Are you a part of the News/Talk 750 WSB VIP? Sign in or join now. Why join?
Text size: A A A
ATHENS, Ga. (AP) Hanging out in Athens is getting old.

The college town home to the University of Georgia is becoming a retirement destination, according to state and local officials.

The growth is spurred in part by recent articles like one in Fortune magazine that called Athens the ``best place to recapture your youth'' and placed it on the magazine's list of best U.S. places to retire.

Hundreds of people called the Athens Convention and Visitors Bureau last year to ask about retiring in the area, said Meredith McLucas, the bureau's tour and travel manager.

The number of people age 65 and older living in Athens and the surrounding counties is expected to jump 25 percent in the next five years, according to the state Office of Planning and Budget.

Most of the settlement is expected in Barrow, Jackson and Oconee counties, which are considered Athens suburbs. The 65-and-older population is expected to rise by more than 30 percent in those areas. The overall state increase is expected to be 20 percent, and in Athens itself, only 11 percent.

Aging baby boomers who already are in Athens and its environs will also contributing to the graying population, said Doug Bachtel, a demographer in the University of Georgia's department of housing and consumer economics.

The changing demographic will place additional demands on the area's medical and recreational facilities, but it will be a boon in other ways.

``This is really a wealthy cohort,'' said Leonard Poon, a UGA gerontologist. ``They're going to be very active in giving to various charities, and in participating and volunteering.''

The appeals of Athens, as cited by Fortune magazine, include exposure to a young and lively college population and the offer of free classes at UGA for people 62 and older.

Another perk: Georgia law gives older people a tax break, no matter their income and asset levels.

(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

send to a friend  view as printer-friendly  RSS feeds
advertisement

WSB 24-Hour Weather Center
Get the 5-day Forecast .

Atlanta weather

A Few Clouds
48°F
5-day forecast | Hurricane Guide
advertisement

Marketplace

Cancer Wellness at Piedmont Cancer Cente
Cancer Wellness at Piedmont Cancer Center - Providing help and support to those facing cancer. Learn more.
Emory Vision
Emory Vision is the best LASIK provider in Atlanta. Learn more at our online seminar.
"How to Build Your Financial Future" Online Seminar sponsored by Associated Credit Union. Details
Georgia Cancer Specialists
Click here to view GCS's video, "Seven Things You Should Know About Breast Cancer."
advertisement
Green Home Improvement
Allan Vigil Racing Fan Frenzy
Racing Fans, play the Allan Vigil Racing Fan Frenzy now! Click here for all the details.
Resurgens Spine Center
View our webinar “The Latest In Total Joint Replacement.” Watch now
powered by AutoTrader.com Shop for cars, find a dealer, and get the latest automotive news in our Local Car Buying Guide powered by AutoTrader.com
powered by Kudzu From fast food to fine dining, find it all in our Local Business Directory .
Stay ahead of the storm. Find evacuation routes, safety tips and more in the Hurricane Guide.
News Talk 750 WSB Mobile Access
News/Talk 750 WSB wants to make sure you can access our website anytime you want from any device. Click here to find out how.
Going Green
Help do your part to save water, reduce air pollution & greenhouse emissions. Go Green!
Georgia Bulldogs Radio Network
Your online connection to the Georgia Bulldogs Radio Network team!
Read the AJC and stay on top of everything in Atlanta! Get delivery for less than $2 a week!
Join Channel 2 Action News anchors John Pruitt and Monica Pearson at 5, 6, and 11pm.