11 Best Places To Retire In Georgia
Few places are as peaceful, scenic, or charming as the Peach State. From the stunning natural beauty of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest to the festive fun at Stone Mountain, there's a lot to enjoy about Georgia. But these aren't just fun places to visit as a tourist; in fact, they make ideal retirement locations. What makes a town ideal for retirement? It's simple - a laid-back pace, easy access to quality medical care and facilities, cost of living, availability of retirement communities, and a low crime rate. And, don't forget, having a population of like-minded retirees is also a major plus!
In a recent report by Retireable, Georgia was rated the number-one state to retire in. Its lower cost of living, quality medical care, and laid-back atmosphere put it securely at the top. So, if you're preparing for retirement and looking for a Georgia town filled with southern charm at your own pace, consider any of the excellent choices on our list.
Thomasville
With a population of around 19,000, Thomasville is a scenic retirement destination located about 20 minutes north of the Florida-Georgia border. Nicknamed Rose City for its colorful and vibrant downtown, Thomasville showcases more than 1,500 roses every year in the Thomasville Rose Garden. Don't miss the Rose Show & Festival - an annual event held every spring, honoring Thomasville's floral mascots. Downtown Thomasville is home to no less than 55 boutiques.
Thomasville is among the most affordable communities on this list, with average home values sitting around $217,000 - almost a third less than the state average. As for recreational activities for retirees in Thomasville, the Country Oaks Golf Course and Glen Arven Country Club are great for seniors.
Americus
Americus is a town of about 16,000, located in the western part of the state. Its proximity to the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park and the Andersonville National Historic Site makes it the ideal retirement location for history lovers.
Americus is also among the most affordable places to retire on our list, with an average home value of $121,500. Recreation opportunities for retirees are numerous, with the Brickyard Plantation Golf Club providing opportunities for social, active recreation. Indoor attractions include the Georgia Rural Telephone Museum, or go shopping at the Plains Historic Inn & Antiques, one of the many boutiques in Americus. Meanwhile, Thirteenth Colony Distilleries offers tours and samples of the town's famous bourbon.
Lincolnton
Located about an hour northwest of Augusta, Lincolnton is a thriving suburb with an average home value of $254,000. Lincolnton, with its rich history and beautiful setting just south of the South Carolina border, has all the southern charm and small-town comfort retirees could want.
Lincolnton Therapeutic Massage is a top-rated massage center in Lincolnton, and so retirees can tackle aches and pains before touring the walkable downtown district, especially the boutiques and specialty shops. 112 Main Furniture and Home Decor and Dust & Grace are some of the most popular boutiques. For retirees seeking outdoor recreation, Elijah Clark State Park offers boating, fishing, and camping. Retirees can also plan a simple day trip to the state park and enjoy strolling through the forest and spotting native wildlife, such as white-tailed deer and river otters.
Royston
Located in the northern foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Royston is a small but vibrant community with an average home value of around $260,000. The walkable downtown district is home to several boutiques and antique shops. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate the memorabilia on display at the Ty Cobb Museum, which showcases the legacy of baseball legend Ty Cobb.
For those who love the outdoors, Victoria Bryant State Park offers scenic views, as well as fishing, boating, and hiking. Visitors coming from out of town can stay overnight at the Bluebird Cottage, located within the park. Meanwhile, Highland Walk Golf Course is popular for seniors and even has overnight golf packages.
Bainbridge
Located less than half an hour from the Georgia-Florida border, Bainbridge is an affordable and thriving retirement destination with an average home value of $165,000 and a population of about 15,000. Bainbridge sits right near Lake Seminole and the Flint River, earning this town the title of "Bass Capital of Georgia." Its distinction as a fisherman's paradise contributes to Bainbridge's relaxed atmosphere and slow pace.
Retirees can enjoy relaxing summer days out on the lake at Earle May Boat Basin Park, or a round of golf at Bainbridge Country Club. Retirees will also get a treat come December, when the dazzling displays at Woodams Christmas Lights light up the town. The town has several scenic walkable parks, such as Chason Park, Cheney Griffin Park, and Chattahoochee Park.
