The 11 Best Places To Retire in Georgia May Surprise You
Georgia Retirement
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Retiring in Georgia — FAQs
Q: Is Georgia a good state for retirees?
A: Absolutely! In addition to cultural and recreational benefits — not to mention beautiful weather — Georgia is definitely viewed by many seniors as the best place to retire. In Georgia, seniors can expect to receive tax benefits. Social security retirement benefits are not taxed, and there is a maximum deduction of $65,000 per person for anyone 65 or older on any other type of retirement income.
Q: Where do most seniors live in Georgia?
A: As far as counties go, the population of seniors in Towns County, at 21.7 percent, takes the top spot. But with 37.3 percent of the population 65 and older, St. Simons has more seniors than any of the cities on our list of the best places to retire in Georgia.
Q: Is it better to retire in Georgia or Florida?
A: That depends on your specific preferences. Georgia and Florida have similar retirement perks, including great entertainment options in cities and elsewhere, outdoor activities, and beautiful weather (at least during three seasons!). But if budget is a driving factor in your decision whether Georgia or Florida is better to retire in, consider that Georgia does have a lower cost of living overall.
Q: What part of Georgia is best for retirees?
A: One of the great things about the Peach State is the diversity of its geography, climate, and population, which means plenty of options for retirees who choose Georgia for their Golden Years. Like the beach? St. Simons is your best bet. Enjoy clean mountain air? Check out Clarksville. Simply stated, all the cities on our list are among the best places to retire in Georgia.
The Best Places To Retire in Georgia
From big cities to small towns, islands to woodlands, here are the 11 best places to retire in Georgia (in no particular order).
St. Simons, part of Georgia’s Golden Isles, is a quaint, captivating beach town.
(Source: DeLoach Sotheby’s International Realty via Facebook)
1. St. Simons, GA
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,325
- Average home value: $675,700
- Cost of living: 90.9
- Population 65+ years: 37.3%
- Healthcare in St.Simons: The Southeast Georgia Health System is located in nearby Brunswick, and it accepts Medicare patients.
St. Simons, one of the best places to retire in Georgia, is located on St. Simons Island, one of four barrier islands in Georgia's Golden Isles. This quaint, captivating beach town features a variety of great attractions for its mostly affluent residents, such as a nature center and the Anderson Fine Art Gallery. Several golf courses are located in the area, as well, and the island's historic lighthouse and 1935 Coast Guard Station are both on the National Register.
Farmers' markets are popular with both locals and visitors throughout the year, and the nearby town of Brunswick has a variety of shopping options — including a mall, which is a rare sight on the Golden Isles.
2. Adairsville, GA
- Average rent (one-bedroom): N/A
- Average home value: $293,900
- Cost of living: 92
- Population 65+ years: 24.5%
- Healthcare in Adairsville: AdventHealth experts in Adairsville offer services that include primary care, lifestyle medicine, and urgent care.
Located between Chattanooga and Atlanta, Adairsville illustrates the answer to the question: Is Georgia a good place to retire? With almost a quarter of its population ages 65 and older, we’d say the answer is a resounding yes. Adairsville is one of the best small towns in Georgia to retire to, known for its tranquil environment and picturesque scenery.
One of Adairsville's most popular attractions is the 3,000-acre Barnsley Resort, which features a landscape with a variety of colorful trees and flowers. For a quick stroll, residents visit Manning Mill Park, which has a 2.1-km loop trail along a beautiful lake. And the local streets in town are popular for their antique shops, restaurants, and more. Must visit: Tom & Hattie’s, a locally owned soul-food restaurant. Locals insist you won’t find better Southern cooking anywhere.
3. Clarkesville, GA
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,350
- Average home value: $360,900
- Cost of living: 82.7
- Population 65+ years (Habersham County): 19.1%
- Healthcare in Clarkesville: Award-winning Northeast Georgia Health System, located in Demorest, provides quality healthcare to over 80,000 patients.
Located in Habersham County, Clarkesville is a quaint destination known as one of the best small towns in Georgia to retire. Although it may seem quiet, this city has plenty of things to do. Check out the Lake Burton Grill, a lively waterfront spot serving up tasty bar treats and cocktails, and the Grant Street Music Room, a restaurant where karaoke is also on the menu.
Art lovers come from all over to visit Mark of the Potter, the oldest pottery gallery in the state — and a working studio. And what list of the best places to retire in Georgia would be complete without information about fishing holes? The centerpiece of the area’s recreation is Lake Burton, a regional hotspot for fishing and boating. And anglers in the family won’t want to miss a visit to the beautiful Soque River, known as one of the finest trout streams in the Southeast.
