled with huge Antebellum and Victorian homes in six different National Historic districts.

Peachtree City, GA

Located just a little over 30 miles southwest of Atlanta, Peachtree City is the type of resort-style community that many retirees imagine for themselves. And with enough amenities to support a population that is pushing towards 40,000 residents, residents can always find something fun to do here.

One of the major selling points for Peachtree City is that the community offers more than 100 miles of paved golf cart paths. Residents here can access a wide range of amenities by cart without ever having to take their vehicles out of the garage.

Powder Springs, GA

With nearby attractions like the Southern Quilt Trail, the Seven Springs Museum, the Cobb County BMX Park, and the McEachern Sports and Arts Complex, Powder Springs has developed an impressive reputation for itself that revolves around its focus on outdoor family fun.

This community of about 15,000 residents is about 25 miles northwest of Atlanta, and it offers an impressive number of bike and pedestrian trails throughout the area to go along with an equally exciting list of local shopping and restaurant destinations.

Savannah, GA

Much like Atlanta, Savannah is a city that doesn’t really need an introduction. As one of the most popular tourist destinations in the entire south, Savannah is known around the world for its nearly perfect combination of stunning beauty and rich history.

In addition to all of the rich history and active cultural community, Savannah is also home to one of the best restaurant scenes in the entire country, and being located right on the coast doesn’t hurt either.

Snellville, GA

On the east side of Atlanta about halfway to Athens is where you will find Snellville, which is a lovely suburban community with a population just under 20,000.

Life in Snellville revolves around their City Hall and Briscoe Park. That is where you will find the Snellville Farmers’ Market, which is held every Saturday from June through Septemeber and was voted the best farmers’ market in the country.

Snellville is also just a short drive away from the beautiful Stone Mountain Park, so it is another ideal destination for anyone who is passionate about the outdoors.

Stone Mountain, GA

Located 15 miles east of Atlanta and right outside the western side of Stone Mountain Park, Stone Mountain is a golf-cart community of fewer than 7,000 residents that takes up just under two square miles.

While it might be a small community, there is no shortage of things to do in Stone Mountain. Residents can enjoy more than 50 shops and restaurants, and there are three Bed & Breakfasts operating in the area.

There is also a thriving cultural community based around the ART Station Contemporary Arts Center and Theatre Company, and nature lovers won’t be able to get enough of the close access to the amenities of Stone Mountain Park.

Thomasville, GA

Just about an hour east of Bainbridge is where you will find the town of Thomasville and its 19,000 residents. This is another deep south town that is bursting with history all the way down to its brick-paved streets.

Thomasville is one of the best places in Georgia to get a feel for Victorian homes, and it offers the closest thing you will find to a plantation era lifestyle.

Waycross, GA

Located in the southeastern part of the state, the big attraction in Waycross is its close proximity to the Okefenokee Swamp. So if exploring the swamp is what you are looking for, this is the perfect destination.

Waycross also offers up a historic downtown district that includes three local museums, unique restaurants, and all the southern hospitality you could ever ask for.

Retirement Spotlight: Tucson

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Located just under two hours southeast of Phoenix, Tucson is the ultimate destination for boomers that are looking for a little more room to roam. And between the old west heritage and the modern day spas and golf courses, there is so much to love about Tucson.

The city is also known for legendary sunsets and offering residents the freedom to be themselves, so if that sounds appealing to you, let’s dig a little deeper into all that Tucson has to offer!

Tucson History

Originally part of the New Mexico Territory, Tucson became the capital of the Arizona Territory when it was established in1863. During that time, the area was literally the “wild west” and was home to famous characters like Wyatt Earp.

During the early 20th century, Tucson became a popular destination for veterans who were struggling with respiratory issues after being exposed to harmful gasses during World War I. That cool, dry air remains one of the most commonly cited reasons for moving to Arizona today.

