If you’re exploring the best places to live in Georgia with an eye toward moving there, you’re not alone. The secret sauce of this sprawling, diverse state is definitely out as more and more people flock to its cities, farmland, beaches, and mountains. And with a jump of more than 116,000 residents just in the past year, the Peach State is now among a select group of states that have crossed the 11 million mark in population.
All signs point to ongoing expansion of Georgia’s population explosion, too, as the South keeps pace as the fastest-growing region in the U.S. with 87 percent of all U.S. growth. In fact, in 2023, Georgia experienced the fourth-highest growth in the nation as more people found their way to the best places to live in GA.
But enough with the nerdy numbers. Why are people moving here and where are the most popular Georgia cities and towns? Let’s find out!
Mild winters, friendly neighbors, a low cost of living, and delicious Southern home-cookin’ are just some of the reasons people move to the Peach State. From urban Atlanta to historic Savannah, there’s a long list of best cities to live in Georgia.
Just 25 miles north of Atlanta, Alpharetta gives residents easy access to the big city while still offering the pleasures of small-town life. It’s rated No. 2 on Niche’s “Best Places to Live in Georgia” list, and its public schools, housing, family-friendliness, nightlife, and diversity all receive an A- grade or better. So it’s no wonder more than 67,000 Georgians choose to call Alpharetta home.
In this town, you’ll find music venues, restaurants, and a variety of shopping opportunities (more than 250 shops in a 5-mile radius, in fact). Meet up with friends at one of the local breweries (Jekyll Brewing has a rooftop bar on Academy Street), or try your luck at one of the escape rooms in town. And for the outdoorsy, there’s Big Creek Greenway where you can hike and bike to your heart’s content, or visit one of the many Alpharetta arboretums for a relaxing walk through native Georgia greenery.
The only potential downside of Alpharetta is the cost of living. Not only is it higher than the U.S. average, but it even exceeds the state average (by close to 20 percent!). But then again, Alpharetta has so much to offer as one of the best cities to live in Georgia, we think it’s worth it.
Nestled in the northwest Georgia foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Rome is about halfway between Atlanta and Chattanooga. This Rome doesn’t have a Colosseum, but it is home to more than 38,000 residents, and this charming city will make you wonder why you didn’t move to Georgia sooner.
The historic downtown welcomes shoppers and diners to boutiques and local restaurants, delis, bakeries, and cafes. We suggest Cosmic Dog Outpost for a riverside beer garden experience or Duffy’s Deli for Rome’s famous chicken salad (since 1978). There are also some chain favorites in town, so you won’t have to give up your protein shakes at Smoothie King or Friday pizza nights at Mellow Mushroom.
In addition to checking out art exhibits and live music shows, locals can swim, kayak, or fish in the three rivers that run through Rome — the Coosa, Oostanaula, and Etowah. There are also more than two dozen parks in town, popular for hiking, biking, walking, picnicking, and the like. And for those looking for higher education opportunities, just outside of the city limits you’ll find Berry College, an independent coeducational institution that’s been providing students with a liberal arts education for more than a century. In addition to having the largest college campus in the world, at 27,000 acres, it’s just plain gorgeous.
It’s also important to note that the cost of living in Rome is about 14 percent lower than the Georgia average (and about 19 percent lower than the national average!). Housing, groceries, transportation, and other miscellaneous expenses become notably more affordable once you settle in Rome — another reason it’s considered one of the best places to live in Georgia.
Q: What is the healthiest place to live in Georgia?
A: Sandy Springs was named the 16th-healthiest in America in 2024 by Niche. And although we’re not going to argue with that, of course, we think that almost all of Georgia has the potential to unseat Sandy Springs. From cozy spots in the North Georgia mountains to the laid-back beach vibe of the coast, Georgia cities offer an abundance of outdoor options to keep you active and healthy.
Home to the University of Georgia, Athens (or the “Classic City,” as it’s known) is consistently named to various “Best College Towns in America” lists, including Southern Living’s prestigious honors in 2022. What’s more, the cost of living is lower than the Georgia average, making Athens an affordable place to live. But a lower cost of living and a higher education are just a small part of what makes Athens one of the best cities in Georgia.
The local music and entertainment scene is impressive, which is no surprise once you realize that bands like R.E.M., Drive-By Truckers, The B-52s, and Widespread Panic all made their start right here in Athens. And today, you can still catch amazing live music — from up-and-comers to big name acts — at local venues like Georgia Theatre and 40 Watt Club. If you’re looking for something a little less rock ’n’ roll, head over to The Classic Center or UGA Performing Arts Center for Broadway shows, instrumental and classical music, comedy showcases, and more. And we can’t forget the summer festivals — the Sunflower Concert Series and AthFest, to name just two.
