55+ Communities Near Canton GA

Canton is a northern suburb of Atlanta located in Northern Georgia. The city offers local amenities like parks, nature preserves, and active downtown communities. The city is also close to one of the busiest airports in the country. Retirees are flocking to 55+ communities in Canton for pleasant and temperate year-round weather and close-knit communities.

Canton Climate & Geography

Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Canton has a mix of tropical and continental climates. Summers are warm, but extreme heat is reduced due to the elevation. Winters are mild with few cold spells and very little snowfall. There is more than average rainfall, mostly occurring in late summer.

Canton is considered “Outside the Perimeter” of Interstate 285, which runs around metropolitan Atlanta. Compared to other areas nearby this "Outside" area has been most impacted from growth and expansion of the city. The Etowah River runs east to west and splits Canton in half. In addition the I-575 runs along its eastern edge to connect it directly to Atlanta.

Recreation, Culture, & Entertainment in Canton

Active adults have a large selection of outdoor recreation thanks to two bodies of water within city limits. The Hickory Log Creek Reservoir to the north offers boating, canoeing, fishing, and birdwatching. Etowah River Park in the center of the city has walking trails, canoeing, live music, as well as food and beer trucks. The Blankets Creek Trail System also has wide bike paths.

Canton Main Street in the historic downtown area is home to local shops, restaurants, and restored buildings. The many festivals and events throughout the year include the Saturday Farmers Market, Art and Wine Walk, and First Fridays featuring concerts, local food, and a car show.

Outside of local attractions, Canton residents can travel 45 miles to downtown Atlanta to experience big-name shopping, restaurants, and more. Residents also have easy access to the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

Canton Cost of Living & Taxes

Canton’s cost of living is higher than the national average, mainly due to the cost of housing and transportation. Other factors like groceries and health care are below average, however utilities costs are similar to the national average.

Georgia is very tax friendly to retirees. It does not tax Social Security, and while other forms of retirement income are taxed, the state offers large deductions. Sales and property taxes are moderate. Groceries are taxed, but only at Canton’s local level of 2 percent.

Health Care in Canton

Residents in Canton 55+ communities are part of the greater Atlanta metro area which ranks among the top 60 communities across the country in Gallup’s Well-Being Index.

Although there are no nationally ranked hospitals in Canton, Northside Hospital-Cherokee is within city limits. WellStar Kennestone Hospital in nearby Marietta is ranked by U.S. News as high performing and the No. 5 hospital in Georgia. Other high performing hospitals within 20 miles of Canton include Cartersville Medical Center and Northside Hospital-Forsyth.