Tucson Lifestyle

While it might be located in the middle of the Arizona desert, there is quite a bit more to Tucson than sand and cacti. A quick look out from the city in any direction will allow you to take in scenic mountain ranges that offer a wide variety of outdoor activities.

And while activities like hiking, rock climbing, horseback riding, and birding take center stage here, there are also plenty of outstanding golf courses like the Catalina and Sonoran Courses at Omni Tucson National.

Tucson Culture

With surroundings as beautiful as the ones you will find in Tucson, it shouldn’t surprise anyone to learn that performing and visual arts are a focal point of life in the Arizona desert. You can find all kinds of exciting performances happening at the Fox Tucson Theatre, the AVA Amphitheater, and Centennial Hall.

In addition to performing arts, Tucson also offers more than a dozen great places to see visual arts like the Tucson Museum of Art, the University of Arizona Art Museum, and MOCA Tucson, which just happens to be located in an old firehouse.

And just in case the museums aren’t enough, there are also stunning brick murals located in public places all over Tucson.

Tucson Shopping

Looking for a little bit of retail therapy? There is plenty to be found throughout Tucson, and one of the best places to start for your standard mall shopping experience is the Foothills Mall.

Of course, Tucson is also home to a vast community of boutiques like The Lost Barrio, Mac’s Indian Jewelry, and Mercado San Agustin. So you will never have a problem finding a unique, hand-made gift here!

Tucson Dining

With a location in southern Arizona, the dining scene in Tucson is obviously going to have plenty of Mexican influences. Local restaurants like Salsa Verde Restaurant, The Quesadillas, and Charro Steak all offer different twists on great Mexican cuisine.

In addition to Mexican, there are also quite a few international flavors popping up around Tucson. Residents can spend an evening enjoying Korean BBQ at KOGI Korean BBQ, checking out a Korean Steakhouse like 7 Ounce Korean Steakhouse, or exploring Asian influence at Noodleholics and Raijin Ramen.

And since we can’t leave out the outstanding American-style gastropubs, there are also options like Commoner & Co. and The Parish serving up some really mouthwatering dishes.

Tucson Area Communitiies

A little over an hour from Tucson, Encanterra® is the ultimate in resort living, in a completely private setting. This spectacular resort golf community is the best of both worlds including a 55+ neighborhood within the all-ages community. All Members enjoy the incredible club and unique amenities as well as the private, Tom Lehman-designed championship golf course. New home designs start from the low $200,000’s.

You can request more information here.

Hearing stories about the fresh air, wide open spaces, and stunning views are often enough to get someone to visit Arizona, but the things that get them to stay here in Tucson are the plethora of outdoor activities, golf courses, arts and culture, boutique shopping, and world-class dining.

Just give Tucson the chance to impress you, and you surely will not be disappointed.

Retirement Spotlight: Mount Airy, NC

North Carolina, Places

Vineyard near Mount Airy, North Carolina.

Located near the North Carolina/Virginia border, Mount Airy is one of the most unique destinations in all of the Carolinas because it is better known by another name: Mayberry.

This small community in North Carolina wine country was the original home of TV star Andy Griffith, and it is believed to be the inspiration behind the famous town of Mayberry that we saw on The Andy Griffith Show and Mayberry RFD.

A stroll through downtown Mount Airy will definitely bear a striking resemblance to Mayberry, but there is much more to the area underneath its appeal to Andy Griffith fans. The location also offers access to exploring the Yadkin Valley wine region, the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway, natural landmarks like Pilot Mountain, and the original home of bluegrass music.

Mount Airy History

The history of Mount Airy dates back to the 1750’s when it was a popular stop on the road from Winston-Salem, North Carolina up to Galax, Virginia.

The name was borrowed from a nearby plantation, and the city was officially incorporated in 1885. Furniture making, textiles, and a local granite quarry have all been important to the area economy over the years.