In addition to local parks and the must-visit State Botanical Garden of Georgia, there’s the Oconee Rivers Greenway, where visitors can bike, hike, kayak, fish, and more. And the local art scene will have you touring the Georgia Museum of Art, perusing downtown boutiques and galleries, and searching for the dozens of bulldog statues that have been installed throughout the city in celebration of the UGA mascot, Uga XI. We’re pretty sure he thinks his hometown is the best place to live in Georgia. Go Dawgs!
Savannah is a dream — almost surreal and ever mysterious, filled with beautiful oaks cloaked in Spanish moss, historic architecture, grand fountains decorating city parks, and those famous blooming azaleas. Add to that world-class dining plus the vibrant Savannah’s Waterfront, and it’s no wonder Savannah is one of the best places to live in Georgia!
Contrary to what you may expect from a tourist town that attracts millions of visitors each year, Savannah has a surprisingly low cost of living — nearly 10 percent below the national average. Not bad for one of the most popular Georgia cities.
Stunning mansions line many of this Southern city’s oak-shaded streets, but you can still find homes that are affordable and pretty darn cute, if you ask us. From bungalows and craftsman houses to townhomes and estates, there’s something for everyone in Savannah. And there are plenty of rentals, too. As a matter of fact, a little more than half of Savannah’s nearly 150,000 residents rent their homes rather than own.
Outdoor activities include strolling along River Street, beaching it up at Tybee Island (20 minutes from the downtown Historic District), and exploring the 100-acre (and centuries old) Bonaventure Cemetery, of “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil” fame. And history buffs won’t want to miss out on the plethora of historic architecture and religious sites (some of the oldest in the South).
Dining is another reason Savannah is one of the best cities to live in Georgia. Favorites of the PODS Blog staff include Alligator Soul for an upscale experience, The Olde Pink House for a Savannah classic, and Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room for down-home Southern chow.
Q: What is the most beautiful city to live in Georgia?
A: Savannah, GA, has the honor of being called the most beautiful city in Georgia and the second most beautiful city in America, according to Forbes. We couldn't agree more.
Less than 30 minutes north of Atlanta, Sandy Springs has a lot going for it. Many Fortune 500 companies are based here, and it’s home to the headquarters of UPS and Mercedes-Benz USA (and then some). In short, Sandy Springs is a business hub, making it a great city to live and work. The cost of living is almost 20 percent higher than Georgia’s average, but that hasn’t deterred the city’s more than 105,000 residents. It helps that the Sandy Springs median household income, at $93,300, is a solid $20,000 more than the state’s median.
The Chattahoochee River creates the north and west borders of the city, providing endless opportunities for residents to get out on the water. There’s ample green space, including more than two dozen parks and the Abernathy Greenway, where locals can bike or stroll through Georgia’s natural beauty. And downtown, you’ll find Heritage Sandy Springs, home to the local history museum and the city’s namesake springs. With all this nature and outdoor recreation, it’s no wonder Sandy Springs was named the 16th healthiest place to live in America by Niche.
St. Simons Island is one of the most romantic places to live in the Southeast. The largest in a string of barrier islands off the Southeast Georgia coast called the Golden Isles, St. Simons is a favored resort getaway for vacationers from all over Georgia — and the U.S., for that matter. And for good reason: About an hour and a half from Jacksonville to the south and Savannah to the north, this is island life turned up to the max, with a leisurely pace of life, immaculate beaches, and enough entertainment to keep you thrilled every day of the year.
For a resort town, the cost of living is comparatively reasonable at about 4 percent lower than the rest of Georgia and 9 percent lower than the rest of the U.S. Buying a home here will cost you, though, and jobs are somewhat scarce in the off season, with an unemployment rate of 4 percent. But if you’re a fan of laid-back beach living and don’t mind summer humidity and heat (but with a lovely sea breeze!), this may be your cup of tea.
Travel + Leisure ranked St. Simons, along with its neighbors Jekyll Island, Little St. Simons Island, and Sea Island, as the best islands in the Continental U.S. High praise for the Peach State! Its antique shops, galleries, boutiques, and southern culinary delights are of particular note. And you might be surprised at the volume of restaurants on the island — more than 70! Some favorites for locally sourced treats: Georgia Sea Grill and Iguanas Seafood Restaurant (try the shrimp-anything).
