By If you’re looking for the best places to live in Georgia, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from. With a population of over 10 million people and growing, Georgia has many charming locations to offer, whether you prefer the energy of city life or the tranquility of a smaller community.
So, here are some of the best places to live in Georgia that you might want to consider.
With a population exceeding 10 million people and a constant increase every year, Georgia is an alluring destination for many. The Peach State offers a wide range of options for those seeking an urban or serene lifestyle, making it challenging to decide among the best places to live in Georgia.
Whether you prefer the vibrancy of city life or the tranquility of a smaller community, there are many charming locations in Georgia to consider.
The 11 Absolute Best Places to Live in Georgia
1. Alpharetta
If you’re looking for the best places to live in Georgia, Alpharetta is definitely worth considering. This suburban city, located about 25 miles north of Atlanta, has a population of just over 60,000 people. One of Alpharetta’s biggest attractions is the Avalon, a multi-use development that has become the central hub for shopping, dining, and events in the area. On weekends, you can enjoy morning yoga sessions, outdoor movies, and patio seating from the many bars and restaurants in the area.
In addition to the Avalon, Alpharetta also boasts a recently revitalized downtown area with fantastic options for hotels, coffee shops, and restaurants. With a median income of $92,839 and a median house value of $378,000, Alpharetta is one of the affluent suburbs in Northern Atlanta. Additionally, the city has a low crime rate, making it a great place to raise a family.
2. Canton/Holly Springs
Canton and the adjacent Holly Springs are excellent places for house hunters searching for a mid-sized suburb with a population of around 30,000 residents. The area spans nearly 20 square miles, and you’re likely to come across cows and horses as you drive around town. Canton boasts spacious lots, ample open spaces, and several parks, making it a popular choice for young families. Furthermore, the city has an outstanding school system, which is another reason why it’s highly favored by families.
Holly Springs, located one exit south of Canton on I-575, is also situated in central Cherokee County, making it another desirable location to consider.
3. Athens
If you’re seeking a town with a vibrant social scene, local events every weekend, unique restaurants, and all the perks of living in a college town, then Athens may be the perfect place for you. Located an hour’s drive from Atlanta, Athens offers all the benefits of a major metropolitan area without the traffic.
In addition to its energetic nightlife and college town charm, Athens is also very affordable when it comes to housing. Despite being within walking distance or a short drive from numerous dining options, local shops, breweries, and the beautiful University of Georgia campus, the median home value in Athens is just $180,000. So, you can enjoy all that this charming town has to offer without breaking the bank. And of course, as the locals would say, “Go Dawgs!”
4. Decatur
Decatur is a highly desirable place to live, especially for those who want to be within the perimeter highway I-285, known to the locals as “ITP.” With a population of around 29,000, Decatur has its own unique identity and charm, despite its proximity to downtown Atlanta.
In fact, Decatur is often ranked as one of the best places to live in Georgia, thanks in part to its excellent schools, family-friendly atmosphere, and vibrant nightlife. The small downtown area is bustling with local bars, restaurants, and shops that draw crowds daily, making it a favorite destination for locals.
While housing prices in Decatur are relatively high, with a median price of $482,500, residents agree that the cost is worth it for the exceptional quality of life that this city provides.
5. Gainesville
If you love spending time outdoors and being close to a popular lake, Gainesville might be the perfect place for you. This city of approximately 55,000 people is situated just a short distance from Lake Lanier, one of the most popular lakes in the entire country. In fact, Gainesville hosted the Olympic Games in 1996 and visitors can still visit the rowing venues along the banks of the lake. If you’re looking for a change of scenery, Atlanta is about an hour’s drive south, while the foothills of North Georgia mountains are only about an hour north.
Gainesville is also the primary business center for most of Northeast Georgia, making it a great place to live and work. With a median house price of under $290,000, it’s an affordable option for families.
6. Johns Creek
Johns Creek is an exceptional city that offers a unique living experience. It has earned an A+ rating from Niche.com with high scores for public schools and family-friendliness. With plenty of trails and parks, along with a lively restaurant and nightlife scene, there’s something for everyone in Johns Creek.
One of the major advantages of living in Johns Creek is the high level of safety compared to other suburbs of Atlanta. Residents appreciate the area’s gated communities, cleanliness, and security.
Johns Creek is also home to some of Atlanta’s most luxurious neighborhoods, including the exclusive St. Ives Country Club. As a result, it’s common to find multi-million dollar homes in this area. Although it’s a more expensive place to live, with a median property value of $610,000, residents believe the benefits of living in Johns Creek are well worth the cost.
7. Woodstock
Woodstock is a lively city located 30 miles north of Atlanta with a population of over 30,000 and an area spanning more than 12 square miles. As a Georgia PlanFirst Community and a winner of the Georgia Municipal Association’s Live, Work, Play City Award, Woodstock is known for its bustling downtown area, world-class parks and trails, and a diverse range of small businesses and shopping destinations.
Families are particularly drawn to Woodstock due to its top-rated schools, low crime rate, and abundance of parks and outdoor spaces. With a median home value of around $415,000, Woodstock is an affordable yet thriving community to call home.
8. East Cobb (Roswell & Marietta)
Marietta, with a population of approximately 60,000 people, is an ideal location for those who prefer living in a suburb that is a short drive from Atlanta. This city offers museums, theaters, and 18 parks, making it an excellent place for families or anyone who enjoys exploring new places. Moreover, Marietta’s median home price is just over $365,000, which is relatively affordable compared to other Atlanta suburbs.
Roswell, which is nearby Marietta, is a bit pricier, but it is known for its 18 parks and incredible historic district. This district is famous across the country, and locals regularly take walking tours of it. Additionally, on every third Thursday from April to October, you can attend “Alive in Roswell,” a family-friendly festival that takes place each month in historic Roswell. The festival features live music, food trucks, vendors, and more, making it an enjoyable event for everyone.
9. Peachtree City
Peachtree City lives up to its name as a charming and picturesque suburb that’s been recognized as one of the best places to live in Georgia. In fact, it was recently included in Expedia’s list of the “19 Cities That Must Be Seen in 2019”. The city is also renowned for its safety, being considered one of the safest in Georgia and within the top fifth percentile for the whole country based on FBI data.
One unique aspect of Peachtree City is that it’s legal to drive golf carts, a mode of transportation that many residents take advantage of. Additionally, the city is home to the newly developed Pinewood Forest, a planned community located just 15 miles south of the airport that boasts some of the most skilled architects in the region. Another must-see is the Trillith Community, which is partially owned by the founders of Chick-Fil-A.
10. Blue Ridge
Blue Ridge, Georgia is a picturesque mountain town nestled at the foothills of the Chattahoochee National Forest. It boasts of a delightful downtown area, unique shopping options, stunning hiking trails, and breathtaking scenery. Historically, Blue Ridge has been a favorite getaway spot for people from Atlanta seeking relaxation and tranquility. However, since the onset of COVID-19, the Blue Ridge mountain area has experienced tremendous growth, with numerous new Airbnb properties, restaurants, and shops cropping up in the vicinity.
Furthermore, it is in close proximity to renowned wineries, pumpkin farms, and apple orchards. If you’re considering relocating to Georgia and desire to live near the mountains, Blue Ridge should undoubtedly be at the top of your list.
11. Suwanee
Last but not least, Suwanee, with a population of 19,000, may be the smallest town on our list, but its residents are proud to call it home. The town is served by the Gwinnett County School District, which is highly rated, and the median home price is around $290,000. Suwanee Town Center Park is a beautiful venue that hosts a variety of events throughout the year, and there are plenty of other options for entertainment in the area.
