The grades I’ve assigned (A+ to D-) are subjective and based on how each town compares to others within Georgia, not nationwide.

I’ve listed towns in alphabetical order to make it easier for me to find specific locations of interest. I need to remember that what constitutes the perfect retirement destination varies from person to person, so I should consider what factors matter most to me when reviewing these options.

Here’s the list.

1. Athens

Cost of Buying a Home: B-
Healthcare Access: A
Weather: B+
Cultural Activities: A+
Outdoor Activities: A-
Crime Rate: C+
Airport Proximity: B

Athens offers retirees a vibrant college-town atmosphere with exceptional cultural amenities. The median home price in Athens is around $275,000, which is relatively affordable for a city with such rich amenities, though homebuyers should be aware that prices have been steadily increasing near the university areas.

The town boasts an impressive array of cultural activities thanks to the University of Georgia, including concerts, theaters, and museums, while outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the State Botanical Garden and numerous parks. Athens is served by Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center and is about 90 minutes from Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.

Three main activities:

Exploring the Georgia Museum of Art
Attending performances at the Classic Center
Walking or biking the North Oconee River Greenway

2. Augusta

Cost of Buying a Home: A-
Healthcare Access: A+
Weather: B-
Cultural Activities: B+
Outdoor Activities: A-
Crime Rate: C
Airport Proximity: B-

Augusta stands out for its excellent healthcare facilities and mortgage affordability with median home prices around $170,000. The city is home to the prestigious Augusta University Medical Center and offers some of the best value for homeownership in Georgia’s larger cities.

Golf enthusiasts will appreciate living in the home of the Masters Tournament, while the Riverwalk and Augusta Canal provide scenic outdoor recreation. Augusta has its own regional airport with connections to Atlanta, and the Augusta University Health System provides comprehensive medical care with specialized services for seniors.

Three main activities:

Golfing at one of the many courses in the area
Strolling along the Augusta Riverwalk
Visiting the Augusta Museum of History

3. Blue Ridge

Cost of Buying a Home: C+
Healthcare Access: C
Weather: A-
Cultural Activities: B
Outdoor Activities: A+
Crime Rate: A-
Airport Proximity: C-

Blue Ridge is a mountain paradise for outdoor-loving retirees seeking natural beauty and four distinct seasons. Median home prices hover around $350,000, which reflects the desirability of this mountain retreat, and getting a home loan could be more expensive than in other parts of Georgia due to the premium location.

The town offers a charming downtown with art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants, while the surrounding Chattahoochee National Forest provides endless outdoor recreation. Blue Ridge has a small regional hospital, but more comprehensive care requires traveling to larger cities, and the nearest major airport is Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson, about two hours away.

Three main activities:

Riding the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
Hiking portions of the Appalachian Trail
Fishing in Lake Blue Ridge or the Toccoa River

4. Brunswick

Cost of Buying a Home: A
Healthcare Access: B
Weather: B+
Cultural Activities: B-
Outdoor Activities: A-
Crime Rate: C+
Airport Proximity: B-

Brunswick offers coastal living with exceptional mortgage affordability, as median home prices around $155,000 make it one of the most affordable coastal communities in Georgia. The historic downtown area has been revitalized in recent years, offering a mix of shops and restaurants in a walkable setting.

The city provides easy access to the Golden Isles, including St. Simons and Jekyll Islands, with their beaches, golf courses, and nature preserves. Brunswick is served by Southeast Georgia Health System and has a small regional airport, with Jacksonville International Airport about an hour south.

Three main activities:

Exploring the historic downtown district
Visiting the nearby barrier islands
Enjoying seafood at the local waterfront restaurants

5. Carrollton

Cost of Buying a Home: A-
Healthcare Access: B+
Weather: B
Cultural Activities: B
Outdoor Activities: B+
Crime Rate: B-
Airport Proximity: B

Carrollton combines small-town charm with university amenities and excellent affordability for homeowners. With median home prices around $200,000, this college town offers good value while providing a vibrant atmosphere thanks to the University of West Georgia.