Q: Is Georgia a good place to move to?
A: Georgia is such a diverse state — so different from city to city in cultural, geographic, and lifestyle characteristics — that the answer is an enthusiastic “yes.” The Peach State offers a blend of Southern charm, sophisticated urban living, picturesque mountain towns, island paradises, and rich (if complicated) history.
If you’re looking for big-city living in Georgia, Atlanta is where you need to be. Sometimes called the New York of the South, this Southern capital is home to nearly half a million people, with more than 6 million residents in the Atlanta metro area. Skyscrapers, booming nightlife, incredible dining and shopping, pro sports, live entertainment. Atlanta’s on a different level, and that’s why people love it here! In fact, Atlanta ranks No. 17 on Niche’s “Best Cities for Young Professionals” list — in the country.
Moving to Atlanta, you won’t stay a lonely newcomer for long. Georgia’s friendly Southern hospitality is commonplace even in this uber-urban setting. And if you’re willing to strike up a conversation with your neighbors, you’ll find new buddies in no time. Basically, there are nearly endless reasons why so many residents believe the ATL is the best place to live in Georgia.
And guess what? The ATL is about to become very bikeable. Currently underway is the Atlanta Beltline, a repurposing of the 22-mile historic railway loop around downtown into a paved multi-use path, lined with art installations and native greenery. Once complete, it’ll connect 45 in-town Atlanta neighborhoods and will include 1,300 acres of new greenspace and 33 miles of trails. The Northside, Westside, Eastside, and West End trails are already finished, and the entire project is estimated to be complete in 2030.
The cost of living in The Big Peach is more than 13 percent above the national average and 20 percent higher than the rest of the state. But while that’s more expensive than a lot of other places on our list, it’s not bad for life in the big city. Atlanta traffic, on the other hand, is just as bad, or maybe worse, than you’d expect.
Winters here are mild, but you still have to contend with hot, humid summers, and the allergy season is nothing to sneeze at — or rather, it’s most definitely something to sneeze at, as Atlanta is a city lush with gardens and trees and, therefore, seasonal pollen. Luckily, you’ll have easy access to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, so you can take a trip to somewhere a little less pollen-heavy if you need to.
Johns Creek is a suburb less than 30 miles north of Atlanta. It’s one of the best places to live in Georgia for families — actually, that’s an understatement. Johns Creek was rated by Niche as the No. 1 best place to raise a family in Georgia, with A- ratings or better for its public schools, housing, nightlife, and diversity. It also received excellent safety marks from NeighborhoodScout, which found Johns Creek to be safer than 71 percent of U.S. cities. Overall, we’d say this is one of the very best towns to live in Georgia. But with such high marks, it may not surprise you that the cost of living in Johns Creek is more than 13 percent higher than the U.S. average (and almost 20 percent higher than in the rest of Georgia).
The Chattahoochee River makes up the town’s southern boundary and is a popular place for locals to tube, boat, or fish. The Autrey Mill Nature Preserve and Heritage Center — with 46 acres of trails, creek, historic buildings, pavilions, and woodlands — is a great place for an afternoon hike or picnic.
There’s plenty to entertain you indoors, as well. The town has its fair share of local boutiques, salons, and spas. There are multiple country clubs and a wide variety of restaurants with menus to appease all palates. If you’re looking for a culture kick, check out the Johns Creek Chorale or the Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra. And remember: You always have easy Atlanta access.
Q: Where is the safest place to live in Georgia?
A: According to NeighborhoodScout, the tiny little town of Midville, Georgia, about an hour southwest of Augusta, is the safest place to live in Georgia. Out of the cities on our list, though, Johns Creek is the safest with a crime index of 71 (safer than 71 percent of cities in America).
Across the Chattahoochee River from Sandy Springs, you’ll find Roswell. This beautiful city is only 22 miles north of Atlanta and has been dubbed the No. 5 best suburb to live in all of Georgia. Home to more than 91,000 residents, Roswell is known for having great public schools, a plethora of outdoor recreation activities, and a delectable dining scene.
There’s a lot of history here, too. Roswell was founded in 1839 by Roswell King. He named the town after himself and, harnessing the power of the Chattahoochee River, opened the first cotton mill for the Roswell Manufacturing Company. Most of the mill buildings were burned during the Civil War, but visitors can explore the ruins at Old Mill Park. The park also has hiking trails and a pedestrian bridge over Vickery Creek that connects to the Chattahoochee River National Park trail.
