Retirement Road Trip Through the Mountains of North Georgia
Category: Best Retirement Towns and States
October 30, 2018 — Last week we reported on the retirement towns we visited in Western North Carolina. This second installment continues the trip down into northwestern Georgia. Don’t forget to see links to our other road trip articles in the “Further Reading” section at bottom.
The Planning Begins
We planned the trip by going through the Topretirements State Directories, looking for potential retirement towns to explore in the western parts of Georgia.
Comments on "Retirement Road Trip Through the Mountains of North Georgia"
Hugh says:
As a resident of North Georgia, I am willing to share my two cents worth:
1. Rome: likely my wife's and my own retirement location! The Spires at Berry College will be opening in two years and we have put a down-payment to live there. Berry College has been recognized as one of the most beautiful campus' in the world my many publications that like to rank everything! It is a Continuing Care Retirement Center but you can opt out. Everything cited about Rome cited here seems accurate.
2. Peachtree City is a beautifully planned town, but really isn't anywhere close to the mountains. So you may be disappointed if you are expecting mountains. As stated, it is below Atlanta which at best is hilly in places.
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3.I'd like to comment where we presently live, Cumming/Forsyth County. It is the county north of Fulton County/Atlanta. It is growing fast, population around 220,000. As metro areas go, crime rate and taxes are low, income leads the state. Excellent schools which lead the state making it attractive to families. An attraction for seniors include not paying school taxes beginning at age 65-- major! Politically very red which is largely true for most of North Georgia. Largest minority group are Asians, more predominantly Indians from India descent. With many residents relocating from other areas of the country because of the aforementioned reasons, a bit more religiously diverse than most North Georgia counties.
Carey Holtzendorf says:
Two mountain places missed; Helen Georgia and Cloudland Georgia.
Thanks.
says:
We are strongly considering Rome, GA as our retirement destination. In addition to what has been stated above, we are looking at The Spires at Berry College. Located on the college campus (which is noted for its natural beauty) The Spires is being built on a picturesque location viewing a lake and mountains, yet is 1/2 miles from the main campus. It is retirement community is in the beginning stages of being built.
While considering North Georgia, consider Forsyth County GA. Population of over 200,000, it is rich mix of high income, top public schools, lowest taxes in metro Atlanta ( 65+ year olds pay not school tax!) and conservative politics. There is not much to the city of Cumming, just many beautiful neighborhoods scattered throughout the county. Religious participation is strong with evangelical Protestant largest but more diversity than in most North Georgia counties. The largest minority group are Asians, with Indians the largest of the various Asian groups. The Southern part of the county is more affluent and like suburban Atlanta, while the further north in the county you go, the more rural and traditionally southern. We are likely to retire elsewhere because the growth!
Linda says:
Helen is beautiful but basically a tourist trap. Would not live there.