Griffin
Located about an hour south of Atlanta, Griffin is a comfortable, laid-back community with a population of 24,000. But its small-town charm isn't exactly a secret. Due to its scenic beauty and easy access to more populous cities, Griffin was the filming location for the TV series "The Walking Dead" and the film "Fried Green Tomatoes." It's also known for being the birthplace of the famous gunslinger, Doc Holliday.
Griffin is among the most affordable retirement destinations in the state, with an average home value of around $233,000. Retirees can enjoy golfing at Sun City Peachtree Golf Club, or skeet shooting at Cherokee Rose Clays & Helice. For outdoor recreation, Heron Bay and Heads Creek Reservoir offer plenty of opportunities to stay active, such as boating, fishing, or scenic walks along the waterline.
Vidalia
With an average home value of $180,000 and located about 1 hour and 30 minutes west of Savannah, Vidalia is a beautiful, charming southern town with a laid-back pace ideal for retirees. Attractions include The Hawk's Nest at Hawk's Point Golf Club and the Altama Museum of Art & History. Vidalia has a population of around 10,000 residents and offers small-town charm with easy access to quality medical facilities, restaurants, and other points of interest. Vidalia is most famous for its sweet onions, first cultivated in the 1930s by the farmer Mose Coleman. The Vidalia Onion Museum is a great place to learn about the town's unique history.
Milledgeville
Famous for being Georgia's state capital from 1804 to 1868, Milledgeville was a crucial location during the American Civil War. Now, its rich history and natural beauty charm locals and travelers alike. Retirees enjoy the relaxing pace and plethora of recreation activities, such as golf at the Little Fishing Creek Golf Course and scenic visits to the nearby Lockerly Arboretum. History-lovers will cherish the cultural monuments at Georgia's Old Governor's Mansion, Cedar Lane Cemetery, and Andalusia (the home of famed writer Flannery O'Connor).
Milledgeville's average home value of $236,000 and its population of 17,000 make it an attractive draw for retirees seeking a small, affordable town to retire in comfort.
Vienna
With a population of just under 3,000, Vienna has small-town charm with small-town data. It has a low crime rate and an average home value of $92,000 - perfect for retirees seeking a relaxing retirement on a budget. Vienna is a hotbed of southern hospitality and has the proud distinction of being the home of Georgia's oldest, largest, and longest-running barbecue cooking championship, the Big Pig Jig. If you're in Vienna during November, you can experience the cookoff for yourself!
Areas of interest include the Georgia State Cotton Museum and the town's Historic District, which features a plethora of historic homes within a walkable stretch of street. For retirees seeking a thrill, the Cordele Motor Speedway sits just south of Vienna.
Hawkinsville
With a moniker like the "Harness Horse Capital of Georgia," you know Hawkinsville is a unique town bursting with charm and culture. Hawkinsville is a small town with a population of about 4,900 and an average home value of $182,000, making it among the most affordable retirement destinations on our list.
Retirees will enjoy the Hawkinsville Harness Horse Festival every spring, where at least a dozen horse races showcase the sport. Year-round attractions such as the Southern Hills Golf & Country Club, Hawkinsville Opera House, and Mile Branch Park make Hawkinsville an enriching to retire.
Forsyth
Forsyth is a comfortable, scenic retirement community with a population of about 4,900 and close proximity to many scenic locations. The nearby Lake Juliette provides year-round opportunities for outdoor recreation, such as boating, fishing, and hiking. Country Club Park Pickleball Courts and Rancho Paso Lindo provide social and active atmospheres for retirees to get together. The performing arts center, the Backlot Players, is perfect for lively evenings.
Forsyth is a quiet town nestled in the woods about a half-hour's drive northwest of Macon. Its location and quiet, relaxed atmosphere give retirees the perfect small-town charm they crave, with easy access to top-notch medical facilities and attractions in the city. With an average home value of $311,000, it's no surprise Forsyth is an attractive retirement destination.
Spend Your Golden Years In These Georgia Retirement Destinations
Every retiree has a perfect vision of what their retirement looks like. In the Georgia towns on our list, there's something for everyone, whether you enjoy sipping drinks at your favorite restaurant, fishing for bass, perusing boutiques downtown, or hitting the trails. Affordability, a laid-back pace, access to quality medical care, and recreation are all at the heart of what makes a town a great place to retire. On our list, you'll get all four with every location - and more.
