Empty Nesters, Retirees and Seniors who want a warm climate, city amenities, professional sports, and easy access to the mountains and the beach may want to take a close look at the Metro Atlanta area. Top universities like the Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University bring the culture and resources of academia and top-notch medical care, while the urban center of this capital city offers best-in-state attractions like the Zoo Atlanta, the High Museum of Art, Centennial Olympic Park, the Georgia Aquarium, the Atlanta History Center and the Martin Luther King National Historic Site. Outside the city center, residents of all ages enjoy abundant options for outdoor activities and cultural attractions coupled with a small-town feel in the many attractive suburbs of Atlanta.

Marietta
Marietta is popular for its many attractions and landmarks. It is home to the Marietta/Cobb Museum of Art, which hosts traveling exhibits and offers art classes for locals. Top-notch medical care is close by at WellStar Kennestone Hospital. Dog lovers enjoy easy access to dog parks and ample green space, while the Marietta historic Main Square and Courthouse from the 1830s offers an anchor to the past. Schedule a fun historical outing with the Marietta Ghost Tour, or visit the town square to peruse a wide array locally grown produce and handmade goodies. Locals can be found at the Marietta Square Market, a popular indoor market.

Roswell
Roswell is a charming and historical southern town with modern conveniences. Explore Historic Roswell with a walk along Canton Street; settle in at Gate City Brewing or find a square meal and traditional booth-style ambience at 1920 Tavern, just a step away from the charming Roswell City Hall. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy easy access to the Historic Roswell Riverwalk boardwalk or the Vickery Creek Trail for hiking, biking, and enjoying nature, and Morgan Falls Overlook Park for picnics, fishing, paddle board and yoga. In the evenings, locals enjoy the Deep Roots Wine Market and Tasting Room.

Dunwoody
Dunwoody maintains the historic charm and natural beauty of its further-out counterparts – and features an urban setting ripe with fun things to do. The Spruill Gallery offers ever-changing exhibits and artists shops, while a tour of Historic Dunwoody can fill a leisurely afternoon. Brook Run Park and the Dunwoody Nature Center are excellent locations for a morning stroll, while younger visitors will enjoy outdoor fun at Treetop Quest Dunwoody, the local high ropes course. For lunch, stop by the quaint 48th Street Italian Market for Italian subs, or Dunwoody Tavern for traditional English pub fare.

Sandy Springs
For a medium-sized city lifestyle, Sandy Springs is the best of the modern South. Downsizers enjoy the wide variety of shopping and eateries in City Springs and numerous options for indoor and outdoor activities throughout the town. Start out in the morning at the Farmer’s Market, snacking on pastries and fruit from local vendors. Afternoon fun includes yoga sessions at the Chatahoochee River National Recreation Center, a trip downstream via kayak, or a pass through the Abernathy Greenway Playable Art Park. Residents love the laid back attitude, the family-friendly atmosphere and the evolving mix of creative retail ventures. Sprinkles of skylines and easy access to two MARTA stations add to the urban edge of this popular spot.

Alpharetta
Folks who love to be out and about will find a welcoming home in Alpharetta. This suburban village is home to major happenings, including regular shows at the Ameris Bank Ampitheatre and a bustling shopping and dining experience on Avalon Street. Golfers choose from a wide array of courses and tee up at the Deer Valley Golf Range. Nature lovers will find plenty of sights as well – Big Creek Greenway and Rock Mill Park offer perfect areas to walk, bike, or relax in nature. Catch a baseball game at Wills Park or take a swim in their pool. Locals shop at Comeback Vinyl, Queen of Hearts Antiques and Interiors, and an eclectic mix of downtown galleries, breweries and coffee houses. Sit down for a proper tea at The Ginger Room or get a messy plate of barbecue at Smokejack! 

Buckhead
Tucked in just a few miles north of the city, Buckhead is a collection of more than 40 distinct neighborhoods of in-town luxury lifestyle. Known as the “Beverly Hills of the South”, Buckhead offers a long promenade showcasing fabulous homes and speciality boutiques. For high-end shopping, plan a day at the famed Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza. Locals and visitors alike enjoy the Buckhead Village District, Buckhead Theatre and the Atlanta History Center, and the Legoland Discovery Center Atlanta is a must for visiting grandkids. Splurge on fine dining options at Aria or Atlas, or experience exceptional vegan fare at Cafe Sunflower.