Located just 30 minutes north of Atlanta, Marietta offers residents easy access to city life from the comfort of a charming suburban neighborhood. Marietta is an outstanding place to live, but it is an even better place to retire. With a large active adult population, the entire Cobb County area offers seniors plenty to do and friends to find along the way.
Retirement in Marietta can look as unique as the active adults who live there. However, one thing is certain: whatever you love or want to learn about, you can find it here. Thanks to its large senior population, Marietta has developed a strong senior services network. Adults can enjoy two senior centers with robust programming options, nonprofit groups that offer socialization and other wellness resources, and other organizations that give seniors the support they need to stay healthy and happy.If you’re searching for something to do in Marietta, you won’t have to look for long. Here are a few of our favorite activities for seniors in Marietta, Georgia, that are sure to please:
1. Meetup Senior Activities in Marietta
Social activities organized in Marietta through the social networking app Meetup are a great way to meet new people and to try something new. There are groups for seniors who recently moved to the Atlanta area, groups centered on games and other social activities, just to name a few. After creating a free account, you’ll be able to join senior groups and browse the different meetups they have scheduled. When you find one you like, you can RSVP through the app. It’s a great way to meet new friends with common interests.
2. Go Back to School and Learn Something New
Georgia residents 62 and older can take classes at any of the 31 colleges in the state college system. Simply log on to the websites of local colleges such as Chattahoochee Technical College in Marietta, browse class schedules, and apply for free senior-citizen admission. Classes are tuition-free, but some fees apply. It’s a great way for seniors to keep their minds sharp while learning about interesting new subjects.
3. Give Back to the Marietta Community Through Volunteering
For many seniors, accepting help with daily activities and personal activities is a hard pill to swallow. After spending their lives providing for a family, pursuing careers, and contributing to their communities, they hate the idea of feeling “helpless.” There’s good news, though: Volunteering opportunities in Marietta provide an excellent way for seniors to make valuable contributions. Local schools, food pantries, homeless shelters, and nonprofit thrift stores are great ways to socialize and engage with the community while giving back. VolunteerMatch.org is a great way to browse local volunteering opportunities.
4. Enjoy Kennesaw Mountain and Marietta’s Beautiful Surroundings
Set against the backdrop of beautiful Kennesaw Mountain, Marietta is surrounded by natural beauty year-round. Bird-watching is a great way for seniors to enjoy it, and Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park in Marietta is recognized by Georgia Audubon as one of the best bird-watching destinations in the state. Trees lining paved roads in the 3,000-acre park make it safe and easy for seniors to view birds, especially during migration.
5. Experience Marietta's History, Culture, and Folklore Firsthand
History and culture abound in Marietta, and there are plenty of opportunities for seniors to get out and explore. Whether you’re on an outing with local friends or entertaining visiting family, getting out into the community is sure to entertain:
- Historic Walking-Driving Tour: A self-guided walking-driving tour of the Victorian and antebellum-style homes that line the streets of Marietta’s five National Historic Districts is a great way for seniors to introduce friends and family to their hometown.
- Trolley Tour: An hourlong narrated ride about the Marietta Trolley allows visitors to explore the history of Marietta’s Antebellum Square, tour historic homes, and visit the Civil War battlefields at Kennesaw Mountain.
- Ghost Tours: For the adventurous, walking and trolley ghost tours allow visitors to learn about urban legends and folklore that have been around for centuries.
6. Explore Atlanta
Yet another benefit of living in Marietta is its close proximity to everything Atlanta has to offer. You can explore museums, shopping, and dining in any of Atlanta’s favorite neighborhoods and be back home within an afternoon or day. If you are entertaining guests, consider booking a hotel room for the weekend to extend your stay. There’s plenty to do, and you’ll soon find your favorite spots to return to again and again.
There’s so much to explore and discover in Marietta and the surrounding areas, including the world-class city of Atlanta. If you are searching for socialization and recreation but aren’t sure how to make it happen, turn to senior living. At The Solana East Cobb, our residents enjoy all the luxury and amenities of senior living, along with a carefully curated calendar of programs, excursions, and events offered throughout the month. You’ll love meeting new friends who share similar interests and finding a group of neighbors who are up for trying something new.
Call us today to schedule your tour and experience life at The Solana for yourself.
This post was updated in December 2020.