Study: Best Cities to Retire in Georgia


Georgia's warmer climate and overall low cost of living make it just peachy for budget-conscious seniors who want to retire someplace sunny. While Atlanta tends to move at breakneck speed, you'll find an ample number of smaller locales where you can relax and enjoy a slower pace. If you're looking for the perfect location to kick back and soak up the Peach State's southern charm, take a look at the cities we think are the best for retirees.

10 Best Cities to Retire in Georgia

Study Methodology

Before we could determine our top 10, we first collected U.S. Census data for all of Georgia's incorporated cities with a population of at least 20,000. We then assigned each of them a ranking based on five specific pieces of information, which we've summarized below. The cities that made our final list are the ones that had the best combined ranking across these five categories:

  1. Senior Population
  2. Housing
  3. Income
  4. Recreation
  5. Healthcare/social assistance

Moving to a city with an established retiree population has some distinct advantages, especially when it comes to meeting new people. To give you an idea of where retirees tend to gather, we looked at the percentage of residents aged 65 and older in each city.

Housing costs can eat up a significant part of your retirement budget but trading your large home in for something smaller can help you save a few bucks. We considered the percentage of multi-unit housing structures in each city to give you an idea of how many apartments, townhomes and condos are available.

Once you retire, your income is likely to change significantly. For example, you may be drawing a pension, receiving Social Security benefits or taking distributions from a retirement plan. Our rankings are based in part on the median household income seniors 65 and up are earning in each city as a measure of how well off retirees are.

Going from working all day to suddenly having a wide-open schedule isn't always an easy transition. Each city is ranked based on the ratio of people to art, entertainment and recreation establishments so you'll know which places offer the most opportunities to stay active.

One of the things you may be worried about when choosing a place to retire is whether or not you'll be able to find the kind of medical care or senior living programs you need. We looked at how each city stacks up in terms of the number of residents to healthcare and social assistance establishments to gauge where retirees have the least trouble getting access to services.

10. Carrollton

  • Population Over 65: 10%
  • Multi-unit Housing Structures: 42.5%
  • Median Household Income 65 and Over: $31,934
  • People per Art, Entertainment and Recreation Establishment: 2,495.8
  • People per Healthcare and Social Assistance Establishment: 195

Carrollton sits near Georgia's western border, a little less than 50 miles from Atlanta. There are just shy of 25,000 people living here and 10% of them are 65 or older. The city has a fairly high percentage of multi-unit housing thanks to the presence of the University of West Georgia, but there are several seniors-only apartment communities. The downtown area's Adamson Square hosts most of the city's arts events and it's also a good place to check out local boutiques or grab a bite.

Did You Know: Carrollton is named after Charles Carroll, who was noted for being the last surviving signer of the Declaration of Independence.

9. Canton

  • Population Over 65: 9.6%
  • Multi-unit Housing Structures: 31.2%
  • Median Household Income 65 and Over: $39,975
  • People per Art, Entertainment and Recreation Establishment: 1,699.4
  • People per Healthcare and Social Assistance Establishment: 286.6

Just under 24,000 people live in Canton, but what it lacks in size it more than makes up for in personality. Almost 10% of the city's residents are seniors and there's ample multi-unit housing to accommodate retirees. If you want to experience the local culture, the Cherokee Arts Center features exhibits from local and regional artists while the Historic Canton Theatre is the perfect place to catch a show.

Did You Know: Canton's early settlers dreamed of bringing the silk industry to the city, naming it after the Chinese silk capital Guangzhou, which was pronounced in English as "Can than."

8. Griffin

  • Population Over 65: 13.1%
  • Multi-unit Housing Structures: 31.9%
  • Median Household Income 65 and Over: $29,078
  • People per Art, Entertainment and Recreation Establishment: 2,126.3
  • People per Healthcare and Social Assistance Establishment: 220.7

Griffin has the smallest population on our list, with just over 23,000 residents, but it boasts the second-highest percentage of seniors in our study. At less than 40 miles from Atlanta, you're close enough to all the big city has to offer but you're far enough away to avoid the traffic congestion and higher housing costs. There aren't quite as many museums or art galleries around but there are several historic buildings and cemeteries in the area if you're in the mood to do a little sightseeing.

