Why Amenity Seeking Adults Relocate to Georgia?
That’s a $64,000 question or, from another view, an answer which 64,000 people can give. From 1995 to 2000, over 64,000 people 60 years of age and older moved to Georgia from another state.
That’s 13,000 “retirees” or “near retirees” every year and by now those numbers are undoubtedly much higher. In fact, Georgia is at least in the top six of all the U. S. states in terms of “retirees” moving here from another state.
Why are “retirees” moving to Georgia? A recent focus group of in-migrating retirees to Georgia gave the editorial staff of Retire in Georgia.com several key reasons for having chosen Georgia as a place to live. Among those most often cited were four distinct seasons with a lack of weather extremes, proximity to family and friends, reasonably low cost of living, and abundant lifestyle options. Let’s explore each of these assets.
Fall is perhaps the most beautiful time of year in Georgia. In the mountains of North Georgia, the leaves turn the vibrant colors of autumn. The evening and early morning temperatures make cracking open the chimney damper to light the first match for the fireplace possible.
Along the Georgia Coast and in South Georgia, however, the climate is moderate enough to wear shorts while walking on the beach or playing golf. Did you know Albany, Georgia has palm trees and snow skiing is possible in Northeast Georgia?
Georgia and Atlanta in particular, has always had a strategic location. That location advantage was first evident with the founding of what would become Georgia by James Oglethorpe at Savannah on the Georgia Coast. Over the years, other cities like Augusta and Atlanta became important transportation and commerce focal points.
Today, three key interstate highways (75, 85, and 95) run north and south through the state while Interstate 20 runs east and west. Interstate 10 runs parallel to the southern boundary of the state just into Florida. Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport has consistently been Number 1 or 2 in annual passenger levels for the past several years.
This strategic location and the growth of commerce have resulted in significant job and population growth in the state. The latest statistics show the Metro Atlanta area with over 4.5 million people and the state’s total over 8.5 million and growing. People have moved to Georgia for professional careers and stayed while many of their parents, grandparents, and even friends have followed.
In terms of cost of living, a 2005 analysis of “Retirement Tax Bite” by Kiplinger’s reported Atlanta as the eleventh lowest in the country—even lower than some capital cities in states with NO state income tax. For more detailed tax and cost of living information, see the article in our Nest Eggs section. Another interesting development is the recent proposal by Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue to eliminate state income tax for Georgia residents 65 years of age and older.
Whether it’s professional sports; year-‘round weather conducive to all outdoor lifestyles; world-class healthcare and universities; plus a rich musical, cultural, and historical foundation; the question, “Why Georgia?” is now likely obvious.