7 reasons to retire in Cobb County

Cobb residents from age 55 to 93 took part in the day's activities which included horse shoes, hog calling, apple peeling, bocce ball, checkers and lunch.

Credit: Johnny Crawford

Credit: Johnny Crawford

Cobb residents from age 55 to 93 took part in the day's activities which included horse shoes, hog calling, apple peeling, bocce ball, checkers and lunch.

For many Americans looking to retire, Georgia is an attractive option.

And for Georgians who want to retire near — but not in — Atlanta, they might consider its neighbor. Here are seven reasons to retire in Cobb County.

1. You're in good company. Nearly one out of ever 10 residents in Cobb County is 65 years old or older, according to recent estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau. Most older adults live in East Cobb or cities like Marietta and Smyrna, according to the Cobb County Senior Services office.

2. Seniors get special tax exemptions. The Cobb County government provides certain tax exemptions and services that may make the county attractive to workers planning their retirement. Cobb County residents who are at least 62 years old are eligle for exemption from school taxes. Residents who are at least 65 years old are also eligible for exemption from certain property taxes.

3. Cobb has six activity centers for seniors. Since its creation in 1972, the Cobb Senior Services has been committed to its role "as the catalyst for senior advocacy, volunteerism and information resources for our elder population," according to the county. The county offers a variety of nutrition, education and recreation activities and programs.

Activity centers are located at:

• 3900 S. Main St. (inside Kennworth Park), Acworth, Ga. 30101; 770-975-7740
• 4915 Austell-Powder Springs Road (inside Clarkdale Park), Austell, Ga. 30106, 770-819-3200 
• 1150 Powder Springs St., Suite 100, Marietta, Ga. 30064; 770-528-5355
• 3332 Sandy Plains Road, Marietta, Ga. 30066; 770-509-4900
• 4915 Dallas Hwy., Powder Springs, Ga. 30127; 770-528-8200
• 4025 S. Hurt Road, Smyrna, Ga. 30082; 770-801-3400

4. Seniors can get meals delivered to their doors. People who are 60 or older who are unable to cook for themselves can have meals delivered to their homes by Meals on Wheels. Click here to learn more about Meals on Wheels.

5. Cobb has a variety of transportation options. Can't drive? No problem. The county provides "dependable, radio-dispatched vans at low cost to medical and nutritional facilities and designated senior centers in Cobb County." Approximately 1,350 clients use these services anually, the county says. Read more here.

Want more information about senior transportation in Cobb County? Call 770-528-5364.

6. In-home services and personal care. Clients in Cobb County can become eligible for in-home services and personal care. For more information, please call (770) 528-5364.

7. It's a great place to spend time with grandkids. Between kid-friendly restaurants and fun parks and playgrounds, there are many options for grandparents and their grandkids. Learn more with these handy guides:

Read more: 4 things to know about retiring in Georgia