8 Best Towns In Georgia For Retirees
If you're looking to retire in Georgia, you're in luck, as this state offers a diverse range of communities that deliver safety, scenic charm, and high-quality healthcare. Whether you’re drawn to mountain trails, coastal serenity, or historic small towns, Georgia provides retirees a wealth of inviting options. Spots like Dahlonega, Douglas, and St. Marys combine natural beauty with affordability, while communities such as Adairsville and Kingsland boast low crime rates and rich cultural heritage. With median home prices ranging from $280,000 to just over $400,000 and access to award-winning healthcare facilities, these towns prove that you don’t have to sacrifice comfort, safety, or adventure in retirement.
Dahlonega
Nestled in the heart of the North Georgia mountains, Dahlonega promises a rare blend of adventure and serenity. With a median home listing price slightly above the state average, it speaks to the value of living in a region that is both surrounded by nature and within an hour's drive of the big-city amenities Atlanta has to offer. CrimeGrade.org ranks Dahlonega safer than most U.S. cities, especially for violent crime, adding peace of mind to its natural beauty.
One-third of Lumpkin County is part of the Chattahoochee National Forest, opening the door to hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Tubing, kayaking, and canoeing on the Chestatee and Etowah rivers provide excitement for all skill levels, while stunning waterfalls make for perfect picnic and photo spots. As the gateway to the legendary Appalachian Trail, Dahlonega is a hiker’s dream. Nearby, Northeast Georgia Medical Center Lumpkin ensures quality healthcare, recognized for excellence in pulmonary care.
St. Marys
St. Marys, Georgia is an ideal destination for retirees seeking natural serenity and affordability. With safety ratings consistently higher than state and national averages and a median house listing price of around $300K, quality retirement living is accessible. Perched on the Georgia Coast, St. Marys is the gateway to the stunning Cumberland Island National Seashore, with its own visitor center, museum, and ferry access. Nature lovers can also enjoy serene views of the intracoastal waterway at nearby Crooked River State Park.
The vibrant community comes together for unique festivals throughout the year, including the St. Marys Seafood Festival each summer, annual Mardi Gras celebrations, and Music in the Park the second Saturday of every month from April through September. Quality healthcare is also within reach at Southeast Georgia Health System - Camden Campus.
Douglas
Escape to Douglas, Georgia, a peaceful haven where safety, affordability, and natural beauty come together. With a median home price of just $290,000, Douglas offers a cost-effective lifestyle well below the state average. And, ranked safer than 81% of American cities by NeighborhoodScout, this charming town provides the tranquility and security retirees seek.
In scenic Coffee County, Douglas is surrounded by natural treasures, including the breathtaking Broxton Rocks, a stunning nature preserve owned by the Nature Conservancy with a waterfall, caves and a variety of beautiful plant life. You can also enjoy peaceful walks through General Coffee State Park, home to cypress swamps and the rare gopher tortoise. Downtown, Peterson Avenue is chock-a-block with antique shops and unique boutiques, and The Martin Center hosts a wide range of live music events in its historic theater. For healthcare peace of mind, residents have quick access to quality care at Coffee Regional Medical Center.
Adairsville
Discover the charm of Adairsville, a hidden gem nestled in Georgia’s scenic Oothcalooga Valley. With a median home price of just $315,000 - well below the state average - this historic town give retirees both affordability and peace of mind. Consistently ranked safer than the average city and boasting lower violent crime rates than the state overall, Adairsville is a secure and welcoming place to call home. Nearly a quarter of residents are over the age of 65, creating a vibrant community of active retirees.
Explore 170 acres of tree-lined streets, historic homes, and timeless churches in Georgia’s first town listed entirely on the National Register of Historic Places. Just five miles away, Barnsley Resort offers luxury dining, spa relaxation, and world-class golf. Plus, top-tier healthcare is nearby at AdventHealth in Gordon, a 2023 Patient Safety Excellence Award winner.
Kingsland
Kingsland, Georgia is a safe and serene retirement destination where affordability meets adventure. With a median house listing price of just above $300,000, Kingsland provides excellent value compared to other retiree-friendly towns across the state. Recognized with an A- rating by CrimeGrade.org and boasting a lower crime rate than the state average according to NeighborhoodScout, you can expect peace of mind in this charming community.
Nature lovers will enjoy easy access to world-renowned attractions like Cumberland Island’s wild horses and historic ruins, and the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge’s unique ecosystem. Saltwater Performing Arts and the Woodbine Opry offer cultural enrichment and social engagment, while Angelo's Italian Restaurant has been serving hearty, homecooked meals for over 40 years. Whether you’re exploring scenic trails or relaxing in quiet neighborhoods, Kingsland offers the perfect balance of comfort and discovery. Plus, Southeast Georgia Health System is located nearby, providing quality healthcare and convenience.
Barnesville
With a median home price of $325,000, Barnesville residents enjoy excellent value paired with small-town charm and modern amenities. Ranked consistently safer than the average American city and better than the state average as well, Barnesville is an ideal place to settle down with confidence.
Take in the history of the region on the self-guided Barnesville Walking Tour, where 19th-century homes, including one built by the founder’s daughter, line the picturesque streets. The town’s Carnegie Library is a local treasure, featuring vibrant art, poetry, and a sculpture garden set in turn-of-the-century elegance. Lamar Arts Depot and Gallery occupies the old Barnesville Train Depot and is free to enter, with galleries and educational opportunities for the community. Quality healthcare is just minutes away at Monroe County Hospital, ensuring peace of mind. In Barnesville, history, safety, and community create the perfect backdrop for a fulfilling retirement.
Carrollton
Carrollton, Georgia is a vibrant and affordable retirement destination where community, safety, and recreation come together. With a median house listing price of around $325K, it offers retirees good value. Violent crime rates here are also lower than both the state and national average, providing added peace of mind.
Enjoy an active lifestyle on the Carrollton GreenBelt, the state’s longest closed-loop bike path, or compete at Hobbs’ Farm Park Disc Golf Course and on the Pickleball Courts at Longview Park. For those who love the arts, the Carrollton Center for the Arts hosts engaging exhibits and performances throughout the year. And with Tanner Medical Center located right in town, premium healthcare is always within reach.
Winder
Winder, Georgia gives retirees a peaceful and active lifestyle in a safe, welcoming community at a median sale price below the state average. Outdoor lovers will thrive at Fort Yargo State Park, home to a historic 1792 log fort, scenic trails, lakeside picnics, mini-golf, and boating on the 260-acre Marbury Creek Reservoir. Golfers can tee off at the popular par-72 Chimneys Golf Course, and Barrow County Farmers Market brings the community together every Saturday from April to November. Winder combines small-town charm with big-time amenities, including excellent healthcare just minutes away at Northeast Georgia Medical Center, Barrow.
No matter your retirement vision, whether it’s riverside relaxation, mountain adventures, or small-town charm, Georgia offers a place to match your lifestyle and priorities. With cities that boast low crime rates, access to top-rated healthcare, and a variety of outdoor and cultural attractions, choosing where to settle becomes a matter of personal preference rather than compromise. From affordable homes to thriving senior communities, Georgia proves that retirement can be both peaceful and full of possibility.
