Choosing where to retire is a big decision. From cost and lifestyle to climate and convenience, there are many things to consider when deciding on a community.
Georgia’s warm weather and low cost of living make it a prime retirement destination. It’s also a tax-friendly state for seniors, and housing is also substantially cheaper than other places in the US.
Retirement communities in Georgia offer the best of both worlds — country vibes and the convenience and excitement of the city. Whether you love nature or the city, you can find all these within reach of Georgia’s adult-oriented communities.
Here is our list of the 14 best retirement communities in Georgia:
- Cresswind at Lake Lanier
- Lake Arrowhead
- Osprey Cove
- Village At Deaton Creek
- The Landings On Skidaway Island
- Del Webb at Lake Oconee
- North Farm
- Sterling On The Lake
- Winding River
- Soleil Laurel Canyon
- The Springs – Flowery Branch
- Southbridge
- Villas At Winder
- The Orchards of Brannon Oak Farm
There are many reasons why Georgia ranks among the best states for retirement. It fits the criteria that retirees have in mind when picking the best place to retire — a healthy economy and an active adult community. So let’s check out the 14 Best Retirement Communities in Georgia:
14 Best Retirement Communities in Georgia
1. Cresswind at Lake Lanier
Located in picturesque Lake Lanier, Cresswind is a private, gated community with a reputation as the most awarded active adult community in Gainesville, Georgia. AARP Magazine ranks Cresswind among the top ten most affordable retirement communities in Georgia.
It’s less than an hour’s drive from downtown Atlanta to the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains. Residents have direct access to the lake and the 214 acres of social and recreational facilities, all designed to provide opportunities for an active adult lifestyle.
The community’s centerpiece is the 40,000 sq. ft. 3-story clubhouse where residents can enjoy the indoor and outdoor swimming pools. There are also spacious rooms where meetings and activities can be held. Tennis and pickleball courts are by the clubhouse, where there’s also an open-air amphitheater and a boathouse and marina.
Cresswind offers 2- and 3-bedroom quality ranch-style homes on the southeast side of Lake Lanier. Just a stone-throw away from the beautiful gated community are facilities for shopping, dining, recreational activities, and convenient access to some of the best healthcare service providers in northeast Georgia.
For more information, visit the Cresswind at Lake Lanier website.
2. Lake Arrowhead
In Waleska, Georgia, Lake Arrowhead is a gated community that lies in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains around a beautiful 540-acre spring-fed lake. The more than 8,000 acres of lush woodland offer various activities and world-class amenities for residents who live active lifestyles. From hiking to golf tournaments to drive-in movies to horseback riding, there are many activities to enjoy. There are also health and wellness classes, all supervised by a lifestyle director.
Lake Arrowhead is also home to Highlands Course, a world-class 18-hole golf course with clubhouse amenities that members and guests can enjoy. In addition, Lake Arrowhead is ideal for canoeing, kayaking, and small craft sailing for those who love recreational water activities.
For more information, visit the Lake Arrowhead website.
3. Osprey Cove
A few minutes away from St. Marys, Jacksonville, and Amelia Island, Osprey Cove offers big city amenities with lots of small-town charm. This private gated community is located on the Georgia coast and is perfect for people who love a relaxing coastal lifestyle. There are golf, tennis, and pool facilities. The gentler climate of St. Mary’s is favorable for an active outdoor lifestyle.
Cultural activities also abound, and world-class health care facilities are nearby. If you want to retire in a resort-type atmosphere with a wide selection of homes and homesites to choose from, click here for more information.
4. Village At Deaton Creek
Village at Deaton Creek is a gated community with 144 ranch-style homes. It is in Hoschton, GA, 40 miles north of Atlanta. The community is prized for its various world-class amenities, lots of towering trees, and rolling landscape.
The centerpiece of the Village at Deaton Creek is its 35,000-square foot two-story clubhouse which is the center of all social and fitness activities of the community. In addition, there’s an aerobics and dance studio, an indoor pool, a library, and hobby and craft studios. There’s also an outdoor pool with beach entry, a softball field, and numerous sports courts. Check out their website to know more about one of the world-class 55+ communities in north Georgia.