Did You Know: Wild West legend John Henry "Doc" Holliday was born in Griffin in 1851.

7. Peachtree City

  • Population Over 65: 12.7%
  • Multi-unit Housing Structures: 15.4%
  • Median Household Income 65 and Over: $58,013
  • People per Art, Entertainment and Recreation Establishment: 1,650.6
  • People per Healthcare and Social Assistance Establishment: 357.3

As a planned community, Peachtree City is particularly appealing to retirees who are looking for safe neighborhoods and choice amenities. The city is home to almost 35,000 people and close to 13% are seniors. If you want to stay physically fit, you can play a round of golf on one of three world-class courses or hit the court at the Peachtree City Tennis Center. The Gathering Place is a dedicated senior center offering special programs, classes and activities for adults over 50.

Did You Know: Peachtree City has over 90 miles of paved trails, and golf carts are the preferred mode of transportation for many residents.

6. Gainesville

  • Population Over 65: 9.5%
  • Multi-unit Housing Structures: 49.4%
  • Median Household Income 65 and Over: $32,139
  • People per Art, Entertainment and Recreation Establishment: 1,581.2
  • People per Healthcare and Social Assistance Establishment: 127

If lakefront living is your retirement goal, Gainesville is definitely a place you should consider. A prime location along Lake Lanier combined with the best overall ratio of people to healthcare and social assistance providers are big pluses for this city of 35,000 residents. Multi-unit structures account for almost half of the city's housing and there are several all-inclusive senior living communities. If you want to enjoy the outdoors, the lake is just right for kayaking, rowing and fishing.

Did You Know: Gainesville is the self-proclaimed "Chicken Capital of the World."

5. Rome

  • Population Over 65: 15%
  • Multi-unit Housing Structures: 31%
  • Median Household Income 65 and Over: $26,986
  • People per Art, Entertainment and Recreation Establishment: 2,259.9
  • People per Healthcare and Social Assistance Establishment: 155.9

Named after the famed Italian city, Rome is one of northern Georgia's hidden treasures and it's especially attractive to retirees. Even though it ranks fifth overall, it has the highest percentage of seniors; 15% of the city's 36,000 residents are over 65. Rome also has an excellent healthcare and social assistance ratio, offering one of the highest numbers of doctors per capita in the nation. Golf is a preferred past time but there's also the Rome Symphony Orchestra and the Rome Little Theatre if you'd like to support the arts.

Did You Know: In 1929, Italian dictator Benito Mussolini gifted the city with a statue depicting Romulus, Remus and the Capitoline Wolf.

4. Duluth

  • Population Over 65: 8.3%
  • Multi-unit Housing Structures: 35.9%
  • Median Household Income 65 and Over: $42,031
  • People per Art, Entertainment and Recreation Establishment: 1,163.6
  • People per Healthcare and Social Assistance Establishment: 164.3

Located about 30 miles from the capital, Duluth is one of Atlanta's northernmost suburbs. With an abundance of multi-unit housing and the state-of-the-art Gwinnett Medical Center, it's extremely well-suited to retirees. Duluth has the best overall ratio for arts, recreation and entertainment and it sees a fair amount of visitors each year. Some of the places that might interest seniors include the Southeastern Railway Museum and the Town Green.

Did You Know: Former Duluth mayor Alice H. Strickland was the first woman in the state of Georgia to be elected to the office.

3. Roswell

  • Population Over 65: 10.6%
  • Multi-unit Housing Structures: 28.8%
  • Median Household Income 65 and Over: $55,347
  • People per Art, Entertainment and Recreation Establishment: 1,801.8
  • People per Healthcare and Social Assistance Establishment: 253.9

Another suburb of Atlanta, Roswell is substantially larger than most of the other cities we've profiled. Around 93,000 people reside in the area and a little over 10% are 65 and up. Roswell is fairly affluent, something that's reflected by higher housing prices and a higher median income among seniors. If you're curious about the city's antebellum history, a visit to Smith Plantation or Bulloch Hall is like taking a trip back in time.