Mount Airy Lifestyle

The lifestyle in Mount Airy is all about embracing the small town atmosphere that Mayberry represents, and the best dive right into that lifestyle is to sign up for a Mayberry Squad Car Tour. This will take you past many of the local treasures like the Mount Airy Visitors Center, Andy’s Homeplace, the Andy Griffith Playhouse, the Old Jail, and the Andy Griffith Museum.

Mount Airy is also an excellent starting point for exploring the Yadkin Valley Wine Region, and you will find more than 40 wineries, distilleries, and breweries surrounding the community. Known as “Napa of the East,” there is a nearly endless amount of local wine to enjoy here.

Mount Airy Culture

Mayberry also plays a central role in the culture of Mount Airy, and there are always events and activities happening at the Andy Griffith Playhouse and the Andy Griffith Museum. These two attractions are located right next door to each other and are filled with possibilities for locals who want to participate in the arts, culture, and history of the region.

Residents can also catch performances at the Blackmon Amphitheatre and the Historic Earle Theatre, and there is even more local history on display at the Mount Airy Museum of Regional History.

Mount Airy Shopping

In a town with as much interesting history as Mount Airy, it should come as no surprise that shopping for antiques is a popular way to spend a day. There are more than a dozen local antique dealers that are constantly rotating their inventories, so no shopping trip is ever the same.

Sweets are also a favorite item for shoppers in Mount Airy, and you can find plenty of them to choose from at Bear Creek Gifts and Fudge Factory, Opie’s Candy Store, and Prudence McCabe Confections.

Mount Airy Dining

The Mount Airy dining scene offers up something for just about everyone to enjoy. People who enjoy the classic small-town dining experience will feel right at home at Snappy Lunch or the Mill Creek General Store, but there are also international options like Thai Cafe and Chile Rojo to keep things fresh.

Located just a bit outside of downtown Mount Airy is where you will find dinner spots like Chase & Charli and 13 Bones. Chase & Charli has a fantastic seafood menu with a great view of the water, and 13 Bones is the place for steaks and ribs.

Nearby Communities

The Coves Mountain River Club is a spectacular master-planned and gated community, located about 90 minutes southwest of Mt. Airy. Vacationing families and active retirees have found Western North Carolina to be ideal for thriving cultural locales, year-round enjoyable climate and a multitude of recreational opportunities. The Coves Mountain River Club offers all of these qualities in a single 3,600 acre gated community, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Lenoir and Blowing Rock.

Far from being a resort community or weekend getaway, The Coves is loaded with built-out amenities designed for 365 days of activities and events. Active adults can take advantage of the beautiful natural environment while enjoying a full social calendar of gatherings with other like-minded residents.

Walk along gentle mountain paths, challenge yourself with a high-country hike or Kayak 5 miles of the Johns River without ever leaving the community. Spend a morning in the garden and then attend a community barbecue or concert that evening. Rejuvenate yourself in our state of the art fitness center. While away a winter afternoon in our library, or spend lazy summer days on horseback. With such a wide array of homesites to choose from, it’s easy to pick your perfect getaway.

You can request more information here.

While there are some more modern options when it comes to dining, the rest of Mount Airy is all about celebrating a simpler time and enjoying the lifestyle that comes with that. So if you have always dreamed of living in Mayberry, Mount Airy is the perfect destination for you.

US News & World Report Best Places to Retire in the Carolinas

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Let’s face it, “best places to retire” lists are a dime a dozen.

Everybody’s got one, but somehow, I think that’s a good thing.

While each list is different because they use different data to come to their conclusions, it’s great to check them all out because they can bring different places to your attention.

To come up with their best places to retire list, U.S. News & World Report analyzed data for the 100 largest metropolitan areas in the USA to assess how well they meet Americans’ retirement needs and expectations.

Top criteria include the happiness of local residents, housing affordability, tax rates and healthcare quality.

