As the capital of Georgia, Atlanta embodies the charm and culture of the American South. Also known as The Big Peach, The ATL, and the City in a Forest, Atlanta is located in the northern region of the state, surrounded by greenspaces, lakes, and historic sites.
Atlanta offers a prime choice for retirement for several reasons, including its scenic location, affordability, and pleasant climate. However, many call Atlanta home for reasons that go beyond the obvious attractors. The city is brimming with natural beauty, kind people, and an abundance of indoor and outdoor entertainment options.
If you’re one of the many active adults asking yourself, “Should I move to Atlanta?” This guide is for you. We’ll share what attracts so many to the city, and why it’s an ideal locale for retirees.
Retiring to Atlanta: Pros and Cons
Weighing the pros and cons is one way to decide if Atlanta is the right city for you. Spoiler alert: There are definitely more pros than cons, but Atlanta does have a few factors you’ll want to consider.
Pros
- A booming metropolis: Atlanta is known as “The Capital of the South” due to its central location and rich culture. It has expansive shopping centers, world-class restaurants, cultural attractions, museums, and top-notch entertainment nearly every night of the week.
- Warm weather: The amiable climate attracts many retirees considering a move to Atlanta. The colder months of the year stay pleasant with low snowfall and average temperatures that rarely dip below freezing. Active adults in Atlanta seldom worry about icy roads or frozen pipes.
- Southern hospitality: The weather isn’t the only thing that’s warm in Atlanta, as the people there exemplify the famous hospitality of the South. Georgia is considered one of the friendliest states in the U.S. With polite denizens and soulful food, Atlanta will make newcomers feel right at home.
- Affordability: With a hefty tax exemption on retirement income, active adults can save their money and spend it on new experiences or a good home. Property taxes are lower than the national average, and retirees will find that Atlanta is a cost-efficient place to live.
Cons
- Landlocked: Unlike retirees in other popular retirement destinations, like Florida or North and South Carolina, Atlantans don’t have nearby access to any oceans. The closest beach getaway is in Savannah, Georgia, which is nearly a four-hour drive. Although the city is not on any coastline, there are still plenty of nearby lakes and rivers to make up for it.
- Summer heat: Having mild weather in the colder months means summers can sometimes be excessively hot. During the warmest months, the humidity reaches 86% on some days.
- Traffic: During rush hour, drivers in the ATL can expect some significant delays and slowdowns. Although the city is trying to fix the issue with a massive construction plan to improve traffic, Atlanta’s roadways are still quite congested. Atlanta ranks among the worst cities in the U.S for driving, coming in behind only Miami and Portland, Oregon.
Atlanta Climate
Active adults moving to Atlanta should know that the climate is similar to that of many other southern cities, with humid, muggy summers and mild winters. With manageable weather in the colder months, residents of the ATL can spend time outdoors year-round.
According to WeatherSpark, the warmer months in Atlanta last from the end of May until September, with average highs of 88 degrees. January, the coldest month in the year, has an average high of 53 degrees and a low of 35 degrees. January is also the month most likely to receive snow, but the average snowfall is only about 1.2 inches.
A typical summer day in Atlanta is hot and humid, while spring and fall days are more temperate. Rainfall is expected year-round, with February being the wettest month.
The consistently warm weather allows for outdoor fun year-round. Popular outdoor activities for Atlantans include visiting the numerous parks and greenspaces around town, including Stone Mountain, which offers scenic views of the city. There are several lakes and rivers nearby to cool off in, including Lake Lanier, Lake Allatoona, and the Chattahoochee River. For more fun in a more metropolitan setting, residents can enjoy the local farmers market or explore the shopping in Downtown Atlanta.
Atlanta Taxes
Atlanta’s tax rates are among the most appealing in the nation, especially for retirees, with no tax on Social Security benefits and generous tax breaks on retirement income. Although the Georgia sales tax is 4.0% and local taxes bring that up to 8.9% in Atlanta, there are still many factors that make the city affordable. The city’s tax-friendliness towards retirees allows active adults to plan their finances and get the most out of their money.
Atlanta Property Taxes
The average effective tax rate is 1.44% of the assessed property value, which is higher than the state average of 0.82% and the national average of 0.99%. In Georgia, the median real estate tax payment is around $2,676, which is approximately $193 less than the national average. As an added bonus, 62+ active adult homeowners can benefit from property tax exemptions, and seniors are eligible for double homestead exemptions.
Atlanta Retirement Income Taxes
Full-year and part-year residents of Georgia must pay state income taxes. However, there are many tax credits and exemptions available, including standard deductions. The state does not collect capital gains tax, inheritance tax, estate tax, or taxes on social security benefits, which helps protect active adults’ assets.
Atlanta Tax Exemptions for Seniors
Seniors in Atlanta benefit from major tax exemptions offered by the state of Georgia. One exemption allows up to $65,000 in pension and investment income to be shielded from income tax collection for 65+ single retirees. If said retiree is married, then up to $130,000 of those funds are protected. Those 62 to 64 also get a break, with up to $35,000 in retirement funds exempt from state income taxes and up to $4,000 in other wages. Starting in 2026, homeowners 65 and over will be eligible for a homestead deduction of $50,000 from the assessed value of their primary residence.
Atlanta Health Care
Retirees in Atlanta have no shortage of world-class health care and hospitals for a wide range of medical needs. One such institution is Emory University Hospital, with a central campus on the northeast side of downtown. According to U.S. News & World Report, this accredited hospital is ranked nationally in five adult specialties and is ranked number one for best regional hospital. Emory contains specialized services through its award-winning departments, such as The Winship Cancer Institute and The Emory Transplant Center.
