Cresswind Georgia at Twin Lakes
Hoschton, Georgia
Gainesville, Georgia
What It Is Like to Retire in Gainesville
Gainesville, Georgia (population 36,000) impressed any number of people as a potential retirement community in 1996 when some of the Olympic canoeing and rowing events were held near here on Lake Lanier. The combination of a small city on a lake has lead many active adults here in quest of the perfect active adult community. Located in northern Georgia with a mild four season climate, Gainesville is the gateway to the excellent recreational opportunities of the nearby Appalachian Mountain forests. The downtown features a number of attractive art deco style government buildings built after a 1936 tornado. Gainesville is the county seat of Hall County. Many residents came here as workers or executives in large poultry industry: Gainesville is known as the “chicken capital of the world”. Others live here and commute to Atlanta, 54 miles away. For profiles on more than 900 best retirement towns and cities Picture of Downtown Gainesville courtesy of Wikipedia and Thomson200 (public domain), picture of Lake Lanier at River Forks Park courtesy of Wikipedia and Mike Gonzalez, Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0/
Where to Retire in Gainesville and Home Prices
You can live in town in an older home if you so choose. Cherokee Forest is one of the largest and nicest neighborhoods, although home prices there can go into the millions. There are also some active adult communities (see link at top right). According to Zillow.com, the median home value in Gainesville was $344,706 in mid-2023.
What Is Special about Gainesville
• Lakeside setting – 607 miles of wooded coastline • Life in a college town – with 2 colleges • Nice town square • Adventure Men’s Journal magazine named Gainesville, Georgia one of its “50 Best Places to Live” • Chicken capital of the world • Beautiful downtown and neighborhoods • A livable small city • Ample recreation with 2 golf courses and beaches in the Lake Lanier Islands recreational area • Near the Appalachian Mountain forests • Convenient to Atlanta when you need that city fix
What Is Not Special about Gainesville
Not everyone wants to brag about living in the 'poultry capital of the world', nor are there that many good restaurants.
Who Will Like Retirement in Gainesville
Gainesville attracts a community of retirees who want to live in a small college town on a lake.
Local Economy Is Driven by
The economy is driven by food, construction, healthcare, education. For more on how to retire in Georgia or retire in Athens Georgia
Climate and Physical Environment
Gainesville is situated in northern Georgia 54 miles NE of Atlanta. It is located on Lake Sydney Lanier, which was created when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers dammed the Chattahoochee River and flooded a valley. Mountains in the nearby Appalachians are as high as 4800 feet. Google maps
Restaurants & Cultural Scene
Brenau University and Gainesville College (2 year) offer a number of cultural opportunities, including the Gainesville Theatre Alliance. The Brenau University Learning and Leisure Institute offers popular classes and options enjoyed by many active adults. There is also the Georgia Mountains Museum. In addition to art the Quinlan Art Center offers a full schedule of symphonies, chorale, children's theatre and ballet.
Crime
Crime in Gainesville is slightly higher than the national average.
Medical facilities
Northeast Georgia Medical Center is located in Gainesville.
Transportation
Hartsfield Atlanta Airport is 62 miles. Amtrak has a station here with service to major U.S. cities. There is a Hall County bus system.
Comments on "Gainesville"