The 18-mile Carrollton GreenBelt provides excellent recreation opportunities, and the town has a thriving arts scene with regular performances and exhibitions. Tanner Medical Center provides quality healthcare services, and Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is just an hour’s drive away.

Three main activities:

Biking or walking the Carrollton GreenBelt
Attending performances at the Carrollton Center for the Arts
Exploring downtown’s historic square and farmers market

6. Cumming

Cost of Buying a Home: C
Healthcare Access: B+
Weather: B+
Cultural Activities: B-
Outdoor Activities: A
Crime Rate: A-
Airport Proximity: B

Cumming provides access to Lake Lanier’s recreational opportunities with the safety of a smaller community. Median home prices are around $400,000, reflecting its desirable location north of Atlanta, and potential homebuyers should be prepared for competitive pricing as the area continues to grow in popularity.

The nearby Sawnee Mountain Preserve offers hiking with panoramic views, while Lake Lanier provides boating, fishing, and water sports just minutes away. Northside Hospital Forsyth offers comprehensive healthcare services, and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is about an hour’s drive south.

Three main activities:

Boating and fishing on Lake Lanier
Hiking at Sawnee Mountain Preserve
Visiting the Cumming Fairgrounds for various events

7. Dahlonega

Cost of Buying a Home: C+
Healthcare Access: C+
Weather: A-
Cultural Activities: B+
Outdoor Activities: A+
Crime Rate: A
Airport Proximity: C

Dahlonega captivates with its gold rush history and picturesque mountain setting in North Georgia. Median home prices are approximately $330,000, which is higher than the state average but reasonable considering the town’s charm and tourism appeal.

The town square features unique shops, restaurants, and wineries, while the surrounding mountains offer hiking, fishing, and scenic drives. The Northeast Georgia Medical Center in nearby Gainesville provides healthcare services, while Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is about 90 minutes away.

Three main activities:

Touring local wineries on the Dahlonega Wine Trail
Panning for gold at Consolidated Gold Mine
Attending the Bear on the Square Mountain Festival

8. Decatur

Cost of Buying a Home: D+
Healthcare Access: A+
Weather: B
Cultural Activities: A+
Outdoor Activities: B+
Crime Rate: B-
Airport Proximity: A

Decatur offers a walkable urban village atmosphere with excellent dining and cultural amenities. The median home price is around $550,000, making it one of the pricier options on this list, and those considering a mortgage should be prepared for higher payments compared to many other Georgia locations.

The town square hosts frequent festivals and concerts, while Emory University brings educational opportunities and cultural events to the area. Emory University Hospital provides world-class healthcare, and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is just 30 minutes away.

Three main activities:

Dining at the diverse restaurants around the square
Attending the Decatur Book Festival
Exploring the DeKalb History Center Museum

9. Gainesville

Cost of Buying a Home: B
Healthcare Access: A
Weather: B+
Cultural Activities: B
Outdoor Activities: A+
Crime Rate: B-
Airport Proximity: B

Gainesville combines Lake Lanier access with excellent healthcare and reasonable home prices. The median home price of approximately $250,000 makes it more affordable than many Atlanta suburbs, offering good value for homebuyers looking for lake access.

Lake Lanier provides endless recreation opportunities, while downtown Gainesville offers shopping, dining, and cultural events. Northeast Georgia Medical Center is a top-rated hospital system with specialized senior care, and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is about an hour’s drive.

Three main activities:

Boating and water sports on Lake Lanier
Visiting the Atlanta Botanical Garden Gainesville
Enjoying performances at The Arts Council Pearce Auditorium

10. Helen

Cost of Buying a Home: C+
Healthcare Access: C-
Weather: A-
Cultural Activities: B-
Outdoor Activities: A+
Crime Rate: A-
Airport Proximity: D+

Helen offers a unique Bavarian-themed mountain retreat with a tourist-friendly atmosphere. Median home prices are around $300,000, with many properties being cabins or vacation-style homes that attract those looking for a distinctive mountain lifestyle.

The Chattahoochee River flows through town, offering tubing and fishing, while hiking trails and waterfalls dot the surrounding mountains. The nearest hospital is in Habersham County, about 20 minutes away, and Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is approximately two hours south.

