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The Best Georgia 55+ Communities of 2020

This list of Georgia retirement communities includes links to the best 55+ and active adult communities currently selling new homes in Georgia.

55+ communities are marked with an *.

So that you don’t lose your place, all links open in a new tab.

The list is quite long, so let’s get started…

1825 Stilesboro*

With construction just starting in 2019, 1825 Stilesboro is one of the newest communities in all of Georgia.

Located in Marietta, this community will be home to 31 single-family homes with a homeowners’ association to take care of all exterior maintenance.

The single-family homes at 1825 Stilesboro start in the high-$300k’s.

Barrett Preserve*

Located north of Atlanta in Marietta, Barrett Preserve is a community of 41 single-family homes that was started in 2017.

Homeowners here have access to a community fireside pavilion, and they also enjoy the benefit of a homeowners’ association that handles all exterior maintenance.

There are two different floorplans available at Barrett Preserve, which gives buyers the option to go with three or four bedroom options. Those homes start in the low $300k’s.

Brayden Park*

Brayden Park is a gated community of 55 ranch-style single-family homes on the east side of Atlanta. Residents here will enjoy access to a community clubhouse, pickleball courts, and walking trials.

Homes at Brayden Park start in the low-$300k’s and are available in four different floorplans ranging from 1,896 to 2,250 square feet.

Courtyards at Camden*

Courtyards at Camden is a 55+ community of single-family homes that is located in Acworth, just over 30 miles north of Atlanta. Amenities here include a community clubhouse, outdoor swimming pool, bocce courts, and walking trails.

The homes at Courtyards at Camden are available in three different ranch-style models that range from 1,505 to 2,053 square feet and start in the mid-$300k’s.

Cresswind Georgia at Twin Lakes*

Details coming soon…

Cresswind at Lake Lanier*

All of the towns located around Lake Lanier are popular retirement destinations, and Cresswind at Lake Lanier offers a perfect way to experience the lake from the comforts of a gated 55+ community.

In addition to standard amenities like a large clubhouse, state-of-the-art fitness center, an indoor lap pool, this community also includes access to the lake through a private marina with individual boat slips available.

Homes at Cresswind at Lake Lanier start in the mid-$200k’s and are available in 13 different models that can get as big as 2,964 square feet.

Cresswind Peachtree City*

Cresswind at Peachtree City is a gated 55+ community of 650 homes spread out across just over 400 acres southwest of Atlanta.

All of the standard active adult community amenities are in play here, including a large clubhouse, indoor and outdoor pools, and a state-of-the-art fitness center.

Single-family homes here start in the mid-$200k’s and range in size from 1,448 square feet to 3,058 square feet.

Cumberland Harbour

Located in the southeast corner of Georgia, Cumberland Harbour is a coastal community that offers four different neighborhoods to choose from.

And with an elegant clubhouse, outdoor pool, tennis courts, bike trails, and kayaking all available to residents, there is definitely no shortage of amenities here.

There are six different Signature Home Plans available at Cumberland Harbour. Those homes range in size from 1,533 square feet all the way up to 3,356 square feet. And if those six plans don’t offer what you are looking for, there are also completely custom options available.

Currahee Club

Currahee Club is a gorgeous mountain community located in North Georgia about 90 miles northeast of Atlanta. Residents here enjoy access to a massive community clubhouse with a state-of-the-art fitness center, a beautiful zero-entry pool, and a Jim Fazio golf course.

Homes at Currahee are available in three popular styles, as well as a fully custom options that allow residents to build out exactly what they want along the golf course, the lake, or the mountains.

Homes here range in size from as little as 1,800 square feet all the way up to over 5,000 square feet.

Del Webb at Chateau Elan*

Del Webb at Chateau Elan is one of the newest communities in Georgia, and it is located right next to the Chateau Elan Resort in the foothills of the mountains just north of Atlanta.

Proposed amenities here include everything from a large clubhouse and fitness center to a beautiful outdoor pool.

Single-family homes at Del Webb at Chateau Elan are available in ten different models that start in the $200k’s and range in size from 1,109 square feet to 2,536 square feet.

Del Webb at Lake Oconee*

Located in Greensboro about 75 miles east of Atlanta, Del Webb at Lake Oconee is an ideal destination for active adults looking for a little more space.

This rural community along Lake Oconee offers some of the largest lot sites of any active adult community in Georgia, along with all of the standard amenities.

