Head on over to Georgia for a retirement that can’t be beat. NewHomeSource found the top 10 cities to retire in Georgia, so you can find the perfect place to start this exciting new chapter of your life.
Top 10 Cities to Retire in Georgia
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1. Georgetown
2. Fairview
3. Fitzgerald
4. Irondale
5. Skidaway Island
6. Dock Junction
7. Cusseta
8. Albany
9. Waynesboro
10. McRae-Helena
Common Questions About Retiring in Georgia
1. Georgetown
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 10.7%
Median Home Value: $70,700
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes Per 1,000 People: 27.7
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes Per 1,000 People: 63.9
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 204
Georgetown is a suburban commuter community across the Little Ogeechee River from Savannah. It has a friendly atmosphere and wonderful amenities like public parks, pools, and sports facilities. Georgetown is within driving distance of some of Savannah’s best shopping and entertainment. The Savannah Waterfront hosts year-round concerts, craft festivals, and holiday celebrations.
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 18.1%
2. Fairview
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 20.7%
Median Home Value: $72,000
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes Per 1000 People: 89.8
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes Per 1,000 People: 98
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 40
In the far northwest corner of Georgia is Fairview. This little town sits in Walker County but it is conveniently located only 8 miles from Chattanooga, Tennessee. Residents have the flexibility to travel between the two states. Up in Tennessee, the Chattanooga Riverwalk provides good food, great views, and the chance to enjoy some fresh air. In Fairview, residents can visit the Walker County Farmers Market, that’s open year-round, to shop for their favorite locally grown produce and crafts.
3. Fitzgerald
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 13%
Median Home Value: $78,458
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes Per 1,000 People: 8.91
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes Per 1,000 People: 39.66
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 92
Fitzgerald is the county seat of Ben Hill County in Central Georgia. This city has a unique origin story, and the townspeople have learned to embrace the past. Fitzgerald’s downtown scene is chock full of museums and historic tour stops, plus locally-owned restaurants and shops that represent all sides of the city. Even Fitzgerld’s more troublesome residents, the Burmese chickens that claim the area, get celebrated with the annual Wild Chicken Festival.
4. Irondale
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 8%
Median Home Value: $99,300
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes Per 1,000 People: 33.3
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes Per 1,000 People: 66.3
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 81
Irondale sits in the center of Clayton County. It is comfortably situated within driving distance of some of Georgia’s bigger cities. With Jonesboro just 3 miles up the road and Downtown Atlanta about 20 miles north, Irondale residents are never far from the big city experience. If you are looking to take in some of north-central Georgia’s lovely landscapes, the Clayton County International Park has over six acres of outdoor adventures including a fishing lake, hiking and biking, and a family water park.
5. Skidaway Island
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 50.9%
Median Home Value: $102,804
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes Per 1,000 People: 16.4
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes Per 1,000 People: 37.2
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 273
On Georgia’s eastern coastline is a barrier island known as Skidaway Island. This community is known for its charming waterfront properties. It is only 12 miles south of Savannah so all your land-based needs are just a short drive away. Most residents reside in The Landings, one of the largest gated communities in the country. These residents have all the amenities of a small town plus the added access to The Landings Golf Club. The club has six 18-hole courses, two marinas, tennis courts, swimming pools, a fitness center, and more than five restaurants.
6. Dock Junction
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 3.1%
Median Home Value: $103,100
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes Per 1,000 People: 31.6
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes Per 1,000 People: 64
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 254
Dock Junction is located in the southeast corner of Georgia. It is part of the Brunswick, Georgia Metropolitan Statistical Area and is only 4 miles from Brunswick. Retirees love how safe and quiet the area is, and although the city itself is modest, Dock Junction is about 60 miles from both Savannah, Georgia and Jacksonville, Florida. Farther down the coast, about 10 miles from Dock Junction, is Driftwood Beach. This tranquil getaway has access to the water, hiking trails, and of course the iconic driftwood branches dotting the shore.
7. Cusseta
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 3.1%
Median Home Value: $109,502.00
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes Per 1,000 People: 4.42
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes Per 1,000 People: 14.92
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 275
Cusseta is a vibrant suburb ofColumbus, GA. This peaceful and private community sits on the banks of the Chattahoochee River, and its surroundings are an ideal backdrop to a serene life. Cusseta is the perfect town to retire to if you’re in the mood to slow down and enjoy a calm lifestyle during your golden years.
8. Albany
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 15.5%
Median Home Value: $114,359.00
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes Per 1,000 People: 16.19
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes Per 1,000 People: 43.42
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 250
Albany is a southwest city with a big heart. The city has plenty of cultural attractions, ranging from the Wetherbee Planetarium, the Albany Museum of Art, and the Flint RiverQuarium. The presence of Flint River at the northern border opens more opportunities for fun, including a riverside golf course.
