Cumming, GA 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Overview

Cumming is a popular city in Northern Georgia, situated northeast of the suburbs surrounding Atlanta. Its prime location near the state capital and warm weather have made it an enticing option for retirees. Aside from that, the city is home to an active downtown with all the necessities one would need, and plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation nearby. 

Climate and Geography

Like most of Georgia, Cumming lies within a humid subtropical climate zone. Summers in the region are are humid with temperatures ranging from warm to hot, while winters are generally short and mild, with occasional freezing temperatures. Residents can expect higher-than-average rainfall, very little snow, and approximately 219 days of sun throughout the year. 

Located near the southern end of the Appalachian Mountain range, the terrain surrounding Cumming is mostly made up of wooded hills and ridges. Sawnee Mountain is directly to the northwest of the city, and Lake Lanier is to the east. 

Recreation, Culture & Entertainment

Cumming has a close-knit, small-town feel with a vibrant city center. The city is considered an exurb of Atlanta, meaning residents have easy access to all of the metropolitan amenities and fun activities close by in the big city.

Residents of Cumming have plenty of options to get outside and enjoy the warm weather. The city is known for having many outdoor activities to choose from including visiting one of the state and local parks such as Mary Alice Park, Central Park, and Wakoola Gardens. There are also plenty of forest preserves nearby where residents can go hiking, kayaking, or even take a boat tour. 

In Cumming's downtown area, residents can explore plenty of antique shops, restaurants, breweries, wineries, as well as a variety of community events throughout the year at the Cumming Fairgrounds. Less than a 40-minute drive away, Atlanta provides further entertainment opportunities and cultural attractions, including the Georgia Aquarium, Zoo Atlanta, Coca-Cola Museum, and Atlanta Botanical Garden. 

Cost of Living & Taxes

The cost of living in Cumming is significantly higher than the state and national averages, with the cost of homes and housing being the main factor. Other indexes such as utilities and groceries are close to the national average, while the cost of health care is much lower than average. 

Georgia is considered one of the most tax-friendly states for retirees. There is no tax on Social Security, and there is a tax exclusion on all other forms of retirement income, up to $35,000 for residents who are 62 to 64, and up to $65,000 for residents who are 65+. The combined sales tax in Cumming is 7 percent, while groceries are only taxed at the local rate of 3 percent. 

Health Care 

Georgia ranks as one of the top states in Gallup’s Well Being Index. 

Cumming is home to Northside Hospital- Forsyth which is rated high performing in five procedures by U.S News. Just outside the city, is Emory Johns Creek Hospital and WellStar North Fulton Hospital.