Possible Retirement In Georgia (Columbus, Savannah: rent, low crime, houses)

[eamosh6]

My wife and I are going to retire in 2009 and have been looking for homes in Georgia. Found homes in Jefferson that we liked but know nothing about the area. Looking for low crime, good health care and a great area to retire. Also have been reading about water issues in Georgia. Any information would be appreciated.

[Ollie1946]

Why Georgia. There are other places with better tax advantages. Also, Jackson County is a fast growing county, too fast, and their tax districts are a nightmare. If I were retiring, again, I would look at Eastern TN or North Alabama especially around the Huntsville area. Knoxville in TN.

[Georgia]

Now Sun City Braselton / Deaton Creek is just downright outstanding.

[ATLCOL1]

Originally Posted by Georgia

Now Sun City Braselton / Deaton Creek is just downright outstanding.

One of the top retirement developments in Georgia. Homes are still selling well in this economy.

[Columbusattorney]

Originally Posted by ATLCOL1

One of the top retirement developments in Georgia. Homes are still selling well in this economy.

I agree.
Why couldn't Columbus have taken a tip from this progressive community rather than trying to be progressive on a slum budget?
Maybe the Selig group or Mr Humphries has the answer.

[karencarter]

If you like i can send you some houses in our area and surrounding to give you an idea of what Hinesville and Savannah are have to offer

[Ollie1946]

Whatever u decide, rent for a year before buying. In this economy, you buy, u stuck. As I have said before on this forum, my wife and I relocated to one of the most pristine, no crime, low tax parts of North GA and lasted for 2 years---time enough to sell and have the tax advantage. And, we knew the area well, or so we thought. There is no place without politics, problems, surprises and disappointments.

My 2 cents.

[bgnzsavnh]

Originally Posted by Georgia

Now Sun City Braselton / Deaton Creek is just downright outstanding.

And you have a reason why the grandchildren can not visit

[Zel Ya]

Originally Posted by Ollie1946

Why Georgia. There are other places with better tax advantages. Also, Jackson County is a fast growing county, too fast, and their tax districts are a nightmare. If I were retiring, again, I would look at Eastern TN or North Alabama especially around the
Huntsville area. Knoxville in TN.

Why Georgia?

Because Georgia is generally regarded as one of the best states for retirement. By far! I'm really not aware of other states that offer more tax advantages for seniors. Georgia is certainly near the top of the list.

Here's some of the tax advantages:


1. A single retired person ( 62 and older ) pays no Georgia income tax on the first $35,000 of income.

2. It's my understanding that a married couple ( 62 and older ) MAY have tax exemptions up to the first $90,000 of income. I was surfing the Internet several months ago and ran into that statistic. That's what I read, but that was just one source. That's what I recall. Certainly a married senior couple would pay no Georgia state income tax with an annual income much higher than $35,000. The $35,000 income tax exemption only applies to a SINGLE PERSON. For a married couple, it would be higher.

3. Most Georgia senior citizens can take advantage of the school tax exemption. With this exemption, property taxes are greatly reduced. For example, a $3000 property tax bill would be in the neighborhood of $650 with the school tax ememption.

The school tax exemption is availble to senior citizens generally making less than $75,000 per year. The age does vary a bit from county to county. I think in some/few counties the age is 65 while in other counties the age is 70.

[leonard]

Originally Posted by Zel Ya

The school tax exemption is availble to senior citizens generally making less than $75,000 per year. The age does vary a bit from county to county. I think in some/few counties the age is 65 while in other counties the age is 70.

Is that from all sources of income or just income from employment?