Whether you already live in Georgia or are looking for a new place for your retirement, this Southern state has much to offer. Below are seven great reasons why retiring in Georgia is just peachy!
1. Georgia is tax-friendly for seniors
When it comes to tax percentages, Georgia is easily one of the best. Not only does the state not tax Social Security, but people 65 and over also get a $65,000 deduction per person on all retirement income that isn’t Social Security. Of that, $4,000 can be from earned income, like a side job or seasonal work. Statewide sales tax is only 4%, and county sales taxes range from 2-4%; groceries are taxed, but only at local rates, leaving it no higher than 4%. In addition, there’s no inheritance or estate tax.
2. Georgia housing and living costs are affordable
While real estate is expensive in some parts of Georgia, particularly around Atlanta, the state overall is very affordable. The average price for a house in Georgia is around $345,000 as of February 2023, which is below the national average of $428,000. The cost of living in Georgia is the fifth-lowest in the nation, with prices about 25% lower than average.
3. It’s a little bit city, a little bit country
With many heavily populated states, you have to make the decision whether you want to live in the busy cities or the suburban outskirts. Being completely isolated in one or the other can be frustrating, which is why it’s great that the two are intertwined in this state. Whether you’re looking for relaxing lakes and lovely state parks or you want the excitement of a sprawling metropolis, you can find it all within reach.
4. Sports fans have plenty to cheer about
Georgia has teams for a wide variety of sports. Soccer fans cheer on the Atlanta United, baseball fans are all in for the Atlanta Braves, and football fans rise up for their Atlanta Falcons. Prefer college sports? Atlanta is home to several top universities, and the University of Georgia Bulldogs are four-time national champions as of 2022.
Even if you aren’t a sports fan, Georgia’s temperate climate might have you spending time outdoors, participating in sports like swimming, golf, and tennis. Speaking of golf, Georgia is famous for it. In fact, the Masters Tournament takes place in Augusta every year, and the state is home to more than 500 golf courses.
5. Great weather and a green landscape
Georgia maintains a mild climate, with temperatures averaging between 40 degrees in winter and 80 degrees in summer. The beautiful, warm weather makes for some great natural growth, both flora and fauna. You can expect to find over 250 species of trees, over 160 bird species, and 79 species of reptile in the state, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg! If you want the outdoors, Georgia will bring it to you.
Even though the temperatures in Georgia are moderate, the humidity is very high. Humidity plays a huge part in how the temperature of an area feels, and Georgia ranks very high when it comes to the water in the air. It’s one of the highest in the nation, so if you’re from a dry state, you may need to acclimate first.
All that warm weather leads to flowering trees and plants, but that leads to something else you should be aware of — allergies! Pollen in Atlanta is legendary. Expect a fine film of green on everything during the spring. If you don’t currently suffer from allergies, living in Georgia might change that for you.
6. Georgia has a rich history
If you want to learn more about the foundation of the United States, look no further than the Georgia Historical Society, which organizes events and exhibits to teach those things. They’ve placed historical markers at important sites all across the state, which make it quick and easy to learn about the places where you’re standing.
7. When you retire in Georgia, you’re among friends
If there’s one thing people need, it’s love and compassion from those around them, and the Georgia population has that in droves. Southern hospitality is alive and well in Georgia, making this one of the friendliest states in the US. In fact, Savannah, Georgia recently took top honors as the friendliest city in the nation by Conde Nast.
Is all this charming enough to convince you to retire in Georgia? Check out these 1,000+ communities designed for retirees.
Published April 7, 2023
