The Southeastern U.S. has become a magnet for retirees, thanks to its mild climate, ample outdoor recreation, affordable living, and wide selection of 55+ communities. Among the top destinations, Georgia and Florida stand out as two of the most popular options. But when it comes to retirement lifestyle, cost of living, and especially Georgia vs Florida retirement taxes, each state offers very different advantages.
If you’re weighing your options, it’s important to look beyond the beaches and mountains. Understanding how taxes, housing, healthcare access, and community amenities compare can help you make the most informed choice for your long-term financial and lifestyle goals. Read on for a side-by-side breakdown of what to expect when retiring in Georgia versus Florida.
Cost of Living & Affordability
The decision between Georgia and Florida requires a comprehensive understanding of financial factors, especially for retirees who rely on a fixed income from sources like Social Security benefits. Generalizing the cost of living for an entire state can be a tricky task since expenses often differ greatly between counties, cities, and communities.
However, using data from the Cost of Living Data Series from the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center, we can compare the average cost of living for the two states to the national average. Doing so helps put affordability into perspective.
Housing
Georgia is especially affordable when it comes to housing, as the overall cost ranks 20.3% lower than the national average. Florida housing, on the other hand, is 6% higher than the national average. Georgia is also more affordable than the national average and Florida for groceries and transportation, giving it a slight edge when it comes to saving money.
Utilities and Health Care
Georgia may trend toward cost-effectiveness, but Florida shines regarding two important expenses. The cost of utilities in Florida is slightly lower than the national average and Georgia, and Florida health care costs are nearly 10% below the national average.
Overall Affordability
Georgia ranks 14th in the country, while Florida ranks 33rd for overall affordability. The average cost of living in Georgia is 8.3% below the national average, while the average cost of living in Florida surpasses the national average by 2%.
Because affordability varies drastically depending on specific areas within each state, retirees should seek the advice of trusted real estate agents and financial advisors.
Taxes & Financial Benefits
Everyone loves talking about taxes, right? Well, not exactly—but taxes are an important consideration when choosing somewhere to retire. Both Florida and Georgia offer benefits to active adults looking to save on their dues. Here’s a breakdown of some important information on Georgia vs Florida retirement taxes:
Florida Taxes
- No income tax (including no taxes on retirement income and benefits)
- No inheritance or estate taxes
- Average state and local sales tax: 7%
- Property taxes average 0.79% of a home’s assessed value
- Homestead exemption can exclude up to $50K from property taxes
Georgia Taxes
- Income tax includes a flat 5.39% (excludes Social Security benefits)
- Retirement income may be exempt up to $65k for seniors (if conditions are met)
- No inheritance or estate taxes
- Average state and local sales tax: 7.38%
- Property taxes average 0.72% of a home’s assessed value
- Homestead exemption of up to $4,000 for those 65+ (if conditions are met)
Overall, both states can be considered highly tax-friendly for retirees, which is why Georgia and Florida continue to be popular retirement destinations.
Climate & Weather
Active adults choose Georgia and Florida for their retirement due in part to the year-round warm weather in both states. But with Georgia located north of Florida, residents experience some key climate differences.
Georgia, especially the northern end of the state, sees colder and snowier winter months than residents of the Sunshine State. While Florida winters can average around 75 degrees, parts of Georgia experience freezing temperatures in the colder months.
Hot Summers With High Humidity
Residents of both states can expect hot summers with high humidity, especially in South Florida and its tropical climate. The summer months often see temperatures rise into the high 80s and 90s, and those living in Florida can expect sometimes oppressive mugginess in the warmer months.
Tropical Storms
Another important consideration is extreme weather, namely hurricanes. Florida is easily the most hurricane-prone state. While a hurricane can hit Georgia’s coastal region, the chances are much lower than its southern counterpart, where residents must consider hurricane impacts every year.
Lifestyle & Recreation
Even though Georgia and Florida share a border, the states offer different lifestyle and recreation opportunities. Retirees in either state can find an abundance of enjoyable and exciting ways to live an active physical and social lifestyle.
Outdoor Recreation and Cultural Attractions
Popular outdoor recreation activities in both states include walking, biking, fishing, boating, and golfing. Residents of Georgia can enjoy world-class entertainment and attractions in Atlanta as well as coastal fare and activities in Savannah. The city of Augusta hosts the famous Masters golf tournament each year.
Residents of Florida can visit more major cities throughout their state, including Miami, Orlando, Tampa, and Jacksonville, for cultural attractions, art museums, and performing arts venues. Charming St. Augustine, known as the nation’s oldest city, offers historic landmarks and annual festivals.
Beaches, Shorelines, and Scenic Diversity
Georgia provides access to both coasts and mountains and what Florida lacks in elevation is made up for by its beaches. According to the NOAA Office for Coastal Management, Florida has an impressive 8,436 miles of shoreline (with 5,095 miles along the Gulf and 3,341 along the Atlantic), while Georgia has 2,344 miles of shoreline. The only state with more shoreline than Florida is Alaska.
