Georgia is a popular state for retirees, who enjoy its warm climate, low taxes and abundant opportunities. From volunteering to traveling, the following are five things to do after you retire in Georgia:
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1. Take a class.
Did you love college, or maybe never you had the chance to start or finish? As a retiree, you may be able to go back to school tuition-free. Georgia residents over age 62 can attend classes at public colleges for free. You may have to pay for lab fees, parking or other incidentals, but you won't have to pay for tuition. You'll have to meet admission requirements, and you can't enroll in law, dental, medical or veterinary schools, but other than that, you're free to pursue your interests.
Dabble in a few courses, or work toward a degree. You'll also get the chance to be around lots of other people and be exposed to on-campus events and activities if you'd like to get more involved.
2. Start a new career.
Although it may seem a little paradoxical to dive right back into the work force, retirees can work on their own terms. If there's a job you were always interested in but felt tied to your career, now's the time to try it out. You'll be able to stay active but will probably have more flexibility and time to pursue other interests.
You can even turn an interest or skill into your own business. Georgia has a business-friendly climate, and the Georgia Department of Economic Development can point you in the right direction with a variety of resources. Four of the top 10 places to start a business in the state are within 30 miles of Atlanta, according to NerdWallet. Alpharetta is the top location, followed by Doraville, according to the site.
3. Find an outlet for your talents.
By the time you retire, you've accumulated decades of skills and interests. Many Georgia organizations are in need of volunteers, and taking the time to help can be very rewarding. Choose an activity that allows you to utilize skills you used during your career, or go in a completely different direction.
From volunteering with a political campaign to bottle-feeding kittens, there's an opportunity to match every interest. Check Hands on Atlanta to look for volunteer opportunities. You can search for places within a certain number of miles from your ZIP code as well as your particular interest and the times you're available. The information is very specific, including details about the time commitment required. Everything from managing a community center's garden to sorting eyeglasses to volunteering as an educator at the Fernbank Museum of Natural History is included.
4. Take up a new hobby or sport, or expand on an existing one.
Starting a new hobby or sport or building on an already-existing interest will give you something to look forward to as well as the chance to connect with others who share your interests.
If you'd like to take up an active outdoor hobby, consider joining the Atlanta Outdoor Club. The group has regular activities that include hiking, camping, caving, kayaking and much more, as well as occasional activities such as sailing, scuba diving and survival skills classes. Or try hitting the links at one of the many golf courses in the Atlanta area.
Whatever your interest, there's a group or a class to support your hobby, from the Atlanta Chess Club to the Atlanta Writing Club.
5. Roam around the state, country or world.
One of the many advantages of retiring is that you finally have more time to travel. As the home of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Atlanta has direct flights to many destinations throughout the world. Even within the state, you can visit the mountains or beaches in a day trip, or take a quick road trip to one of Georgia's neighboring states if you'd like to spend a day or two away.
If you'd like to find a group of people to travel with, check with an organization such as the Atlanta Adventure Travel Club. Many houses of worship also organize trips for their members.
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