If you're a local looking for a city to retire in, you might want to stay right where you're at.. or close to it. Two cities in the CSRA were included on the list of the best small towns to retire in Georgia for 2024.
According to WorldAtlas.com, Evans and Grovetown, are 2 out of 7 of the best small towns to retire in Georgia. Evans and Grovetown are both small suburbs right outside of Augusta.
Evans is home to the Bartram Trail Gold Club. It is the only public golf course in the Columbia County area. Evans is also home to the Evans Towne Center Park, which hosts lots of concerts and outdoor functions throughout the year. Outside of that, it's a great park for picnics or just a chance to relax while enjoying nature.
Grovetown has grown so much over the years. As a former native of Grovetown, I am shocked at what they have done with the place! Grovetown is also home to a lot of military families, being that is only 12 miles from Fort Eisenhower.
I was curious to see what characteristics make up a great place to retire, here are some of the results I came across:
- Proximity - Be close to things you want to enjoy whether that's outdoor activities, a certain restaurant, or a shopping center. With Augusta being the second largest city in Georgia you can enjoy that small-town feel, but still have access to major stores, restaurants, and even a regional airport.
- Affordable Cost of Living - According to Wisevoter.com, Georgia is one of the cheapest states to live in. The cost of living in Georgia is 10% lower than the national average.
- Tolerable Year-Round Weather - Augusta and its surrounding cities are like in the perfect weather pocket. Very rarely do natural disasters happen here. The most is a good amount of rain with some heavy wind.
- Amenities for Seniors: Grovetown and Evans have special programs that cater to seniors. Grovetown has a Senior Center that caters to Columbia County residents 60 years of age and older. Columbia County also has an Experience club that is tailored towards individuals who are 50 and above.
- Healthcare: Augusta is known as a "medical town" and has numerous top-ranking healthcare facilities and hospitals.
7 Walking Trails in the CSRA That You Will Love
Did you know that May is National Walking Month? This was introduced to raise awareness of the importance of walking and how it is essential to a healthy lifestyle. According to the Better Health Channel, walking for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week can improve or maintain your overall health. For those that already walk daily or those that have been wanting to get started, we've found some walking trails in Augusta and surrounding areas for you to enjoy.
Here are some general walking tips:
Augusta Canal Trail
This trail is nearly 8 miles long located in the heart of Augusta, running along the canal. For more on this trail, click here.
Beaver Dam and Cattail Loop
This 1.9 mile loop trail is located at Phinzy Swamp Park. It takes about 32 minutes to complete. To find out more about this trail, check it out here.
Augusta Riverwalk
The good ole' Riverwalk. This 3.4 mile loop trail runs right along the Savanah River. To learn more about the Riverwalk, click here.
Pendleton king park trail
This trail is only a mile loop taking an average of 23 minutes to complete. To learn more about the trail, click here.
Euchee Creek Greenway Trail
This trial is about 7 miles long with several sections. For example, there is a two mile section, and there is a 5 mile section. To learn more about this trail, click here.
River Levee Trail
This is a paved 2-mile route along the Savannah River. For more about this trail, click here.
North Augusta Greeneway
The greenway is a 7+ mile paved recreational trail located in South Carolina. For more information, click here.
