by Robert Borges on October 22, 2024
Savannah, famously the first planned city nationwide, has long been a hugely popular visitor destination and attracts retirees looking for low living costs, a rich local heritage, endless culture, and warm, balmy weather perfect for an outdoor lifestyle. Georgia's beautiful beaches, oceans, and landscapes are often considered among the most affordable coastal retirement spots in the US. More than half of the state is within the Coastal Plain, with 110 miles of shoreline, marshes, and tiny islands.
If you'd love to be closer to Washington, DC, you might also consider one of the best retirement communities in Northern Virginia just a little further up the coast-the historic, walkable city of Richmond is in high demand and packed with heritage charm, or Falls Church is an affluent, welcoming community.
For today, though, we’ll focus on Savannah and share some insights into all it has to offer for retirees looking for luxury real estate, vibrant communities, events and occasions, and a city that matches their retirement aspirations.
Why Choose Savannah, Georgia for Your Retirement?
The first and perhaps most obvious reason Savannah is a great place for retirees is the weather. With year-round sunshine and mild winters, there is very little cold and ice to contend with.
Among the popular hobbies for retired women and men, residents can select from several excellent golf communities or members' clubs, join pickleball and tennis teams, or simply relax, walk, and enjoy the fresh air. Savannah might be a city, but it's also never far from nature, with the opportunity to explore miles of walking routes and landmarks throughout the heritage of the downtown district or head out on the water.
The marinas offer varied activities, from fishing trips to waterside dining, kayaking down the local streams and creeks, or direct access through the waterways to the ocean for avid sailors and boat owners. If you’d love to spend your retirement spotting rare native species, we'd also recommend the estuaries, marshes, and national parks, where you can watch or photograph eagles, hawks, and deer.
Living Costs for Retirees in Savannah
The cost of living is commonly a key factor when choosing where to settle down. Savannah's living costs are far below the national average, with housing prices around 23% lower. Known as a tax-friendly state, Georgia offers a generous tax exemption for retirees receiving income from pension funds, 401(k)s, and IRAs that increase from the age of sixty-five, making it the third-best state for retirement solely from a tax perspective.
Entertainment and Relaxation Activities in Savannah for Retirees
We’ve touched on the incredible diversity of the city's outdoor spaces, and there remains no end to the things to see, do, and experience, whether you are passionate about sports or prefer more leisurely activities. Among the many options, retirees living in Savannah recommend:
- Attending the busy calendar of events hosted at Forsyth Park, including the Picnic in the Park with performances from the US Army Band and Savannah Philharmonic Orchestra
- Watching the Savannah St Patrick's Day celebrations, the second-largest parade in the US
- Heading to the best retail areas, including Broughton Street and the City Market, a historic site with gourmet artisans, clothing, and jewelry
- Whiling away a quiet afternoon on a tour of the art galleries and museums, including the Jepson Centre of the Arts and the SCAD Museum of Art
Retirees typically love the sunny, relaxed Savannah lifestyle, whether they’re casting off from the beach, heading for lunch at a fine-dining restaurant, or wandering around the fountains and parks dotted with the renowned Southern live oaks planted in the late 1800s!
