Valdosta-Lowndes County joined with Brooks and Lanier counties to form a successful regional retiree attraction program called Triple Crown Hometowns. "Last year, we attracted 82 retiree households and half are from Florida," says Myrna Ballard of the Chamber of Commerce.  She adds there are two active adult retirement communities now under development in the area.  The Triple Crown Hometown region was designated by Retire in Georgia as one of the 2007 10 Best Places to Retire in Georgia.

Thomas County also has successfully lured prospects from Florida, says Don Sims, president of the Thomas County Chamber of Commerce.  "Real Estate folks tell me retirees, especially from Florida,  have kept our real estate market on an even keel."  Thomasville-Thomas County was designated by Retire in Georgia as one of the 2007 10 Best Places to Retire in Georgia.