Retirement is a milestone worth celebrating, but also a huge life change worth planning for carefully. As such, choosing where you want to live past retirement can play an integral part of how your years pan out. Bankrate recently released their list for Top 10 Best States for Retirement with Georgia coming in at #1, based on five variables: affordability, wellness, culture, weather, and crime.
Affordability is a major factor to consider, and Georgia ranked #3 in the nation based on low cost of living and light tax burdens. For housing, you can retire in the metro Atlanta area for a median price of just $279k, a cost significantly lower than the $325k median home price in Orlando, Bankrate’s second best state’s metro area.
Georgia’s weather and geography is also a strong pull. “The state has an average annual temperature of 64 degrees, fifth-warmest in the nation. Earthquakes are rare, and tornado risk is about average,” as reported by Bankrate. In one state, you have access to mountains, beaches, lakes, and flatlands, all with a temperate four seasons and balanced rain cycle. During any time of the year, outdoor activities are plentiful, and the indoor entertainment are endless.
“Big builders are doing 55-and-older communities all over the state, and they wouldn’t be doing that if there weren’t demand,” says Dorrie Love, a Harry Norman, REALTOR® and President of the Georgia REALTORS®.
One active adult community in north Georgia, Grandview at Gateway, is currently being constructed to meet this demand. When completed, the community will have 106 single family homes including slab and basement options. The 55+ north Georgia community boasts a wide variety of amenities, such as a pickleball court, large swimming pool and deck, dog park, yoga and fitness classes, as well as community arts and crafts. Future stages of development include 70 independent living cottages as well as 86 apartments for assisted living and memory care. Currently, the community offers a virtual tour of three model homes, or you can visit on-site for a personal showing.Located in the picturesque mountain town of Jasper, Grandview at Gateway hosted an event to introduce the public to the vision of what life at Grandview would be like. The over-55 community offered complimentary lunch, drink, and desserts with fun activities such as raffle drawings, giveaways, and even a ribbon cutting with Jasper Mayor, Steven Lawrence.
Retirement and the onset of your Golden Years is a time to be cherished. By choosing a location that fits your lifestyle, personal and financial needs you will set yourself up for retirement success. Before relocating, speak with a REALTOR® about your wants and needs. Having a trusted Harry Norman, REALTOR® on your side will streamline the home buying and selling process, making your move into the Golden Years smooth and seamless. Contact a Harry Norman REALTOR® today to get started.
