Georgia is tax friendly to Seniors

[Roadrunner53]

Have any of you moved to Georgia to save money on RMD, lack of school tax in certain localities and generous tax structure of no taxing up to $65,000 per person on retirement monies? It is very tempting to move there but I don't know anyone in GA and the other deterrent is the hot tropical weather that I am not used to and really don't enjoy at all. If you have moved to GA or another tax friendly state, can you elaborate on your experiences and if it was a good move or did you feel you made a mistake to move to a state you don't like just to save money.

[DavidAnnArbor]

You might be able to move to Georgia for much of the year, and be subject to their state tax rules, but live in a northern state for the summer.

[jpdx]

Taxes are not the most important factor to consider while choosing a place to live. Quality of life is most important, cost of living is important as well.

That said, I would suggest looking at Washington state which has no income tax. I've lived in the South and in the Pacific Northwest, and I've found the PNW offers better quality of life (this is a matter of personal preference of course). The climate may be drizzly but you'll feel more wet in GA due to the humidity! I'm happy to elaborate if you need more info.

[Nochka]

I am originally from Northern California but have lived in Atlanta, Georgia for 18 years, and actually found the climate to be quite pleasant here. Anywhere in the U.S. east of the Rockies will have high humidity during the summer, but Atlanta is in the foothills of the Appalachians at about 1000' feet of elevation. That means about half as many 90+ degree days (32) as in other southern cities like Houston (74), Miami (56), or Orlando (65).

However if you don't like hot weather, check out the North Georgia mountains, where it's significantly cooler than in the rest of the state. (The highest temperature ever recorded on Brasstown Bald, GA was only 84 degrees Farenheit.) Many retirees choose to live in areas like Helen, Elijay, Blue Ridge, or Big Canoe (elevation 3,200') for the cooler temperatures and beautiful scenery. You also have easy access to Atlanta (<2 hours) and all the amenities of a major city like world-class medical care.