Did You Know: The Roswell Mill, once one of the largest in north Georgia, was burned by General William T. Sherman during his infamous march to Savannah.

2. Marietta

  • Population Over 65: 9.8%
  • Multi-unit Housing Structures: 50%
  • Median Household Income 65 and Over: $38,702
  • People per Art, Entertainment and Recreation Establishment: 1,667.4
  • People per Healthcare and Social Assistance Establishment: 158.2

About 57,000 people live in Marietta, making it one of Atlanta's bigger suburbs. Families and professionals account for a significant number of residents but there's also a growing retiree population. There's a very strong local arts scene, featuring numerous galleries and several theatres. If you're a fan of "Gone With the Wind," you'll have to pay a visit to the Gone With the Wind Museum, where you can see the original Bengaline honeymoon gown worn by Vivien Leigh in her portrayal of Scarlett O'Hara.

Did You Know: The WellStar Kennestone Hospital in Marietta is home to Georgia's first CyberKnife robotic radiosurgery program.

1. Sandy Springs

  • Population Over 65: 11.2%
  • Multi-unit Housing Structures: 55.1%
  • Median Household Income 65 and Over: $59,976
  • People per Art, Entertainment and Recreation Establishment: 1,875.8
  • People per Healthcare and Social Assistance Establishment: 160.1

Sandy Springs is a well-to-do suburban city of nearly 100,000 people. It scored the best ranking in the housing and income categories, although retirees may pay a little more to rent or buy. Sandy Springs also rates well based on the size of its senior population and the availability of healthcare. There are 12 parks located throughout the city and the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area is terrific for an afternoon picnic or a weekend camping trip.

Did You Know: The Chattahoochee River Basin supplies more than 70% of Atlanta's drinking water.


To be sure, there's a lot to be said for Atlanta and Savannah as retirement destinations. They both rated well for things like healthcare and multi-unit housing, not to mention the plethora of arts and cultural activities they each offer. When it came down to determining our final rankings, however, these 10 cities proved to be the best choices overall based on the numbers...

The Top 20 Cities to Retire in Georgia

RankCityPopulation Over 65Multi-unit HousingMedian Household IncomePeople per Art, Entertainment and Recreation EstablishmentPeople per Healthcare and Social Assistance Establishment
1Sandy Springs11.2%55.1%$59,9761,875.8160.1
2Marietta9.8%50.0%$38,7021,667.4158.2
3Roswell10.6%28.8%$55,3471,801.8253.9
4Duluth8.3%35.9%$42,0311,163.6164.3
5Rome15.0%31.0%$26,9862,259.9155.9
6Gainesville9.5%49.4%$32,1391,581.2127.0
7Peachtree City12.7%15.4%$58,0131,650.6357.3
8Griffin13.1%31.9%$29,0782,126.3220.7
9Canton9.6%31.2%$39,9751,699.4286.6
10Carrollton10.0%42.5%$31,9342,495.8195.0
11Alpharetta7.1%30.3%$43,2901,770.9199.9
12Dalton11.8%44.7%$27,4092,784.4201.3
13Savannah11.7%35.8%$28,4622,058.3261.1
14Stockbridge8.0%25.7%$55,1772,389.2197.6
15Smyrna7.9%39.7%$36,5401,880.4263.3
16Albany11.2%38.3%$28,4423,226.3264.3
17Newnan10.4%28.8%$38,7033,106.7402.0
18Atlanta9.8%54.2%$27,8191,514.6296.0
19Lawrenceville9.1%29.0%$28,3211,403.9120.3
20Columbus11.6%28.7%$30,7723,543.1357.5

Rebecca Lake is a journalist at CreditDonkey, a credit card comparison and reviews website. Write to Rebecca Lake at rebecca@creditdonkey.com. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for our latest posts.

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