People from all over the country flock to Atlanta for the city’s historical charm, award-winning restaurants, and exciting attractions. Georgia’s largest city is world-renowned for its thriving art scene, engaging museums, and diverse music heritage. So, if you’re wondering, “Is Atlanta a good place to live?” the answer is yes—for the more than six million people who currently live there and those who continue to move to A-Town.
Also, if you want a warm and sunny retirement, you may wonder if Atlanta is a good place to retire. Retiring in Atlanta offers not only a high quality of life, abundant recreation opportunities, and plenty of natural beauty, but also affordability.
Let’s dig deeper into why Atlanta is a great place for retirees. Read on to learn about Atlanta living costs, climate, weather, culture and entertainment, local attractions, and more. You can also check out our guide that covers everything retirees need to know about moving to Atlanta.
Atlanta Cost of Living and Retirement Costs
Atlanta’s cost of living is just slightly higher than the national average—less than 2% higher. However, it’s still one of the most affordable metro areas in the United States compared to other big cities like New York or San Francisco, which have a much higher cost of living compared to the national average.
In Atlanta, residents benefit from lower overall grocery costs and health care costs. However, they spend a bit more than residents in other cities on things like transportation and utilities.
Tax-Friendly for Georgia Retirees
Retirees tend to love Georgia overall for the state’s tax-friendliness. The Peach State doesn’t tax Social Security income and only partially taxes withdrawals from retirement accounts. Georgia also has a 4.99% state tax, which is a little lower than the average rate of 5.09% for the United States as a whole.
Atlanta Climate and Weather
Is Atlanta a good place to retire? If you enjoy all four seasons and don’t mind occasional snow and heat, the city is worth checking out. Dubbed Hot’Lanta, Atlanta experiences summers that are hot and humid, with most days over 80 degrees and sometimes nearing the triple-digit mark. When summer thunderstorms roll in, they can add to the mugginess and may lead to downpours of five inches or more.
Winter in Atlanta tends to be short, with occasional snow and ice storms. Spring tends to be a surprise in Atlanta, with some years chillier and windier than others. Fall is often a great time to enjoy outdoor activities. The season is usually dry and cool with an abundance of sunshine.
On average, Atlanta’s temperature ranges from 35 to 89 degrees. The city typically sees 48 days a year below freezing and 2.9 inches of snow every year. The city also averages 47.12 inches of rainfall each year over 113 days, according to U.S. climate data.
Atlanta Outdoor Recreation
If you’re an outdoor enthusiast or you want to start spending more time outdoors, Atlanta is a great city. Nicknamed “the city in a forest,” Atlanta features spectacular natural surroundings. Active adults can explore the city’s numerous nature preserves, lakes, rivers, and parks, whether you’re into hiking, biking, paddling, or simply strolling through beloved destinations like Morningside Nature Preserve or Freedom Park.
Atlanta Culture and Entertainment
Dining Scene
Atlanta is home to some of the country’s best Southern food, from barbecue and fried chicken to sweet tea and biscuits. Active adults who particularly enjoy steak know about Bones, the steakhouse institution that has been recognized by Zagat as having the best food and the best service of any steakhouse in America.
The city also offers plenty of dining options for vegans and vegetarians. A favorite among locals is Soul Vegetarian Restaurant, a West End vegan soul food restaurant that serves Southern comfort food with a twist, like battered, barbecued cauliflower and crispy tofu cutlets.
Local Attractions
Is Atlanta a good place to live if you’re looking for a vibrant city with plenty of sights to see? Absolutely. This bustling city is home to some of the country’s top tourist destinations, like the World of Coca-Cola, a 20-acre museum that showcases the history of the Coca-Cola company.
Other popular attractions that often appeal to active adults include the Martin Luther King, Jr. Historical Park, the Atlanta Botanical Garden, and the Georgia Aquarium. Also be sure to check out Ponce City Market, a 2.1 million-square-foot development in a historic Sears building. Here, locals come to browse various goods and savor different bites in a food hall that features flavors from around the world.
Big City Entertainment
Atlanta also has plenty of entertainment options to suit practically every interest. For example, at Centennial Olympic Park, active adults can cool off in the iconic Fountain of Rings, relax with a picnic on the expansive lawn, or browse the park’s engraved bricks.
