From natural beauty to white-sand beaches, unbelievable mountain views, and lush forests, Peach City is a fantastic place for anyone to live. As a young professional or family individual, you will find some of the best cities to live in, GA, in the entire southeastern region of the United States.
With a population of about 11,029,2227 in Georgia, its capital city, Atlanta, ranks 8th as the most populated metropolitan area in the U.S. Judging by all the great allure in the town, it's easy for anyone to opt for the Empire State of the South.
If you are planning a move and Georgia is your go-to state, you'll want to live in some of the best cities with a bustling or serene lifestyle.
Let's walk you through the best ten cities in Georgia to live in 2024.
Quick Overview:
● Atlanta | Best for Young Professionals with Active Lifestyle
● Athens | Best College town
● Alpharetta | Perfect for Families
● Rome | Nice Cuisines and Restaurants
● Roswell | Most Recreational-Friendly City
● Johns Creek | Best for raising a family
● Milton | Most Expensive Neighborhood
● Savannah | Most Touristic City
● Blue Ridge | Best for Mountain Town Loving Folks
● Peachtree City | Safest City to Live In
1. Atlanta
Welcome to the top city in Georgia, the state's capital. Atlanta offers the big-city living every young professional or growing family wants. It has many entertainment options, from booming nightlife to pro sports and diverse cuisines—you will find it all here.
As you'd expect, living here is a costly undertaking. The cost of living in Atlanta is about 13% higher than the national average, but it's perfectly okay because it's The Big Peach. Being a continuously growing city, robust job opportunities are joint, and what you make is relatively able to cover necessary expenses.
Any young adult looking to spice up their lifestyle coupled with a working career might want to make Atlanta their pick. When you decide, you can ease the stress of relocating by hiring any moving company within the city to improve your transition.
If you won't be moving around the city in a private car, don't worry. Atlanta is gradually becoming an extremely bikeable city with the construction of paved 33 miles of trails. When finished, it could become the perfect way to escape the terrible traffic in the city.
● Population: 498,715
● Crime rate: High
● Average Home Rent: $1,813
● Average Home Sale Price: $360,500
● Median Household Income: $118,074
● Known For Big-City Living, Skyscrapers, Pro Sports
2. Athens
Home to one of the country's oldest higher institutions of learning, the University of Georgia, Athens, brings most residents a fun and entertaining lifestyle. If you are a music fan, local venues like 40 Watt Club, the Georgia Theater, and the UGA Performing Arts Center might be favorite spots. For those traveling to and from the area, Athens airport offers convenient access to flights for both business and leisure.
Living here, many students and young professionals move around more often. The average age of residents in this city is 29, which is quite understandable due to the University.
Some must-visit areas within the city are the State Botanical Garden of Georgia and the Oconee Rivers Greenway. These places bring in tons of visitors and people looking to admire nature.
● Population: 215,415
● Crime rate: Low
● Average Home Rent: $1,637
● Average Home Sale Price: $310,000
● Median Household Income: $69,559
● Known For Live Music, Scenery Parks, and Low Cost of Living.
3. Alpharetta
26 miles from the state's capital, Alpharetta is the no. 1 go-to suburb in Georgia, offering residents the big city lure mixed with a small-town vibe. The town provides anyone here with a perfect blend of nightlife, diversity, music culture, family-friendliness, and extensive store options for shoppers.
If you are an outdoor individual, this town also has a place for you. There are a lot of arboretums where you can have a relaxing walk. Love to hike or bike? Then, Big Creek Greenway has your heart and soul.
Coming to this city as a family with kids, you will discover many neighborhoods like Windward have plenty of family-style homes to house you. Sadly, the cost of living here is high, but with a low unemployment rate in town, it tends to balance it out.
● Population: 67,267
● Crime rate: Low
● Average Home Rent: $1,975
● Average Home Sale Price: $636,900
● Median Household Income: $180,131
● Known For: Family-friendliness, Plenty of Local Shops, Above Average Cost of Living.
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4. Rome
This city in Georgia might be missing its Colosseum, but its rich history remains intact. As a town with tons of boutiques, it caters for resident and visiting shoppers from around the globe.
While in Rome, GA, you can also spare some time to try the local cuisines; check out the restaurants, cafes, bakeries, and Delis. Plus, there are enough chain stores around.
Take advantage of the live music shows and art exhibits to offer you some fun time while here. If swimming, fishing, or kayaking is an outdoor activity you like, you'll enjoy the Coosa River, Etowah River, and Oostanaula River.
However, living costs are about 14% higher than the Georgian average. So, engage more in free activities like biking, hiking, picnicking, and walking, as they help you spend less and do more within Rome.
● Population: 37,713
● Crime rate: High
● Average Home Rent: $1,119
● Average Home Sale Price: $237,500
● Median Household Income: $64,443
● Known For Diversity, Amazing Local Shops,
5. Roswell
You might find your home in Roswell if you search for a small town with a big-city vibe. The almost two-century-old city offers its residents a quaint neighborhood and many traditional-style homes.
