Why Savannah, GA Is The Best Place to Retire
Congratulations…you’ve decided to retire! This is an exciting time for you – you’re finally going to have the opportunity to do all the things you’ve been putting off. If you’re like many retirees, you’re on your own and may have grandchildren to spoil. And you’re ready to find the ideal new home in a welcoming city where there’s lovely weather, always something to do, and a variety of financial benefits. Welcome to that city…Savannah, GA!
- Savannah By The Numbers | Savannah, also called the Hostess City, and its surrounding communities are a thriving part of a metro area referred to as the “Coastal Empire”. Savannah is Georgia’s fifth largest city, with approximately 144,464 residents. The metropolitan area is the state’s third largest, with an estimated population of 393,353. It’s large enough to have all the conveniences of modern life, and small enough to let you enjoy them!
- Talking About The Weather | The weather in Savannah is ideal, featuring mild, sunny winters with high temperatures in the upper 50s and lower 60s. Winter low temperatures typically hover around the low 40s, with rare freezing temperatures and hardly any snow. Warmer weather begins in March and goes through November, with hot, humid summers marked by temperatures in the upper 80s and 90s with frequent (and often brief) thunderstorms.
- Georgia Makes Financial Sense | When it comes to financial advantages, Georgia is a tax-friendly state for retirees. Social Security payments are tax-exempt, and so is up to $65,000 of most retirement income if you’re at least 65. (Up to $35,000 if you’re 62-64). Seniors throughout the state of Georgia enjoy a deduction or even an exemption on property taxes, based on age, income, and property value. You can learn more about the tax benefits in Georgia here.
- Places To Go, People To See | If the beach is where you’re looking to spend your time, you’re in luck. Only 18 miles from the city center is Tybee Island, a delightful oasis with five miles of clean beaches featuring wide shores and gentle waves. If you prefer trees to sand, don’t miss out on active activities such as biking, walking, fishing, birding, and swimming at the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge, the Wassaw National Wildlife Refuge, and the Tybee National Wildlife Refuge. Or maybe you’re more of a city person? Stroll down River Street to watch ships come and go, experience a variety of delicious food and drink opportunities, and visit some of the unique shops. If it’s learning you want, Georgia provides free tuition to those over the age of 65 at state colleges and universities. You can sit in on any class where there’s extra space, and audit the course or earn credit for the class. You can also brush up on your history by taking advantage of an amazing amount of “back in the day” tours and historical sites in the Savannah, GA area.
Right-Sizing Into The Right Community
Many Baby Boomers decide to right-size when they retire. They want a house with a smaller footprint, but one that will still have guest spaces for family. One of the great things about choosing a new home is the opportunity to find the perfect community – one with great amenities, easy access to Savannah’s amazing opportunities, and a friendly, diverse group of neighbors.
While some seniors seek out 55+ communities, other retirees gravitate toward a more diverse community, with neighborhood kids for their grandchildren to play with, energetic younger companions for brisk walks, and involved neighbors of all ages. (Many seniors move to an age-restricted community and discover that they don’t enjoy living solely with people of their own age as much as they thought they would!) Plus, some age-restricted communities have very specific rules, such as no pets or limits on how long guests (especially children and young adults) can visit.
Another pain point for buyers when they’re shopping for homes in a 55+ community is the size of the homes. Most of them top out at two bedrooms, with smaller kitchens and dining areas and scaled-down living spaces. At Ernest Homes, we offer several easy-to-own, single-story homes that are ideal for a smaller family. Our Fripp, Hampton, Hamilton, and Liberty models each offer 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths, full-sized kitchens, and spacious living areas. The plans are also flexible, allowing you to create multi-use spaces by converting a bedroom into a cozy craft room with a day bed, or into a home office with a pull-out sofa.
If you want to sell your home later, it can be much easier to sell your home in a non-age-restricted community. In a 55+ community, you won’t be able to sell your home to anyone younger. This will significantly cut down on the number of potential buyers you’ll have for your home.
If you’re ready to retire and looking for an ideal location in the Savannah, GA area, we’d love to chat with you about our homes and communities. Connect with us today!
