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Exciting Options for Senior Living
As the state with the largest land area east of the Mississippi River, Georgia boasts a temperate climate, a rich history, and a wide variety of cultures. To the north, the state is dominated by rocky mountain ranges and verdant hills. The middle of the state offers rich farmland with plenty of crops and lots of livestock. And to the south, Georgia is home to wetlands and lush beaches. If you’re considering retirement in Georgia, you have more options than you might realize.
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Whether you choose the busy shops and delicious restaurants of a suburb such as Marietta, the bustling city life of Atlanta, or a quietly expanding farm area such as Canton, there is something for everyone in this huge state. Here’s how to choose the perfect senior living community for your needs.
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About Georgia
Much of Georgia was burned to the ground during the Civil War in General Sherman’s infamous March to the Sea. Sherman burned all of the buildings in Atlanta and in the middle of the state, but stopped the burning in Savannah. The result is a decidedly divided state. North of Savannah, everything is new. But once you hit Savannah, you’ll see old buildings and plenty of historic relics.
Georgia isn’t a monolith with a single culture, climate, or environment. It boasts several distinct regions, including:
More than the total population of some states. With so many seniors, there are plenty of opportunities to meet new friends, start meaningful organizations, and even find love. Yet Georgia is a large state, and seniors are often isolated from one another. According to
The same report found that Georgia seniors tend to see their doctor and dentist regularly, and that the state has a low rate of excessive senior drinking. This points to a positive health outlook. To reduce the risk of loneliness, many of Georgia’s seniors might benefit from the friendly, community-oriented environment of a senior living community. Georgia boasts some of the best senior living options in the nation.
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Senior Resources
Georgia’s Division of Aging Services boasts a number of resources for seniors and the people who love them. The agency has designed a unique blueprint for managing the state’s burgeoning dementia problem. You can read the full report and learn more about Georgia-specific senior resources here.
Much to the chagrin of caregivers and loved ones, elder abuse and neglect continues to be a problem in Georgia, like in most other states. Nationwide, about 10 percent of elders face some form of abuse. Georgia’s Adult Protective Services takes elder abuse seriously. Not only does it investigate allegations; it also offers numerous resources to seniors and their caregivers. Anonymously report abuse.
GeorgiaCares, the state's health insurance assistance program
How to fill out Georgia’s Advance Directives for Health Care
Georgia’s Area Agencies on Aging
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Things to Do in Georgia
Stereotypes about the South abound. Many people unfamiliar with Georgia believe there’s Atlanta, and then there’s everything else—and that “everything else” is nothing but a bunch of farms.
Although farms are abundant in Georgia, so too is so much else. It’s a bustling hub of art and culture. Its music scene gave birth to international stars as diverse as Alan Jackson, Little Richard, and Outkast. Georgia is also home to a vibrant film and television industry, with many analysts calling it the Hollywood of the South.
So no matter what you’re interested in, there’s something to do in Georgia. Here are some of the best options:
Shopping options in Georgia are virtually limitless, with interesting choices for every price point scattered across the state. Some of the best options include:
Factory outlets such as North Georgia Premium Outlets in Dawsonville and Tanger Outlets in Locust Grove.
Town squares across the state, which boast local artists and interesting boutiques. Check out the toy stores and children’s boutiques on the Marietta Square. Explore art, antiques, and clothing on the Roswell Square. Comb through vintage offerings, handmade art, and hipster-inspired fashions in Little Five Points. Or enjoy an eclectic variety of art, toys, and even pet gifts on the Decatur Square.
Georgia’s malls are the stuff of legends. Enjoy upscale shopping at Phipps Plaza. Or enjoy designer shops, discount houses, and fine dining all under one roof at Lenox Square. It’s hard to beat Town Center in Kennesaw if you’re looking for a cozy, safe, walkable suburban mall. Or if you want a little bit of everything, head up to the Mall of Georgia.
Some of the best shopping in Georgia is seasonal. As the home to hundreds of festivals and markets, Georgia boasts a rotating roster of independent artisans and craft dealers. Some of the best festivals include the Inman Park Festival in the spring, the Indie Craft Experience in the winter, the Country Living Fair in the fall, and the Piedmont Park Festival in the summer. Love reading? Then you can’t miss the Decatur Book Festival Labor Day weekend.
When fall rolls around join in on apple picking in north Georgia. Hillcrest Orchard and Farm is family-owned and operated, and filled with fun for the everyone. Pick your own apples during the Apple Pickin’ Jubilee each weekend. BJ Reece Orchards is one of the only orchards that offer U-Pick during the week. They also have their petting farm open during the week as well.
Atlanta’s restaurant scene is among the best and most competitive in the nation. But it’s not just Atlanta that offers amazing restaurants. Georgia is a highly diverse state, so a wide range of ethnic foods, vegetarian and vegan options, and old-fashioned southern fare are available throughout the state. Here are some of the best options for quality dining:
Buckhead is one of Atlanta's key restaurant districts, boasting everything from fine dining to laid-back cafes. Check out the Atlanta Fish Market for world-class seafood year-round.
Marietta is home to a wide range of chain restaurants and familiar comfort foods. It’s also home to the world-renowned Marietta Diner, with its 10-page menu, iconic lights, and homestyle pies.
Decatur, an artsy suburb of grown-up hippies and young creatives, is home to a wide range of restaurants. Check out Raging Burrito for quality Tex-Mex, Leon’s Full Service for a trendy seasonal menu, or Parker’s on Ponce for elegant fine dining.
