In the last weekend of 2005, the seniors sweepstakes kicked into high gear as the first baby boomers turned 60.  Many of these active retirees will pack up their belongings and relocate to a new area of the country. 

If Thomasville is lucky, some of these retirees will find their way to our beautiful part of Southwest Georgia. The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) reports that retirees are seeking areas of the country where they can live out the rest of their lives. The preferred retirement spot is a small town in a rural setting that is close to shopping and medical facilities, offers recreational activities, and has a low crime rate.

Thomasville certainly fills the bill as the retiree dream spot. Our unique community offers 19th century charm and hospitality with all the 20th century amenities. With its strong cultural bent, its outdoor recreational activities, pleasant climate, and relaxed life-style, Thomasville provides a high quality of life to all its residents.

Touting Thomasville

The Thomasville-Thomas County Chamber of Commerce and the Thomasville Visitor Center respond to hundreds of inquiries every year from people investigating Thomasville as a place to retire.

“Many of the calls we receive are from people who want to relocate to the Southeast,” says Shirlee Bell, Executive Director at the Chamber. “We provide them with background information on our community--from cultural and recreational activities to medical facilities and banks. Many will then come to town to visit.”

According to a study directed by UNCA sociologist Bill Haas, “In selecting the particular host community, 80% of migrant retirees reported that a visit or vacation to the area was the single most important source of information. Hence, tourism and retirement relocation are interrelated.” “Thomasville seems to have a very positive impact on people,” Bell explains. “The charm of our downtown area, the beauty of our natural setting, the friendliness of the residents--people remember these things and when it comes time for them to retire, they think of Thomasville.”

To reach people who may have never heard about Thomasville as a retirement destination, the Thomasville Welcome Center markets the city to the 50-plus crowd by advertising in various retiree publications and participating in travel and trade shows.

Being “Senior Friendly”

Most of Thomasville’s advertising touts the city’s “senior-friendly” atmosphere. Although it is not something the city has control over, one of Thomasville’s most friendly assets is its inviting climate. The area’s long, pleasant falls and short, mild winters make it ideal for year-round golfing, tennis, fishing, and hunting.

For nine-year residents, Dolores and Ralph Krier, the wonderful climate was a major factor in their decision to retire to Thomasville from Chicago. While researching potential retirement areas in a book called “100 Best Places To Retire,” the Kriers found Thomasville listed with all the amenities they were looking for. “The economic base was an important feature as it steers the quality of life in the community,” Dolores explained. “The reasonable housing market, medical facilities, friendly people, and the beauty of Thomasville attracted us as well.”

Thomasville’s proximity to Tallahassee and the Gulf of Mexico also help its “senior-friendly” appeal. Many retirees from larger cities find adjusting to small-town life easier when there is a larger urban area nearby. Resort areas, such as St. George Island, which are only a few hours drive from Thomasville, add to the area’s attraction for retirees.

There are many activities within the city to keep retirees as active as they want to be. The city’s three YMCA facilities offer adult fitness programs throughout the day. Thomasville City Parks & Recreation maintains public parks and areas for walking and jogging. Country Oaks Golf Course, municipally owned, is a public daily fee course with a par 71. There is also a private course at Glen Arven Country Club.

To expand the mind, Thomas University and Southwest Georgia Technical College offer continuing educations classes on a wide variety of subjects. Retirees also can avail themselves of books, music and audio tapes, videos, and the Internet at the Thomas County Public Library. This $3.5-million library system, the busiest in the state of Georgia, is constantly adding to its collection of materials and updating its computer system. The city’s other library--Thomasville Genealogical, History & Fine Arts Library--offers individuals the chance to research their family history.

Access to health services is probably one of the most important concerns to people planning to relocate for retirement. John D. Archbold Memorial Hospital offers area residents access to more than 100 physicians and 264 hospital beds. Archbold Hospital has a regional reputation in neurosurgery, cancer treatment, cardiac care, and rehabilitation services.

The city meets the spiritual needs of residents through churches representing Protestant, Catholic, and Jewish faiths. Most churches offer special activities just for senior citizens.