Make like the birds and fly south! Georgia is a great place to set down roots with its subtropical climate, Southern hospitality, and amazing fresh-grown peaches and peanuts harvested right around the corner. The state offers a diverse landscape with anything from mountains and valleys to beautiful beaches. You can also live among rolling hills or in eclectic art-centered towns like Savannah. Some of the best places to live in Georgia make for both a safe and gorgeous home for young professionals and families alike.
Ranked as number 18 by U.S. News and World Report, the state of Georgia is a popular choice. With notable landmarks like Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (the world’s busiest airport), the bustling metropolitan city of Atlanta, premier higher education options, coastal cities, and more, there’s no wonder why it’s a popular choice.
According to a recent study, Georgia is the 7th most popular state that people are moving to. As for why, the top reason respondents gave was moving to take a new job in another state. Moving closer to family, lowering their cost of living, wanting to live in a new place, and a desire to be in a warmer climate make up the five biggest motives for a move.
The Peach State is filled with growing cities ranging from metropolitan to rural which makes for a different dynamic everywhere you go. StudyFinds turned to the experts to lend a helping hand by rounding up the best cities to live in Georgia. While narrowing down to five cities is tough, we’ve used expert opinions to put together this short list. If you think we missed your favorite spot, let us know in the comments below!
The List: Best Places to Live in Georgia, According to Expert Reviews
1. Alpharetta
This suburban city is known for being affluent, safe, and features many unique options for residents like restaurants, shopping, and other entertainment. We’re not kidding when we say affluent. “Homes average $392,200, making them the sixth most expensive in the state; that equates to a high desire to live there,” says the Atlanta Journal Constitution, “And residents take home nearly double the median household income of Georgians, earning $105,908 annually.”
But residents seem to get their money’s worth. “One of the big highlights of this area is the Avalon which opened in 2014. This multi-use development has become the center for shopping, dining and events for those in this city and surrounding areas,” notes Simple Showing.
“Real estate is on the rise, and the area has been named among the best suburbs in America multiple times. Properties here are expensive but well worth the price, as this is a place one can remain for the entirety of their lives,” writes a reviewer on Niche.
Homeia lists the best Alpharetta neighborhoods as: Windward, City Center, and Avalon. With the city being in Fulton County and just 25 miles away from Atlanta, Alpharetta is a great suburban option for those looking for a place to call their permanent home.
2. Johns Creek
Another suburb of Atlanta, Johns Creek is another popular choice. There’s a reason why it’s a close second to Alpharetta listed above. It was a former city of Alpharetta, until it became its own entity in 2006, according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution.
It’s known for having some of the best schools in the state and a low crime rate. “The property crime rate is 75% lower than the national average, while the rate of violent crime is a welcomed 90% lower,” adds The Crazy Tourist.
Zumper lists it as “Best city in Georgia for outdoor recreation,” saying: “No matter your choice of recreation, residents agree that Johns Creek has something for everyone, with hundreds of acres of hiking and walking trails, an Art Center, golf courses, and the North Atlanta Dance Theater.”
Love to Know agrees, also noting it’s a great option for families. “For a family lifestyle, especially one that enjoys being out in nature, you’ll find hiking/walking trails thanks to over 400 acres of parkland. This expansive nature reserve includes parts of the Chattahoochee River, and occasional outdoor concerts are held that your family is sure to enjoy.
What about Buford?
Well…I think this article should be titled “Best Places to live around Atlanta”…NOT Georgia. A couple of areas such as Decatur & Atlanta has seen nothing but crime spikes. There are lots of communities in GA that is around Columbia County, Columbus, & Savannah that is much more desirable than a couple of those mentioned.
What about Cumming right next to Alpharetta?
You forgot to mention hospitals and over all quality of life. Georgia’s Healthcare system leaves a lot to be desired. The crime rate in Atlanta is on the rise. They have twenty six state colleges and only six are seeing increase in enrollment. There is a lot about Georgia that is not so good that you left out.
I agree. Georgia has a terrible healthcare system. There are no rent control laws so landlords can double rent just because they feel like it. Georgia’s laws favor the wealthy. Middle and low income families struggle. The state’s public education system is one of the worst in the nation. Traffic is horrible.
Move Please
There are some of the best ranked hospitals anywhere in Ga and I can tell from experience my husband had poor health. Maybe people are realizing a college degree is not always required for a good life.