5. The Landings On Skidaway Island
If you’re seeking an active lifestyle community in Georgia, check out The Landings on Skidaway Island. It’s a private gated neighborhood with various home designs to choose from. In addition, there are various world-class amenities, a multitude of recreational facilities, and six championship golf courses. Spanning across more than 4,500 acres, residents of The Landings on Skidaway Island have an ultimate social lifestyle. In addition, homeowners have easy access to many attractions along the Intracoastal Waterway, such as The Village, Skidway Island State Park, and establishments for necessities– a bank, pharmacy, gas station, hair salon, and restaurant.
To learn more about this beautiful retirement community in Savannah, Georgia, visit their website.
6. Del Webb at Lake Oconee
Del Webb is in Greensboro, 75 miles east of Atlanta. This active adult community combines rural charm with easy access to various shopping, dining, and entertainment venues. Excellent healthcare facilities, such as St. Joseph’s Hospital and the Medical College of Georgia, are nearby. In addition, the community has a beautiful clubhouse and a lot of excellent recreation opportunities offered by Lake Oconee.
Del Webb at Lake Oconee’s resort-like atmosphere has rolling hills graced by towering pines and dogwoods. The lot sizes are generous, and there are 12-floor plans that homebuyers can select from.
If you’re looking for a community with a rural setting and resort-like ambiance, visit their website for more information.
7. North Farm
North Farm in Alpharetta, Georgia, offers 252 spacious single-family homes. Residents have access to amenities including sports facilities, an outdoor pool, two tennis courts, and two pickleball courts. The homeowners ‘ association takes care of maintenance and amenities.
North Farm’s location gives residents easy access to daily conveniences and necessities, including Target, Costco, and Walgreen. In addition, several health care providers close by like St. Joseph Hospital of Atlanta, Gwinnett Medical Center, and Wellstar North Fulton Hospital.
In nearby Crabapple Road, homeowners can enjoy restaurants, bars, shops, and entertainment. There’s also the Georgia Aquarium, Computer Museum of America, Zoo Atlanta, and Georgia Ensemble Theater.
North Farm is just 35 minutes away from Atlanta and a 45-minute drive to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
For more information, visit North Farm’s website.
8. Sterling On The Lake
Sterling on the lake is in picturesque Flowery Branch, Georgia. Forty miles from downtown Atlanta, the community boasts of prime location. Residents have convenient access to various shopping and dining places, beautiful Lake Lanier, and the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
Sterling on the Lake is among the top 55+ communities in Georgia. There are many home designs to choose from to fit the needs and lifestyles of home buyers. If you are shopping for an exclusive 55+ community that offers a lake lifestyle with endless opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors and first-class amenities, you should check out the Sterling on the Lake’s website.
9. Winding River
The coastal town of St. Mary’s, Georgia, has acres of green space and fresh air. Winding River is a charming community with its own clubhouse, The Savannah Club, which has a full calendar of events courtesy of the Lifestyles Team. Residents will enjoy an active social life from holiday gatherings to aqua Zumba to book club to wine tasting to yoga classes.
Winding River offers various recreational amenities such as a 24-hour fitness center, soccer field, sports courts, and a resort-style swimming pool with lap lanes. For residents who want to commune with nature, there are tree-lined streets, wooden walkways, nature trails, and several lakes teeming with local wildlife.
If you want to live away from the hustle and bustle of the city while still enjoying the conveniences and accessibility of the big city, you should visit Winding River to learn more.
10. Soleil Laurel Canyon
Soleil Laurel Canyon is one of the best 55 plus communities in Georgia. It’s an active community with lots of outdoor recreation for an active and healthy lifestyle. There’s quick access to Atlanta’s shopping and dining district, as well as sports, cultural, and medical facilities. This 55 and over master-planned community has a very spacious Grand Clubhouse with a host of amenities. There’s a heated indoor saline lap pool, an aerobics studio, and private massage rooms. The arts and crafts center is a haven for hobbyists. There’s also a library with billiards, a theater and performing arts center, card rooms, and a gourmet teaching kitchen.