Three main activities:

Tubing down the Chattahoochee River
Attending the annual Oktoberfest celebration
Hiking to nearby Anna Ruby Falls

11. LaGrange

Cost of Buying a Home: A
Healthcare Access: B
Weather: B
Cultural Activities: B+
Outdoor Activities: A-
Crime Rate: B-
Airport Proximity: B-

LaGrange provides exceptional mortgage affordability with median home prices around $160,000, making it one of the best values for retirees in Georgia. The city offers a surprisingly rich cultural scene for its size, including the LaGrange Art Museum and Sweetland Amphitheatre.

West Point Lake provides excellent fishing, boating, and outdoor recreation just minutes from downtown, and several golf courses are available in the area. WellStar West Georgia Medical Center offers quality healthcare services, and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is about an hour away.

Three main activities:

Visiting the Biblical History Center
Boating and fishing on West Point Lake
Touring historic Hills & Dales Estate

12. Madison

Cost of Buying a Home: B
Healthcare Access: B-
Weather: B+
Cultural Activities: A-
Outdoor Activities: B+
Crime Rate: A-
Airport Proximity: B-

Madison charms with its well-preserved antebellum architecture and historic downtown district. Median home prices around $275,000 reflect the town’s historic character and appeal to those seeking small-town Southern charm with architectural significance.

The town’s Cultural Center hosts art exhibitions and performances, while nearby Hard Labor Creek State Park offers outdoor recreation opportunities. Morgan Medical Center provides basic healthcare services, with more comprehensive care available in Athens, and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is about 90 minutes away.

Three main activities:

Taking a self-guided tour of historic homes
Exploring the Madison Morgan Cultural Center
Golfing at Hard Labor Creek State Park

13. Marietta

Cost of Buying a Home: C+
Healthcare Access: A
Weather: B
Cultural Activities: A-
Outdoor Activities: B+
Crime Rate: B
Airport Proximity: A-

Marietta offers suburban comfort with historic charm just outside Atlanta. The median home price of approximately $375,000 reflects its desirable location, with historic homes commanding premium prices near the picturesque town square.

The historic Marietta Square features shops, restaurants, and a year-round farmers market, while nearby Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park provides hiking trails with historical significance. WellStar Kennestone Hospital offers excellent healthcare services, and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is about 35 minutes away.

Three main activities:

Visiting the Marietta Museum of History
Attending performances at the Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre
Hiking at Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park

14. Peachtree City

Cost of Buying a Home: C
Healthcare Access: B+
Weather: B+
Cultural Activities: B
Outdoor Activities: A-
Crime Rate: A
Airport Proximity: B+

Peachtree City is famous for its golf cart culture and planned community design that prioritizes outdoor living. Median home prices around $425,000 reflect the premium nature of this planned community, and those seeking a home loan should be prepared for higher than average costs compared to many Georgia locations.

The city boasts over 100 miles of golf cart paths connecting shopping centers, parks, and residential areas, while three lakes provide fishing and boating opportunities. Piedmont Fayette Hospital offers quality healthcare services, and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is just 30 minutes away.

Three main activities:

Exploring the city via golf cart on the path system
Golfing at one of several championship courses
Attending concerts at The Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater

15. Rome

Cost of Buying a Home: A-
Healthcare Access: A-
Weather: B
Cultural Activities: B+
Outdoor Activities: A-
Crime Rate: B-
Airport Proximity: C+

Rome offers exceptional value with its affordable housing and rich historical character. The median home price of approximately $180,000 makes homeownership accessible for retirees on a budget, with historic homes in the downtown area available at reasonable prices compared to larger cities.

The confluence of three rivers provides beautiful scenery and recreation opportunities, while Berry College campus offers walking trails and wildlife viewing. Floyd Medical Center and Redmond Regional Medical Center provide excellent healthcare options, and Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is about 90 minutes away.

