Seniors Enjoy Idyllic Retirement in Gracious, Historic Thomasville, Georgia

Cost of Living:  Below the National Average

Thomasville, Georgia, nicknamed the "City of Roses," is a place that completely charms visitors and residents alike.  This idyllic destination (population 22,000) has a history of prosperity from pre-Civil War years when cotton plantations dotted the landscape and then during the late 19th-century when the area became a winter retreat for wealthy Northerners and home to some grand hotels, many of which still stand today.  In 1887, Harper's Bazaar declared Thomasville to be "the best winter resort on three continents," but as neighboring Florida conquered the dreaded malaria, more and more tourists bypassed Thomasville in favor of southern beaches.

Despite losing its status as a primary resort destination at the turn-of-the-20th-century, wealthy residents continued to support Thomasville.  Today, much of the town's economy is based on tourism as visitors come to tour two of more than 70 antebellum cotton plantations spread across nearly 300,000 acres within a 35 mile radius of town (the majority are privately owned and not open for tours).   Tourists also come to shop in the restored downtown that boasts brick-paved streets, colorful, Victorian storefronts, clean sidewalks, high-end shops, art galleries, tasty restaurants and free parking.   In fact, in 1998 and 1999, Thomasville was named a "Great American Main Street" city.   The town has a unique combination of Southern romance and a healthy economy, something that appeals to seniors seeking a retirement spot with vitality.   Today 22% of the population is aged 45 to 64 and 16% is aged 65 years of age or better.  

Despite its history as a cotton-rich center and as a wealthy winter resort, Thomasville's current cost-of-living is roughly 10% less than the national average, and real estate is quite reasonably-priced, nearly 15% below the national average; it also well-stocked, giving seniors another reason to consider retirement here.   Most middle-priced neighborhoods are comprised of single-family homes with large lawns, mature magnolia and oak trees and an abundance of red and white azaleas, dogwood blossoms and spectacular roses.   There are many antebellum and Victorian homes but also many newer ones, and there are some very affluent neighborhoods and some not so affluent, as is the case in most towns.   

The northwest side of town appears to have numerous smaller 2 to 3 bedroom, frame and vinyl-siding homes in fairly good shape for under $90,000.   We found several 2 to 3 bedroom homes (circa 1920) needing some fixing up and some landscaping for $50,000-$60,000.  On the northeast side of town, very cute 2 to 3 bedroom, cottage-style homes in good shape can be fetched for less than $120,000.   To the southwest, small 2 to 3 bedroom homes needing some repair can be found for $50,000 to $75,000.  The southeast area offers nicer, slightly larger homes starting in the $85,000 range.

Inventory opens up in the mid to high-$100,000s with $185,000 fetching lovely 3 bedroom, brick, ranch-style single-family homes with 2 baths, large lots and 2,000-2,100 square feet.   $250,000 will buy large 3 to 4 bedroom homes, and $350,000 will buy gorgeous 4 bedroom, 3 bath homes on acreage.  Historic homes begin around $450,000 and actual, mini-plantations outside of town can be found in the million dollar range.

There are a number of newer, near-downtown condominiums and town homes with very nice 2 to 3 bedroom units in the $150,000 - $185,000 price range.  

There are a few apartment complexes, but rentals are not plentiful.   The average rent per month for a one-bedroom unit seems to be about $485 and about $590 for a two-bedroom unit.  We also found five mobile / manufactured home communities, including Circle C Mobile Home Estates and (229-226-25940) and Twin Oaks Mobile Home Park (229-225-9623).

Property taxes are charged at a rate of $29 per $1,000 in value, and homes are assessed at 40% of market value.    There is also a $2,000 homestead exemption off of the 40% market value for residents who are age 62 or better.  The annual tax on a $150,000 home would be $1,682.

Thomasville was recently named by the National Trust for Historic Preservation as one of the "12 best preserved and unique cities in the United States," the only city in the Southeast to receive this distinction.  Many of its businesses, including a soda fountain and a drugstore, are original and date from 1881.  Anyone with a love of Civil War-era history will revel in the historic homes, including the delightful 1885 Queen Anne Lapham-Patterson House, which was built without any right angles, and in two nearby plantations open for tours.   The Melhana Plantation and the 3,000-acre Pebble Hill Plantation take visitors back to a different time; Melhana also offers sumptuous overnight accommodations and lets guests relax in the 1930s restored pool house and stroll the lush grounds with peacocks (kept as watch-birds). 

Health care is very good as Thomasville has benefited from years of wealthy benefactors' generosity.  The Archbold Medical Center was established in 1925 and today oversees five hospitals, the flagship of which is the Archbold Memorial Hospital in Thomasville, and four nursing-home facilities throughout the region.  With 250 beds and nearly 1,400 employees (in Thomasville), it is the town's largest employer and provides cancer care, hospice care, kidney dialysis, primary care, surgical care, emergency care and more.  It also has a volunteer program in which many seniors participate.

Residents enjoy a small-town quality of life but also a little bit of culture.  The Thomasville Cultural Center is a restored 1915 school and home to theater, dance and concert events.   Downtown shopping is varied, plentiful and attracts visitors from other nearby towns.   There is a J.C. Penny's, and, unfortunately, a Wal-Mart on the edge of town, but the nearest major mall is 35 miles away in Tallahassee.    Thomas University (800 students) is a private, four-year university that offers undergraduate and Master's level classes and has a volunteer program for mentoring students.  Call 229-226-1621 for more information.  There are public 22 parks, and the town maintains a clean, well-kept urban recreation system, including the 18-hole, public Country Oaks Golf Course.  Arven Country Club Golf Course, which was founded in 1896, is a private course.  Tallahassee has another eight golf courses.  The Gulf of Mexico and all of the recreational opportunities it provides is about 90 minutes away.

Senior programs are not extensive but include the Scott Senior Center/Council on Aging (229-226-9470) which offers assistance with Meals on Wheels, recreational activities, health education, exercise classes, social opportunities, and transportation to the Center.  The Foster Grandparent /Senior Companion Program ( 229-227-2880) provides volunteer opportunities for seniors, as do the several dozen churches and synagogues.

Located roughly 17 miles north of the Florida state line, the elevation throughout town is roughly 250 feet, and the surrounding countryside is gently rolling and forested.   The climate is considered humid subtropical; summers are hot and humid (some might call them stifling) and winters are mild.  Humidity can reach 60%-70%.   The sun shines roughly 60% of the time.  

Drawbacks to retirement here might include the fact that there is no public transportation and that the overall crime rate is higher than the national average, although the majority of this is comprised of thefts and burglaries.  Violent crime is actually 30% below the national average.   We have also heard that integrating into the social scene here takes some time because many families have roots going back to before the Civil War and are somewhat hesitant to welcome newcomers.  Civic leaders, however, tell us that this is not the case.  Cultural amenities are not abundant but do include church concerts, festivals and some concerts at the Pebble Hill Plantation.  For those needing an occasional larger-city fix, Tallahassee, Florida (population 155,000) is not far away, and Jacksonville, Florida, with a population of 800,000, is 163 miles to the southeast.

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