GA has one of 50 most livable places to retire in US, new ranking shows. Here’s why it’s great
When Georgia residents are ready to retire, one coastal town is at the top of the list. Saint Simons Island has been named one of America’s most livable retirement towns.
Financial website, GOBankingRates, ranked places with at least 10,000 residents and at least 33% of the population age 65 or older, using U.S. Census data and AreaVibes livability scores, and St. Simons Island scored pretty well.
Why retire in Saint Simons?
The island’s appeal and high livability index comes down to a mix of age, income and quality-of-life factors.
The data:
- 65-and-older population of 38%
- Livability score of 70.
- Median household income was listed at $105,944
The appeal:
- Miles of beaches and coastal scenery.
- A relaxed, small-town feel with a welcoming atmosphere.
- Strong outdoor recreation, including biking, beach walks, kayaking and golf.
- More than 20 miles of paved bike paths.
- A historic setting with landmarks, museums and a well-known lighthouse.
- A lively Pier Village with shops, restaurants and sound views.
- Pet-friendly beaches and outdoor spaces.
- Rich coastal wildlife and natural preserves.
- Coastal dining and fresh seafood.
- Comfortable year-round appeal, especially for travelers and retirees.
St. Simons’ official website sings the praises of the “unspoiled beauty” of the island, promising a “distinctively charming beach lifestyle that is unhurried and under-developed.”
There is also a solid infrastructure of local senior living and retirement resources that could meet the needs of retirees of all sorts.
What goes into a “livability” score
GOBankingRates’ “livability” score comes from AreaVibes, and it is a broad quality-of-life measure rather than a single-factor ranking
What it includes:
- Crime and safety.
- Air quality and environmental conditions.
- Transportation and commute convenience.
- School quality and education.
- Access to health care.
- Housing affordability and overall cost of living.
- Amenities, recreation and local quality-of-life factors
Top 10 towns to retire
Saint SImons was the only town from Georgia, but Florida towns dominated the ranking.
Top 10 best towns to retire:
- Dunedin, Florida
- Ormond Beach, Florida
- Sebastian, Florida
- Parole, Maryland
- Oro Valley, Arizona
- Gulfport, Florida
- Pampton Plains, New Jersey
- Estero, Florida
- Naples, Florida
- Venice, Florida
If you could retire anywhere in the world, where would you settle down? Email me at srose@ledger-enquirer.com or find me on social media.