Georgia 55+ Retirement Communities

Georgia offers an appealing destination for active adults considering retirement. Its two largest cities provide diverse living options: Atlanta, the state's capital and economic center, offers a bustling urban lifestyle with cultural amenities and job opportunities; and Augusta, known for its historic charm and scenic riverfront, provides a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere. Georgia's varied landscapes, including mountains, coastal areas, and a warm climate, make it an attractive place to buy a home for those seeking a diverse and comfortable retirement location with a range of lifestyle options.

Climate & Geography

The largest state east of the Mississippi River, Georgia offers a unique landscape featuring everything from the Appalachian Mountains in the north to the coastal plains of the south. The humid subtropical climate brings hot summers and relatively mild winters. While Georgia is one of the leading states for frequency of tornadoes, they are rarely stronger than a F1. The whole state receives a moderate amount of precipitation varying from 45 inches per year in central Georgia to about 75 inches around the northeastern part of the state.

Atlanta is the capital of Georgia and is also the most populous city in the state. Most of the Georgia active adult communities are located around Atlanta. Bordered by Florida, South Carolina, Alabama, Tennessee, and North Carolina, Georgia encompasses 59,425 square miles with 9.9 million residents.

Recreation, Culture & Entertainment

Georgia is rich with culture and history. The fourth state admitted to the Union, Georgia is also known as the Peach State. It is home to major fine art museums including the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, the Telfair Museum of Art in Savannah, and the Morris Museum of Art in Augusta. Atlanta is also home to many great performing theaters such as the Fox Theatre and the Woodruff Arts Center.

The state is also home to numerous universities and colleges that offer continuing education to Georgia active adults. The University of Georgia in Athens is the oldest public university in the country. The Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta is the world’s busiest passenger airport offering travel to almost any location around the world.

There are 48 state parks in Georgia providing endless opportunities for recreation for active adults who love the outdoors. Some of the most notable of these include Appalachian National Scenic Trail and the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area both near Atlanta. Both offer great hiking, camping, and fishing. Also in Atlanta is the Georgia Aquarium. This aquarium is the largest in the world with over 100,000 animals, 500 species, and 10 million gallons of both fresh and saltwater exhibits. 

Cost of Living & Taxes

The cost of living in Georgia is about on par with the national average. This state has a progressive tax structure with six groups and rates that range from one to six percent. The state sales tax on goods is four percent. Some municipalities may enforce a local sales tax however not all do. There is no sales tax on prescription drugs, approved medical devices, and food items for home use however there is an excise tax levied on alcohol, tobacco, and motor fuel. Property taxes are paid to the county in which the residence is located.

Healthcare

Georgia is home to 151 general hospitals with 214 active physicians per 100,000 people. Four of Georgia's hospitals are nationally ranked while fourteen others met national standards for strong performance. Emory Hospital in Atlanta is one of the top hospitals in the country and specializes in cardiac care, neurosciences, and diagnostic radiology. Active adults are never too far from medical services in Georgia.