Are you close to retirement and wondering what’s next? Well, Georgia was just ranked the BEST place to retire OVER ALL 50 states by Bankrate in 2021! What?! What happened to Florida? Are you curious now? Well, today we’re talking about 5 real reasons to retire in Georgia.
So, why did Georgia beat Florida as the best retirement destination? Let’s dive right in!
Reason#1 – Affordability
Bankrate.com gave Georgia a “3” in affordability out of all 50 states. If you’ve been keeping up with the housing market, it will be no surprise that home prices are up all over the country. But, median home prices where we are, in the metro Atlanta area, still come in around 30,000 dollars lower than the median home price in the US, which is about $390,000 as of early 2022. AND, 55+ communities are popping up everywhere! These communities are typically ranches with 3 bedrooms and are loaded with amenities like a clubhouse, pool, and tennis. They also offer a plethora of social activities to help you easily connect with the larger community. My parents lived in one of these communities, called Del Webb, for a few years and they had a full social schedule! Think cards, exercise groups, crafting, gardening, and even a ping pong league to name just a few. Bonus! The HOA for these homes usually provides lawn maintenance and trash pickup too!
The cost of living is also lower in Georgia, just over 6% less than the average cost of living in the US, making it easy to see why people are moving here and finding Atlanta an affordable place to retire.
Reason #2 – Tax Benefits
Another factor in making Georgia affordable is that Georgia has lower property taxes and homeowners insurance since we don’t have damaging hurricanes or many tornadoes. School taxes make up a portion of the property taxes and many counties offer full exemptions for those over 65 with less than a certain level of income. In Fulton County there is also a new, as of 2019, senior homestead exemption of an additional $20,000 off of your home’s assessed value, making the full exemption amount $50,000. Georgia DOES have an income tax though, whereas other states do not. However, it does not tax social security income and other pension payments for residents 62 and older. AND taxpayers age 65 or older can exclude up to $65,000 of their retirement income on their tax return. Most people find that even though GA has that income tax, it is still cheaper overall with the lower property taxes and cost of living. To find out more about each county’s specific tax breaks, visit the county’s website or give us a call and we can help.
Reason #3 – Weather
Unlike Florida, where you experience one season and it’s hot year-round, in the Atlanta area you will experience all four seasons. Spring and Fall are really mild and pleasant with average temperatures around 64 degrees. And in the winter, though temps dip below freezing from time to time, it’s pretty mild and snow is rare here. If we get any, it’s usually a light dusting. But when it does snow, beware! The city is likely to shut down… even if there is just a threat of snow! We are all a little sensitive here after Snowmageddon – when Atlanta streets and highways became a parking lot for 2 days, leaving people stranded for hours and even overnight. Hopefully, the city has learned from that fiasco and snow is pretty rare here anyway. So, if you are tired of shoveling your driveway to get out of the house, that will not be something you experience here. Another bonus is that we don’t have hurricanes like our neighboring state, Florida, so you don’t have to worry about needing to evacuate. Earthquakes and tornadoes are also pretty rare here.
Reason #4 – Proximity to all things fun
One thing that is great about Georgia is that you don’t just have one place, to relax at. You have endless getaway options and possibilities.
You’ve got lakes and mountains and wineries to go to. Lake Lanier is a short 20 minute drive from most north Atlanta suburbs. You can enjoy your days relaxing on a rented boat or pontoon that you have purchased and dock up there. If you prefer the beach, you still have the whole east border of Georgia to choose your spot. One great location, just over 5 hours from Atlanta, is the beautiful St Simons Island, known for great beaches, golfing, charter fishing, spas and salons. If the mountains are more your thing, the North Georgia mountains are just a little over an hour north of Atlanta, making a quick weekend trip with breathtaking views, beautiful wineries, and quaint towns to shop and dine in, a real possibility. Of course, you always have the Atlanta International Airport close by to get you to any other exciting destinations or friends and family you may like to visit.
Here in Atlanta itself, dining and shopping opportunities are also endless in the many nearby “Live, Work, Play” communities. These communities have great places to eat, shop and enjoy outdoor spaces while hanging out with friends and family. You can also enjoy concerts, museums and historical sites in the suburbs, and there are even more cultural experiences in downtown Atlanta.
Reason #5 – Wellness
Having great health care providers nearby is important, and there is no shortage here. Whether you are looking for a general practitioner, a specialist or need medical care at a top hospital, you’re covered with Emory University Hospital, St. Joseph’s Hospital and Piedmont Hospital, all ranking in the top three of Atlanta area hospitals according to US News Rankings. Many of the 55+ communities I mentioned earlier also have wellness facilities in close proximity allowing easy access to your healthcare needs.
Taking care of your physical health has also never been easier with the many parks and trails in the area. The Big Creek Greenway, for example, spans 26 miles connecting Cumming, Alpharetta, and Roswell. The paved trail is a 12 foot wide concrete path and takes you through beautiful trees and scenery. The Chattahoochee River is also close by, so if you’re into kayaking, canoeing, or even fishing, there are some great places to explore.
What is important to you when it comes to retirement? Do you want to be close to family and friends? A warmer winter? More affordable housing? Or a slower pace of life? If you are considering retiring in the north Atlanta area, my team would love to help you find the perfect home, so send us an email or give us a call. We’d love to show you around!