New homes at Del Webb at Lake Oconee start in the $200k’s and there are 10 different floor plans to choose from.

East Haven*

Located just slightly east of Marietta, East Haven is a 28 home community of attached homes.

East Haven offers the perfect combination of private lifestyle and close proximity to the major amenities of Atlanta. Residents here enjoy access to a community pool with a pool house and outdoor grilling area.

Homes in East Haven start in the high-$600k’s and range in size from 2,917 and 3,339 square feet.

Edenton*

Edenton is a gated community of 26 high-end attached homes located in Marietta. Homeowners here can enjoy the fact that the homeowners’ association takes care of all exterior maintenance, giving them plenty of time to enjoy the community park.

The attached homes here start in the low-$500k’s and include popular features like open concept floor plans, second-floor lofts, and master suites on the main floor.

Heritage at Towne Lake*

Heritage at Town Lake is located about an hour north of Atlanta in Woodstock.

In addition to all of the traditional amenities, residents here also enjoy the fact that there are several different golf courses within a short drive of the community.

Homes at Heritage at Towne Lake are available in seven different floorplans that range in size from 1,780 square feet up to 2,546 square feet and start in the mid-$300k’s.

Heritage Place*

Located just south of Atlanta in Hampton, Heritage Place is a low-maintenance community of 38 attached homes.

Residents here also enjoy access to a community clubhouse that acts as a gathering space for friends and neighbors.

Homes at Heritage Place come in three different floorplans, which range from 1,029 to 1,370 square feet and start in the low-$100k’s.

Larkspur

Larkspur is a 134-home gated community is located in Alpharetta, just north of Atlanta.

Larkspur residents enjoy an impressive community clubhouse known as “The Ranch House,” and a resort-style outdoor swimming pool.

Homes at Larkspur start in the low-$400k’s and come in a variety of different floor plans averaging about 2,500 square feet.

Longleaf Woodstock*

Located north of Atlanta in Woodstock, Longleaf Woodstock is a gated community of single-family homes that was started in 2016. Residents here enjoy the fact that the homeowners’ association takes care of all exterior maintenance throughout the entire community.

Homes at Longleaf Woodstock start in the low-$400k’s, built in the style of English cottages that range in size from 2,061 to nearly 3,000 square feet.

Meadows at Jodeco*

Located in McDonough just south of Atlanta, Meadows at Jodeco is a gated community of 84 attached and single-family homes is all about minimal maintenance. Amenities here include access to a community clubhouse, outdoor pool, and a number of scenic ponds.

The attached homes at Meadows at Jodeco range from 1,400 to 1,916 square feet, while the single-family options are a bit bigger at 2,297 to 2,769 square feet. Homes start in the high-$100k’s.

Moore Station Village

Moore Station Village is a rural community that is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts located in Dublin about halfway between Atlanta and Savannah.

Anglers will love having access to the community’s stocked pond, and other amenities include a large clubhouse, outdoor pool, community garden, and dog park.

Homes at Moore Station Village are available in five different layouts that range in size from 1,762 square feet to 2,322 square feet.

Each of those homes offers the benefits of low-maintenance living and all of the modern smart home advantages today’s buyers are looking for.

Nestledown Farm*

Nestledown Farm is a gated and intimate active adult community located one mile west of Cumming along the west side of gorgeous Lake Lanier. Amenities here include everything from a clubhouse and outdoor pool to pickleball courts and scenic walking trails.

Most of the single-family homes here feature three bedrooms and start in the $400k’s.

Old Toccoa Farm

Located in the heart of the Chattahoochee National Forest, Old Toccoa Farm is a 405-acre community that is a perfect destination for anyone looking to retire in the mountains of Georgia.

Golfers will love amenities like an 18-hole golf course, a driving range with chipping and putting practice areas, and an 18-hole par three course.

Home options at Old Toccoa Farm start with six different style of cabins and cottages that range in size from just over 1,000 square feet up to 2,140 square feet.

There are also options to purchase spec homes or go all out with completely custom construction.

Osprey Cove

Osprey Cove is a private club community of luxury homes in St. Mary’s. Between the award-winning 18-hole golf course, the clubhouse, the pool, and the fitness center, this community has all of the amenities to make every single day feel like a vacation.

There are a number of pre-built homes available at Osprey Cove, but one of the biggest benefits this community offers is the ability to build a custom home from scratch on some of the most beautiful lots in all of Georgia.

