When considering states in which to spend your retirement, Florida might spring to mind more readily than its neighbor to the north, Georgia. If you do not believe that Georgia meets with the traits you are looking for in a retirement destination, this may be based on a misunderstanding of all that Georgia has to offer.
Retirement is Georgia is actually a better option, both in terms of finances and quality of life, than many initially believe. If you have misconceptions about retirement in Georgia, read on to have these myths dispelled.
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1. Georgia Does Not Have Beautiful Beaches
If beachfront bliss is your retirement goal, look no farther than the Georgia coast. In addition to Georgia's 100-mile long coastline, dotted with nature preserves and parks, the islands off the Georgian coast offer a special treat to visitors and residents.
You can camp on Ossabaw Island, see the wild horses on Cumberland Island, or play golf on Wilmington Island. While few of these islands are large enough to live on permanently, they offer a scenic retreat, and certainly disprove the myth of beach-less Georgia.
2. Georgia is Not a Smart Financial Choice
While it is true that Georgia has an income tax, this does not mean that living in Georgia is not economical. Retirement income up to $65,000 is tax exempt. This includes income from individual retirement accounts and 401(k) plans.
Also, because Georgia is somewhat of a hidden gem in terms of retirement destinations, prices of retirement communities are less likely to be driven up by demand.
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3. Georgia is Outdated
Perhaps because of Georgia's strong Southern history, some may falsely believe that all Georgia has to offer is warm afternoons for sipping sweet tea in a rocking chair. While Georgia does embrace its antebellum roots, a day spent at Savannah's Jepson Center for Arts or Atlanta's ultra-modern CNN Center will quickly dispel these myths.
Even small town Georgia offers frequent festivals centered on the arts, and university towns like Athens help Georgia stay hip and energetic.
4. Georgia is Boring
With the array of activities Georgia offers, this myth is quite an easy one to dispel. In Atlanta alone, residents have access to arguably the best aquarium in the United States, plus professional sports teams Atlanta Braves, Atlanta Falcons, and Atlanta Hawks, a wonderful zoo, the famous Fox Theatre, a number of Art museums, Six Flags theme park, and more.
Even if you are not in Atlanta, Savannah, or other urban centers, Georgia's history, natural beauty and warm climate will keep you active and entertained year round.
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