Atlanta Area, GA 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities - Page 4

The warm climate of the city is particularly enticing for retirees from northern states seeking milder weather. Consequently, the Atlanta area serves as an excellent retirement destination for both out-of-state residents and native Georgians wanting to stay close to home.

Atlanta Area Climate & Geography

The Atlanta area features a humid subtropical climate with distinct seasons. Summers are consistently hot and humid, with July nights averaging 71 degrees and afternoons reaching around 89. January sees lows in the low 30s and highs near 52. While snow is rare, occasional dustings may occur once or twice a year. The region receives an average of around 50 inches of rainfall annually.

Ranked as the ninth largest metropolitan area in the country, Atlanta is home to just over 5 million people. Nestled at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Atlanta spans approximately 132.4 square miles. Boasting a lively downtown and expansive suburbs, active adults can opt for big-city living or a more relaxed pace just beyond the urban center. Many 55+ communities are being developed in the suburban areas surrounding the city, most within an hour's drive of downtown, with many situated on the north side of the city.

Recreation, Culture & Entertainment in the Atlanta Area

The Atlanta area draws in active adults with its urban conveniences, serving as a major cultural and entertainment hub hosting various museums, theaters, and art galleries. Notable attractions include the Georgia Aquarium, Fox Theater, and Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.

Sports enthusiasts appreciate Atlanta for its professional teams, including the Atlanta Braves (baseball), Atlanta Hawks (basketball), and Atlanta Falcons (football), all located downtown. Golfers enjoy the abundance of courses in and around Atlanta, catering to all skill levels. The Peachtree Road Race, the world's largest 10-kilometer race, takes place annually on Independence Day.

With over 30 colleges and universities in the area, active adults seeking further education have ample opportunities. Institutions such as Georgia State University, Georgia Tech University, and the Savannah College of Art & Design, all located in Atlanta, offer continuing education programs.

Atlanta Area Cost of Living & Taxes

The cost of living in the Atlanta area aligns closely with the national average. Georgia's progressive tax structure comprises six brackets ranging from 1 percent to 6 percent. The state imposes a 4 percent sales tax on goods, exempting prescription drugs, approved medical devices, and home-use food items. However, taxes are levied on alcohol, tobacco, and motor fuel. Property taxes are paid to the county where the residence is situated.

Atlanta Area Health Care

The Atlanta area boasts some of the finest medical services and healthcare options in Georgia. With approximately 60 hospitals in the vicinity, residents of 55+ communities have access to a wide range of healthcare facilities. Emory University Hospital ranks 11th nationally for adult specialties, including cardiac care, diagnostic radiology, and neurosciences.