Trying to live solely on a single Social Security check is a challenge no matter where you live. As of July 2023, the average retirement check was $1,790.56 per month, which is not enough to cover the average rent in the United States, which was $2,038 a month. This article lists the 12 places in Georgia that are particularly difficult to live in on only a Social Security check.
Among the states, Georgia has slightly lower rents compared to the national average. However, the cost of living in Georgia is still around the middle of the pack. In metropolitan areas like Atlanta, the costs of living are much higher. The same goes for popular tourist destinations like Savannah and Tybee Island.
It’s important to note that the “worst” places to live on a Social Security check in Georgia are not necessarily bad places to live. Most of them are actually great places. However, when you have limited funds, they may not be the most suitable options. Here are the 12 places in Georgia to avoid if you have to rely solely on a Social Security check:
Johns Creek
- Average monthly rent: $2,593
- Monthly total cost of living: $3,983.39
- Livability index: 65
Located in North Fulton County, Johns Creek is an affluent Atlanta suburb with high rents and living costs. It is more suitable for young families and professionals.
Cumming
- Average monthly rent: $2,401
- Monthly total cost of living: $3,760.02
- Livability index: 73
Cumming may offer recreational and scenic attractions like Lake Lanier, Sawnee Mountain, and The Big Creek Greenway, but its high cost of living is a disadvantage for retirees on a limited budget.
Buford
- Average monthly rent: $2,288
- Monthly total cost of living: $3,649.52
- Livability index: 68
Buford has higher-than-average rents and living costs, making it less affordable for retirees. It may be charming with its historic Tannery Row Artist Colony, but it’s not the ideal choice for seniors on a tight budget.
Canton
- Average monthly rent: $2,146
- Monthly total cost of living: $3,524.15
- Livability index: 62
Canton offers scenic views and various amenities between Atlanta and the Blue Ridge Mountains. However, its cost of living is relatively high for seniors on a limited budget.
McDonough
- Average monthly rent: $2,065
- Monthly total cost of living: $3,439.06
- Livability score: 59
Located south of Atlanta, McDonough is relatively more affordable than some other places on this list, but it can still be expensive for someone relying solely on a Social Security check.
Alpharetta
- Average monthly rent: $2,287
- Monthly total cost of living: $3,676.07
- Livability index: 75
Alpharetta, being a part of the Atlanta metro area, has a high cost of living due to its expensive real estate market. It may offer job opportunities and amenities for younger families and professionals, but it’s not an ideal choice for seniors on a tight budget.
Loganville
- Average monthly rent: $2,227
- Monthly total cost of living: $3,598.81
- Livability index: 72
Loganville, situated in Walton and Gwinnett Counties, may have a decent livability score, but its higher-than-average rents and living costs make it challenging for seniors to live comfortably on a Social Security check.
Snellville
- Average monthly rent: $2,086
- Monthly total cost of living: $3,446.06
- Livability index: 63
Snellville is another town located between Atlanta and Athens. While it may have a bustling suburban charm and access to various amenities, it’s not an affordable place for seniors looking to live on a limited budget.
Acworth
- Average monthly rent: $2,099
- Monthly total cost of living: $3,494.15
- Livability score: 69
Acworth, like Dallas, offers small-town charm and proximity to Atlanta. It has outdoor attractions and “chef-driven” restaurants, but its affordability is a challenge for seniors relying solely on a Social Security check.
Fayetteville
- Average monthly rent: $2,113
- Monthly total cost of living: $3,484.32
- Livability index: 70
Fayetteville, a suburb of Atlanta, may be popular among young professionals, but its relatively high homeownership rate and rental costs make it challenging for seniors seeking affordable living options.
Methodology: GOBankingRates determined the worst cities in Georgia to live on only a Social Security check based on the average monthly benefit for retired workers sourced from the Social Security Administration, as well as data on housing market size, cost of living index, and expenditures from various sources. The final list was created by scoring and combining the provided factors, with higher scores indicating a worse place to live on a Social Security check. All data is accurate as of September 11, 2023.
This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com.
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