Sun City Peachtree vs Cane Bay Charleston (Atlanta, Macon: sales, real estate)

[lefty14]

My husband and I considering retiring to a Del Webb community but don't know very much about the Atlanta/Griffin or Summerville SC area. Sun City Peachtree is near Griffin-is that a depressed area,how is the crime rate,is traffic a problem in that area,is the area growing?
The other area we are considering is Cane Bay in Summerville SC near Charleston. The same model home is about $90,000 less in Georgia than in South Carolina and we are wondering why there in such a big difference.
Are there any taxes advantages in GA vs SC ?
Life inside either community is probably pretty much the same, we're concerned with the area outside the community.
We are planning a trip to both locations but only have 2 or 3 days to check out both areas so we are looking for pros and cons before visiting.
Any information or opinions would be really appreciated.

[rvbrad]

Originally Posted by lefty14

My husband and I considering retiring to a Del Webb community but don't know very much about the Atlanta/Griffin or Summerville SC area. Sun City Peachtree is near Griffin-is that a depressed area,how is the crime rate,is traffic a problem in that area,is the area growing?
The other area we are considering is Cane Bay in Summerville SC near Charleston. The same model home is about $90,000 less in Georgia than in South Carolina and we are wondering why there in such a big difference.
Are there any taxes advantages in GA vs SC ?
Life inside either community is probably pretty much the same, we're concerned with the area outside the community.
We are planning a trip to both locations but only have 2 or 3 days to check out both areas so we are looking for pros and cons before visiting.
Any information or opinions would be really appreciated.

Charleston real estate is considerably higher on average than S. metro Atlanta real estate.

Griffin is ok. The community is really on the north side of Griffin wedged between Sunnyside and Hampton - traffic is not bad at all. You're within 10 minutes of Atlanta Motor Speedway so twice a year you do have that to contend with. However, the facility is located several streets off of 19/41 and is in a much more rural setting. The area north of Sun City is now developing out - around Hwy 20. There are new banks, a mall is being constructed, and new grocery stores. Not a bad area. And, with more residential development come more things to do. Wal-Mart, movie theater, grocery stores all within 15 minutes. But again, the community is in a fairly rural setting and the community owns all of the property aside from some state wetlands.

The University of GA has a lot of property just south of there in Experiment, GA. It is fairly depressed in Experiment as it was a mill town and the mills are pretty much gone. Homes in Experiment run $15-50k. Really. However, the City of Griffin is taking a lot of these areas down the main drag (Hill St.) and is going to completely remake the area with new condos, historic homes, and retail. This is still 5 miles from Sun City.

Griffin is experiencing a real Renaissance as the hospital is really the only one around and just went into a Tenet. They're adding on, hiring, and making the area a great medical community. UGA plans on expanding the local campus to include flex graduate coursework next year. And, the old section of town has some of the finest homes in the state - at a value. Local home values in the historic area are increasing and have some of the quickest sale periods currently in existence. Young couples in the S. Atlanta, N. Macon area are remodeling homes in huge herds as the older population dies off or moves to Sun City.

Do note that GA is in the process of eliminating state income tax for seniors. There are some plans in the works now if your income is below $35k. Our sales tax is fairly high though (Spalding-Griffin is 7%). SC has a $300 cap, but is 6%. Generally, I think you'll find the COL to be similar between SC and GA.

[rcsteiner]

Originally Posted by rvbrad

Do note that GA is in the process of eliminating state income tax for seniors. There are some plans in the works now if your income is below $35k. Our sales tax is fairly high though (Spalding-Griffin is 7%). SC has a $300 cap, but is 6%. Generally, I think you'll find the COL to be similar between SC and GA.

Some counties in GA (like Cobb) also give seniors a break on property taxes (you don't have to pay the school portion, which is a significant chunk).

[tnhalley]

My wife and I live in Sun City Peachtree and love it.

It is in a relatively rural area, but businesses will start relocating around the community as it grows. Potentially 6000 residents.

The homes are exactly the same as others in the Del Webb stable.

Pluses of SCP vs. SC:

Insurance costs are much lower than beach property
Near several highly rated hospitals for specialty care
Near Atlanta for arts, entertainment, shopping, etc.

It's worth a visit.

I think you will like it.