Another reliable medical center in Atlanta is Northside Hospital. The sizable hospital offers 621 beds, 3,000 physicians, and more than 12,000 employees. Northside is nationally ranked by U.S. News and Health as well and provides a wide range of services. Their cardiovascular department has leading experts and cutting-edge equipment, and the Northside Hospital Cancer Institute also offers advanced treatment solutions.
Where to Live in Atlanta
Atlanta is surrounded by several mid-sized cities and suburbs, lush natural areas, and numerous age-restricted active adult communities. Find out which regions you find attractive near The Big Peach.
Marietta
Located in Cobb County, just 30 minutes northwest of Atlanta, Marietta is a city filled with history, entertainment, and affordable real estate. The western border of the city is comprised of the Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, and residents can easily hop on Interstate 75 to reach Atlanta or beyond.
The city maintains a small-town feel despite having a population of around 60,000. Downtown Marietta is quaint and walkable with numerous shops and restaurants to explore. Opportunities to get outside and explore natural areas or play golf are abundant in the region.
Attractions
Marietta is rich in history, with museums such as the Marietta History Center, the Marietta Cobb Museum of Art, and Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park. Residents can also visit local attractions like Six Flags White Water or the Chattahoochee Nature Center, which features gardens and animals.
55+ Communities
- 1825 Stilesboro
- Amelia Walk
- Barrett Preserve
- Courtyards at Ebenezer
- East Haven
- Edenton
- EVOQ East Cobb
- Grove Park
- Longleaf Battle Park
- McGinnis Farm
- Mount Calvary
- Pevensie Preserve
- Village Green at East Cobb
Alpharetta
With a population of around 57,000, Alpharetta is a good-sized satellite city located approximately 35 minutes north of Atlanta. Known as the “Technology City of the South,” it’s home to many tech-focused businesses and an abundance of things to do. Many people who want to live close to Atlanta in a smaller city find their home in Alpharetta.
Life in Alpharetta is as simple or as busy as its residents want it to be. Those looking to relax can take a spa day at one of the city’s wide array of spas and wellness centers, or spend the day outdoors at greenspaces like the Alpha Loop Connection.
Attractions
Downtown Alpharetta has a small-town feel while also providing plenty of entertainment for its residents. There are 25 unique shops, over 30 restaurants, and a chock-full calendar of year-round events and festivals. Alpharetta also boasts a busy scene for live music, with venues like Ameris Bank Amphitheater and weekly music in a plaza downtown.
55+ Communities
- Amorance
- Everleigh Deerfield
- Everleigh Halcyon Village
- Hayloft Big Creek
- Larkspur
- Orchards of Windward
- The Courtyards by the Manor
- The Orchards at Sweetapple
Cumming
Cumming is far enough from Downtown Atlanta for residents to lead a peaceful life while still close enough to enjoy everything the more metropolitan areas have to offer. Active adults in Cummin can reach the capital within 45 minutes when traffic is minimal.
Attractions
The city offers much of what makes the South a great place to live. Residents enjoy a vibrant lifestyle within a culture rich with history, entertainment, and natural beauty. Among the many things to enjoy about Cumming are its shops, restaurants, and conveniences.
The Cumming Fairgrounds hosts events like travel shows, weekly food truck events, and the annual Cumming Fair and Festival. Cumming also borders Lake Lanier, which provides tons of fun on the water, going boating, fishing, and swimming.
55+ Communities
- 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
FAQ: Moving to Atlanta
Is Atlanta a good place to move to?
Atlanta is a popular place to live thanks to its affordability, mild climate, strong health care system, cultural attractions, and wide range of neighborhoods and suburbs.
What are the pros and cons of moving to Atlanta?
Pros include warm weather, Southern hospitality, a strong job market, and cultural amenities. Cons can include traffic congestion and summer humidity.
What is the cost of living like in Atlanta?
The cost of living in Atlanta is close to the national average, with housing costs lower than many major metros but higher in desirable suburbs and intown neighborhoods.
What is the climate like in Atlanta year-round?
Atlanta has hot, humid summers and mild winters with very little snowfall, allowing residents to enjoy outdoor activities year-round.
Is Atlanta a good place to retire?
Atlanta is considered a good place to retire due to its tax-friendly policies for active adults, access to top-rated health care, and abundance of activities for active adults.
How bad is traffic in Atlanta?
Traffic can be heavy, especially during rush hour, and it’s one of the most common concerns for people moving to Atlanta.
Are there 55+ communities in and around Atlanta?
Yes, the Atlanta metro area offers numerous 55+ and active adult communities, ranging from small, intimate neighborhoods to larger developments.
What outdoor activities are available in Atlanta?
Residents enjoy parks, lakes, rivers, hiking trails, golf courses, farmers markets, and nearby destinations like Stone Mountain and Lake Lanier.
What should I know before moving to Atlanta?
Before moving, it’s helpful to research neighborhoods, traffic patterns, taxes, and lifestyle preferences to find the area that best fits your needs.
Ready to Make the Move? 55places Can Help
To discover more exciting 55+ communities in Atlanta, contact us or visit 55places.com. Our experienced team of real estate experts will guide you through the top options in your area and help you make a seamless transition from your current home to a 55+ community. We look forward to helping you make your next move the best one yet!
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