Best Cities To Live In Georgia (2026 Guide)
Last updated 03/19/2024 by
Benjamin LockeEdited by
Andrew LathamSummary:
This article provides an in-depth analysis of Georgia, focusing on Atlanta, Savannah, and Columbus. It evaluates key factors such as healthcare, education, economy, and quality of life, offering insights into the best places to live in Atlanta based on these metrics.
Living in Georgia offers a unique experience where a rich history, diverse culture, robust economy, and varied demographics converge. Steeped in a history that traces back to the Paleoindian Period, Georgia is a tapestry of Native American, English, and Scots-Irish influences, creating a distinctive Southern culture known for its hospitality and deep-rooted traditions. These three cities provide some of the best places to live in the great state of Georgia.
Get Competing Personal Loan Offers In Minutes
Compare rates from multiple vetted lenders. Discover your lowest eligible rate.
It's quick, free and won’t hurt your credit score
Best cities to live in Georgia
Atlanta
Founded in 1837 as the Western & Atlantic railroad’s terminus, Atlanta, Georgia, originally bore the name Marthasville, honoring the governor’s daughter. This dynamic city uniquely merges its historical significance with a progressive outlook, captivating visitors and residents alike.
Atlanta snapshot
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Average Home Price | $429,900. |
| Cost of Living | 98.753 Regional Price Parity (RPP for the US is 100, lower = lower than average, higher = higher than average) |
| Crime | 49.62 incidents per 1,000 residents (Average crime rate in the US is 23.48 per 1,000 residents (FBI, US Census)) |
| Weather | Atlanta experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters, offering ample sunshine throughout the year. |
Atlanta healthcare
Despite Georgia’s ranking as one of the worst states for healthcare, Atlanta stands out with its top-ranked hospitals.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Atlanta Hospitals | Atlanta has some top-ranked hospitals. Emory University Hospital is ranked #1 in Atlanta and recognized as the best hospital in Georgia and metro Atlanta in the 2023-24 Best Regional Hospitals rankings by U.S. News and World Report. |
| Other Notable Hospitals | Other hospitals in Atlanta, such as Emory St. Joseph’s Hospital and Piedmont Atlanta Hospital, also receive high rankings. |
Atlanta walkability
Atlanta presents a diverse walkability landscape, with an average Walk Score of 48, suggesting mixed accessibility on foot. However, certain areas shine as ‘Walker’s Paradises’ with scores up to 94.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Overall Walkability | Atlanta has an average Walk Score of 48, indicating that some errands can be accomplished on foot, but a car may be needed for others. |
| Highly Walkable Areas | Certain locations in Atlanta have high Walk Scores, indicating a ‘Walker’s Paradise.’ Some areas have scores as high as 90 to 94, meaning daily errands do not require a car. |
| Neighborhood Variability | Walkability in Atlanta varies significantly by neighborhood. For instance, the Georgia State University area has a Walk Score of 96, making it extremely walkable. |
| City Ranking | Atlanta is ranked as the 23rd most walkable large city in the US. |
Atlanta education
Atlanta’s education landscape showcases a blend of high-ranking school districts and top-performing public schools, like Kittredge Magnet and Heards Ferry Elementary, amidst a broader Georgia context that ranks 21st in the U.S. for education quality and faces challenges with its 36th national ranking in public school performance.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Atlanta Area School Districts | In the Atlanta metro area, several school districts are highly ranked. The top three school districts in the Atlanta area are Buford City Schools and Forsyth County Schools. |
| High Schools in Atlanta | U.S. News & World Report lists several best high schools in the Atlanta area, highlighting schools like Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science and Technology, and DeKalb School of the Arts. |
| Public School Performance | Georgia’s public schools rank 36th in the nation, indicating challenges in the state’s broader education system. |
| Top Public Schools in Atlanta | Specific schools in Atlanta, such as Kittredge Magnet School and Heards Ferry Elementary School, are highly ranked for their performance. |
Atlanta jobs and economy
Atlanta’s dynamic economy, marked by a growing job market, above-average salaries, and robust future job growth projections, positions it as a major economic hub, ranking 10th in the U.S. and 18th globally.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Job Market Growth | The Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA, metropolitan area has seen an increase in nonfarm employment, indicating a growing job market. |
| Average Annual Salary | The average annual salary in Atlanta is $64,107 |
| Future Job Growth | Predictions for future job growth over the next ten years in Atlanta are high, at 46.8%, which is above the national average. |
| Recent Trends | While the job market in Atlanta remains strong, there are signs of it slowing down slightly. The unemployment rate has been at a low of 2.8%, but there are indications of a shift. |
| Attractiveness to New Residents | The strong job market in Atlanta has been a factor in attracting new residents to the area, although this has also contributed to rising housing costs. |
| Overall Economic Strength | Atlanta’s economy is robust, ranking as the 10th largest in the U.S. and 18th in the world with a significant GDP. |
Best areas and suburbs of Atlanta
| Suburb | Description |
|---|---|
| Alpharetta | Known for its vibrant community, excellent schools, and thriving business environment. |
| Johns Creek | Offers a suburban feel with plenty of parks, highly-rated schools, and a strong sense of community. |
| North Decatur | Popular for its proximity to Atlanta, diverse community, and good public schools. |
| Decatur | Boasts a charming downtown area, excellent dining options, and top-rated schools. |
| Peachtree City | Known for its unique network of golf cart paths, excellent amenities, and family-friendly environment. |
| Sandy Springs | Offers a mix of urban and suburban living, with plenty of green spaces and a growing business sector. |
Pro Tip
“Georgia’s cultural and leisure opportunities are diverse and contribute to the social well-being and life satisfaction of its inhabitants. Atlanta is not only the cultural center of Georgia but also a major cosmopolitan hub of the South. It is home to numerous museums and attractions, including the High Museum of Art, which includes a school of the visual arts, with performing facilities for its symphony orchestra and a professional resident theatre, both of which have premiered new works, these are major pathways or mechanisms that can facilitate meaning-making and life-quality-enhancement”. – Collen Clark, Lawyer and Founder of Schmidt & Clark LLP
Savannah
Founded in 1733 by General James Oglethorpe, Savannah, Georgia, stands as the first city of the last American colony, Georgia, captivating visitors with its well-preserved historic charm and picturesque riverfront setting.
