The weatherman was standing out in the street of a Wisconsin town doing the morning forecast for the coming weekend.  Snow was falling heavily and he looked cold and miserable, anxious to be through with this spot so he could dart indoors.  “ It doesn’t look good people, the blizzard is moving slowly through our area so get the snow shovels out.”   Melanie and Richard Parker, both former lifelong residents of Wisconsin, looked at each other and suddenly laughed.  “ Let’s go Mellie,” Richard said “Bill and Cindy will be waiting at the first tee.”  It still seemed like a dream to them as they loaded their golf clubs in the car.  It was the dead of winter yet it would be 70 degrees on the golf course.

It was because of a visit to Bill and Cindy that they had decided to move to southern Georgia.  They had retired here five years ago and talked their old friends, the Parkers into stopping by on their way to Florida.  They weren’t too keen on the delay to their vacation but couldn’t very well say no to such good friends.  Besides, they were anxious to see if everything their friends had told them about living down here was true.  They ended up staying three days which changed their lives forever.

The Parkers discovered what many senior citizens already knew.  There aren’t many places in the U.S. that can offer the climate, natural beauty, recreation opportunities, or economic advantages of the southern part of Georgia.  Although land prices are rising everywhere, down here it is still possible to buy land at low prices.  Imagine owning your own small farm for what you would spend on just a home in most places.  

This part of the country is especially good for the outdoor types.  Beside golf, there are plenty of other activities to keep you busy.  This is hunting and fishing country and there are plenty of places to do either.  If gardening interests you  then you will be well pleased at the variety of fruits and vegetables that can be grown here.  The same can be said of landscaping choices.  Imagine having palm trees and several colors of beautiful azaleas on your property.  Many retirees are astounded when visiting the many local nurseries because of the numerous varieties of plants and trees to choose from.  Almost anything in the world will grow here.  

Weekends are great here too.  The Atlantic coast and the Gulf of Mexico are only a couple of hours away if you like the beaches, salt water fishing,  or boating.  Double that time and you are able to enjoy the serenity and beauty of the mountains.  Although the towns in the area aren’t large, they have great shopping for everyday requirements without heavy traffic to deal with.  Some senior citizens like to visit a different town each week to see what they have to offer.  The opportunities  for taking long drives through the country on the way to a nearby town becomes an adventure for those accustomed to taking the same amount of time getting across town.

Especially important for retired senior citizens on a budget are the low prices in south Georgia.  This goes for food, utilities, gasoline, household goods and most anything else.  Many kinds of produce and livestock are grown locally enabling residents to obtain fresh food at very reasonable prices.  There are so many vegetable farms across this area that picking up road kill (vegetables which have fallen off a truck) is a form of contest between some locals.

You have heard of “southern hospitality” of course.  This is still true for most places down here with natives usually happy to help “newcomers” feel welcome.  It usually doesn’t take the residents of the “great frozen north” long to thaw out and perhaps venture to throw a y’all in here and there.  Many become great friends with locals to the satisfaction and joy of both parties.  It’s never too late to meet new friends no matter where you are.

If you are concerned with medical care and facilities then you can rest easy.  Because of the great climate and location medical doctors and specialists flock to the area.  The hospitals, clinics, and personnel, are top of the line facilities which can handle any situation which may arise.  There are also many senior citizen clubs available in most areas.  Some offer day trips for those who would rather ride than drive to points of interest.

So if you are thinking of retiring someplace where your bones don’t ache in the winter then southern Georgia may be what you seek.  Because of the low prices for real estate here you are investing in property which can’t help but increase in value over the years.  When you think of the economic savings it is like making money in the long run.  You deserve to spend your time in a peaceful pleasant environment without the hustle and bustle of unnecessary stress.  Do something for yourself, you’ve earned it.

There are many Georgia real estate agents waiting to help you decide  the type of  property to suit your particular lifestyle.  Some large farms are being divided into mini-farms or ranches.  Many contain ponds and lakes for a beautiful view or for fishing opportunities.  If you like horses and livestock there is no better place to retire.  Say goodbye to snow and enjoy the outdoors all year long.  Do not wait long as this well kept secret will not keep long.  Y’all come back, ya heah.