Georgia is a state of charm, diversity, and opportunity. It is the land of busy cities, calm suburbs, and peaceful countryside. From historic towns to fast-growing metro areas, Georgia has everything to offer to every person. Here’s a close-up look at the best places to live in Georgia, which is full of unique stats and insights.
Best Cities to Live in Georgia
1. Atlanta: The Capital Hub
Atlanta is the capital and largest city of Georgia. Its population is approximately 500,000. The Atlanta metro area, however, has over 6 million people, making it one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the United States.
The job market is booming in Atlanta. Major headquarters of companies such as Coca-Cola, Delta Air Lines, and Home Depot are in Atlanta. This city ranks 7th among all U.S. cities for Fortune 500 company headquarters.
Cost of Living in Atlanta
The median home price in the city is $395,000. Rent averages $1,800 per month for a one-bedroom apartment. Suburban areas like Sandy Springs and Alpharetta offer more affordable options.
Atlanta is also a cultural hub. It hosts more than 100 museums and art galleries. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the world’s busiest airport, with over 93 million passengers passing through every year.
2. Savannah: Southern Charm at Its Best
Savannah is famous for its cobblestone streets, historic squares, and beautiful parks. This coastal city has a population of about 150,000.
Tourism is a significant sector of Savannah’s economy. The city welcomes over 14 million visitors every year. The Port of Savannah is also an economic driver. It is the fastest-growing port in the United States and the third-largest by volume.
Cost of Living at Savannah
The cost of living in Savannah is relatively low. The median home price is around $290,000. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment averages $1,300 per month.
Savannakhas a healthy education system. Some of its top schools, like Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), attract international students.
3. Alpharetta: A City of Suburban Beauty
A family-friendly suburb 25 miles north of Atlanta, Alpharetta’s population is about 67,000.
The Alpharetta economy is technology-focused. The area boasts more than 700 companies focusing on technology. Median household income in Alpharetta is an incredible $120,000-very high, for that matter, in all of Georgia.
Cost of Living in Alpharetta
Homes in Alpharetta are new and large. The median home price is $590,000. The average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $2,200 per month.
There are plenty of parks and open spaces. Alpharetta has more than 750 acres of parkland. Avalon, a luxury shopping center, is another draw to the city.
4. Augusta: Home of the Masters
Augusta is known for hosting the Masters Golf Tournament. It is the second-largest city in Georgia, with a population of approximately 200,000.
Healthcare is a major component of Augusta’s economy. Augusta University and the Medical College of Georgia are among the city’s largest employers. The city is also a military town because of Fort Gordon.
Cost of Living in Augusta
The cost of living in Augusta is very low. The median home price is just $190,000. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment averages $1,000 per month.
August has lots of outdoor recreation. Enjoy the Savannah River and Phinizy Swamp Nature Park.
5. Athens: A College Town with Culture
Athens is a vibrant college town northeast of Atlanta. Its population is about 130,000. The University of Georgia (UGA) dominates the town’s culture and economy, boasting over 40,000 students.
Athens has a rich music culture. R.E.M. and the B-52s hail from this town.
Cost of Living
Housing is affordable in Athens, with a median home price of $280,000. Rent for an apartment with one bedroom is around $1,200 per month.
Athens also sports excellent public schools, considered some of the best in Clarke County.
6. Roswell: Historic Suburb
Roswell blends history with the best in modern amenities. The city lies 20 miles north of Atlanta, with approximately 95,000 people living there.
Roswell’s economy is diversified. The city is near Atlanta, so it is great for commuters. The median household income is $102,000.
Some historic sites are Bulloch Hall and the Roswell Mill. There are also more than 900 acres of parkland in Roswell.
Cost of Living at Roswell
Housing in Roswell is middle-of-the-range. The median home price is $460,000. Rent averages $1,800 per month.
7. Marietta: A Blend of Old and New
Marietta is a quaint city situated northwest of Atlanta. It has a population of about 60,000.
The heart of the city is Marietta Square. It hosts more than 100 events every year, including farmers’ markets and festivals.
Cost of Living
The median home price in Marietta is $420,000. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment averages $1,700 per month.
Education is a strong point. Marietta City Schools are among the top-rated in Georgia.
8. Peachtree City: Golf Cart Heaven
Peachtree City is unique. It features over 100 miles of golf cart paths. Its population is around 38,000.
The city has a high median household income of $105,000. Residents often use golf carts to commute, reducing traffic and pollution.
Cost of Living in Marietta
Homes in Peachtree City are spacious. The median home price is $500,000. Rent averages $2,100 per month.
Peachtree City is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Lakes, trails, and parks are abundant.
9. Columbus: Affordable and Growing
It sits along the Alabama border. The population is about 200,000.
The military presence is quite high here. Fort Benning employs over 40,000 people. The other major institution is Columbus State University.
Cost of Living at Columbus
The cost of living is extremely low in Columbus. The median home price is $180,000. Rent is about $950 per month.
There are numerous recreational activities offered in Columbus. The Chattahoochee RiverWalk stretches for 15 miles.
10. Duluth: A Small City with Big Appeal
Duluth is a suburb northeast of Atlanta. It has a population of approximately 30,000.
Duluth is quite diverse. More than 25% of its residents were born outside the United States. There’s a vibrant arts and culture scene.
Cost of Living in Duluth
The housing in Duluth is affordable. The median price of a home is $350,000. Rent is around $1,500 a month.
The city also features several parks. Taylor Park and Bunten Road Park are the most popular among the locals.
Conclusion
Georgia is an opportunity-rich and lifestyle-diverse state. Whether you are an urban lover, a historic admirer, or a peace-loving suburbanite, there is something here for everyone. Atlanta and Savannah offer a touch of culture and economic development. Alpharetta and Peachtree City provide family-friendly surroundings. Affordable cities like Augusta and Columbus fit budget-conscious citizens.
Each city has its charm and advantages. Georgia is not only a great state but also a place to live.
