16 | Real Estate Market
Butternut Creek Golf Course Byron Herbert Reece Trail Young Harris College tennis courts
“Do I Have to Retire …
or Can I Just Act Like It?”
I
It’s true what the pundits say:
Sometimes you have to put off being
young until you can retire! The truth
is, folks don’t come to the mountains
to retire as much as they do to start a
new adventure … a second half.
All that stuff you’ve been wanting to
do? It’s right here — volunteering, hobbies,
family time, even starting a new
business. Of course, you could also just
discover the joys of living on “mountain
time.” Remember, you’re not just retiring
from your job — you’re retiring from
your stress, your commute and your
alarm clock.
“If people concentrated on
the really important things
in life, there’d be a shortage
of fishing poles.”
∼ Doug Larson
Whether you want to take up flyfishing
or just “drown a worm” with the
grandkids, you’ll find plenty of opportunities
for that outdoorsy stuff.
From your home deep in the heart of
the Chattahoochee National Forest, you
can enjoy hiking, mountain biking and
horseback riding, or fishing and water
adventures on Lake Winfield Scott or
Lake Nottely. Even if you aren’t particularly
wildlife photography, park visits, and
other outdoor endeavors.
“Don’t play too much golf.
Two rounds a day are
plenty.”
∼ Harry Vardon
Yes, there’s golf here — lots of it, in
fact. But there’s also tons of cultural
opportunities — from musical recitals at
nearby Young Harris College to main
stage plays at the Peacock Performing
Arts Center or Blue Ridge Community
Theater. Festivals on the Town Square
and contra dancing at the John C.
Campbell Folk School add to the fun.
Lifelong learners have plenty of
opportunities to expand their knowledge
and enrich their education. Senior education
and class offerings run the gamut
from arts and hobbies to more academic
topics. And for those who like to get
involved, civic clubs, pet rescue organizations
and networking groups can fill
your calendar with activities.
“When a man retires, his
wife gets twice the husband
but only half the income.”
∼ Chi Chi Rodriguez
Good thing that your money goes
further here in the mountains. Date
nights are particularly sweet when you’re
not breaking the bank for dinner and a
movie. The cost of living is decidedly
less. And you won’t get taxed to death.
Union County has one of the lowest
property tax rates in the state. With such
good property values, the county brings
in more per mil without putting an
undue burden on folks.
“I don’t plan to grow old
gracefully. I plan to have
face lifts until my ears meet.”
∼ Rita Rudner
All joking aside, growing old gracefully
also means having access to good
healthcare. And there’s no shortage of
top-notch docs here in the mountains.
World-class care is available from local
providers as well as specialists from
Atlanta and Gainesville with satellite
offices here. Rarely will you need to
chew up a valuable day traveling out of
the area for a doctor’s appointment.
“The really frightening thing
about middle age is that you
know you’ll grow out of it.”
∼ Doris Day
athletic, you might find you love continued on page 18