Overview
Roswell is a lively city located north of Atlanta in Northern Georgia. Situated alongside the Chattahoochee River, Roswell offers many historic museums and serene nature parks for locals to enjoy, making the city a popular option for retirees. Roswell is nearby a variety of shopping and entertainment options, and the city hosts plenty of festivals throughout the year.
Climate & Geography
The climate in Roswell is classified as humid subtropical, meaning summers are hot and humid while winters are mild. The city receives more sunny days than average and more rainfall, yet rarely receives snowfall. The rainiest months in Roswell are January through March.
Roswell is situated on hilly land near the Blue Ridge Mountains in northern Georgia. The Chattahoochee River runs along the southern border of the city, and Big Creek runs through Roswell.
Recreation, Culture, & Entertainment
Roswell offers residents plenty of historic sites around the city to explore. The Archibald Smith Plantation Home is a museum that is over 150 years old. Visitors can view the house which has been preserved in its original form, on the tours that they have available. Other historic sites include Barrington Hall, the former home of the founder of Roswell, and Bulloch Hall. Roswell also hosts a very active community calendar providing local events and festivals for residents to enjoy.
Aside from historic buildings, Roswell provides locals with space to enjoy the outdoors at its many scenic parks. Old Mill Park is the location of former working mills whose origins date back to the 1830’s. Visitors to the park can hike along the trails available or enjoy the view of the park’s waterfall.
The Roswell area features a variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Nearby Alpharetta hosts North Point Mall, a popular shopping destination for locals. Additionally, Atlanta is under an hour away for anyone who wants to enjoy more extensive shopping and entertainment options in the state capital.
Cost of Living & Taxes
The overall cost of living in Roswell is higher than the state and national averages, with the cost of housing making the biggest impact on raising the cost of living. Grocery and health costs in Roswell are both below the state and national averages.
Social Security is not taxed in Georgia, and though all other forms of retirement income are taxable, the state provides substantial exclusions to retirees. For residents aged 62 to 64, up to $35,000 of retirement income is not taxed, and for those who are 65+, up to $65,000 is exempt from taxes. Property taxes in Georgia are below the national average, and all residents are eligible for a homestead exemption, with additional exemptions available for qualifying seniors based on age, income, and property value. Sales tax in Roswell is slightly higher than average at 7.75 percent, and Georgia is one of the few states that does tax groceries.
Health Care
Residents of Roswell have convenient access to a hospital, with WellStar North Fulton Hospital located in the city. WellStar Kennestone Hospital, located in nearby Marietta, is ranked No. 5 in the state by U.S. News, and is rated high performing in seven procedures and conditions. Emory University Hospital, located in Atlanta, is ranked No. 1 in the state and is nationally ranked in nine specialties.