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Best Places To Live in Georgia

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Best Places To Live in Georgia

From moss-draped oaks and historic architecture to safe and family-friendly neighborhoods, read on to learn what Georgia's best cities have to offer.

By Livability on October 27, 2023

Narrowing down the best places to live in Georgia can be a challenge. After all, there are more than 159 counties to choose from, and the geographical diversity from east to west and north to south are unparalleled. You can spend your time amid the booming arts and culture in downtown Atlanta, indulge in a weekend of waterfalls and wineries along the winding road that traverses the Blue Ridge or soak up the sun at Hilton Head Island or one of the many other top-rated beaches within the state border. Spend a little time thinking about the natural beauty, major employers, quality health care and lower cost of living compared to the national average and you will quickly understand why many consider Georgia to be one of the best places to live in the country.

Alpharetta

The Alpharetta Historic District contains several historic buildings dating from the late 19th century and older, and includes dining and shopping. Alpharetta is one of the best places to live in Georgia.
iStock/dbvirago
The Alpharetta Historic District contains several historic buildings dating from the late 19th century and older, and includes dining and shopping.

Why is Alpharetta a best place to live in Georgia?

With around 750 acres of green space, hundreds of quality restaurants and more events, festivals and attractions than you could imagine, it’s no wonder Alpharetta is one of the best places to live in Georgia. The city has intentionally focused on building up the local infrastructure and technology in order to promote a strong economic climate for existing businesses while enticing new ones to move in. This heavy emphasis on building a solid business environment means Alpharetta is undeniably attractive to young professionals, entrepreneurs and those interested in a modern work-life balance. 

Considered a charming place to live and an even better place to play, Alpharetta offers residents that elusive ability to enjoy a rich and full life without ever leaving town. The population has climbed in recent years, which means amenities have grown — and current residents couldn’t be happier. Area schools rank high in national surveys, commercial districts are booming with upscale shops and mixed-use spaces, sporting fields and parks are unparalleled, and local festivals and events draw more than 40,000 people to the city each year. Tack on its easy commute to downtown Atlanta and its myriad of industries and an international airport, and you can easily see why Alpharetta is a great place to live in Georgia.

How far is Alpharetta from Atlanta? 

Nestled in the northern reaches of Fulton County, Georgia, Alpharetta is often considered a suburb of Atlanta. It is part of the Atlanta metropolitan area and is a short 27-mile drive to downtown. Because of its proximity to the city, many of its residents enjoy working downtown and commuting back to Alpharetta, where they can enjoy a quieter and slower pace of life in the evenings and on the weekends. Residents making the regular trek back and forth usually choose to travel by car or take advantage of the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA), which is the city’s primary public transport system offering bus and train routes. Its proximity to Atlanta and its big-city amenities also makes Alpharetta a great city for working remotely.

Athens

Athens, Georgia, downtown cityscape. Athens is one of the best places to live in Georgia.
iStock/Sean Pavone
Athens, Georgia, downtown cityscape.

Why Athens is a great city to live in Georgia

Located in northeast Georgia and ripe with antebellum architecture, Athens, GA, is a great place to live if you love history, culture and Southern spirit. The city boasts a reasonable cost of living, a touch lower than the national average and a reliable housing supply for both renters and homebuyers. Athens is also known for having a robust economy, especially when you take into consideration its lower unemployment rate when compared to the rest of the country. It has even made the Milken Institute’s top 10 list of Best-Performing Small Cities. 

Economy and jobs aside, Athens thrives to maintain and show off the area’s natural beauty. There are plenty of parks, walking trails and even the Georgia State Botanical Garden where you can get a breath of fresh air and enjoy a slow-paced afternoon. Food within the city is delicious and abundant, ranging from upscale restaurants and modern bars to comfort food and international cuisine. Southern Living Magazine even dubbed Athens with the title of “South’s Best Food City” a few years back. Another fun fact: Athens is a great place to go record hunting — Kindercore Vinyl presses records for artists all over the country.

What is Athens known for? 

Affectionately known as the “Classic City,” Athens has a nationwide reputation as the home of the University of Georgia. The college football team, the Georgia Bulldogs, are a source of pride and entertainment for residents of all ages. Living in a college town means enjoying a diversity in craft breweries, local restaurants and weekend activities, events and festivals. Grab a cheeseburger and fries at Clocked, meet up with friends for a drink at Creature Comforts Brewing Co., and stick around for the Wild Rumpus Halloween Parade and Spectacle in the fall. You can always find something to do and plenty of people eager to join in the fun. 

