Overview
Located in Northern Georgia, McDonough is a southern suburb of Atlanta. It is a mostly residential community with an active and historic downtown. The pleasant year round temperatures, affordable housing, and proximity to the major amenities of Atlanta make McDonough a popular destination for retirees.
Climate & Geography
McDonough experiences the same humid subtropical climate as Atlanta. Summer temperatures are warm with some late summer heat, and winters are mild with short cold spells. Nearby mountains and distant bodies of water help regulate the climate. Residents can expect higher than average rainfall and rare, but occasional snowfall. On average, there are 214 days of sun each year.
The greater Atlanta area is located between forested hills to the north and more level, agricultural areas to the south. A major thoroughfare, I-75, runs through McDonough, connecting the city to Atlanta as well as other major cities.
Recreation, Culture, & Entertainment
Residents gather at McDonough Square, which mixes both the historic parts of McDonough as well as modern shopping and dining. Local boutiques and businesses, as well as museums, walking tours, and seasonal events are available.
Other resident favorites include Heritage Park, which has a museum as well as concerts and a weekly farmers market, and the Cotton Field Golf Club.
Atlanta is just under an hour away, with a variety of major shopping centers, concert venues, and restaurants.
Cost of Living & Taxes
The overall cost of living in McDonough is below both the national and state averages. Transportation is above for both, whereas utilities match the average. Other indexes, including groceries, health care, and housing, are all below.
Georgia does not tax Social Security, and other forms of retirement income are partially taxed with significant exclusions. Residents can expect property taxes that are somewhat below average and a 7 percent combined sales tax for McDonough. Groceries are taxed, but only at Henry County’s local 3 percent.
Health Care
The Atlanta metro area recently ranked in the top 60 communities in Gallup’s Well-Being Index. Georgia ranked in the top 23 states according to the same index.
Although there are no hospitals in McDonough, Piedmont Henry Hospital in Stockbridge is the nearest high performing hospital according to U.S. News. Piedmont Fayette Hospital in Fayetteville is also rated as high performing. Emory University Hospital in Atlanta is nationally ranked and the No. 1 hospital in Georgia.