Choosing Roswell over other cities in Georgia means you welcome yourself to many outdoor activities, excellent public schools, and fine dining scenes. At the Chattahoochee River, you will find biking and hiking trails to help you experience some recreational fun.
Should history be your stuff? There's a lot of it here. Being an old town, you can explore the ruins of the burned mill building during the Civil War at Old Mill Park.
● Population: 92,883
● Crime rate: Low
● Average Home Rent: $1,730
● Average Home Sale Price: $585,000
● Median Household Income: $111,214
● Known For: Bike-friendly Community, Cotton Mill History.
6. Johns Creek
With a low crime index, top-rated schools, and a blossoming economy, Johns Creek is the best place for anyone looking to raise a family in Georgia. Residents of this town have diverse cultural backgrounds and a knack for friendliness and relatability.
In terms of safety, Johns Creek is among the best cities to live in, GA, about 77% safer than most in the U.S. It is the perfect settlement area to raise a family. However, the slight tradeoff for staying here would be the high cost of living, which is 13% higher than the U.S. average.
Besides that, you will find several fun activities around the city, from boating or fishing in the Chattahoochee River at the city's southern border to joining one of the several country clubs and enjoying indoor entertainment at spas, salons, and appealing restaurants.
● Population: 82,453
● Crime rate: Very Low
● Average Home Rent: $1,952
● Average Home Sale Price: $645,000
● Median Household Income: $159,454
● Known For Pet-friendly Parks, Low Crime Rates, Family-Friendly Neighborhoods.
7. Milton
Milton, the northern suburb of Atlanta, is home to some of the best public schools in the Georgia settlement. Ranking the schools, family compatibility, and diversity gives this city an A+ rating amongst the famous towns in Georgia.
Although living here means choosing one of the more pricey cities in Georgia, the residents will tell you only one thing—it's worth it!
Milton offers you tons of boutiques, antique shopping stores, and fine restaurants. If you are a travel blogger or do it as a hobby, it will interest you to know this city is a picturesque community. It attracts many luxury buyers and travelers looking to engage in golf or an equestrian lifestyle.
● Population: 41,290
● Crime rate: Very Low
● Average Home Rent: $2,016
● Average Home Sale Price: $970,000
● Median Household Income: $194,710
● Known for A picturesque community, best public schools, low crime rate, and equestrian heritage.
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8. Savannah
A glass of tourism; add a touch of history, mix a nice blend of rich cultural heritage, and an eclectic presence of natural beauty; what do you get? Savannah! It is often regarded as the best city in Georgia by tourists.
It is one of the best places to call home in Georgia. Savannah has the nickname "Hostess City of the South" for a reason. Sitting in the southeastern part of Georgia is a city with everything and more with a low cost of living—10% lower than the national average.
Choosing this city means choosing a scenic area with well-crafted houses. Unlike most other cities, the housing pattern of this neighborhood is primarily rentals, more than personally-owned homes.
● Population: 148,004
● Crime rate: Medium
● Average Home Rent: $1,657
● Average Home Sale Price: $338,500
● Median Household Income: $69,653
● Known For Tourism, Great Hospitality, Music Festivals.
9. Blue Ridge
Whether being in touch with nature is your hobby, staying at the Blue Ridge will teach you love for Mother Earth. The mountain town is perfect for all outdoor lovers. With hundreds of hiking trail miles and a stunning natural setting, you can unwind here.
The many new rental properties alongside restaurants and shops are a new trend following the Blue Ridge city. If you love wines and pumpkin farms, there's no second-guessing this city.
● Population: 1,253
● Crime rate: Low
● Average Home Rent: $2,800
● Average Home Sale Price: $675,000
● Median Household Income: $45,195
● Known for close Contact with nature, hiking trails, and high mountains.
10. Peachtree City
Located in the South metro Atlanta part of Georgia, Peachtree City in Fayette County is scenic.
If you are looking for a quiet and calm neighborhood with little going on, Peachtree City should be your choice. The town is often referred to as one of the safest in Georgia, and it is among the top 5% in the country based on FBI data.
An interesting thing to note about Peachtree City is that you would come across many golf carts on the roads—it's legal there.
There's an ongoing development of the Pinewood Forest 15 miles south of the airport. This project will bring life and fun to the community; you could be among the first to experience it if you choose this city.
● Population: 39,562
● Crime rate: Very Low
● Average Home Rent: $1,778
● Average Home Sale Price: $530,000
● Median Household Income: $138,281
● Known for its low crime rate and golf carts on roads.
Final Words
When relocating to the Peach State, it's always advisable to know the best cities to live in, GA. Judge these cities by their safety, housing value, cost of living, unemployment rate, and the average income of residents.
Once you have all the details figured out, your decision will be easier. Remember, the cost of living in a specific city might be high, but always try to match it with the average earning amount of residents before ruling out a town.
Good luck!