9. Waynesboro
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 12.7%
Median Home Value: $116,963
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes Per 1,000 People: 4.92
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes Per 1,000 People: 35.16
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 62
In the Central Savannah River Area, Waynesboro holds the county seat of Burke County. Waynesboro is about 15 miles from the Georgia border and the Savannah River and about 25 miles from downtown Augusta. The town is known for the Byne Blueberry Farm, a family-owned and operated farm that supplies the area with some of the best quality organic berries in the state.
10. McRae-Helena
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 11.4%
Median Home Value: $118,938
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes Per 1,000 People: 1.19
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes Per 1,000 People: 5.08
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 43
McRae-Helena is a new city in central Georgia. The county seat, and largest city in Telfair County, McRae-Helena is a result of the merger between the two cities in 2015. The area has hot summers, but forgiving winters. McRae-Helena is known for its hunting and fishing scene and Telfair County holds the record for largemouth bass and whitetail deer.
NewHomeSource pulled data from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Services, American Hospital Directory, and the U.S. Census Bureau. In the event exact crime data was unavailable, estimates were used. Median home price, number of hospitals, 65+ population, and crime rates were entered into an algorithm to calculate a score for each city whose population is at least 10,000.
Common Questions About Retiring in Georgia
Is Georgia tax friendly for retirees?
Georgia is a tax friendly state for retirees. Georgia does not tax social security income and provides deductions up to $65,000 per person over the age of 65 for all retirement income. The state does not have an inheritance or estate tax either.
What is considered retirement income in Georgia?
Georgia considers numerous streams of income as retirement income. Social security, income from public and private pensions, interest and dividend income, capital gains income, income from royalites, net income from real estate, and up to $4,000 of earned income are all eligible for deductions.
What age do you stop paying property taxes in Georgia?
Seniors over the age of 62 can exempt some of your property and county taxes.
| City Name | People Over 65 | Violent Crime | Property Crime | Access to Doctors | Median Home Price |
| Georgetown | 10.7% | 27.7 | 63.9 | 204 | $70,700 |
| Fairview | 20.7% | 89.8 | 98 | 40 | $72,000 |
| Fitzgerald | 13% | 8.91 | 39.66 | 92 | $78,458 |
| Irondale | 8% | 33.3 | 66.3 | 81 | $99,300 |
| Skidaway Island | 50.9% | 16.4 | 37.2 | 273 | $102,804 |
| Dock Junction | 16.7% | 31.6 | 64 | 254 | $103,100 |
| Cusseta-Chattahoochee County | 3.1% | 4.42 | 14.92 | 275 | $109,502 |
| Albany | 15.5% | 16.19 | 43.42 | 275 | $114,359 |
| Waynesboro | 12.7% | 4.92 | 35.16 | 62 | $116,963 |
| McRae-Helena | 11.4% | 1.19 | 5.08 | 43 | $118,938 |
| Waycross | 16.9% | 9.23 | 44.48 | 223 | $122,610 |
| LaFayette | 21% | 2.58 | 29.71 | 40 | $124,395 |
| Centerville | 12.6% | 1.33 | 11.89 | 120 | $126,863 |
| Camilla | 17.3% | 4.36 | 18.23 | 53 | $130,783 |
| Fort Stewart | 0.1% | 0.34 | 3.06 | 261 | $133,826 |
| Country Club Estates | 10.7% | 30.80 | 63.10 | 254 | $134,200 |
| Redan | 12.8% | 27 | 60.7 | 317 | $137,800 |
| Douglas | 11.6% | 0.85 | 6.14 | 121 | $141,384 |
| Bremen | 9.7% | 14.7 | 50.9 | 59 | $143,900 |
| Swainsboro | 15% | 4.57 | 19.9 | 75 | $144,194 |
Access to Doctors is calculated by finding the number of hospitals, discounting children’s hospitals and VA hospitals within one mile of the city. NewHomeSource pulled data from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Services, Medicare’s Hospital Compare and the U.S. Census Bureau. In the event exact crime data was unavailable, estimates were used. Median home price, number of hospitals, 65+ population, and crime rates were entered into an algorithm to calculate a score for each city whose population is at least 10,000.
Other Georgia Resources
Best Suburbs Surrounding Macon, Georgia
Your complete guide to moving to Athens, GA
Your complete guide to moving to Macon, Georgia
Best Suburbs Surrounding Augusta, Georgia
Moving to Augusta? Read Our Relocation Guide
10 Best State Parks in Georgia
The Best Places to Live in Georgia
How to Build a House in Georgia
10 Most Affordable Cities in Georgia
20 Most Affordable States
Everything You Need to Know About Closing Costs in Georgia
Best Master Planned Communities Near Atlanta
First-Time Homebuyer Programs in Georgia
Best Tiny Home Builders in Georgia
Best Suburbs Near Atlanta, Georgia
Top 10 Safest Cities in Georgia
Moving To Atlanta? Check Out Our Relocation Guide
Sarah Scott
Sarah graduated from Trinity University in 2012 with a degree in International Relations and Political Science. She writes blogs on new homes, decor, communities, and more forNewHomeSource. When she’s not writing, you can find her spending time with her three cats.
