Best Cities for Retirees in Georgia
Georgia ranks #27 of 50 for retirees, with a retirees score of 60.4. Johns Creek is its best city for retirees at 75.4.
- Georgia, all states
- #27 of 50
- Population
- 81,988
Georgia for Retirees: The Full Picture
Georgia sits at #27 out of 50 for retirees — solidly in the middle tier. The state offers healthcare that, while accessible, isn't among the nation's strongest alongside below-average living costs (cost-of-living index: 96.3). It's a state where retirement can work well with proper planning, though it lacks the standout advantages of top-tier retirement destinations.
For retirees, healthcare access and tax friendliness are non-negotiable. Georgia's health score of 40/100 is a concern — at 75.9 years, life expectancy trails the national average, and access to quality care can be uneven. On the tax front, the overall burden stands at 8.47% of income. The 5.39% income tax rate is worth factoring into retirement income projections. Property taxes run 0.83% (effective rate), which is near the national average.
A typical home value of $330,817 is manageable for retirees selling homes in higher-cost markets. The state's safety profile is reassuring, with a safety score of 71/100. Livability amenities are more limited compared to top-ranked states, so retirees who value a vibrant social scene should focus their search on the state's larger metro areas.
All 20 Cities Ranked for Retirees
| # City | Grade | Retirees score | Overall | Health | Household finances | Affordability | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1Johns Creek | A+ | 75.4 | 73.4 | 86 | 98 | 44 | 81,988 |
| 2Alpharetta | A+ | 73.7 | 70.6 | 83 | 94 | 47 | 66,855 |
| 3Roswell | A+ | 71.3 | 69.2 | 78 | 82 | 52 | 92,621 |
| 4Dunwoody | A | 70.0 | 67.1 | 83 | 82 | 50 | 51,758 |
| 5Sandy Springs | A+ | 68.2 | 68.0 | 82 | 70 | 49 | 107,087 |
| 6Brookhaven | A | 65.5 | 65.4 | 78 | 72 | 46 | 57,855 |
| 7Smyrna | A | 64.5 | 64.8 | 68 | 64 | 58 | 56,633 |
| 8Marietta | B+ | 58.7 | 60.9 | 59 | 48 | 60 | 62,263 |
| 9Atlanta | B | 56.5 | 58.3 | 62 | 46 | 58 | 505,268 |
| 10South Fulton | C+ | 56.5 | 53.9 | 47 | 59 | 64 | 110,471 |
| 11Warner Robins | C+ | 52.1 | 53.9 | 37 | 43 | 79 | 82,990 |
| 12Columbus | C | 51.1 | 51.4 | 34 | 30 | 82 | 203,711 |
| 13Athens-Clarke County unified government | C+ | 50.0 | 54.2 | 56 | 14 | 74 | 127,345 |
| 14Stonecrest | D | 49.5 | 46.5 | 38 | 38 | 68 | 60,501 |
| 15Gainesville | C+ | 49.0 | 55.2 | 48 | 32 | 68 | 45,032 |
| 16Augusta-Richmond County consolidated government | D | 47.1 | 45.9 | 36 | 27 | 81 | 201,528 |
| 17Savannah | C | 44.2 | 51.9 | 47 | 29 | 73 | 147,898 |
| 18Valdosta | D | 43.1 | 46.6 | 30 | 12 | 84 | 55,252 |
| 19Macon-Bibb County | F | 42.2 | 40.3 | 24 | 17 | 84 | 156,578 |
| 20Albany | F | 36.6 | 39.5 | 20 | 10 | 88 | 67,224 |
City retirees scores use each city's own data, with the category weights rescaled over the categories the city has; outdoor access has no city-level measure and is left out. City scores for retirees also weigh the county's expected yearly building losses from natural hazards (FEMA), lower is better; the share of adults without health insurance (CDC PLACES), a sign of local healthcare access, lower is better; the median age of residents (Census ACS), older is better: more peers and retiree services.
Compare: States with Similar Retirees Rankings
Also See: Georgia for Other Lifestyles
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Georgia a good state for retirees?
Georgia ranks #27 out of 50 for retirees with a persona-weighted score of 60.4/100. Its strongest relevant category is Affordability (73/100) and its weakest is Outdoor Access (8/100).
What is the best city for retirees in Georgia?
Johns Creek ranks #1 in Georgia for retirees with a score of 75.4/100, followed by Alpharetta and Roswell.
What factors are most important for retirees in Georgia?
Rankings weighted toward low taxes, quality healthcare, affordable living, safety, community livability, and pleasant environment — the priorities for retirement years.