If you’re looking for a night out on the town, you’re in the right place. Canton Street is where you’ll find sidewalk cafes and restaurants. There’s a variety of amazing dining options throughout Roswell, serving chef-driven cuisines from around the world. If craft beer (or even mead) is your scene, head to one of Roswell’s many breweries, and be sure to check out 5/4 Meadery. There’s plenty of live entertainment here, as well. From the Georgia Ensemble Theatre and Riverside Park Stage to the Roswell Cultural Arts Center and the Roswell Dance Theatre, there’s something for everyone.
Only 30 minutes from downtown Atlanta, Marietta still retains its small-town Southern charm with beautiful antebellum homes and a historic downtown — similar to so many of the best places to live in Georgia, but with its own distinctive flavor. The cost of living is about 16 percent higher than the state’s average. But boasting great schools and a family-friendly environment, among many other attributes, this is an urban-suburban city to love.
For the outdoorsy among you, there are endless hiking trails, parks, and public gardens. You can go for a woodsy bike ride on the Sope Creek Trail or take the whole family to East Cobb Park to picnic at the gazebo. For bigger adventures, take a quick drive north toward the mountains for a weekend camping trip. Marietta is also home to Six Flags White Water amusement park — a perfect getaway for hot summer days.
And culture abounds in the form of museums, art galleries, and the Strand Theatre, an Art Deco-style treasure built in 1935. You can spend the day exploring boutiques, antique malls, and vintage clothing shops while also satiating your palate at one of the 30+ restaurants in the historic Marietta Square, and end the evening taking advantage of Marietta’s vibrant nightlife scene.
Q: How much does it cost to live comfortably in Georgia?
A: Employment, gas, and food prices, as well as other factors vary somewhat dramatically across Georgia cities, from Lookout Mountain to Hahira, influenced as they are by their border neighbors Tennessee, North and South Carolina, Alabama, and Florida. But overall, the cost of living averages 5.5 percent lower than in the rest of the U.S. To live comfortably requires an income of about $59,000 for a family and almost $45,000 for a single person.
Smyrna is another smallish city with an easy commute into Atlanta — but once you find out all that Smyrna has to offer, you’ll never want to leave.
The schools here are top-notch, making it a great place to raise a family. But the city is also a terrific option for young professionals and singles. With vibrant culture and nightlife, plus an ever-increasing foodie scene, there’s rarely a reason to leave the city limits. And the cherry on top of Smyrna’s cultural sundae? The Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, home to both the Atlanta Ballet and the Atlanta Opera.
Another reason to love Smyrna: The housing prices aren’t that bad, especially when compared to Johns Creek, Sandy Springs, and Roswell. A little under half of the people in Smyrna rent rather than own, and there are plenty of rentals available at any given time. Communities such as Cortland at the Village offer amenities like tennis courts, resort-style pools, fitness centers, and clubhouses.
Here are some local recommendations for all you foodies out there:
Travelers all over the Southeast are familiar with Lookout Mountain — even if they don’t know it — thanks to the abundance of “See Rock City” signs everywhere from billboards to barn roofs. This charming town on the border of Georgia and Tennessee, just outside of Chattanooga, gives its residents a mountain-town lifestyle lifted from a Thomas Cole painting. The nickname “Fairyland,” as shown on the city seal, is a perfect descriptor. Waterfalls, lush deciduous forests, and abundant wildlife make it feel like you’re living in a fairy tale.
Residents enjoy a calm, safe environment. Niche gives Lookout Mountain an A rating for Crime & Safety, with near-zero violent crimes reported and few property crimes. And more than 80 percent of the population here holds a four-year college degree. Median household income is also strong, coming in at about $128,600.
Business options are limited — there are only a few grocery stores, restaurants, and other stores in town — but easy access to nearby Chattanooga solves these issues. And with a small population of just 1,700, you can be assured that you’ll have a community to connect with.
Which city in Georgia has a lower-than-expected cost of living? Augusta! The cost of living here is 20 percent below the national average, earning it the No. 33 spot on Niche’s list of cities with the lowest cost of living in America. It turns out that those three-dollar pimento cheese sandwiches Augusta National is famous for translates to the city’s cost of living, too.
Augusta’s biggest draw is the Augusta National Golf Club, a prestigious organization with membership on an invite-only basis. Augusta National hosts The Masters each year, one of professional golf’s four major tournaments, and the only one that is played at the same course every year. Needless to say, the tournament is a huge draw to Augusta each April and patrons the nation over flock to partake.