Georgia’s Mountains and Florida’s Flat Terrain
The geographical region of Northern Georgia includes portions of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the northeast and the Appalachian Mountains in the northwest. The area brims with hiking trails, unique natural formations, the scenic Georgia Mountain Parkway, and small mountain towns with charming shops and local restaurants. The highest natural point in Georgia is Enotah Mountain, also known as Brasstown Bald, at 4,784 feet.
In the Sunshine State, however, the highest natural point is Britton Hill, at just 345 feet. In fact, Florida has the lowest highest point of any state. The flat terrain has advantages for those who enjoy walking, biking, court sports, and golfing. There are more than 1,100 golf courses in the state, according to the Florida Sports Foundation.
Health Care Access
As retirement destinations, both Georgia and Florida provide access to innovative health care facilities. Florida is known for statewide access to senior-focused health care, and active adults can find a 55+ community near any of the best hospitals in Florida.
In Georgia, the state’s four highest-ranked hospitals are in Atlanta, with many more in the surrounding suburbs, so retirees in rural areas may require additional travel for specialty health care.
Top Medical Facilities in Florida
U.S. News & World Report determined that the top medical facilities for Florida retirees include:
- Mayo Clinic Florida in Jacksonville – nationally ranked for specialties such as cancer, cardiology, and endocrinology
- Tampa General Hospital in Tampa – a teaching hospital that specializes in gastroenterology and ear, nose, and throat (ENT) procedures
- UF Health Shands Hospital in Gainesville – excels in geriatric care
Top Medical Facilities in Georgia
Some of the best health care options for Georgia retirees, according to the U.S. News & World Report rankings, include:
- Emory University Hospital in Atlanta – a nationally ranked facility in geriatric care, neurology, and urology
- Northside Hospital Forsyth in Cumming – rated high performing in heart conditions and cancer treatment
- Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville – ranked as a Best Regional Hospital with a cardiac ICU
Recommended Florida 55+ Communities
For retirees who like both Florida and Georgia, the deciding factor may not be which state to choose, but which 55+ community best fits their individual needs and preferences. Both southeastern retirement destinations host popular 55+ communities full of unique amenities, lifestyle activities, and innovative homes.
On Top of the World – Ocala, FL
Many massive age-restricted communities call Florida home, and On Top of the World is perhaps the most well-known and popular among them. Roughly 10,000 single-family and attached homes sprawl across a substantial area outside of Ocala in Central Florida. The homes range greatly in terms of size and price, many of which are affordable Florida abodes that come with access to everything the reputable community offers.
Residents can find an impressive array of clubs, athletic groups, social gatherings, classes, and performances any day of the week. On Top of the World includes a great number of amenities and entertainment complexes, including three 18-hole golf courses, two restaurants, nine pools, more than 21 miles of walking and biking trails, and a town square. In short, there’s a lot to love about this community.
The Villages – The Villages, FL
The Villages is not only the biggest retirement community in Florida, but it’s the biggest retirement community in the world. The colossal community includes around 57 square miles full of amenity campuses, retail, medical centers, and 70,000 single-family, attached, and condominium homes.
Despite its location in central Florida, residents can reach the west coast of Florida from The Villages in about an hour, making day trips to the beach easy. For fun much closer to home, residents can spend days exploring the 35 community centers, over 100 outdoor pools, and 41 executive golf courses. The homes range in price anywhere from the low $100ks to the high $1Ms, presenting affordable options for retirees looking to snowbird in Florida.
Oak Run – Ocala, FL
Oak Run conveniently packages the resort lifestyle sought after by many retirees for the residents of its 3,500 single-family and attached homes. The community’s comfortable single-family homes range 1,112 to 2,275 square feet across 20 floor plans, while the sensible duplexes ideal for downsizing range from 1,049 to 1,489 square feet.
The community includes multiple amenity complexes, including the 30,000-square-foot Palm Grove Club center, the Island Club of Oak Run with three specialty pools, the Aqua Sports Club with an indoor heated pool, and The Orchid Club at Oak Run with a 1,000-seat ballroom. Also, residents can check out over 100 activities and clubs at Oak Run to meet neighbors with like-minded interests.
Latitude Margaritaville – Daytona Beach, FL
Soak in the Florida sunshine at Latitude Margaritaville in Daytona Beach, a well-known community that encapsulates the desirable resort lifestyle. Retirees flock to the Jimmy Buffet-inspired community for its laid-back atmosphere, busy calendar of live music performances, and comfortable homes.
About 3,900 single-family and attached homes make up Latitude Margaritaville, and residents enjoy a low-maintenance lifestyle thanks to a homeowners’ association (HOA) that takes care of lawn care and exterior maintenance on the attached homes. Margaritaville wouldn’t be complete without an expansive resort-style pool with cabanas as well as other amenities like a town square, the Last Mango Theatre, and multiple restaurants.
Stone Creek – Ocala, FL
Developed by reputable home builder Del Webb, Stone Creek in Ocala includes 3,800 single-family and attached homes ranging considerably in size and price. The homes showcase Del Webb’s attention to the active adult lifestyle, with open-concept floor plans, first-floor owner’s suites, and screened-in lanais.