Here are the places in the Carolinas that made the list, and a snippet of what they said about each place:

#13: Greenville, SC

“Greenville encompasses big-city amenities without attracting the same unpleasantries that come with a more populated, urban metro area. The 10-block stretch of Main Street is lined with a variety of boutiques, restaurants, businesses and bars.”

#17: Raleigh-Durham, NC

“Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill also encompass beautiful green spaces, family-friendly museums and a growing art and music scene defined by monthly gallery walks, summer concerts and music festivals like Hopscotch.”

#18: Charleston, SC

“Its unique brand of Southern style shines in the bespoke boutiques that line downtown’s King Street, while Southern hospitality radiates from the award-winning dining establishments.”

#22: Charlotte, NC

“You’ll still hear “y’all” dropped into casual conversation, but Charlotte is a metro area on the rise, and has its own culture, culinary sophistication and unique feel that’s making it a more enticing place for people from all over the world to settle down.”

#43: Greensboro, NC

“Greensboro, North Carolina, is one of those places that’s big enough to have everything you need, but small enough for you to regularly bump into people you know.”

#57: Winston-Salem

“This slow-and-steady growth has preserved the region’s small-town feel while allowing for improvements like repurposing the old textile and tobacco factories into loft apartment spaces, and building the new $48.7 million baseball park downtown.”

#82: Columbia, SC

“Columbia’s population of nearly 800,000 is small enough that traffic is relatively mild and the streets are rarely overcrowded, but large enough to support trendy shops, cafes, bars and other businesses that make urban life enjoyable.”

You might be surprised to see seven Carolina cities made the US News & World Report Best Places to Retire list, but keep in mind they studied metropolitan areas, not just cities by themselves.

That said, if the Carolinas is not your only consideration, their list gives you a bunch of other options to consider.

You can see the full list here.

Phoenix and Tucson Make US News & World Report Best Places to Retire List

Places

There are so many “best places to retire” lists to consider, but I think that’s a good thing.

While each list is different because they use different data to come to their conclusions, it’s great to check them all out because they can bring different places to your attention.

To come up with their best places to retire list, U.S. News analyzed data for the 100 largest metropolitan areas in the USA to assess how well they meet Americans’ retirement needs and expectations. Top criteria include the happiness of local residents, housing affordability, tax rates and healthcare quality.

Phoenix and Tucson were the only two places in Arizona that made the list. Here’s a brief snippet of what they said about each place:

#34: Phoenix

“Phoenix is the best place to get a sampling of all the state has to offer. Its downtown area may be characterized by sleek, ultramodern office buildings, but the city center is not all about work. Phoenix also contains ample opportunities to play.”

#68: Tucson

“But perhaps the best part of Tucson is its scenery. The metro area is ringed by mountain ranges that emphasize the great desert skies and sunsets that continuously impress even the most seasoned residents.”

You can see the full list here.

An Overview of Arizona’s Diverse Regions

Places

Arizona is big — 113,998 square miles. It is the nation’s sixth largest state and the 15th most populous.

To help you get a general idea of the lay of the land, here’s an overview of the state’s five main regions.

Flagstaff and the North

North of Phoenix are a host of towns dotted around Arizona’s high country.

Flagstaff, a college town of 70,000, about 140 miles up the I-17 from Phoenix, debunks the notion that Arizona is a vast desert. The unofficial gateway to Grand Canyon Country, Flagstaff rests at an elevation of about 7,000 feet, nestled among hills of lush trees and peaceful meadows. Its climate is noticeably cooler than many other regions of Arizona. At the crossroads of Interstates 17 and 40, and the nostalgic Route 66, Flagstaff is a popular destination for vacationers and desert dwellers looking to escape the heat. Home to Northern Arizona University and one of the state’s three ski areas, the town has earned a reputation for its laid-back vibe.

All the beauty and adventures of Grand Canyon National Park await about an hour and a half northwest of Flagstaff.

To the right of the canyon are the town of Page and the famed Lake Powell – known for calm, clear waters and towering canyon walls.