Three main activities:

Walking or biking the Heritage Trail System along the rivers
Visiting the Rome Area History Museum
Enjoying performances at the Rome City Auditorium

16. Roswell

Cost of Buying a Home: C-
Healthcare Access: A
Weather: B+
Cultural Activities: A-
Outdoor Activities: A
Crime Rate: A-
Airport Proximity: B+

Roswell combines historic charm with upscale amenities in a safe suburban environment. The median home price of approximately $500,000 reflects its desirability as one of Atlanta’s most sought-after suburbs, making a home loan substantially more expensive than in many other Georgia communities.

Canton Street offers a vibrant dining and shopping district, while the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area provides miles of trails and water activities. North Fulton Hospital and other medical facilities offer excellent healthcare, and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is about 40 minutes away.

Three main activities:

Dining and shopping along historic Canton Street
Hiking or kayaking at the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
Touring historic Bulloch Hall and Barrington Hall

17. Savannah

Cost of Buying a Home: C+
Healthcare Access: A
Weather: B-
Cultural Activities: A+
Outdoor Activities: A-
Crime Rate: C
Airport Proximity: A-

Savannah enchants with its moss-draped oak trees and historic squares in one of America’s most beautiful planned cities. Median home prices around $315,000 vary widely depending on location, with historic district properties commanding premium prices while surrounding neighborhoods offer more reasonable options.

The city’s 22 historic squares, vibrant arts scene, and numerous festivals provide endless cultural experiences, while nearby Tybee Island offers beach access. Memorial Health University Medical Center and St. Joseph’s/Candler Health System provide excellent healthcare, and Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport offers convenient travel options.

Three main activities:

Taking a walking tour of the Historic District
Visiting the SCAD Museum of Art
Relaxing at Forsyth Park

18. St. Marys

Cost of Buying a Home: B+
Healthcare Access: B-
Weather: B
Cultural Activities: B-
Outdoor Activities: A
Crime Rate: A-
Airport Proximity: B

St. Marys offers coastal living with a relaxed pace as the gateway to Cumberland Island National Seashore. Median home prices around $240,000 provide reasonable value for coastal Georgia, where waterfront properties can command much higher prices in other communities.

The waterfront district features shops, restaurants, and a submarine museum, while ferry access to Cumberland Island National Seashore provides incredible natural experiences. Southeast Georgia Health System Camden Campus provides healthcare services, and Jacksonville International Airport is about 45 minutes away across the Florida border.

Three main activities:

Taking the ferry to Cumberland Island National Seashore
Visiting the St. Marys Submarine Museum
Kayaking through the coastal marshes

19. St. Simons Island

Cost of Buying a Home: D+
Healthcare Access: B
Weather: A-
Cultural Activities: B+
Outdoor Activities: A+
Crime Rate: A
Airport Proximity: B-

St. Simons Island offers upscale coastal living with beautiful beaches and world-class golf. The median home price of approximately $565,000 makes this island paradise one of the most expensive options on our list, and those requiring a mortgage should be prepared for significantly higher payments compared to mainland options.

The island features historic sites, upscale shopping, and dining, plus miles of beaches and bike paths for outdoor enthusiasts. Southeast Georgia Health System Brunswick Campus provides healthcare services on the mainland, and Brunswick Golden Isles Airport offers regional flights with Jacksonville International Airport about 90 minutes south.

Three main activities:

Golfing at Sea Island Golf Club
Visiting the St. Simons Lighthouse Museum
Beach walking and bird watching

20. Statesboro

Cost of Buying a Home: A+
Healthcare Access: B
Weather: B-
Cultural Activities: B
Outdoor Activities: B
Crime Rate: B-
Airport Proximity: C+

Statesboro combines exceptional mortgage affordability with the amenities of a college town. With median home prices around $150,000, it offers some of the best housing values in Georgia, making it ideal for retirees seeking to maximize their retirement savings through affordable homeownership.

Georgia Southern University brings cultural events, sports, and educational opportunities to the community, while several parks and golf courses provide outdoor recreation. East Georgia Regional Medical Center offers healthcare services, and Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport is about an hour away.