Enjoy delicious wines and upscale bar food at Peachtree City’s Grinds and Wines. Or enjoy the best of Peachtree City’s seafood scene at the Georgia Shrimp Co.
Visit downtown Canton for a surprisingly diverse restaurant scene. Check out the Riverstone Corner Bistro for delicious bistro-style food. Or enjoy a delicious steak at the Union Hill Grill.
Atlanta is home to hundreds of museums, play houses, symphonies, ballet companies, and other artistic and performing arts hubs. Some of the best include:
The Academy of Dance Arts in Canton
Dad’s Garage improv theater in Atlanta
The Fox Theatre, which showcases musicians, comedians, dance companies, and a host of other acts
Centennial Park, which memorializes the 1996 Olympic games
Cherokee Arts Center
As the birthplace of Martin Luther King, Jr. and the home of Jimmy Carter, Georgia has a long and rich history of activism. Check out the following history centers:
Georgia is full of great options for day trips, long weekends, and family pilgrimages. Some of the best options include:
Visiting the historic exhibits and shops in Savannah. Savannah is just a quick car ride away from Tybee Island, a quiet and lovely beach town. As home to the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), Savannah is a great stop for burgeoning artists.
Visiting the wildlife preserves and coastal wetlands at Cumberland, Jekyll, or one of Georgia’s other barrier islands. If you arrive at the right time, you might see sea turtles laying eggs.
Visiting the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains. Try camping by the water. Or take a ride on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway and spend the evening at a sleepy bed and breakfast.
Visiting Stone Mountain Park. Built around the world’s largest granite mound, there’s something here for everyone—from camping and fishing to water sports and historic sites.
Visiting the sacred Etowah Indian Mounds. This Native American burial ground showcases the history of Georgia and tells the often-forgotten tale of Georgia’s indigenous peoples.
Georgia is a decidedly kid-friendly state, with something to do in every town and at every time of year. Some of the best options include:
Southeastern Railway Museum. This train-themed museum features permanent train exhibits, train rides, and an ever-changing roster of seasonal events, such as breakfast with Santa.
Children’s Museum of Atlanta. This hands-on museum features performances, interactive exhibits, and art stations for all ages.
Center for Puppetry Arts. This performing arts center features puppetry that appeals to kids and complex stories that can capture the attention even of puppet-skeptical adults.
Little Shop of Stories, Decatur children’s bookstore. This shop offers adult-friendly books, too, as well as regular storytime and numerous kid-friendly events.
No matter where you live in Georgia or which sports you love, chances are there’s a sporting event you’ll enjoy nearby. Some of Georgia’s sports teams include:
The Atlanta Braves, one of baseball’s most beloved teams
The Atlanta Falcons, a venerable football team
The Atlanta Hawks, a basketball team which will likely see significant improvements in the next few years
Atlanta United, Atlanta’s new and rapidly growing soccer team
The Atlanta Dream, Atlanta’s much-beloved women’s NBA team
The Augusta Greenjackets, a minor league baseball team affiliated with the San Francisco Giants
The Rome Braves, a minor league affiliate of the Atlanta Braves
The Atlanta Blaze, Atlanta’s professional-level lacrosse team
The Columbus Lions, a professional indoor football team
The Atlanta Gladiators, a minor league hockey team
Peachtree City MOBA, Peachtree City’s soccer team
Team sports are big business throughout Georgia. Many high school football teams are highly competitive, with entire communities coming out to support them. College sports are also popular, with the rivalry between Georgia Tech and the University of Georgia dominating many conversations in the fall.
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Travel & Getting Around
Travel and transportation options in Georgia vary a lot depending on where you live. Seniors in Atlanta have ready access to MARTA, a bus and rail system that serves most areas inside the I-285 perimeter, as well as some suburbs. Seniors living in suburbs such as Marietta may be able to take a bus to MARTA. CobbLinc, for example, connects Marietta seniors to the MARTA system. ATLTransit offers additional transit options, as well as a comprehensive guide to travel within the Atlanta rail and bus system.
Seniors living in rural areas have less access to public transit, though there are some options. Seniors living in Canton and other areas of Cherokee county can access the Cherokee Area Transportation System (CATS). The Athens Transit System, which is similar to MARTA, includes buses and rails and exclusively serves Athens and Clarke County.
Georgia’s Aging and Disability Resource Center can connect seniors to other transportation options, including private drivers, publicly funded buses, and services that may be covered by insurance.
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The Cost of Senior Living
In a state as large and diverse as Georgia, senior living communities serve as hubs of community activity, socialization, and more. They bring seniors from distant locations together, offering a wide range of activities and hobbies tailored to the desires of the seniors they serve.
For many seniors, financial barriers are a major concern. At least 10 percent of seniors in Georgia live in poverty. Many more live on a fixed income or rely on small pensions and meager savings. Senior living, however, may be more affordable than you think. It rolls all of the costs of daily living into a single price tag, eliminates your mortgage, and removes unexpected expenses such as flooded basements or electrical issues.
Moreover, Medicaid, some private disability programs, employee assistance programs, long-term care insurance, veteran assistance programs, and some other programs may fund all or a portion of senior living. Some seniors even find they have more money in their pockets—and to spend on their families—after transitioning to a senior community.
For help calculating the costs of senior living, try our senior living calculator.