Peppertree Crossing*

Anyone looking for a great value option along the coast of Southern Georgia will be thrilled to call Peppertree Crossing home.

This gated community in Brunswick features everything from a clubhouse and outdoor pool to a community garden and scenic walking trails.

Homes at Peppertree Crossing start in the mid-$100k’s and range in size from 1,464 square feet up to 2,379 square feet.

Reynolds Lake Oconee

Sitting on 12,000 acres of lakefront property about 85 miles east of Atlanta, Reynolds Lake Oconee offers the best in upscale living.

In addition to six challenging golf courses, residents here can enjoy 10 different restaurants, four full-service marinas, and a plethora of additional amenities, including a Ritz-Carlton.

With existing homes starting in the high-$300k’s and ranging all the way up to multi-million dollar mansions, there is no limit to the possibilities available at Reynolds Lake Oconee. In addition to the existing listings, there are also plenty of gorgeous homesites available to build your dream home on.

Saddlebrook*

Saddlebrook is a new community of 130 single-family homes located in Snellville, just 30 minutes east of Atlanta. Residents here will be able to enjoy a community clubhouse, an outdoor pool, and a dog park.

Homes at Saddlebrook are available in three different floor plans ranging from 1,704 up to 2,109 square feet and start in the high-$200k’s.

Savannah Quarters

If being close to Savannah is something you value, then Savannah Quarters is definitely a community that should be on your list.

Residents of this community have the option of joining the Savannah Quarters Country Club for access to world-class amenities like an 18-hole Greg Norman golf course.

This master-planned golf community contains a variety of different neighborhoods that each have their own unique style and feel. A wide range of home styles are available at a broad range of price points, but generally you won’t find anything here under $300k.

Seaboard Junction*

Located east of Atlanta in Loganville, Seaboard Junction is a gated community of 112 attached homes that was just started in 2019. Plans for this community include a large clubhouse and an outdoor pool.

There are a few floor plans to choose from at Seaboard Junction, each with three bedrooms and two bathrooms with an attached two-car garage and prices start in the high-$200k’s.

Serenity*

Serenity is a community of 47 single-family homes located in Woodstock, about 40 minutes north of Atlanta. Amenities here include a community clubhouse and a collection of nature trails.

There are seven different floorplans to choose from at Serenity, and they range in size from 1,957 to 3,284 square feet. Prices start in the high-$300k’s.

Soleil Laurel Canyon*

Enjoying all of the outdoor amenities of Northern Georgia while still being close enough to the action and excitement of downtown Atlanta is what makes Soleil Laurel Canyon a popular choice for many active adults.

This 978 home community in Canton also offers a 28,000 square foot clubhouse and access to the 18-hole golf course right next door.

Soleil Laurel Canyon offers a selection of Cottage, Traditional and Craftsman-style single-family homes from the mid $300,000s to low $400,000s.

Summit at Auburn Hills*

Located in the beautiful community of Dacula, Summit at Auburn Hills sits at about the halfway point between Atlanta and Athens.

Residents of this 52-home community enjoy a fantastic collection of walking trails, as well as close access to the amenities of Dacula.

The plan for Summit at Auburn Hills includes 52 single-family homes that range from 1,704 to 2,109 square feet. Prices start in the high-$200k’s.

Sun City Peachtree*

Located just 35 miles south of Atlanta, Sun City Peachtree is a 3,387 home Del Webb community specifically for 55+ active adults.

Amenities here include the massive 45,000 square foot Club Peachtree clubhouse, an 18-hole golf course, an outdoor resort-style swimming pool, and a 146-seat movie theater.

New homes at Sun City Peachtree start in the high-$100k’s and are available in ten different floor plans ranging from as little at 1,109 square feet to as much at 2,536 square feet.

Sweet Briar Farms*

Intimate is the word that many residents use to describe Sweet Briar Farms.

This small, gated community of 85 homes located in Woodstock offers traditional amenities like a clubhouse and outdoor pool, a community garden, and scenic walking trails.

Homes at Sweet Briar Farms offer a minimum of 2 bedrooms 2 baths on the main floor plus additional guest suite upstairs and prices start around $500k.

The Georgia Club

Located right outside of Athens, The Georgia Club has been ranked as “one of the 50 best retirement communities in the country.”

Amenities at this elegant community include a massive clubhouse, multiple golf courses, and an expansive health and fitness program.