1000% agree healthcare system
Great article! If there were a spot for a city outside of the Atlanta metro, then I think Warner Robins, GA would have made the list. We are the latest city in Middle Georgia, high median salaries, home to the number one industrial employer in the State (Robins Air Force Base), high property values, low crime rates and overall, a great quality of life. Over the next 5 years, the City known as the “International City” will be working hard to get on your list.
Plus Bucee’s is there now with high-paying jobs!
Great article! If there were a spot for a city outside of the Atlanta metro, then I think Warner Robins, GA would have made the list. We are the largest city in Middle Georgia, we have high median salaries, we’re home to the number one industrial employer in the State (Robins Air Force Base), we have high property values, low crime rates and overall, a great quality of life. Over the next 5 years, the City known as the “International City,” based on the historical diversity in our community since it’s beginning 80 years ago, will be working hard to get on your list.
All three are in metro Atlanta.
Crime and traffic were not mentioned
I could not find a # 1 or #2.
This is why there are 2 Georgia’s.
Atlanta and the rest of Georgia !
1 is Alpharetta and 2 is Johns Creek. They were on the first page of the article.
I love in Villa Rica, GA which is fairly small, low to no crime, great schools, quiet and peaceful. I hope to see it make the list next time.
What happened to number one and number 2???
They are on the first page. Alpharetta and Johns Creek.
If you were going to say Savannah Ga. I will be the first to tell you. DO NOT MOVE to Savannah Ga. It is called Slowvannah even by the locals. They are stuck back in the 50’s. I is a tourist town. No industry, no big jobs, it’s basically a poor city. With lots of poor people and it’s a shame! You think you will get quality heathcare.. NO!!! Ok to visit if you’re a tourist. The have warmer days than ATL and it’s burbs. However, it’s not a first choice . John’s Creek and Alpharetta are north of Atlanta. Not Atlanta but a affluent suburb of Atlanta. Atlanta’s crime, is in ATLANTA. Someone mentioned the Healthcare. Better than Savannah, Ga.
Carefully consider these stories about what city is a great place to live.
this is such crap. The wages for medium skilled is horrific the medical system is Medicare the meth and gun violence does not make it safe in the barrow Jackson hall area which includes universities. There is nothing for retirees for resources or care. Regret moving here and leaving 2 years later.
Think your moving is a great idea. There will be plenty to replace you!
As someone who lives in Metro Atlanta I disagree with the choices except for Canton. But with the growth of that area it won’t be long until the crime increases there. Alpharetta and Johns Creek are where the Doctors and Lawyers of Atlanta like to live. Try to find a house under 750,000 isn’t gonna happen in those areas. Areas like Blairsville and Ellijay would be more acceptable to what Ga is supposed to be in North Georgia.
I live in Alpharetta we are not doctors or lawyers we just have a combined income that allows us to live in this area. It’s safe and close to everything.
Not sure why Atlanta and Decatur is on this list because the crime rate is high Buckhead used to be safe and now it’s not. Lenox mall has police and guard dogs at almost every store.
I would say Alpharetta of course, Canton and Woodstock are all around good places based on safety which is number one for us and conveniently located.
I live in Tifton, Ga. Atlanta is the dirt bag of the South. You dont live in Atlanta, you survive Atlanta. The crime, the traffic, Atlanta is a pure sewer dump. You didnt mention even one town in the mountains, like Blairsville, Blue Ridge, etc. Your “experts” must be watching too much kiddie channels on tv.
Yet people continue to move here, you hillbillies complain about Atlanta but if you take Atlanta out of Georgia you’re left with Mississippi, the majority of the taxes in this state are paid by Atlanta and it’s 20 county metro area, I can assure you that no one and I mean no one wants to move to Tifton or south Georgia for that matter
Warner Robins is right up there with the “Best of The Best!”
They are Alpharetta 1 and John’s creek 2
Are you people doing chemicals??? Atlanta? You have never experienced this crap hole of the south or you would not even say this
Canton would be ok but the other four I would be ashamed to mention. I do not think you would know quality of life even if it slapped you up the side of your head.
Please don’t move here. We are all full.
How about Statesboro or Savannah?
You have got to be kidding! Rent is high, housing is high. I have found cheaper rent and housing listings in New York. You have to drive everywhere because the rail system is inadequate due to racial prejudices when it was first voted on. ( I was here then as an adult) crime is crazy, and the native Georgians are very cliches (s.p.) Georgia taxes everything except how often you use the restroom. Please. Do more real research on this place.
Atlanta overall is Trash! Crime is horrific! Traffic is Insane. Hate I moved here. Raising a child here is pure non sense! It has been going down for a while. They build houses and apts on tip of each other..not enough schools. All Atlanta is is just about money.