8 Best Places to Retire in Georgia for Lower Cost of Living, Affordable Housing, and Tax Perks

Decatur

The city of Decatur, about six miles from downtown Atlanta, is an attractive option for many retirees eager to be near their grandchildren. Lisa Cronic of Sotheby’s Fine Homes points out the city’s walkability, along with its festivals, events, concerts, and restaurants. “Apartments, condos, and single-family homes make living in Decatur accessible for retirees of different economic means,” she says. Emory University also offers cultural and entertainment opportunities, as well as continuing education—a plus for many retirees.

The city’s excellent school system—a draw for many young families—corresponds to higher taxes, but seniors are eligible for tax reductions. As for housing, the median home value is roughly $655,000, according to Niche.

Living in Decatur offers plenty to do outdoors, too, with abundant parks and green spaces, along with nearby Atlanta’s museums, entertainment, and professional sports venues. Plus, Decatur residents have access to a number of health care facilities, including the Emory Decatur Hospital.

Dalton

Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Dalton is known as the “Carpet Capital of the World” for its 150-plus carpet producers and textile history dating to the early 1900s. According to realtor Laura Young of Coldwell Banker Kinard Realty, “Dalton is all business with a side of fun. We have great restaurants, unique shopping, and a lively downtown nightlife with bars, breweries, and an open container policy.” In addition to the nightlife, Young adds, “There’s great hiking and canoeing at Haig Mill Lake Park. It’s small but beautiful, with fishing, picnicking, and two walking paths.”

Dalton also has affordable housing and a low unemployment rate, appealing to seniors on a limited budget and those who may want to work part-time after retirement. Niche cites a median home price around $200,000, and excellent health resources and a laid-back lifestyle, according to Best Places, seal the deal.

Sandy Springs

About 30 minutes north of downtown Atlanta, and an easy ride on MARTA public transportation, Sandy Springs is set along the Chattahoochee River, with more than 20 miles of river frontage, parks, and trails, according to realtor and long-term resident Robin Conklin of Home Luxury Real Estate. “Sandy Springs is a wonderful place to live and retire. We get four true seasons, and are just two hours from the mountains and five hours from the beach.” she says. “A great benefit for retirees is the Dorothy C. Benson Senior Multipurpose Complex, where they have art, computer, and other classes; adult daycare; fitness programs; lectures; and weekly trips, with no income requirements and no charge for the program.”

There’s a range of housing options, too, with an average home value of about $660,000, according to Zillow. Conklin points out another plus for retirees: “Sandy Springs has the largest concentration of major health care facilities in Metro Atlanta. We also have an amazing performing arts center, festivals, parades, tennis and pickleball courts, and farmers markets. Lost Corner Preserve offers free lectures, fitness classes, photography and book clubs, and a community garden.”

St. Simons Island

A barrier island on Georgia’s Atlantic coast, St. Simons Island offers golf, history, shopping, beaches, museums, outdoor activities, and a breezy beach town atmosphere. Niche states that median home values are in the $480,000 range, and according to the World Population Review, the median age there is 59 years.

“With our extensive list of amenities, including kayaking, boating, fishing, golf, pickleball, nature trails, miles of sidewalks, and the beaches, St. Simons Island has something to offer everyone,” Chandra Kendall, associate broker at DeLoach Sotheby’s International Realty, tells T+L. “The beauty of St. Simons is like no other. Once you see the moss-draped oak trees and watch a sunrise on the beach, you won’t want to leave.”

Cartersville

Small-town style and affordable housing make Cartersville appealing to retirees. The median home value here is just shy of $300,000, according to Niche, while Zillow estimates the average home price to be around $317,000. Real estate expert Chris Hardin tells T+L, “There’s a variety of housing, from single-family homes to apartments, as well as senior communities, including assisted and independent living.”

The walkable downtown offers history, art, theaters, community events, restaurants, and shopping. “Residents can easily get to the river, mountains, or parks,” Hardin says, adding that a transit service for seniors and individuals with disabilities is available as well.

Health care is convenient, too. Hardin notes, “For medical care, Piedmont Healthcare offices in Cartersville offer a range of services, including emergency care, surgery, imaging, and rehabilitation.”

Woodstock

Located about 30 miles north of Atlanta, Woodstock is known for its walkable downtown, parks, trails, and appealing lifestyle. Hardin and his family have lived in Woodstock for over a decade, and according to him, “It’s a great place for families and retirees. You see a lot of retired folks on e-bikes and golf carts, enjoying being outdoors.” He adds that a wide range of homes are available, from apartments to spacious houses. The median home value is just below $390,000, according to Niche, while Zillow reports that the average home price is about $4500,000.

“Many seniors are moving in from states like California, and they find they can get a lot for their dollars in comparison,” Hardin says. “The city is adding downtown parking, and there’s a hotel in the works, too.”

Athens

Located in the northeastern part of the state, this city, home of the University of Georgia, is about two hours east of Atlanta. Carol Bitner of Keller Williams Greater Athens has helped many retirees find homes in Athens.

“They love the fact that they can audit classes at the University of Georgia at no cost. Also, there’s the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) with a wide range of classes, travel opportunities, and social events for adults ages 50 and over.” Bitner adds, “Athens has a small-town feel, with restaurants, concerts, a theater, museums, and a lovely botanical garden. So many seniors enjoy the mix of ages here in Athens. They tell me it makes them feel young.”

Niche states the median home value here is in the $270,000 range, while Zillow reports an average home value just over $330,000. And with a variety of neighborhoods, from downtown to upscale Five Points, comes a wide range of lifestyle options. An important consideration for many retirees, health care quality and access rank highly, according to Numbeo.

Augusta

According to Jena Puckett, a realtor with Meybohm Real Estate, “Augusta is a great place to live. We have the Savannah River and Augusta Canal, where there’s beautiful scenery, hiking, biking, kayaking, and boat tours.” Puckett adds, “We also have Clarks Hill Lake nearby, with lots of things to do there.” The historic city offers an active lifestyle with moderate weather and a low cost of living. Zillow estimates the average cost of a home to be around $170,000, while Niche puts the median home value in the low $160,000 range.

Augusta also hosts the annual Masters professional golf tournament, attracting millions of television viewers and “patrons” (as Masters guests are called). Puckett notes, “Many Augusta homeowners rent their houses during the Masters golf tournament because there are so many visitors in town.” Numbeo rates health care quality and availability above average, and Puckett comments, “We have the Medical College of Georgia, with nursing, medical, and dental schools.”