Three main activities:

Attending Georgia Southern University athletic events
Exploring the Botanic Garden at Georgia Southern University
Visiting the Averitt Center for the Arts

21. Thomasville

Cost of Buying a Home: A-
Healthcare Access: B+
Weather: B-
Cultural Activities: B+
Outdoor Activities: B+
Crime Rate: B
Airport Proximity: C

Thomasville charms with its brick-paved streets and Victorian architecture in a quintessential Southern small town. Median home prices around $185,000 offer excellent value, with historic homes available at prices that would be much higher in larger cities.

The vibrant downtown features unique shops, restaurants, and the annual Rose Show and Festival, while nearby plantations and hunting preserves provide opportunities for outdoor activities. Archbold Medical Center provides quality healthcare services, and the nearest commercial airports are in Tallahassee, Florida (45 minutes) and Albany, Georgia (1 hour).

Three main activities:

Strolling downtown’s brick streets and shopping district
Visiting Thomasville’s historic plantations
Attending the annual Rose Show and Festival

22. Toccoa

Cost of Buying a Home: A
Healthcare Access: B-
Weather: A-
Cultural Activities: B-
Outdoor Activities: A
Crime Rate: B
Airport Proximity: C

Toccoa offers stunning natural beauty with waterfalls and mountain views at extremely affordable prices. The median home price of approximately $145,000 makes it one of the most affordable options on our list, with excellent mortgage affordability for those wanting to retire in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

The historic downtown has been revitalized in recent years, while nearby Toccoa Falls and Lake Hartwell provide natural beauty and recreation. Stephens County Hospital provides basic healthcare services, and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is about 90 minutes away.

Three main activities:

Visiting the spectacular 186-foot Toccoa Falls
Boating and fishing on Lake Hartwell
Hiking portions of the nearby Appalachian Trail

23. Tybee Island

Cost of Buying a Home: D
Healthcare Access: C+
Weather: A-
Cultural Activities: B
Outdoor Activities: A+
Crime Rate: B+
Airport Proximity: B+

Tybee Island offers an authentic beach lifestyle with a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere just minutes from Savannah. The median home price of approximately $575,000 makes it one of the most expensive options on our list, as beachfront properties and ocean views command premium prices that can make a mortgage quite substantial.

The island features five miles of public beaches, a fishing pier, and a historic lighthouse, while the proximity to Savannah provides easy access to additional cultural amenities. Healthcare services are available in nearby Savannah, and Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport is just 30 minutes away.

Three main activities:

Beach activities including swimming and sunbathing
Climbing the Tybee Island Light Station
Attending the annual Tybee Island Pirate Fest

24. Valdosta

Cost of Buying a Home: A+
Healthcare Access: A-
Weather: B-
Cultural Activities: B
Outdoor Activities: B+
Crime Rate: C+
Airport Proximity: B-

Valdosta combines exceptional housing affordability with the amenities of a regional hub in South Georgia. With median home prices around $140,000, it offers outstanding value for homeowners looking to stretch their retirement dollars while still enjoying city amenities.

Valdosta State University brings cultural events and educational opportunities, while nearby Grand Bay Wildlife Management Area and several golf courses provide outdoor recreation. South Georgia Medical Center offers comprehensive healthcare services, and Valdosta Regional Airport provides connections to Atlanta, with Jacksonville International Airport about 90 minutes away.

Three main activities:

Visiting the Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts
Exploring the Wild Adventures Theme Park
Golfing at one of several local courses

25. Waycross

Cost of Buying a Home: A+
Healthcare Access: B
Weather: B-
Cultural Activities: C+
Outdoor Activities: A
Crime Rate: C+
Airport Proximity: C

Waycross offers unbeatable affordability as a gateway to the unique Okefenokee Swamp ecosystem. With median home prices around $95,000, it provides perhaps the most affordable mortgage opportunities in Georgia, making it perfect for retirees looking to minimize housing costs.

The nearby Okefenokee Swamp Park offers unique wildlife viewing and outdoor experiences, while the historic downtown area has seen revitalization efforts in recent years. Memorial Satilla Health provides healthcare services, and Jacksonville International Airport is about 90 minutes away across the Florida border.

Three main activities: