Georgia is rated as being one of the Top Ten Tax Friendly States for Retirees. Social Security income is exempt from state taxes, and so is as much as $35,000 of most types of retirement income for people ages 62-64. For those 65 and older, the exemption is $65,000 per taxpayer, or $130,000 per couple. Hart County has one of the lowest property tax rates in the state. Lake Hartwell is a 56,000 acre lake and has over 962 miles of shoreline to explore.

Located just 90 minutes north of Atlanta on I-85, 42 miles from Athens and an hour south of Greenville, SC, Hartwell sits right on Lake Hartwell with 222 miles of beautiful shoreline in its backyard. A perfect central location between the University of Georgia and Clemson University, the big football games and concerts are just down the road. The beautiful northeast Georgia mountains are 45 minutes away with loads of day trips to explore the waterfalls, the wineries, and charming small towns along the way. 

Active retirees can enjoy fishing, boating, golf, tennis , pickle-ball, theater, live music, art and a thriving shopping scene. The local YMCA is loaded with activities for retirees including a lap pool, indoor walking track, full weight rooms, Zumba ®, yoga, and strength and spinning classes. Hartwell also provides 3 walking trails and a dog park at the Hart County Sports and Recreation Center.

Hartwell's campgrounds provide many outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, fishing, swimming, boating and picnicking. You will never be far from nature with our surrounding farmlands and forests rich with picturesque views and hunting preserves. If gardening is one of your passions you'll find yourself right at home with 4 garden clubs, a community garden, and an outstanding 6 acre botanical garden. We are located in plant hardiness zone 7. 

Groups such as the Rotary, Kiwanis, Lion’s and Optimist clubs play a key role in their communities by giving out scholarships to high school and college students, organizing community-wide clean ups, building houses or holding food drives. These groups are usually comprised of business leaders, government officials and dedicated community volunteers and activists.In Hart County, there are around a dozen or more of these organizations actively working to improve our communities. A list of Hart County's Family, Community, and Civic Organizations can be found here.