Sometimes it feels like there are more ways to spend retirement than there are pennies in the 401,000 average. You need a retirement plan that’s right for you. It all starts with where you choose to hang your hat for your golden years, and according to retirement website Retirable, there are 10 places in the Peach State that just might be perfect.

Georgia residents looking to retire may not want to settle for their golden years out of state, but rather stay within driving distance of family.

According to AARP, the key to choosing your retirement destination is keeping family close — but not too close. Happiness of retirees “skyrockets” when they live close to at least one of their adult children, as long as these children are not dependent on them.

Fortunately, the Peach State offers plenty of retirement destinations worth your hard-earned savings. Will it be one of those top 10 picks?

According to niche.com, a website dedicated to connecting people with their local communities, the #1 place to retire in Georgia is Dutch Island, a suburb of Savannah.

“The Best Places to Retire ranking provides a comprehensive assessment of key factors that are meaningful to recent or near retirees,” the company said. “This rating takes into account key factors, such as weather, crime rates, residents 65 and older, housing costs and access to amenities such as restaurants, golf courses, exercise facilities and doctors, with the aim of measuring the attractiveness of a retreat space. »

With a population of 1,162, this Chatham County community earned an A+ for retirees from niche.com, which rates suburban exemplary outdoor offerings, family-oriented community and discount resources in shape.

According to Retireable, Georgian retirees looking to have fun with their grandkids should move to Fayetteville. A short drive from all parents in Atlanta, Fayetteville is home to a large senior population. But the city is also home to the state’s third largest amusement park, Fun Spot America.

It is considered a tax-efficient community for retirees, with a cost of living 1% lower than the national average. And people aged 65 or over make up almost 20% of the population — which has reached nearly 18,000.

The Golden Isles of St. Simons is one of the best places to live in the Peach State. This Glynn County getaway can be pricey, but offers a more relaxing lifestyle than many Georgia destinations.

“The Golden Isles offer a wealth of activities to fill your day with adventure or relaxation,” the city said on its website. “If you’re looking to get your heart pumping, hit the beach with a paddleboard lesson or a day of charter fishing. If you’re looking for serenity, join a kayaking trip through the peaceful Glynn Marshes, hop on horseback for a guided horseback ride, or enjoy a leisurely bike ride around one of the islands. Of course, there is always the possibility to relax on the beach and do nothing at all. Plan your trip around the activities below.

For Georgia retirees looking for something lakeside, Cumming is an amazing place to spend their time. The Forsyth County community’s easy access to Lake Lanier and the bustling dining scene has earned it a spot on the Top Retirees list for Georgia residents looking to retire.

Officials say the town of Cumming is building a better future, a future that focuses on the town’s small town with southern charm.

“Over the next few years, Mayor Troy Brumbalow and City Council will establish Downtown Cumming near downtown Cumming which will feature shops, restaurants and small live entertainment venues…The Mayor and Council members hope the downtown area will serve as a gathering place for our community and visitors from surrounding counties, while helping to bring some of the charm of small southern towns back to the town of Cumming.

Located in Rabun County, Clayton is a small town that can have a big impact on your retirement. Considered high for its low cost of living and family-oriented suburban environment, Clayton is a great place for anyone who loves the outdoors or just wants to get away from the city.

“I like the small community. Everyone helps each other no matter the situation,” a local told niche.com. “I appreciate that everything is nearby, whether it’s a grocery store or a dental practice. It doesn’t take an hour to shop. The beautiful surrounding mountains create a fresh and clean vibe.”

This is one North Georgia community you don’t want to miss.

“Twice as friendly, twice as nice”, according to the city’s slogan, Twin City is hard to beat. Home to Georgia L. Smith State Park, this Emanuel County town is an outdoor wonderland well worth exploring.

“The Twin City Historic District comprises approximately 255 acres of historic residential, commercial and community resources associated with the development of two towns that were incorporated as one in 1921,” explains the town’s website. “The historic district runs northeast to southwest following the bed of the railroad (the tracks were removed in 1952). The northeast part of the district is Summit’s historic commercial and residential area; the southwestern portion of the neighborhood is the historic Graymont commercial and residential area.Between the two towns, immediately south of the intersection of Railroad Avenue and US Hwy 80, is the area established in the early 1900s as a “civic center”.

A suburb of Atlanta worth visiting, DeKalb County’s North Decatur gives you access to all the amenities Atlanta has to offer. But it takes you away from the more densely populated neighborhoods of Midtown or Downtown that are so often weighed down by gridlocked traffic, making it an easy destination for your kids and grandkids to visit.

“Exceptional location,” a local told niche.com. “Close to everything, but no concrete jungle. Very family friendly area with so much to do, great schools and lots of diversity.”

Georgia Bulldogs fans can’t go wrong with the city of Athens. Home of the Dawgs, winners of the 2021 College Football Playoff National Championship, Athens is a place of greatness. But it’s also a perfect candidate for your retirement destination.

“A bustling, restored Victorian-era downtown is packed with art galleries, trendy boutiques, world-famous nightclubs like the Georgia Theater and 40 Watt Club, and distinctive restaurants,” Explore said. Georgia. “Athens’ chefs have been inspired by the city’s creative energy to develop a food scene full of discoveries, and the city is increasingly known in the southeast as a beer destination, with excellent breweries and pubs like Creature Comforts and Terrapin.”

Located in Habersham County, Clarkesville is a Georgian town of approximately 1,700 people. Perfect for those looking for small town charm, Clarkesville is a close community with local festivities always around the corner.

“I love Clarkesville,” one local told niche.com. “My kids have a nice, safe place to play and things to do. Beautiful and quiet neighborhoods too.

A golfer’s delight, Augusta hosts the biggest tournament on the green – the Masters – but it means more than that for older adults. Now recognized by AARP as an age-friendly community, Georgia’s second largest city is a wonderful place to retire.

“The AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities serves as a catalyst to educate local leaders (both elected officials and engaged residents) and encourage them to implement the kinds of changes that make communities more livable for people of all ages, especially the elderly,” AARP said. “The network provides cities, counties and states with the resources to become more age-friendly by leveraging national and global research, planning models and best practices.”