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Gracious Thomasville, Georgia Welcomes
Retirees Seeking Lower Costs, Historic Homes and Southern Hospitality
Cost of Living: Below the National Average
| Nestled in southwestern Georgia, Thomasville,
nicknamed
the "City of Roses," is a place that
completely charms visitors and residents alike.
This idyllic destination (population 22,000) has
had a history of prosperity since pre-Civil War
days when cotton plantations dotted the
surrounding landscape. Later, during the late 19th-century,
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 finally conquered malaria, more and more tourists bypassed
Thomasville in favor of southern beaches. |
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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 wonderfully 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 those seeking a retirement spot
with vitality. Today 22% of the population is
age 45 to 64 and 16% is age 65 or better.
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Despite its history as a cotton-rich center and as a wealthy
winter resort, Thomasville's current cost-of-living is roughly
10-15% below the national average, and real estate is priced below the national average;
the median home price is just under $180,000. There is
a good selection of homes, and prices start under $100,000, but
inventory opens up in the mid to high-$100,000s.
Contemporary, antebellum and Victorians are for sale, many having
large lawns, mature magnolia trees, moss-draped oak trees and an abundance of
red and white azaleas, dogwood blossoms and spectacular roses.
The median price of $180,000 will buy an inviting brick, three
bedroom, 2 bath, ranch-style home with around 1,500 sq. ft.
$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 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.
This is an
interactive map. Click on the arrows in the upper left hand
corner to move the map to the East, West, North or South, and click
(more than once if necessary) on the +/- signs to zoom in
and out.
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 for residents who are age 62 or better. The annual
tax on a $150,000 home would be $1,682. Social Security is
exempt from state income taxes. Taxpayers 62 and older or
disabled may exclude $35,000 in pension and investment income,
plus up to $4,000 of earned income. All out-of-state
pensions are eligible for the exclusion. The state income
tax rate is 6%, as is the city sales tax rate.
Thomasville,
Georgia Continued....
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