Augusta

Augusta, GA, USA downtown skyline on the Savannah River at sunset. Augusta is one of the best places to live in Georgia.
iStock/Sean Pavone
Sunset lights up the the Savannah River against the downtown skyline in Augusta, GA.

Why is Augusta a great place to live in Georgia?

Known for being the oldest city in the state, Augusta, GA, is located roughly 150 miles east of the capital along the scenic Savannah River. But it isn’t just the natural beauty that make Augusta one of the best places to live in Georgia. People far and wide recognize this booming city with a population just over 200,000 as home to the iconic Master’s Golf Tournament. Hosted annually at the Augusta National Golf Club, this historic competition draws the attention of millions each and every year.

From outdoor festivals and minor league baseball games to a burgeoning job market and lower cost of living than the national average, Augusta is arguably one of the best cities to live in Georgia. The affordable homes and low property taxes give you more room in the budget to indulge in the area’s many restaurants and attractions, such as the Augusta Museum of History or Morris Museum of Art. Augusta is the home of the Godfather of Soul, James Brown, and is rich in Black history

Why is Augusta called “The Garden City”? 

Augusta may be most famous for its golf course and annual tournament, but many locals often refer to their hometown as the “Garden City of the South.” This is primarily due to the innumerable private and public gardens, all of which bloom in spring and provide residents with an overwhelming abundance of natural beauty throughout the warmer months. Residents and visitors seeking a public garden space to enjoy often flock to Pendleton King Park, a 64-acre sanctuary known for its various gardens, sculptures and flowers. 

Columbus

The downtown skyline in downtown Columbus, Georgia, on the Chattahoochee River.
iStock/Sean Pavone
The downtown skyline in downtown Columbus, Georgia, on the Chattahoochee River.

Why Columbus is one of the great cities to live in Georgia

Columbus, GA, is a booming city that has earned a spot on numerous lists for best places to live in the South. Take a minute to look over everything this beautiful place has to offer and you can easily understand why people are eager to make their home in this scenic riverfront town. With affordable homes priced well below the national average, a strong economy that draws in businesses across various sectors, and more than enough events to fill your social calendar, Columbus, GA, is hands-down one of the top places to live in The Peach State. 

Lovers of art, history and fine dining will love life in the city. The Columbus Museum offers both permanent and rotating American art exhibits while the Lunchbox Museum entices visitors with its playful collection of more than 3,000 classic metal lunch boxes. The National Infantry Museum and National Civil War Naval Museum illuminate the city’s role in Southern history, while events such as the Columbus Beer & Wine Festival invite you to indulge. 

What is Columbus known for? 

Columbus is home to many Georgian treasures, but it is most commonly known around the region for its association with Fort Moore. Located in Chattahoochee County, this U.S. Army post supports upwards of 100,000 active-duty military and their families. You will understandably find a generous amount of American pride, as well as history and architecture, throughout downtown Columbus, making it a great community for military families.

Johns Creek

A rower in a one-person sculling boat  in Johns Creek, Georgia.
iStock/patrickheagney
A rower in a one-person sculling boat in Johns Creek, Georgia.

Why is Johns Creek a best city to live in Georgia?

Nestled just 40 minutes from downtown Atlanta and often praised for its public school system, Johns Creek, GA, is a wonderful place to live if you want to make your home in the South. Because the area is known for its quality education system, family-friendly activities and low crime rates, it’s one of the best places to live in Georgia for anyone looking for a safe and welcoming place to raise a family. The city received some of the best scores across the board in our research for the 2023 Top 100 Best Places to Live in America.

With about 80,000 residents, Johns Creek is a sizable city with a good rental market, beautiful homes and plenty of amenities to check all the necessary boxes for a peaceful and enjoyable lifestyle. The city boasts more than 125 restaurants as well as numerous nature trails and about 200 acres of parkland and reserves. You can even access the Chattahoochee River through one of the city’s five access points, making it a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts who want to spend their evenings and weekends on the water.

What is there to do in Johns Creek with kids? 

Families like to take advantage of the many parks, nature trails and reserves in Johns Creek. Autrey Mill Nature Preserve and Heritage Center covers more than 45 acres of woodlands and trails, as well as live animal exhibits and various programs on science, nature and history. You can also find families enjoying weekends on the baseball fields at Ocee Park or picnicking at Shakerag Park.

Macon

Macon, Georgia, USA downtown skyline.
iStock/SeanPavonePhoto
Macon, Georgia, downtown skyline.

