What Makes the Saint Mary's community of Southeastern Georgia a Great Place to Retire?




An 18th century writer described St. Marys as "...small, agreeable to all and with many respectable characters". As you stroll along the waterfront through Howard Gilman Park, you will agree. The coastal village of St. Marys remains one of Georgia's best kept secrets. A town rich in history, natural beauty and Southern hospitality, St. Marys is the gateway to the Cumberland Island National Seashore, the winter playground of the Carnegie family.

Downtown St. Marys hosts a day filled with shopping in a myriad of curious little shops, sampling the local cuisine in waterfront cafes and dreaming sweetly in one of the many historic bed and breakfasts. For a more adventurous outing, just hop on the ferry to Cumberland Island and step back in time. Here, on this barrier island that was once a summer home for the rich and famous, discover an environment that is totally different from the over-developed islands that dot the remainder of the Lowcountry coastline. On Cumberland, there are no cars, no phones and no airconditioning.

However, St. Marys itself and neighboring Kingsland are today among the fastest growing small communities in the country, with more and more retirees discovering the challenging golf courses, mild winter climate and low cost of living. Just a short drive down I-95 is Jacksonville, with its many new shopping areas, excellent health care facilities and even more golf.

Population: St. Marys (15,750) Camden County (45,470)

Median Home Value: $112,377

Climate:Jan. Avg. Low - 41 July Avg. High - 91 Rainfall: 50" Snow: 0