Americans love Georgia! And why wouldn’t you? Around 388,422 people moved to Georgia in 2023. This was mainly because the state has a booming job market and a top-rated education system.
Apart from beautiful scenery, Georgia offers affordable living. The cost of living in the ‘Peach State’ is 10% lower than the national average. Moreover, Georgia is home to the headquarters of several big corporations, including Coca-Cola, Delta, Home Depot, and UPS.
With 14% of the Georgian population aged 20-29 years, the state is a perfect place for young professionals. Let’s explore the best places to live in Georgia.
Best Places to Live in Georgia in 2024
Here’s our ranking of the top places to live in Georgia. We’ve considered the community well-being score, median home price, monthly expenses, and the population of the cities.
| # | City | Population | Median Home Price | Monthly Expenses | Community Well-Being Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Columbus | 201,877 | $225,000 | $6,179 | 53/100 |
| 2. | Athens | 129,933 | $360,000 | $6,431 | 54/100 |
| 3. | Augusta | 205,414 | $200,000 | $6,483 | 55/100 |
| 4. | Alpharetta | 67,056 | $775,000 | $5,792 | 61/100 |
| 5. | Johns Creek | 81,108 | $782,500 | $5,051 | 52/100 |
| 6. | Savannah | 147,748 | $345,000 | $3,817 | 60/100 |
| 7. | Atlanta | 510,823 | $429,995 | $7,709 | 61/100 |
| 8 | Roswell | 91,706 | $680,000 | $7,709 | 61/100 |
| 9 | Peachtree City | 40,193 | $617,50 | $7,295 | 59/100 |
| 10 | Marietta | 62,769 | $462,500 | $7,295 | 55/100 |
10 Best Places to Live in Georgia
Here’s our list of the top 10 cities that offer comfortable living options in the Peach State:
#1 Columbus
Columbus is one of the best areas to live in Georgia.
- Median Home Price: $225,000.[2]
- Median Household Income in Columbus: $54,561.[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 53/100.[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in the Columbus, GA: 31904 | 31907 | 31903
Columbus is the center of banks and insurance companies. Major employers in Columbus include Aflac, Synovus, and TSYS. The utility costs in the city are 13% lower than the national average.
Also, the city offers many options to enjoy like free concerts, shopping districts, and huge farmer markets. The Columbus State University which is among the top 100 public schools in the country, makes the city ideal for students.
» Columbus Homes for Sale: View thousands of properties for sale in Columbus.
#2 Athens
Athens is one of the good places to live in Georgia.
- Median Home Price: $360,000.[2]
- Median Household Income in Athens: $47,798.[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 54/100.[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in the Athens, GA: 30606 | 30605 | 30601
Athens is famous for its thriving music scene. Bands like R.E.M. and the B-52s hail from the city, giving it a reputation as the “Live Music Capital of Georgia.” Residents also enjoy the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, historic districts, and many art galleries and theaters.
The average property tax in Athens is 1.02%, which is less than New York and Texas. Also, Athens is home to the prestigious University of Georgia, which offers huge educational opportunities to its residents.
» Athens Homes for Sale: Find your dream home online.
#3 Augusta
Augusta is one of the best cities to live in Georgia.
- Median Home Price: $200,000.[2]
- Median Household Income in Augusta: $50,492.[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 55/100.[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in the Augusta, GA: 30906 | 30909 | 30904
The living costs in Augusta are 13% lower than the national average. Augusta’s median house price is 32% lower than the national average. So, buying a house there is very affordable.
Augusta is popular for the National Golf Club, which hosts the annual Masters Tournament. Apart from this, the city is home to prestigious institutions like Augusta University and Paine College.
Also, the city’s Riverwalk and Phinizy Swamp Nature Park offer scenic, nature-filled spots. They blend nature with the urban environment.
» Augusta Homes for Sale: Find your dream home online.
#4 Alpharetta
Alpharetta is one of the best places to live in Georgia.
- Median Home Price: $775,000.[2]
- Median Household Income in Alpharetta: $141,402.[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 61/100.[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in the Alpharetta, GA: 30004 | 30009 | 30022
Alpharetta is known as a technology hub, with over 500 tech companies calling the city home. These include companies like LexisNexis, ADP, and Verizon Wireless, ideal for job seekers.
The average salary in Alpharetta is $85,000, and the cost of living is 5% below the national average.
Also, living in Alpharetta means your calendar is full of family gatherings and events. The city hosts the largest food festival in Georgia annually called “Taste of Alpharetta“. The event admits around 40,000 people for free.
» Alpharetta Homes for Sale: Find your dream home in Alpharetta.
#5 Johns Creek
Johns Creek is one of the top cities in Georgia to live.
- Median Home Price: $782,500.[2]
- Median Household Income in Johns Creek: $153,882.[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 52/100.[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in the Johns Creek, GA: 30097 | 30005 | 30024
Johns Creek is safer than 71% of the cities and towns in the US. The city is ideal for people seeking to live in safe suburbs with less traffic congestion and pollution. Also, companies like State Farm, Emory Healthcare, and Alcon contribute to the local economy.
The city is covered with green Georgia forests. Residents enjoy over 6,000 acres of green space. Popular parks, like Autrey Mill and the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, offer hiking, fishing, and nature trails.
» Johns Creek Homes for Sale: Find your perfect home in Johns Creek.
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#6 Savannah
Savannah is one of the best areas to live in Georgia.
- Median Home Price: $345,000.[2]
- Median Household Income in Savannah: $54,748.[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 60/100.[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in the Savannah, GA: 31401 | 31419 | 31405
The city of Savannah can never let its residents get bored. Live concerts, food festivals, museums, the city has got it all. Also, Savannah offers a blend of nature and history, with the National Historic Landmark District and beautiful landscapes.