English Tudor-style homes are the hallmark of Avondale Estates, one of the best places to retire in Georgia.
(Source: Justin Landis Group Real Estate via Facebook)
4. Avondale Estates, GA
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,125
- Average home value: $527,600
- Cost of living: 104.8
- Population 65+ years: N/A
- Healthcare in Avondale Estates: The best healthcare facilities local to Avondale Estates include Emory Decatur Hospital and the Emory University Hospital.
The small enclave of Avondale Estates is about 30 minutes outside of downtown Atlanta, in Dekalb County. With a suburban vibe but a diverse culture and easy access to all the benefits of the Big Peach, Avondale Estates tops many seniors’ lists of the best cities to retire in Georgia. In fact, it was named by Niche as No. 1 among the best places to retire in Georgia. Most commonly known for its English Tudor-style homes, the city offers lots of amenities for retired residents. Willis Park offers trails and a playground (hello, grandkids!), and the eclectic Olive + Pine hub has a collection of shops and restaurants, including the Wonderful World of Coffee and Tea House, Leftie Lee’s Bakeshop Sandwiches, and the Akasa Salon.
For active retirees, nearby hotspots include the Fernbank Museum, where history and nature come to life, and the Fernbank Science Center. The local Farmers Market in Avondale Estates is also a favorite. And for foodies who want a one-of-a-kind experience, Your DeKalb Farmers Market is just a few minutes away. It’s truly an adventure: acres of fresh vegetables, fruits, meats, dairy, spices, prepared foods — and more.
5. Dutch Island, GA
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,475
- Median home sale price: $841,000
- Cost of living: 90.2
- Population 65+ years: 20%
- Healthcare in Dutch Island: Senior residents of Dutch Island have quality healthcare options nearby, such as Memorial Health University Medical Center and St.Joseph’s/Candler Hospital.
Ranked the No. 5 Best Place to Retire in Georgia (and the No. 1 place in the Savannah area overall) for 2024 by Niche, the community of Dutch Island is a private enclave of close to 500 homes. Because Dutch Island is surrounded by salt water marsh and the intercoastal waterway, residents have easy access to the Skidaway, Herb, and Wilmington rivers and Grimbal Creek for fishing, boating, and swimming. Dutch Island residents also have a swimming pool, beach volleyball courts, tennis courts, and a boat ramp, pier, and dock.
Outside the confines of the community, all the dining and culture of Savannah is just a short drive away. Options for a lively day trip or weekend stay in the “Hostess City of the South” include everything from visiting the famous Savannah squares (you’ll recognize Chippewa Square from the famous bench scenes in “Forrest Gump”) to dining in one of the city’s world-class restaurants.
6. North Decatur, GA
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,775
- Average home value: $498,500
- Cost of living: 104.8
- Population 65+ years: 18.3%
- Healthcare in North Decatur: For specialized care in areas like massage therapy and physiotherapy, check out North Decatur Health Care.
The city of North Decatur is about seven miles from downtown Atlanta, near Druid Hills, Panthersville, and Belvedere Park. What makes it one of the best cities to retire in Georgia? North Decatur offers a variety of activities, both indoors and outdoors. Enjoy wildlife? Mason Mill Park and the Glenn Creek Nature Preserve are some of the best places in the region to explore some beautiful outdoor beauty. History buff? The DeKalb History Center is a great place to check out some local lore and artifacts.
North Decatur is also popular for its variety of dining options, including the Louisiana Bistreaux, where New Orleans-flavored delights meet the Deep South tastes of Georgia. For music and a casual but elegant bar scene, check out the Wheelhouse Craft Pub and Kitchen, a beloved local spot owned by two brothers from Ireland.
Retirees share the charming city of Athens with students from the University of Georgia.
7. Athens, GA
One of the best places to live in Georgia's interior is Athens, home to the University of Georgia (go Bulldogs!). With almost 42,000 students, UGA dominates the town — particularly on home-game weekends in the fall — but there’s also a decent-sized community of residents 65 and older.
No matter what age you are, Athens has plenty of culture and artistic offerings, including museums, galleries, and theaters. It also has a legendary live music scene, where bands like the B-52’s and R.E.M. got their start in tiny clubs and eventually found fame — and whose members are now nearing (if not deep into) retirement age themselves. Just an hour and a half from Atlanta, Athens has all the benefits of the city but retains the charm and grace of a Southern college town.
8. Peachtree City, GA
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,850
- Average home value: $544,700
- Cost of living: 112.7
- Population 65+ years: 19.7%
- Healthcare in Peachtree City: One of the nearby hospitals is the Piedmont Fayette Hospital, known for its excellence in various medical services, such as critical care, pulmonary care, and emergency medicine.