For residents who love spending a great deal of time outdoors, there’s a lagoon-style swimming pool with an expansive patio as well as clay and all-weather tennis courts. Overlooking a lake is the amphitheater which is Soleil Laurel Canyon’s center of outdoor entertainment. Nature lovers will be treated to beautiful tree-lined trails, a gazebo by the lake, and the community garden.
11. The Springs – Flowery Branch
The Springs in Flowery Branch, Georgia, is a 55+ community with single-family, low-maintenance detached homes, and luxurious amenities. Only 45 miles from Atlanta, The Springs offers resort-style facilities, spacious clubhouse grounds, and a busy social calendar planned by an activities director.
This 55+ community is in rolling terrain with natural woodlands. Biking and walk trails will take you through picturesque lakes, streams, and waterfalls.
If you’re looking for a 55+ community near Atlanta, Georgia, you will surely love The Springs.
12. Southbridge
Southbridge in Savannah, Georgia, is a very diverse community nestled among 1,400 acres of natural beauty. It’s a thriving golf community, offering a game of golf seven days a week.
Southbridge is just 12 minutes from Savannah and residents have easy access to shopping outlets, restaurants, churches, schools, and medical facilities.
The community’s population is made of families of all ages and walks of life. There are many homes, including condos, townhomes, single-family homes, estate-sized residences, and villas. If you prefer to custom build, you get to decide whether you’d like your home with a view of the lagoon, lake, or the nearby woods. Another great reason why retirees love living in Savannah is the income tax inclusion for retirees.
13. Villas At Winder
Villas at Winder have more than 200 beautiful single-family homes with private backyards and excellent views of trees and wooded areas. Just an hour away from Atlanta, Georgia, the residents of this 55+ community can enjoy various amenities such as a fitness center, two spacious clubhouses, parks and playgrounds, and tennis courts. There’s also a pool and a picnic area. In addition, sidewalks and well-lit streets are great venues for strolling, jogging, and biking.
The homeowners’ association takes on ground maintenance, lawn care, landscaping, and the upkeep of recreational amenities and structures.
The community’s location makes it easy for residents to access essential goods and services. Multiple health care providers are also easily accessible to The Villa residents. Entertainment and dining options, and historical and cultural centers, are close by.
14. The Orchards of Brannon Oak Farm
The Orchards of Brannon Oak Farm is an active adult community with excellent resort-style amenities. Located in Cumming, Georgia, residents have endless opportunities for shopping, dining, culture and the arts, and entertainment.
The amenities of Orchards of Brannon Oak Farm include a 3,600 square-foot Grand Clubhouse that features a grand room with a fireplace, game rooms, and a fitness center. There’s also a catering kitchen perfect for hosting community functions and parties. A gentleman’s den and library are great avenues for socializing and interacting with the other residents. A full-time activities director keeps the club’s calendar packed with a variety of activities and events.
There is a pool with a covered veranda and barbecue grills. There’s also a fire pit and a scenic pond where residents can enjoy the great outdoors while strengthening bonds with neighbors.
If you want to live in one of the most affordable retirement communities in Georgia with a maintenance-free lifestyle for active adults, you should visit The Orchards of Brannon Oak Farm to learn more.
Conclusion: 14 Best Retirement Communities in Georgia
So what are the 14 Best Retirement Communities in Georgia? In summary, here are the top picks again.:
- Cresswind at Lake Lanier
- Lake Arrowhead
- Osprey Cove
- Village At Deaton Creek
- The Landings On Skidaway Island
- Del Webb at Lake Oconee
- North Farm
- Sterling On The Lake
- Winding River
- Soleil Laurel Canyon
- The Springs – Flowery Branch
- Southbridge
- Villas At Winder
- The Orchards of Brannon Oak Farm
For seniors, it’s important to find a supportive and caring community where similar retirees live and enjoy an active lifestyle. With Georgia’s senior-friendly tax environment, it’s among the most affordable states for retirement in the US. Georgia is a place where retirees can live life to the fullest.