Homes at The Georgia Club are available in a number of different neighborhoods based on size, style, and price. Those homes can be available starting in the $400k’s, and they can get up into multi-million dollar territory as well.

The Landings

The Landings is a 6,300-acre island located right outside of Savannah that is home to one of Georgia’s most impressive golf cart communities.

Amenities here include two deep-water marinas, four different clubhouses, six challenging golf courses, and a ridiculous 31 tennis courts.

Existing homes at The Landings are available in a wide range of prices and sizes.

There are also home sites that are just waiting for your custom home on the golf course or along the water.

The Orchards of Central Park*

With construction just starting in 2019, The Orchards of Central Park is one of the newest communities on our list of Georgia retirement destinations. Plans for this 160 home community in Cumming include a large clubhouse and gorgeous pool.

In addition to single-family homes, The Orchards of Central Park also offers condos and attached homes that range from 1,900 to 2,450 square feet and prices start in the high-$200k’s.

The Orchards of Park Ridge*

The Orchards of Park Ridge is a maintenance-free community of attached homes located just south of Lake Lanier. Amenities here include a clubhouse and outdoor pool, along with a number of green spaces and a community pond.

The attached homes at The Orchards of Park Ridge range from 1,535 to 2,233 square feet and start in the mid-$200k’s.

The Overlook at Old Atlanta*

The Overlook at Old Atlanta is a collection of 74 attached villas and 54 single-family homes in Suwannee.

The community offers many amenities including Pool & Clubhouse, exercise room, lighted tennis courts, community gardens, a dog park and a walking trail that connects to the Chattahoochee Pointe Park.

New homes at The Overlook at Old Atlanta start in the mid-$400k’s. The attached villas are available with 2,270 to 2,366 square feet of living area. The single-family homes are a bit bigger with 2,793 to 3,354 square feet of living area.

The Villas at Bethelview*

Located in Cumming, just north of Atlanta along the beautiful Lake Lanier, The Villas at Bethelview is a community of 55 single-family homes that require little-to-no maintenance.

Amenities here include everything from a community clubhouse and outdoor pool to a walking trail that loops through the property.

Homes here showcase timeless designs, open concept floor plans, welcoming front porches and private backyards, and prices start in the mid-$300k’s.

The Villas at Mountain View*

The Villas at Mountain View is a gated 55+ community of 55 single-family homes located in Woodstock.

Villas at Mountainview residents can enjoy all of the standard amenities, plus close access to both downtown Atlanta and the mountains of Northern Georgia.

Homes at The Villas at Mountain View feature open concept floor plans, welcoming front porches and private backyards with prices start in the mid-$300k’s.

Timberbrook*

Timberbrook is a gated community of single-family homes located 38 miles southwest of Atlanta in Sharpsburg. Amenities here include a large community clubhouse, state-of-the-art fitness center, and an outdoor swimming pool.

The floorplans available at Timberbrook are all ranch-style homes with open floorplans ranging in size from 1,725 to 2,084 square feet and prices start in the high $200k’s.

Traditions at Herrington*

Details coming soon.

Waterways

Located right outside of Savannah, Waterways describes itself as “rooted in nature and built with modern amenities,” and you will have a hard time finding residents there who don’t agree.

Those amenities include the relaxing Grand Lagoon, the Ridgewood Amenity Center, miles of walking trials, a dog park, and a community garden.

Homes at Waterways are available in a number of cottage floorplans, and there are also plenty of custom options. Homes prices start in the low-$300k’s.

Westbrook Village*

Westbrook Village is a brand new community of 34 single-family and attached homes located about 30 miles northeast of Atlanta in Suwannee.

All lawn care and outdoor maintenance here is handled by the homeowners’ association, so residents are free to kick back and enjoy their retirement.

The attached homes at Westbrook Villages all feature two bedrooms with three-and-a-half bathrooms plus a flex room, while the single-family floor plans come in multiple variations. Homes prices start in the high-$300k’s.

Windsong Properties*

Windsong Properties has been developing active adult communities in the Atlanta area since 2003. They have a number of 55+ communities in various stages of development in Cobb and Cherokee Counties north of Atlanta, with prices starting in the $300k’s.

Conclusion

We hope you’ve found this page useful in your search for the best communities in Georgia.

Know a community we missed? Let us know here.

Best Places to Retire in Georgia for 2020

Places

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.

Is Georgia a Good Place to Retire?

