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.
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
According to Payscale, Atlanta’s cost of living is 5% lower than the national average. It’s 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 than the national average.
In Atlanta, residents benefit from lower housing costs and health care costs. However, they spend slightly more than residents of other cities on 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 flat 5.19% individual income tax rate, a 4% state sales tax, and an effective property tax rate of roughly 0.77%, according to the Tax Foundation.
Atlanta Climate and Weather
If you enjoy all four seasons and don’t mind occasional snow and heat, Atlanta is a good place to retire. Dubbed “Hot-lanta,” Atlanta experiences hot, humid summers, with most days over 80 degrees and sometimes reaching 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 abundant sunshine.
Over the course of a year, Atlanta’s temperatures range from 35 to 89 degrees. The city typically sees only about two inches of snow. The city also averages 47.12 inches of precipitation over 117 days each year, 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 Bones, the steakhouse Zagat has recognized as having the best food and service of any steakhouse in America.
The city also offers plenty of dining options for vegans and vegetarians. A favorite among locals is The New Soul Veg, 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 a variety of goods and savor bites from around the world in a food hall.
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.
Also, 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 140 active adult and 55+ communities spread across the metro’s many distinct suburbs and surrounding counties. Whether you’re drawn to the rolling landscapes of Cherokee County, the convenience of established suburbs like Peachtree City or Cumming, or the energy of communities closer to the city itself, the Atlanta area offers an impressive range of options.
From brand-new construction homes to well-established communities, 55+ buyers can find a variety of home types across a wide spectrum of price points to accommodate nearly any budget.
In Atlanta
FOR RENT
Near Atlanta
FOR SALE
Acworth
- Brookstone Manor
- Cedar Crest Village
- Courtyards at Camden
- Grace
- Mars Hill Village
- The Artisan at Victory
- Westbrook
- Westside Farm at Cobblestone
Alpharetta
Braselton
Buford
Canton
- Brayden Park
- Cadence
- Courtyards at Hickory Flat
- Crescent Pointe at Great Sky
- Hickory Bluffs
- Lakeside at River Green
- Soleil Belmont Park
- Soleil Laurel Canyon
- The Gardens of Harmony North
- Villages at River Pointe
Cherokee County
Conyers
Covington
Cumming
- Brookhaven at Lanier Ridge
- Creekstone Point
- Herrington
- Nestledown Farm
- Newbury
- Piedmont Corners
- Promenade at Sawnee Village
- The Courtyards at Post Road
- The Orchards of Brannon Oak Farm
- The Orchards of Central Park
- The Orchards of Habersham Grove
- The Orchards of South Forsyth
- The Orchards of Stoney Point
- The Villas at Bethelview
- Villas at Castleberry Township
- Wellstone
- Whisper Woods at Majors
Dacula
Dallas
- Glynshyre
- Laurel Farms
- Old Mill Preserve
- Poplar Place
- The Villas at Blackberry Run
- Villages at Cedar Hill
- Windsong Manor
Douglasville
Duluth
Flowery Branch
Gainesville
Grayson
Greensboro
Griffin
Hampton
Hiram
Hoschton
Jasper
Jefferson
Johns Creek
Jonesboro
Kennesaw
- Brookhaven of East Cobb
- Encore
- Falls Crest
- Kirk Ridge
- Serenade
- The Reserve at Bells Ferry
- Victoria Crossing
Loganville
Marietta
- 1825 Stilesboro
- Amelia Walk
- Barrett Preserve
- Cameron Cove
- Courtyards at Ebenezer
- East Haven
- Edenton
- Gatherings at Greenhouse
- Grove Park
- Longleaf Battle Park
- McGinnis Farm
- Mount Calvary
- Pevensie Preserve
- Village Green at East Cobb
McDonough
Newnan
- Cresswind Spring Haven
- Oak Hill Reserve
- The Cottages at Lake Redwine
- The Gardens at Arbor Springs
- Timberbrook
Oakwood
Peachtree City
Powder Springs
Roswell
Snellville
Social Circle
Suwanee
Winder
Woodstock
- Cottages of Woodstock
- Glenhaven at Ridgewalk
- Heritage at Towne Lake
- Heron Pond
- Longleaf Woodstock
- Maple Grove at Towne Lake
- Marlowe
- Serenity
- Sweet Briar Farms
- The Orchards of East Cherokee
- The Villas at Mountain View
- The Villas at Presley Lake
- Windsong Clover Creek
FOR RENT
Alpharetta
Buford
Covington
Dallas
Duluth
Gainesville
Holly Springs
Kennesaw
Marietta
Stockbridge
Stone Mountain
Suwanee
Is Atlanta the Right Place for Your Retirement?
With more than 140 active adult communities spread across the metro, finding the right fit in Atlanta takes local knowledge—and that’s where 55places can help. Whether you’re drawn to a low-maintenance condo, a single-family home in a golf-course community, or a resort-style development with a full calendar of fitness classes and social events, our 55places real estate experts can help you narrow down your options and find a community that matches your lifestyle and budget.
Browse Atlanta-area communities on 55places.com and take the first step toward making your next move your best move.
- Insights and market stats
- Instant new home alerts
- Answers from local 55+ experts
