Who says you have to leave Georgia to get a relaxing, beach-front retirement?
The Peach State has several cities that can offer that or give you more of a city-like feel if you prefer.
Stacker has named the 50 best places to spend your post-working days along the East Coast — and that includes Georgia.
“Using Niche’s 2020 Best Places to Retire (released in 2020) as a guideline, Stacker developed a list of what’s important to people thinking about retiring,” the data analysis website said. “Variables include weather, safety, housing expenses and access to places like eateries, golf courses, recreation facilities and health care.”
Data includes general population numbers and percentages of people ages 55 to 64 and 65 and over. Also included are median household income, median household value and median rent.
Here are the Georgia cities that made the cut.
40. North Decatur
The census-designated area’s 16,000+ population is 18% 65+ and 14% ages 55-64. The median household income is $79,449. The majority of residents own their homes, the average value of which is $295,800. The 43% of residents who rent pay $1,205 monthly on average.
“It is the perfect location for me! I love the city, but don’t want to be right downtown. It is so convenient to everything!” one resident wrote on Niche.
31. St. Simons
The private barrier island of St. Simons offers oceanfront condos, spas and campgrounds. Of the 14,778 people who live here, 15% are 55-64 and 35% are 65+. The median household income is $87,248. The median home value is $371,800 with 76% of residents owning their properties. A lower percentage — 34% — rent. Rent is $1,309 on average.
14. Dutch Island
North of St. Simons is Dutch Island. The biggest and most populated of the Golden Isles offers privacy and a small community. The 1,162-population area has 17% of residents age 55-64 and 28% who are 65 and older. The median household income is $170,417. No one rents on Dutch Island; everyone owns their homes. Average home value is $554,100.
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