Retirement

No matter what qualifications you find most important, Georgia is the type of state that ranks well on just about anyone’s list of great places to retire.

Besides having plenty of things to do throughout the year, the wide range of options moving from the mountains of Northern Georgia to the action of Atlanta out to the historic coastal towns like Savannah means that there really is something for everyone in the Peach State.

Georgia Demographics

During the 2010 census, the state of Georgia recorded a population just short of 10 million residents, which marked the seventh straight decade of double-digit growth for the national 9th largest state in terms of population.

With a population of 420,003 residents, Atlanta is by far the biggest city in Georgia. The four other Georgia cities that boast a population of at least six digits are Augusta, Columbus, Savannah, and Athens.

Georgia Climate

Aerial view of golden hour sunset in the Georgia Mountains

Like most of the southeastern states, Georgia is known for having mild winters that come with its hot and humid summers. You will find the coolest temperatures in the northwest portions of the state while the southeastern coastline features the warmest weather.

In most of the state, residents can expect to find temperatures that range from an average high of 60 and an average low of 38 in January to an average high of 92 with an average low of 72 in August.

There is also a significant amount of precipitation in Georgia throughout the year. Residents can expect anywhere from 45-47 inches of rain in an average year with the bulk of that precipitation coming during the summer months.

Natural disasters are not a major concern for Georgia residents, but the state has seen its share of hurricanes over the years, and there is also a risk of tornados. Fortunately, tornados that happen in Georgia are often weaker ones that inflict minimal damage.

Georgia Taxes

The state income tax in Georgia is a tiered system that ranges from 1% to 6% depending on how much income you generate during the year. Any individual that makes more than $7,000 or married couple that makes more than $10,000 will fall into the 6% tax bracket.

Retired residents in Georgia are eligible for an exclusion of $35,000 when they reach the age of 62. That exclusion number jumps to $65,000 once they reach the age of 65.

There is also a state sales tax of 4% in Georgia that is applied to any purchase outside of groceries, prescription drugs, and some medical devices. The city of Atlanta adds another 1% sales tax inside of their jurisdiction.

One strong benefit that comes with retiring in Georgia is the fact that there is no inheritance tax.

Georgia Economy

With a 2018 gross state product of $602 billion, Georgia is an economic force to be reckoned with. Whether we are talking about finance in cities like Atlanta, shipping through ports like Savannah, or farming out in the rural parts of the state, the Georgia economy is broad and strong.

Major domestic companies like Coca-Cola, Home Depot, UPS, Delta Airlines, and SunTrust Bank all have their headquarters located in Georgia, which is one of the many reasons that the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is known as the world’s busiest airport.

In addition to Fortune 500 businesses, the Georgia economy also benefits from a thriving tourism industry, as well as the fact that the state has become a popular destination for film and television production crews.

Georgia Healthcare

With approximately 175 hospitals spread out across the state of Georgia, there is never a shortage of healthcare options available to residents of the Peach State. And just like many of the most popular retirement destinations are located around Atlanta, so are some of the best hospitals.

Several Georgia hospitals are regularly listed on Newsweek’s ranking of the top hospitals in the country. The highest-ranking hospital on that list in Georgia is usually Atlanta’s Emory University Hospital.

Some of the other excellent local hospitals include Navicent Health in Macon, Emory St. Joseph’s Hospital in Atlanta, Emory Johns Creek Hospital in Johns Creek, Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center in Athens, Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville, and Gwinnett Medical Center in Lawrenceville.

Georgia Real Estate

With a state as diverse as it is, it should come as no surprise that Georgia offers a wide selection of real estate opportunities.

There are plenty of 55+ and active adult communities to choose from, no matter where you plan to retire in Georgia.

Georgia State Parks

Whether you are looking to enjoy the mountains, lakes, salt marshes, streams, or the gorgeous coast, Georgia boasts a fabulous collection of state parks that supply residents with a nearly endless number of places to see and things to do.

The state’s park system dates back to 1931 when it was established in order to maintain Indian Springs State Park in Jackson and Vogel State Park in Blairsville. Today, there are nearly 50 state parks located across the different regions of Georgia.

Parks like Amicalola Falls State Park in Dawsonville, Cloudland Canyon State Park in Rising Fawn, and Fort Mountain State Park in Chatsworth are some of the most popular destinations in Georgia.

You can also find more information about all of Georgia’s state parks, as well as the many historical sites in the Georgia State Parks & Historical Sites Guide that is published by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.