But the Masters is only one week out of fifty-two. Every other week, Augusta is a blossoming city in its own right.
Georgia’s second-biggest city, Augusta lies on the South Carolina border, edged on the east by the Savannah River. Locals take in the sights and sounds of the city as they stroll along the peaceful Riverwalk between Downtown Augusta’s 6th and 10th streets. Attractions include the Sacred Heart Cultural Center, Morris Museum of Art, and the Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History (to name a few). Not to be missed: The Museum of Art exhibit honoring Augusta’s own James Brown, the Godfather of Soul. A walk through the historic downtown transports you back in time, with a tour past architectural styles from Greek and Romanesque Revival to Beaux Arts and Queen Anne. Several churches, homes, and other buildings are even open to the public.
Daytime venturing may find you at the Phinizy Swamp Nature Park, just a few minutes from downtown Augusta, with 1,100 acres of natural spaces and miles of trails for hiking and biking. For indoor entertainment, you can take in a show at the Imperial Theatre, which once showcased vaudeville and now is home to popular musicals and live concerts. And when it comes time to dine, Augusta won’t disappoint. Start with Oliviana, Abel Brown, and the Boll Weevil.
Q: What is the most affordable place to live in Georgia?
A: Warner Robins is widely considered the most affordable city in the Peach State, likely because it’s home to the Warner Robins Air Force Base and the employment opportunities and economic stability that comes with it. On this list, Hahira takes the cake. In general, however, Georgia is an affordable state — the fifth-cheapest in 2024, in fact, according to Forbes. Some affordability exceptions, of course, include exclusive coastal resort communities and some of the more extravagant neighborhoods around Atlanta, Savannah, and other metro areas.
Nestled in the North Georgia mountains, Clarkesville offers small-town living just a hop, skip, and a jump from weekends in the big city. This quaint village is a bustling tourist draw in the fall leaf-peeping season, when the gorgeous Southern foliage bursts with color. And visitors come during other times of the year, too, to shop and dine in Clarkesville’s old-fashioned downtown, hike the miles of nearby mountain trails, or relax in a cozy weekend cabin with family and friends.
Just 1,885 people live here full-time, so if solitude is your preference, you’ll likely be comfortable in Clarkesville. Other facts and figures: Habersham County Schools get a B+ rating from Niche, the median household income is right around $57,700, and the town scores a 31 on the crime index from NeighborhoodScout (meaning it’s 31 percent safer than other cities in the nation).
Dining options are surprisingly diverse for such a small town. Try The Attic for a special dinner — or just a weeknight out. And besides Mother Nature’s abundant offerings, entertainment in Clarkesville includes the Grant Street Music Room, where touring acts and locals alike take the stage. Feeling gutsy? Grab the mic for karaoke every Friday night at 8 p.m.
Every October since 1981, the Hahira Honeybee Festival has drawn tens of thousands of visitors to this South Georgia town for a week-long celebration that includes a parade, arts and crafts, and live entertainment — all in the name of bees. The remaining 51 weeks in Hahira aren’t too shabby, either, with plenty of small-town fun to keep the 18,500 residents happy.
Schools in Hahira get an A rating from Niche. With more than 10,500 students in the Lowndes County District’s 11 schools, the student-teacher ratio promises that your kids will get the right attention. And like in any charming small town, after-school sports are a mainstay of civic life. Friday night lights, anyone?
More things to love about Hahira: The median household income is around $86,000, and the cost of living is almost 20 percent lower than in the rest of the U.S. Parks abound, from beautiful 8,700-acre Lake Blackshear to more modest green spaces, golf courses, and playgrounds. And the downtown area offers a walkable main stretch with more than 40 businesses, including restaurants, boutiques, and arts organizations.
PODS Can Help You Move to Your Perfect Place in Georgia
Once you’ve found your home in one of the best cities to live in Georgia, let PODS help you get there. PODS will deliver your portable moving container right to your driveway where you can pack and load at your own pace. When you’re ready, PODS will pick it up and take it to your new home in one of Georgia’s best cities. And one month’s storage is included in every move, so you can unload on your own schedule without feeling rushed.
Shannon Jacobs is a Tampa-based freelance writer and frequent contributor to the PODS Blog. She has lived in Atlanta, the Berkshires, and Nashville, but always returns to the warmth of Florida’s Gulf Coast.