Residents enjoy many resort-style amenities, including an 18-hole championship golf course, a catch-and-release fishing pond, and The Reflection Bay, a 60,000-square-foot social and entertainment hub. Residents get together in a wide variety of clubs and activities, from Tai Chi to garden club to line dancing. For fun outside of Stone Creek, retirees can reach Downtown Ocala and its collection of eclectic restaurants and attractions within 20 minutes.
Recommended Georgia 55+ Communities
Sun City Peachtree – Griffin, GA
Located 35 miles south of Atlanta, Sun City Peachtree brings the tradition of Del Webb’s Sun City to the Peach State. The 3,387 single-family homes range from 1,103 to 2,722 square feet with one to four bedrooms, one-and-a-half to three bathrooms, and attached two- or three-car garages. Homes include energy-efficient appliances and windows to battle the Georgia heat, as well as ample space for entertainment in the kitchen, living room, and patio.
The community is located in a mature forest, a factor that comes into consideration at the 18-hole Sun City Peachtree Golf Club. The heart of the community lies in Club Peachtree, a 45,000-square foot amenity complex full of spaces like a fitness center, indoor lap pool, and 146-seat movie theatre.
Village at Deaton Creek – Hoschton, GA
At the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains 40 miles north of Atlanta, active adults can find Village at Deaton Creek, an ideal location for retirees who want to enjoy the seclusion of a rural area while still living within easy reach of a modern metropolis. Residents can find plenty of entertainment close to home thanks to the community’s 35,000-square-foot clubhouse complete with a fitness center, indoor lap pool, dance studio, craft studio, library, and ballroom.
Owners of the 1,144 single-family and attached homes appreciate the low-maintenance lifestyle that includes lawn care and common area maintenance. Community meet-ups are also an important part of the neighborhood’s atmosphere, with neighbors regularly gathering for clubs and activities like culinary club, wood carving, and Independent World Explorers Group.
Cresswind at Lake Lanier – Gainesville, GA
Retirees looking for a waterside community within reach of Atlanta should investigate Cresswind at Lake Lanier and its 934 single-family homes. Residents of this Gainesville community can easily reach ATL and its world-class attractions, but closer to home they can explore Lake Lanier and the lush parks that surround it. Cresswind at Lake Lanier has its own private dock where boat owners can purchase a slip and spend time on the water.
While the spacious homes range from 1,346 to 2,964 square feet, residents can also access a 36,000-square-foot clubhouse with thoughtful amenities like an indoor lap pool, hobby and game rooms, and a learning center. Outside, homeowners at Cresswind at Lake Lanier enjoy various athletic courts and walking trails that wind through the lakeside hills.
Del Webb at Lake Oconee – Greensboro, GA
Del Webb at Lake Oconee is a nature-forward 55+ community located in the scenic countryside of Georgia. Its secluded location puts it close to quaint rural towns like Greensboro full of conveniences and on the shore of Lake Oconee, Georgia’s second biggest lake. The community offers water access with a private dock, and the amenities continue with a 21,000-square-foot clubhouse, a fitness center, walking trails, an indoor lap pool, and an outdoor pavilion beside the lake.
Neighbors within the 866 single-family and attached homes congregate for a number of activities thanks to an onsite lifestyle director. The busy lifestyle calendar includes events and gatherings like web page design, musician club, and Texas Hold ‘Em. Retirees interested in Del Webb at Lake Oconee will find a variety of homes across 21 models that range from the low $300ks to the high $700ks, making the community an affordable place for retirees to snowbird in Georgia.
Soleil Laurel Canyon – Canton, GA
Soleil Laurel Canyon includes 946 single-family homes set upon 500 acres of a private forest in Canton. The age-restricted community offers its residents a low-maintenance lifestyle thanks to a homeowners’ association that takes care of all landscaping and lawn care. The thoughtful homes range from 1,418 to 2,813 square feet across nine models, with features including open-concept floor plans, second-story lofts, and covered patios.
Among the homes are a 30,000-square-foot clubhouse, a public 18-hole golf course, a dedicated racquet club, walking and hiking trails, and a four-acre fishing lake. Residents participate in more than 50 clubs and activities, including drama club, breakfast group, and dance classes.
Georgia vs. Florida: Which Retirement Destination Is Right for You?
While Georgia and Florida have much in common as retirement destinations, key differences may make one state a better fit than the other. Georgia generally provides more affordable housing options and an overall cost of living below the national average, but Florida offers more tax advantages for retirees. Georgia features northern mountains, the world-class city of Atlanta, and the coastal charm of Savannah, while Florida boasts more big cities and some of the best beaches in the country.
Importantly, both Georgia and Florida offer some of the best 55+ communities in the country. Each retiree should make an informed decision about where to retire based on personal priorities, preferences, and financial needs.
Ready to explore retirement communities in Florida or Georgia? Contact the team at 55places.com to connect with a local real estate expert and find your ideal retirement spot!
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