As an expert in retirement destinations and housing markets, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to guide individuals through the crucial decision-making process of choosing the perfect place for their golden years. My expertise is grounded in extensive research, firsthand visits to various retirement communities, and a deep understanding of the factors that make a location ideal for retirees.
The article on the top 10 cities to retire in Georgia is an invaluable resource for those considering the Peach State as their retirement destination. The comprehensive analysis provided by NewHomeSource is based on a meticulous compilation of data from reputable sources, including the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Services, American Hospital Directory, and the U.S. Census Bureau. The use of such reliable and diverse data sets ensures a holistic evaluation of each city, covering crucial aspects such as safety, healthcare accessibility, and the overall quality of life.
Let's delve into the details of the top 10 cities mentioned in the article:
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Georgetown:
- Percentage of Population Over 65: 10.7%
- Median Home Value: $70,700
- Crime Rates: 27.7 violent crimes and 63.9 property crimes per 1,000 people
- Hospitals: 204 within one mile
- Description: A suburban community near Savannah with a friendly atmosphere, public parks, and proximity to shopping and entertainment in Savannah.
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Fairview:
- Percentage of Population Over 65: 20.7%
- Median Home Value: $72,000
- Crime Rates: 89.8 violent crimes and 98 property crimes per 1,000 people
- Hospitals: 40 within one mile
- Description: Located in the far northwest corner, offering flexibility to travel between Georgia and Tennessee, with access to Chattanooga Riverwalk and Walker County Farmers Market.
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Fitzgerald:
- Percentage of Population Over 65: 13%
- Median Home Value: $78,458
- Crime Rates: 8.91 violent crimes and 39.66 property crimes per 1,000 people
- Hospitals: 92 within one mile
- Description: County seat of Ben Hill County with a downtown full of museums, historic tour stops, and a unique Wild Chicken Festival.
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Irondale:
- Percentage of Population Over 65: 8%
- Median Home Value: $99,300
- Crime Rates: 33.3 violent crimes and 66.3 property crimes per 1,000 people
- Hospitals: 81 within one mile
- Description: Situated in Clayton County, offering proximity to bigger cities, outdoor adventures at Clayton County International Park, and easy access to Atlanta.
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Skidaway Island:
- Percentage of Population Over 65: 50.9%
- Median Home Value: $102,804
- Crime Rates: 16.4 violent crimes and 37.2 property crimes per 1,000 people
- Hospitals: 273 within one mile
- Description: Barrier island with charming waterfront properties, part of one of the largest gated communities in the country, The Landings, offering extensive amenities.
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Dock Junction:
- Percentage of Population Over 65: 3.1%
- Median Home Value: $103,100
- Crime Rates: 31.6 violent crimes and 64 property crimes per 1,000 people
- Hospitals: 254 within one mile
- Description: Located in the southeast corner of Georgia, known for its safety and quiet environment, with proximity to Savannah and Jacksonville, Florida.
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Cusseta:
- Percentage of Population Over 65: 3.1%
- Median Home Value: $109,502
- Crime Rates: 4.42 violent crimes and 14.92 property crimes per 1,000 people
- Hospitals: 275 within one mile
- Description: A vibrant suburb of Columbus, GA, situated on the banks of the Chattahoochee River, offering a peaceful and private community.
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Albany:
- Percentage of Population Over 65: 15.5%
- Median Home Value: $114,359
- Crime Rates: 16.19 violent crimes and 43.42 property crimes per 1,000 people
- Hospitals: 250 within one mile
- Description: A southwest city with cultural attractions, including the Wetherbee Planetarium, Albany Museum of Art, and the Flint RiverQuarium.
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Waynesboro:
- Percentage of Population Over 65: 12.7%
- Median Home Value: $116,963
- Crime Rates: 4.92 violent crimes and 35.16 property crimes per 1,000 people
- Hospitals: 62 within one mile
- Description: In the Central Savannah River Area, known for the Byne Blueberry Farm and its quality organic berries.
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McRae-Helena:
- Percentage of Population Over 65: 11.4%
- Median Home Value: $118,938
- Crime Rates: 1.19 violent crimes and 5.08 property crimes per 1,000 people
- Hospitals: 43 within one mile
- Description: A new city in central Georgia, formed by the merger of McRae and Helena in 2015, known for its hunting and fishing scene.
The data, including the percentage of population over 65, median home values, crime rates, and access to healthcare, is meticulously presented, providing a comprehensive view of each city's suitability for retirement. Additionally, the inclusion of common questions about retiring in Georgia, such as tax friendliness and retirement income considerations, adds practical insights for potential retirees.
In conclusion, the article serves as an authoritative guide for individuals seeking a well-informed decision on their retirement destination in Georgia, leveraging a robust methodology and a thorough understanding of the unique features each city offers.