The Atlanta History Center, a history museum and research center founded in 1926, is a popular destination for history buffs. Visitors can browse 33 acres of exhibitions, historic houses, and gardens.
Atlanta Healthy and Active
If you’re committed to staying fit and healthy, you’ll feel right at home in Atlanta. The American College of Sports Medicine has named Atlanta one of the fittest cities in America. Here are some of the city’s health-forward food options as well as some of Atlanta’s top medical centers.
Healthy Eating
Living in Atlanta means you can enjoy numerous farmers markets, like the popular Grant Park Farmers Market. Since 2011, this market has been held every Sunday, rain or shine. Visitors come out to see chef demonstrations and load up on the best locally grown vegetables, breads, and other artisanal foods.
Atlanta is also home to several health-food restaurants, including the local favorite, Kale Me Crazy. This superfood cafe is a perfect spot for active adults who want to eat lighter and fresher. The menu includes items like juices, smoothies, and salads.
Health Care
In Atlanta, active adults can choose from a vast array of award-winning medical centers, university hospitals, and well-funded cancer-care facilities.
U.S. News & World Report ranks Emory University Hospital the No. 1 hospital in Atlanta. This facility is nationally ranked in five specialties and is high performing in three specialties. Active adults can take comfort knowing their city is also home to the Georgia Cancer Center for Excellence, which is staffed by some of the country’s best physicians.
55+ Communities
If you’re looking to retire in the Atlanta area, you can choose from more than 120 active lifestyle communities. From new construction homes to established 55+ communities, Atlanta offers plenty of variety at price points to accommodate nearly any budget.
In Atlanta
Overture Buckhead South – Atlanta, GA
Rent Starting At: $1,595
Situated in Atlanta’s Buckhead neighborhood, Overture Buckhead South is a 55+ apartment home community. Residences range from 618 to 1,797 square feet and come in a variety of floor plans. Every apartment home includes carpeted bedrooms, private balconies or patios, and spacious walk-in closets.
Residents can take advantage of a rich assortment of amenities, including a bistro cafe, a game room, a library, and on-site hair and nail salons. Overture Buckhead South also features a yoga studio, a fitness center, and an outdoor pool. Elevators and air-conditioned corridors make it comfortable for residents to come and go.
Near Atlanta
Sun City Peachtree – Griffin, GA
Low $300s – High $400s
Situated in Griffin, a suburb of Atlanta, Sun City Peachtree offers active adults a vibrant community with top-notch amenities and single-family homes that start in the low $300s. The community’s ranch floor plans range from 1,103 to 2,722 square feet and include one to four bedrooms. Some residences feature views of the golf course, mature trees, or open space.
This 55+ community is ideal for active adult homebuyers seeking a low-maintenance lifestyle. The HOA takes care of things like grounds maintenance, trash removal, and common area maintenance. Residents can participate in numerous clubs and activities like dance club and music club. Amenities include an 18-hole golf course, five lighted tennis courts, an outdoor amphitheater, and miles of walking and biking trails. The 45,000-square-foot Club Peachtree houses many of the community’s amenities.
Village at Deaton Creek – Hoschton, GA
High $200s – Mid $600s
Located about 40 miles north of Atlanta, Village at Deaton Creek is a gated community featuring attached and single-family homes for sale. Active adult homebuyers can choose from 14 floor plans, including two villas and 13 single-family floor plans. The single-family floor plans offer between 1,244 and 2,597 square feet while the villas are available in 1,217 and 1,393 square feet. Some models include an optional basement floor plan.
Amenities within Village at Deaton Creek include an outdoor, resort-style pool with beach entry, a softball field and numerous sports courts, community gardens, and miles of scenic walking and biking trails. At The Club at Deaton Creek, residents can take advantage of amenities such as a state-of-the-art fitness center, an indoor lap pool and whirlpool spa, a library, a demonstration kitchen, and several hobby and craft studios.
Atlanta Is a Great Place to Live
Atlanta is a great place to live for many reasons, from its low cost of living and favorable tax rates to its pleasant climate and abundance of things to do. And with more than 120 active adult communities in the Atlanta area, you are sure to find the right fit for your preferences, needs, and budget.
55places can help you find a home in Atlanta. Whether you’re looking for a single-family home in a golf-course community or you’re interested in active lifestyle communities with resort-style amenities and a vibrant culture, we can help you make your next move your best move.
Visit 55places.com to find your home in Atlanta.