Atlanta, GA 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Climate & Geography

Atlanta experiences a humid subtropical climate, which includes an average of 52 inches of rain and 217 sunny days per year. Temperatures in the summer average at 88 degrees but can reach 100 degrees or higher. Winter temperatures can fall as low as 33 degrees. Snowfall is light, averaging just a few inches per year.

Atlanta is located in Northern Georgia in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and on the south ridge of the Chattahoochee River.

Recreation, Culture & Entertainment

There is no shortage of entertainment and recreation in Atlanta. Some of the most popular outdoor areas in the city include the Atlanta Botanical Garden, Piedmont Park, Sweetwater Creek State Park, and the Historic Fourth Ward Park.

There are also several historic and educational sites throughout the city, including Zoo Atlanta, Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta History Center, High Museum of Art, and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. Shoppers can head to Lenox Square, Westside Provisions District, and The Shops at Buckhead.

Atlanta is also home to several professional sports teams, an active and walkable downtown, and the popular Atlanta Farmers Market.

Cost of Living & Taxes

The overall cost of living in Atlanta is higher than the national and state averages because of higher housing and transportation costs. Compared to other major cities, however, Atlanta is more affordable.

Georgia does not tax Social Security benefits, and all other forms of retirement income are eligible for significant exclusions. For retirees 62 to 64, the exclusion is $35,000, and for retirees over 65, it is $65,000. Property taxes in the state are below average, and there is a double homestead exemption available to homeowners over 65. Atlanta's sales tax rate is 8.9 percent, which is higher than the national average.

Health Care

The Atlanta metro area scores well on Gallup's Well-Being Index, ranking in the top 60 communities across the country.

55+ community residents in Atlanta have access to quality health care providers. Emory University Hospital and Emory University Hospital Midtown are nationally ranked by U.S. News. There are seven other high performing hospitals in the city, including Emory St. Joseph's Hospital, Piedmont Atlanta Hospital, Northside Hospital-Atlanta, and WellStar Kennestone Hospital.