Why Macon is a best city in Georgia

Macon, GA, and its 153,000 residents might brag about being in the geographic center of the state, but that’s not why most people are eager to call this scenic city their hometown. Renowned for its Southern hospitality and rich in historic architecture, local shops, fine dining and museums, this unforgettable city is definitely one of the best places to live within the state. 

Foodies will applaud the city’s booming food scene, especially when the time comes to dig into some soul food. From the appropriately-named H&H Soul Food (once nicknamed Georgia’s most iconic restaurant) to The Rookery and Dovetail, finding a good bite to eat here is as easy as pie. Once you’ve had your fill of quality eats, you can take in the thousands of blooming cherry trees in the spring, enjoy the city’s musical heritage or explore the area’s thousands of acres of parks and green spaces. The cost of living here is lower than the rest of Georgia and the national average, making it a much more affordable choice when compared to other cities of its size within the state.

What events happen in Macon?

Occasionally called the Festival Capital of Georgia, Macon is home to more than 20 annual festivals. The 10-day International Cherry Blossom Festival is arguably the most popular, filling the city with both residents and tourists who are eager to celebrate the blossoms on more than 350,000 Yoshino cherry trees within the city. The Macon Film Festival, Ocmulgee Indigenous Celebration and Macon Beer Fest are a few of the other well attended annual events.

Marietta

An aerial view of the Atlanta suburb of Marietta under a blue sky with tiny clouds in Georgia
iStock/Wirestock
An aerial view of the Atlanta suburb of Marietta, Georgia.

Why Marietta is one of the great cities to live in Georgia

Nestled just 18 miles northwest of downtown Atlanta, Marietta, GA, is revered for its dramatic natural setting along the Chattahoochee River and foothills of Kennesaw Mountain. It also happens to be graced with a variety of natural resources and a generous real estate market. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, landing on our list of The 6 Most Affordable Cities in Georgia. Throw in the slew of festivals, events, musical performances, outdoor amenities, shopping, local restaurants and thriving economy and you can’t help but want to make your home here in the state’s third largest county.

With annual average temperatures hovering just around 61 degrees Farenheit, residents of Marietta can soak up the community’s natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities practically all year long. In addition to the variety of trails and green spaces covering the city, locals enjoy innumerable parks, playgrounds, tennis courts, sports fields and access to the river and its countless water sports. And whenever it’s time to come inside and cool down, there are more than enough restaurants, bars and distilleries to whet your palate and quench your thirst — often in the same place. 

How did Marietta get its name?

The name Marietta has a nice ring to it, don’t you think? Earliest reports say the area was occupied as early as 1824, but it wasn’t until 1832 that the state formed Cobb County, which was named after Thomas Willis Cobb, a well-known politician who not only served as U.S. representative but also U.S. senator and Supreme Court judge. Copies of the 1837 Georgia Gazetteer report that Marietta was named for Cobb’s wife.

Roswell

Waterfall at Vickery Creek Mill Dam in Roswell, Georgia. Natural beauty helps make Roswell a great place to live in Georgia.
iStock/lauradyoung
Waterfall at Vickery Creek Mill Dam in Roswell, Georgia.

Why Roswell is one of the best places to live in Georgia

Roswell, GA, has a reputation for its nationally recognized schools and deep rooted community. But it also happens to be rich in Southern hospitality and natural beauty. Some say this scenic city, which is only about an hour from downtown Atlanta, is the suburb that has it all. You don’t have to head out of town to find quality dining, outdoor recreation or family friendly activities and events. Everything you could possibly need is conveniently located within the bounds of this northern Fulton County city. 

While the real estate market in Roswell comes with a heftier price tag than other Atlanta suburbs, Roswell is a highly sought-after community, due in part to its countless outdoor amenities. From the running trails of Vickery Creek Basin and cycling paths alongside the Chattahoochee River to the playgrounds, parks and sports complexes, you can easily make the most of the city’s 221 sunny days per year. All these amenities and more helped land Roswell on our list of The 25 Best Places To Live in the Southeast.

What is there to do in Roswell?

Wondering what there is to do in Roswell? We’re glad you asked. If we were to craft the perfect itinerary for a weekend in the city, we’d start you off with a walking tour to hit the more notable highlights of the city, such as its historic homes and breathtaking gardens. The Greek Revival architecture of Barrington Hall and ruins of the Roswell Manufacturing Company mills along Vickery Creek are two must-sees, especially for those with a penchant for history. Grab a bite to eat at Dreamland BBQ or 1920 Tavern before making plans to attend the various upcoming festivals in the city, such as Roswell Roots, Roswell Beer Festival or Back to Your Roots Farm Fair.