Peachtree City is located in north central Georgia, about 25 miles south of Atlanta. With almost one-fifth of its population ages 65 and older, this bucolic destination is beloved by many of its senior residents as the best place to live in Georgia for retirees. A variety of community facilities and services include a soccer complex, baseball and softball fields, a tennis center, and a swimming pool. At the 2,500-seat outdoor Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater, known affectionately as The Fred, performers have included Yes, the Wallflowers, Ben Folds, and more.
The city's nature areas, such as Flat Creek and Line Creek, are peaceful destinations where residents can view various types of local wildlife, such as herons and beavers. And for literature lovers, the Peachtree City Library hosts a variety of book clubs, poetry clubs, and even a film club.
9. Vinings, GA
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,775
- Average home value: $510,900
- Cost of living: 109.8
- Population 65+ years: 13%
- Healthcare in Vinings: Wellstar Vinings Health Park is the top-ranked healthcare facility in the area, offering the utmost comprehensive care, from primary care and diagnostic medicine to treatment/follow-up services.
Bordered by the Chattahoochee River just 10 miles north of downtown Atlanta, Vinings is known as one of the best places to retire in Georgia. Its perks include the quaint, Victorian-inspired Vinings Jubilee hub of shops, restaurants, and galleries. Beyond the city center, you’ll find a variety of older neighborhoods, swim and tennis communities, condos, and townhomes.
Local venues include The Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, home to ballet, opera, theater, and live music, and The Battery Atlanta, a sports-entertainment complex where the Atlanta Braves play, among others. Active retirees living in Vinings enjoy recreation including parks and in-town green spaces, along with the Silver Comet Trail, a 61.5-mile paved railroad track that passes through the area on its way to the Alabama border and beyond.
Located in the far-north Atlanta suburbs of Cobb County, Marietta is a great choice for retirees looking for a small-town vibe with all the benefits of city life.
(Source: LaBorde Realty Group via Facebook)
10. Marietta, GA
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,600
- Average home value: $468,500
- Cost of living: 109.8
- Population 65+ years: 14.2%
- Healthcare in Marietta: For top-quality healthcare, retirees should check out the Piedmont Physicians of Marietta.
Situated in the far-north Atlanta suburbs of Cobb County, the city of Marietta is an ideal location for retirees looking for the best places to retire in Georgia. Here, you’ll find affordable homes, a sense of history, and plenty of entertainment. And if that’s not enough, easy access to Interstate 75 means a fairly quick drive to all the big-city thrills of Atlanta.
Even with a population of more than 63,000, Marietta maintains a small-town feel with a charming community vibe. The city center, Marietta Square, hosts local celebrations and holiday festivals just steps from downtown’s cafes, boutiques, and galleries. Local attractions include the Marietta Cobb Museum of Art, the Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, and the Marietta History Center. And for active retirees looking for a little adventure, Six Flags White Water Park and the Chattahoochee Nature Center aren’t far from town.
11. Sandy Springs, GA
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,525
- Average home value: $647,000
- Cost of living: 113.3
- Population 65+ years: 14.2%
- Healthcare in Sandy Springs: The local North Fulton Health Center provides preventive care and on-demand video visits for those who are sick.
Sandy Springs is a busy hub in northern Georgia, just about 15 miles from downtown Atlanta. With a population just over 105,000, the Springs, as locals call it, is the sixth-largest city in the Peach State and the second largest in the metro area. A thriving restaurant and arts scene makes this burb a popular destination for retirees — from the City Springs complex to destinations including the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center.
Just eight minutes away from Sandy Springs City Hall, the local Big Trees Forest Preserve features a variety of plants and wildlife along trails for both walking and biking. Festivals like Artsapalooza and the Chattahoochee Mountain Fair attract fans each year for lively entertainment — terrific events for an outing with a grandkid or two!
Make Your Move to One of the Best Places To Retire in Georgia With PODS
Finally taking the plunge into retirement is no small transition. There’s so much to consider, from the kind of lifestyle you want to the proximity of the nearest airport in your new town — because getaways and guests are a delightful benefit of being retired. So once you’ve determined where to retire in Georgia, it’s a smart strategy to start planning how you’ll get everything moved once you’ve set your sights on your ideal retirement town.
Our articles about moving to Georgia will give you all the details, from estimated costs to the various packages available with PODS. We also have a moving checklist to help you get organized and stay on track. Sure, this is a big move — but with the right planning and preparation, it can be a walk in the park.
Editor’s note: Average and median rent prices were obtained from RentCafe and Zumper; average home values were obtained from Zillow; and median home sale prices were obtained from Redfin. For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100.
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