Less than an hour south of “Flag” is Sedona, a town that draws visitors from around the world to hike among its red rock trails and seek spiritual healing.

In the eastern sections of Arizona’s high country are the mountain towns of Payson, high atop the Mogollon Rim and Show Low, not far from the base of the state’s largest ski resort.

Other charming towns that make up this region popular with tourists include Prescott, Cottonwood, Williams, and Winslow.

Tucson and the South

Sunset highlights Mission San Xavier near Tucson Arizona

Tucson is the largest city in the southern third of Arizona, with a population of around a million.

Year after year, people are lured to Tucson for its climate, culture, and lifestyle. Resting at an elevation of 2,389 feet (approximately 1,300 feet higher than and 120 miles south of Phoenix), year-round temperatures are noticeably cooler in Tucson, yet consistent with a desert climate. Mild temperatures, with the rare wintertime freeze, means outdoor activities such as hiking, bicycling, and golf are favorites for people who live here.

The University of Arizona, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base join with the businesses they rely on and tourism suppliers, to form a healthy and diverse economy. Popular nearby attractions include Mt. Lemmon Ski Area, Biosphere 2, Old Tucson Studios and Saguaro National Park. The cities of Oro Valley and Marana are generally considered part of the Tucson metro area.

Tucsonans also enjoy weekend or day trips to historic Tombstone, Patagonia, Sierra Vista and cities in Mexico.

Other towns within a couple hours’ drive of Tucson include Casa Grande, Eloy, Oracle, Catalina, Green Valley, Nogales, Pearce, Bisbee, and Douglas.

Eastern Arizona

In the rugged terrain of Eastern Arizona lies a collection of small towns built on mining and tourism.

Homes in this region tend to be older and less expensive than in some of the faster-growing parts of Arizona.

With populations of 10,000 or fewer, Eastern Arizona towns are void of most big city hassles and exempt of HOA rules.

In exchange for the lack of modern conveniences found in more populated cities, folks in these parts enjoy a slower pace and tight community bonds.

Arizona’s West Coast

The world famous London Bridge located in Lake Havasu City, AZ

Landlocked deep in the desert southwest, Arizona lays claim to zero oceanfront properties. However, the clean Colorado River and a series of manmade lakes have created what residents refer to as Arizona’s west coast, which offers a plethora of water-based activities.

Stretching some 200+ miles from Lake Mead in northwestern Arizona to the border of Mexico in the south, the Colorado River winds through cities popular with retirees and action seekers alike.

Resort-style communities have sprung up in the past few decades in towns along Arizona’s west border such as Kingman, Bullhead City, Lake Havasu City, and Parker.

Residents in these parts enjoy warm temperatures year round, beautiful scenery and ample recreation on the water, plus hiking, golf and off-road touring.

At the southern tip of the West Coast sits Yuma, a town made legendary by Hollywood Westerns and just as popular with migratory birds as it is with human snowbirds.

Phoenix and the Valley of the Sun

Phoenix is Arizona’s largest and most metropolitan city. Located slightly south of the center most point in the state, Phoenix is the capital city and home to approximately 1.5 million people, making it the sixth largest city in the United States.

Known for its warm temperatures year round, the occasional wintertime frost in Phoenix makes the headlines.

Having experienced most of its growth since 1960, Phoenix is a modern, urban metropolis with numerous corporate headquarters, major professional sports teams with world-class stadiums, as well as thriving cultural and recreational scenes.

Phoenix and the surrounding cities make up metro Phoenix.

As a whole, the metro is fondly called “the Valley,” short for Valley of the Sun.

About 4.3 million people live in the Valley, which includes the cities of Tempe, Glendale, Scottsdale, Sun City, Chandler and dozens of others.

Although the metro area sprawls across roughly 16,000 square miles, getting around the Valley is easy thanks to two interstate highways and an elaborate system of freeways or “loops.”