The median home price in Savannah is 22% lower than the national average. Also, the city has zero estate tax, making it an ideal place for professionals and retirees.
» Savannah Homes for Sale: View the best properties in Savannah online.
#7 Atlanta
Atlanta is one of the good places to live in Georgia.
- Median Home Price: $429,995.[2]
- Median Household Income in Atlanta: $77,655.[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 61/100.[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in the Atlanta, GA: 30318 | 30310 | 30331
Atlanta is a growing metropolitan area with a cost of living 3% below the national average. The city has a rich history in the Civil Rights Movement, with landmarks like the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park.
The median age in Atlanta is 34 years. The city has a diverse economy. It is home to major employers, including Coca-Cola, Delta Air Lines, and Home Depot. These global companies make Atlanta ideal for job seekers.
The city is famous for its attractions. They include the Georgia Aquarium, the largest in the U.S., and Centennial Olympic Park, built for the 1996 Olympics.
» Atlanta Homes for Sale: Find your dream home on Houzeo.
#8 Roswell
Roswell is one of the best places to move in Georgia.
- Median Home Price: $680,000.[2]
- Median Household Income in Roswell: $122,924.[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 61/100.[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in the Roswell, GA: 30075 | 30076 | 30022
Roswell is known for its historic charm and natural beauty. It has antebellum homes and landmarks, like the Archibald Smith Plantation Home and Bulloch Hall.
The median home price in Roswell is 2% lower than the national average. Technology, healthcare, and education are rapidly growing sectors in the city.
Outdoor enthusiasts love the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. It’s perfect for hiking, kayaking, and picnicking. The city also has a strong arts scene, with the Roswell Cultural Arts Center hosting year-round performances.
» Roswell Homes for Sale: Explore beautiful properties available in Roswell.
#9 Peachtree City
Peachtree City is one of the best places to live in Georgia.
- Median Home Price: $617,50.[2]
- Median Household Income in Peachtree City: $111,850.[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 59/100.[6]
- Popular Zip Code in the Peachtree City, GA: 30269
Peachtree City offers a relaxed lifestyle and unique golf cart paths. The city features over 100 miles of multi-use paths, which are perfect for walking, biking, and, of course, golf carts.
Peachtree City is home to major employers in manufacturing, healthcare, and aviation. Top employers include Panasonic, Sany America, and Hoshizaki. The city is also featured on Georgia’s “Film Trail” because of its frequent appearances in movie productions.
Additionally, the city has highly rated schools and low crime rates, combined with abundant parks and lakes.
» Peachtree City Homes for Sale: Find your ideal home in Peachtree City.
#10 Marietta
Marietta is one of the best cities to live in Georgia.
- Median Home Price: $462,500.[2]
- Median Household Income in Marietta: $111,850.[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 59/100.[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in the Marietta, GA: 30064 | 30066 | 30062
Marietta combines Southern charm with modern convenience. The city is known for its vibrant downtown square, historic sites, and proximity to Atlanta.
Marietta also hosts several annual festivals and events, such as the Marietta StreetFest and the Taste of Marietta, fostering a strong community spirit. Notable landmarks in the area are the Gone with the Wind Museum and the Marietta History Center.
Healthcare, aerospace, and education are fast-growing sectors in the city. Major employers in Marietta include WellStar Health System, Lockheed Martin, and Cobb County School District.
» Marietta Homes for Sale: Browse available homes in Marietta.
Best Places to Live in Georgia Based on Demographics
We have researched the best places for single families, young professionals, and retirees. The cities are ranked on parameters like education, employment opportunities, and healthcare facilities.
| Demographic | #1 | #2 | #3 |
| Single Families | Johns Creek | Alpharetta | Milton |
| Young Professionals | Dunwoody | Sandy Springs | Atlanta |
| Retirees | St. Simons Island | Adairsville | Clarkesville |
Is Georgia the Right Place for Your Next Move?
Georgia is one of the best places to live in the US due to its low cost of living and great climate. Other things that contribute are its huge job market and excellent education system. Also, the housing prices are 21% lower than the national average.
With the current low mortgage rate of 6.05%, there is an increase in the home-buying demand in Georgia. So, to make your offer stand out from the competition, you must get a mortgage pre-approval.
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Research Methodology for Best Places to Live in Georgia
We considered different regions to rank the best places in Georgia. Comparison criteria for the best cities to live in Georgia and the information sources are as follows:
- Population: Georgia Demographics Report [1]
- Median Home Price: Redfin[2]
- Median Household Income: United States Census Bureau[3]
- Monthly Expenses: Economic Policy Institute[4]
- Unemployment Rate: US Bureau of Labor Statistics[5]
- Community Well-Being Score: Community Well-Being Index by Sharecare[6]
Additionally, we have listed the top cities in Georgia to live in for varying demographics. These include the best places to live for families, young adults, and retirees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Georgia a good place to live?
Yes, the Peach State is a good place to live and has a booming job market and a top-rated education system. Columbus, Athens, and Augusta are some of the best places in Georgia to live.
What is the best city to live in Georgia?
Athens is one of the best cities in Georgia. It offers affordable housing and excellent educational opportunities.
What are the nicest parts of Georgia to live in?
Georgia is home to several of the nicest places to live. They include cities like Roswell, Johns Creek, and Atlanta.
Where is the nicest but cheapest place to live in Georgia?
Augusta is one of the nicest and cheapest places to live in Georgia. It has a cost of living 13% below the national average.
