Deciding when and where to retire is a big decision.

Which is why New York financial technology company, SmartAsset, crunched the numbers to determine the best places to retire in each state.

In the sixth annual report, SmartAsset looked at tax friendliness, the number of doctors’ offices and recreation and social opportunities in each city.

First, the report looked at state and local income and sales taxes.

The study also looked at the number of doctors’ offices, recreation centers and retirement facilities per 1,000 people in each city.

After crunching the numbers, SmartAsset found these to be the top 10 cities in Georgia to retire in:

  1. Cumming
  2. Decatur
  3. Stone Mountain
  4. Austell
  5. Snellville
  6. Fayetteville
  7. Marietta
  8. Lawrenceville
  9. Lilburn
  10. Buford

You can dive into the complete report here.

SmartAsset also shared some tips on planning for retirement. First and foremost: plan ahead.

“The unexpected can happen, and often does. The best you can do is to develop a solid plan based on the information you have now. Don't let retirement savings statistics get you down,” the report reads.

It can help by starting with some incremental, monthly goals for saving. An online retirement calculator can also help determine a strategy, the report notes.

“By setting goals and meeting them, you give yourself the opportunity for a rich and rewarding retirement,” according to SmartAsset.

The financial company also recommends talking with a financial adviser and, although it seems obvious, making sure you have a retirement account, even if it’s not through an employer.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Plenty of free activities for kids are part of the Peachtree Corners Festival on Saturday and Sunday, including bubble fun, sand art and face painting. (Courtesy of Peachtree Corners Festival)

Credit: Photo courtesy of Peachtree Corners Festival

Featured

Julian Conley listens during opening statements in his trial at Fulton County Superior Court in Atlanta on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. The 25-year-old is accused of fatally shooting 8-year-old Secoriea Turner in July 2020. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com