10 Best Cities to Retire in Georgia in 2025

Georgia’s warm climate and senior-friendly tax policies only add to the appeal, allowing you to enjoy your retirement without worrying about harsh winters or high taxes.

To help you narrow it down, we analyzed Georgia’s largest cities, considering factors like the percentage of residents aged 65 and older, median home and rent prices, poverty rates, and sales tax.

If you’re on the hunt for retirement options outside of Georgia, check out our list of the 10 Best Cities to Retire in Texas and the 10 Best Cities to Retire in Florida.

Top 10 Best Cities to Retire in Georgia

Whether you’re after a quiet suburban neighborhood or a lively city with plenty to keep you busy, Georgia has it all. Here’s a look at how the top 10 cities compare:

1. Albany, Georgia

• Share of population 65+: 16.1%
• Median home sale price: $131,000
• Median rent price: $898
• Poverty rate: 29.2%
• Sales tax: 8.0%

Albany takes the top spot on our list for retirees due to its unbeatable housing costs and senior-friendly community. With a median home sale price of $131,000 and a median rent under $900, it offers the most affordable housing on our list. Albany also leads the senior population, with 16.1% of people aged 65 and older.

However, like any city, Albany has its challenges. It also has the highest poverty rate on our list, at 29.2%, more than double the state’s rate of 13.6%. While this is something to consider, the city’s budget-friendly living and large senior population make it a standout choice for retirees looking to settle down in Georgia.

2. Marietta, Georgia

• Share of population 65+: 14.8%
• Median home sale price: $426,585
• Median rent price: $1,491
• Poverty rate: 12.7%
• Sales tax: 6%

Just 20 miles northwest of Atlanta, Marietta offers a suburban charm that’s perfect for retirees looking for a peaceful community with easy access to city life.14.8% of its population is 65 or older, making it a great place for seniors looking to make connections. Marietta also has a lower poverty rate (12.7%) than the state average of 13.6%, giving retirees a sense of financial security.

While it’s not the most affordable option, with a median home sale price of $426,585 and median rent of $1,491, it still provides a manageable cost of living for those who want to live close to Atlanta.

3. Mableton, Georgia

• Share of population 65+: 13.3%
• Median home sale price: $382,000
• Median rent price: $1,399
• Poverty rate: 8.2%
• Sales tax: 6.0%

Mableton is an excellent choice for seniors looking for affordable housing and financial stability. The city stands out with its low poverty rate of 8.2%, well below the state average, offering financial peace of mind for retirees. Housing costs are reasonable, too. The median home sale price is $382,000, and the median rent is just under $1,400.

If you’re in the area, be sure to check out the Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre, which hosts concerts and events that bring the community together.

4. Newnan, Georgia

• Share of population 65+: 13.5%
• Median home sale price: $350,000
• Median rent price: $1,391
• Poverty rate: 8.9%
• Sales tax: 7.0%

Newnan is a charming Southern town with a welcoming senior community. 13.5% of its population is 65 and older, which is great for retirees looking to connect. But it’s not just about community; Newnan is also a wallet-friendly option. The median home sale price here is $350,000, and the median rent is just under $1,400. The city’s poverty rate is also much lower than the state’s average, giving peace of mind to those living on fixed incomes.

5. Gainesville, Georgia

• Share of population 65+: 15%
• Median home sale price: $424,995
• Median rent price: $1,234
• Poverty rate: 19.6%
• Sales tax: 7.0%

Gainesville has many things to offer retirees. First, it has a large senior community, where 15% of residents are 65 or older. The city also delivers on affordable living, with a median home sale price just shy of $425,000 and a median rent hovering around $1,200. 

However, the city has a relatively high poverty rate—19.6%—compared to Georgia’s average of 13.6%. You should research individual neighborhoods to find one that matches your needs.