Savannah

Forsyth Park in Savannah, GA. The combination of history and natural beauty make Savannah one of the best places to live in Georgia.
iStock/SeanPavonePhoto
Forsyth Park in Savannah, GA.

Why is Savannah one of the great cities to live in Georgia?

Is there anyone who doesn’t long to spend their days in the striking coastal city of Savannah, GA? Known across the country for its antebellum architecture, horse-drawn carriages and picturesque oak trees draped with Spanish moss, this treasured city looks like it was inspired by an age-old fairy tale. The illustrious history, stunning natural beauty and incredible array of arts and culture make Savannah a highly desirable place to live, work and play for people of all ages — handily one of the best places to live in Georgia. 

Narrowing down the reasons you might want to live in this historic town is no simple feat. Savannah is more affordable than many other U.S. cities of similar size, which makes it attractive as a potential relocation destination. It has a thriving tourism economy and more events, activities and festivals than you can count. It also is among the country’s top foodie cities. From freshly caught seafood and soul food to inventive cocktails and local craft brews, Savannah is the place to be if you love a good meal, drinks with friends or local farm-to-table fare. 

And despite its wealth of history, Savannah is a thoroughly modern city. Home to the renowned Savannah College of Art and Design, Savannah landed on Livability’s list of 5 Fashion-Forward Cities That Aren’t New York or L.A.

What outdoor activities are in Savannah?

If you’re itching to spend your time outside in Savannah, you’ll find no shortage of opportunities. Wandering the historic, tree-lined streets is arguably one of the most beloved pastimes of the locals, especially when the gardens are in bloom. But if you have a hankering for something a little more adventurous, you could always hop in the car and drive 20 minutes to Tybee Island. With five miles of scenic beaches, biking trails, saltwater marshes and a more than satisfactory number of local shops and restaurants, this is hands-down one of the best ways to soak up the sun as a local.

Warner Robins

Visitors spend time in the outdoor patio area at Tap and Pour in Warner Robins, GA. There's no shortage of things to do in Warner Robins, making a great city to live in.
©Journal Communications/Jeff Adkins
Visitors spend time in the outdoor patio area at Tap and Pour in Warner Robins, GA.

Why Warner Robins is a best city in Georgia

Playfully nicknamed the “Home of Planes, Trains and Heroes,” Warner Robins, GA, is the state’s eleventh largest city with around 80,000 inhabitants. The city also happens to be home to the Robins Air Force Base, the Museum of Aviation, and the Southeast Regional Little League Headquarters. It was even given the title of “Official Best Family Fun Destination in Georgia” in 2019, and it’s a perfect match for military families. With attractions such as the Elberta Train Depot and Mildred’s Country Store, it’s easy enough to see why. There’s more than enough to do. It’s just a matter of how you’re going to squeeze it all in.

Residents love the variety of activities, events and amenities available in their hometown. From local treasures like Fincher’s BBQ and Black Barley Kitchen and Tap House to the boisterous and fun-filled Rigby’s Entertainment Complex and Rigby’s Water World, you can spend your days indulging in everything from fine dining to summer splashing. The World War II Heritage Trail is another regional pastime, with two of the 10 sites (Museum of Aviation and Georgia Aviation Hall of Fame) available to explore right in the heart of Warner Robins. 

What are some family-friendly things to do in Warner Robins? 

Sports are a big draw in Warner Robins, from traditional ball games like baseball, basketball, football and volleyball, to unconventional sports like pickleball, martial arts and disc golf. There are more than 12 neighborhood parks within Warner Robins, offering ample opportunity for walking, cycling and picnicking. But Rigby’s Entertainment Complex and Rigby’s Water World are two other popular haunts for local families. The Entertainment Complex includes everything from skating and go-carts to laser tag and mini golf, while the 23 acre water park is home to 17 slides, a lazy river, lagoon and multiple cabana rentals.

Thinking of Moving to Georgia

Choosing a great place to live in Georgia may feel like an overwhelming task, but it doesn’t have to be a burden. We have plenty of resources available for anyone who is interested in moving to Georgia or any of the other best places to live in the Southeast. Regardless of where you want to go, we can help you decide where to move and uncover the best places to live in the U.S.

Other Great Places To Live Near Georgia

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