Best Places to Retire in Georgia
Profile
Thomasville (population 18,200), called “The City of Roses,” is located in the in the extreme southwestern part of the state. It is 12 miles north of the Florida line and just 35 miles from Tallahassee. Thomasville was a popular 19th century “grand winter resort” for wealthy northern families who would travel here by railroad.
Many built large Victorian style “winter cottages” and today most of these historic homes can be seen along the streets of the city. Non-residents also maintain many large estates and hunting preserves. Many of the buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Another unique local landmark is the Big Oak – a tree that has a 175-foot canopy and is said to be 300 years old.
This is a city that is well described by the adjective “charming.” There are as many as 70 beautiful Victorian buildings, many are “show places,” and the city maintains an estimated 7,000 roses throughout the city. The downtown area has carefully preserved Victorian buildings and brick-covered streets. The area has a wide variety of antique, gift and specialty shops, art galleries, craft stores, cafes and more.
Thomasville also offers a wide variety of dining choices, including elegant meals served in a turn-of-the century setting. Good medical care is available at the local 264-bed hospital, and the city has good recreation facilities, including fitness programs at its three YMCAs, walking and jogging trails, tennis, athletic fields, picnic areas, etc.
Thomas University and Southwest Georgia Technical College both offer continuing education opportunities on a wide variety of subjects, and the Thomas County Public Library is an excellent resource and offers Internet access. Country Oaks Golf Course is nearby for the occasional golfers, and Glen Arven Golf Club would likely appeal to more dedicated players. A number of retirement communities have been developed in the area. They offer varying levels of assistance that allows residents as much independence as possible.
The climate is very inviting, with a long pleasant fall season, short mild winters, and a long spring season. There is a relaxed lifestyle that seems to welcome both visitors and outsiders.
Arts & Culture
Thomasville Cultural Center is an historical arts center. Its galleries feature exhibits by local and regional artists, as well as toured exhibits and a permanent collection.
Thomasville Rose Show, Parade & Festival, featuring more than 7,000 roses located throughout the city, has been celebrated for more than 80 years.
Birdsong Nature Center is a non-profit 565-acre nature preserve and education center located mid-way between Tallahassee, FL, and Thomasville.
Thomas County Museum of History features a pioneer log house, a modest Victorian home, and a unique bowling alley built in 1893.
Genealogical, History & Fine Arts Library is a “major repository” of materials for family research in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic states.
Pebble Hill Plantation includes over 3,000 acres and a stately main house with more than 40 rooms. It has magnificent gardens, stables and kennels on the site as well. http://www.pebblehill.com/
Thomasville Antiques Show & Sale is held every March at the Exchange Club Fairgrounds. The event includes prestigious dealers who offer exquisite furniture, paintings, rugs, jewelry, and more. http://www.thomasvilleantiquesshow.com/
Pinewoods Bird Festival is hosted each year by Pebble Hill Plantation.
Victorian Christmas is a festival that takes place in the historic downtown district. http://www.downtownthomasville.com/?page_id=22
Recreation
Thomas County maintains 10 parks with amenities that include tennis courts, shelters, picnic areas, playgrounds, fishing piers, ball fields, and more. This Web site has a comprehensive listing.
Myrtlewood Hunting Plantation offers championship sporting clay courses, great fishing, quail, and white tail deer hunting. (229) 228-6232 Country Oaks Golf Course is a 6,200-yard public course.
Glen Arven Country Club, a private golf club, boasts the oldest course in Georgia. It features a par 72, 6,531-yard layout with a 128 slope rating. https://www.glenarven.com/
Florida State University, just 35 miles away in Tallahassee has a big-time athletic program.
Education
Thomas University is a non-sectarian four-year university with an enrollment of approximately 700 students.
Southwest Georgia Technical College has an enrollment of 890 students.
Florida State University (30,000 students) is 35 miles away in Tallahassee, FL. http://www.fsu.edu/
Tallahassee Community College has 11,000 students.
Senior Programs
Thomasville Meals on Wheels and Senior Meals Programs.
Resources for Seniors (links for Alzheimer’s, Assistive Devices, Caregivers, Senior Lifestyle and Wellness, etc.
Thomasville calls itself “Senior Friendly” and seems to reach out to attract retirees. As evidence of this intent, most local churches offer special activities just for seniors.
Hospital
John D. Archbold Memorial Hospital is a 264-bed private, not-for-profit hospital founded in 1925. The hospital anchors an 800-bed healthcare system that includes five hospitals, four nursing homes, a network of outpatient clinics and two home health agencies.
Airports
Tallahassee Regional Airport (41 miles) – http://www.talgov.com/airport/
Valdosta Regional Airport (50 miles)
Southwest Georgia Regional (50 miles)
Thomasville Municipal Airport
Weather
Average temperatures for January are a high of 63.1 degrees and low of 40.3 degrees and 10 days with precipitation. Temperatures for July average a high of 91.5 and low of 71.1 degrees and there are 17 days with some precipitation.
Newspaper
Times-Enterprise – http://www.timesenterprise.com/
Property Taxes
Thomas County Board of Tax Assessors- http://www.qpublic.net/ga/thomas/
Chamber of Commerce
http://www.thomasvillechamber.com/
Distances
Valdosta – 43 miles
Albany – 61 miles
Tallahassee, FL – 33 miles
Jacksonville, FL – 163 miles