6. Columbus, Georgia

• Share of population 65+: 14.4%
• Median home sale price: $206,000
• Median rent price: $1,072
• Poverty rate: 18.8%
• Sales tax: 9.0%

If having a senior community is important to you, Columbus is worth considering. 14.4% of residents are 65 and older, so you’ll find plenty of fellow retirees to connect with. Columbus also stands out for retirees who love staying active, offering the longest urban whitewater course and a river-crossing zip line. It’s an affordable choice, too, with a median home sale price of just $206,000 and a median rent of $1,072.

That said, it’s important to note that the city has a high poverty rate—nearly 19%—which is well above the state average of 13.6%. 

7. Warner Robins, Georgia

• Share of population 65+: 12.4%
• Median home sale price: $245,000
• Median rent price: $1,151
• Poverty rate: 13.6%
• Sales tax: 7.0%

Warner Robins is an affordable choice for retirees with a median home sale price of $245,000 and a median rent of $1,151. Another standout feature is its proximity to Middle Georgia Regional Airport, which makes it more convenient to travel or visit family.

However, Warner Robins has a smaller senior community, meaning it may not have as many amenities or resources geared specifically toward retirees. Additionally, the city’s poverty rate is above the national average of 12.5%. Seniors should consider researching specific neighborhoods to find the best fit for their needs.

8. Savannah, Georgia

• Share of population 65+: 14%
• Median home sale price: $353,995
• Median rent price: $1,302
• Poverty rate: 19.5%
• Sales tax: 7.0%

Savannah offers a lot for retirees looking for an affordable place to call home. With a median home sale price of $353,995 and a median rent of $1,302, it’s one of the more budget-friendly options on our list. The city also has a strong senior presence, with about 14% of residents aged 65 and older. If you prefer the outdoors, Savannah is home to several wildlife preserves and scenic trails, giving you the chance to connect with nature

It’s worth noting that Savannah’s poverty rate is higher than the state’s, sitting at over 19%. If financial stability is a top priority for you in retirement, this may be something to consider before making the move. 

9. Roswell, Georgia

• Share of population 65+: 15.1%
• Median home sale price: $622,500
• Median rent price: $1,707
• Poverty rate: 7.4%
• Sales tax: 7.8%

Roswell offers the best of both worlds: the charm of a small town, all while being just a short drive from the bustling city of Atlanta. More than 15% of the population is 65 or older, so you’ll be in good company. The city’s poverty rate is 7.4%, far lower than the state average, so if you’re looking for a community that feels secure and welcoming, Roswell will check those boxes.

That said, affordability might be a concern. The median home sale price in Roswell is $622,500, and the median rent is $1,707, making it one of the most expensive cities to live in on our list.

10. Valdosta, Georgia

• Share of population 65+: 13.5%
• Median home sale price: $187,500
• Median rent price: $1,000
• Poverty rate: 26.8%
• Sales tax: 8%

If you’re thinking of retiring in Georgia, don’t sleep on Valdosta. The city has one of the lowest median housing costs in the state at $187,500 and a median rent of just $1,000. Beyond affordability, Valdosta offers a senior-friendly community with 13.5% of its population aged 65 and older, making it a welcoming place for retirees looking to connect with others in their golden years. 

However, one drawback is Valdosta’s high poverty rate of 26.8%, almost double the state average of 13.6%, which may be a concern for retirees looking for long-term financial stability.

See Where Your Georgia City Ranked for Retirement

Didn’t see your city? Below is a ranking of the top 25 Georgia cities we compared to find the best places for retirement.

Methodology

To find the best cities to retire in Georgia, we looked at cities with populations of over 40,000 residents and evaluated them based on factors that may impact a retiree’s quality of life. Each metric was weighted to reflect its importance in the decision-making process.

Our research is backed by credible sources. Population, median monthly rent, and poverty rates came from the 2023 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates. Median home sale prices are from Redfin as of December 2024, and sales tax rates were gathered from Avalara.

The data points and their corresponding percent weighting are as follows:

• Percentage of Population 65+: 30% 
• Median Home Sale Price: 20% 
• Median Monthly Rent: 20% 
• Poverty Rate: 20% 
• Sales Tax: 10%

Reference policy 

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Sources

1. 2023 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates
2. Redfin 
3. Avalara