Savannah snapshot
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Average Home Price | $400,000 |
| Cost of Living | 96.250 Regional Price Parity (RPP for the US is 100, lower = lower than average, higher = higher than average) |
| Crime | 21.2 incidents per 1,000 residents (Average crime rate in the US is 23.48 per 1,000 residents (FBI, US Census)) |
| Weather | Savannah’s climate is humid subtropical, with long, warm summers and short, mild winters, making it a pleasant destination year-round. |
Savannah healthcare
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Savannah Hospitals | Savannah boasts reputable healthcare facilities. St. Joseph’s Hospital-Savannah is highly rated for adult procedures and conditions. |
| Other Notable Hospitals | Other significant medical centers in Savannah include Memorial University Medical Center and the St. Joseph’s/Candler healthcare system, both delivering quality healthcare services. |
Savannah walkability
Savannah, Georgia, offers a charming walkability experience, with an average Walk Score of 44, indicating a somewhat walkable city. The city’s historic downtown area shines as a ‘Walker’s Paradise’ with scores as high as 99, making it ideal for exploring on foot.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Overall Walkability | Savannah has an average Walk Score of 44, suggesting that some errands can be accomplished on foot, but others may require a car. |
| Highly Walkable Areas | Key locations in Savannah, particularly the downtown area, have high Walk Scores, indicating a ‘Walker’s Paradise.’ Some areas boast scores as high as 99. |
| Neighborhood Variability | Walkability in Savannah varies by neighborhood. Downtown Savannah is extremely walkable, with a Walk Score of 92. |
| City Ranking | Specific city ranking data for Savannah’s walkability on a national scale is not readily available, but its historic downtown is among the most walkable areas. |
Savannah education
Savannah’s education landscape, while part of Georgia’s broader context that ranks 21st in the U.S. for education quality, features a mix of high-performing schools and notable educational achievements. Schools like Savannah Arts Academy stand out, recognized as one of the top high schools in the state.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Savannah Area School Districts | Savannah has several notable schools with strong performances. Rankings are available on Niche.com and U.S. News & World Report. |
| High Schools in Savannah | Best high schools in Savannah include Savannah Arts Academy and Woodville-Tompkins Technical and Career High School, as listed by U.S. News & World Report. |
| Public School Performance | While Georgia ranks 36th in the nation for public school performance, Savannah boasts strong-performing schools like The STEM Academy at Bartlett and Savannah Early College High School. |
| Top Public Schools in Savannah | Notable schools in Savannah include Savannah Arts Academy and Jacob G. Smith Elementary School, known for their high performance. |
Savannah jobs and economy
Savannah’s economy, characterized by a steady job market and a diverse economic base, reflects its role as a significant regional hub. While the average annual salary in Savannah is slightly below the national average, the city’s job market has seen growth, and future job projections are optimistic.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Job Market Growth | The Savannah metro area has experienced job market growth, with an increase in payroll jobs indicating a steadily growing job market. |
| Average Annual Salary | The average annual salary in Savannah is $55,383 |
| Future Job Growth | Future job growth in Savannah is predicted to be 38.5%, higher than the national average. |
| Recent Trends | Savannah’s job market has expanded, showing resilience even amidst economic uncertainties. |
| Attractiveness to New Residents | Savannah’s job market and economic diversity make it an attractive destination for new residents. |
| Overall Economic Strength | Savannah’s economy is diverse, with key sectors including port activities, manufacturing, and tourism. |
Colombus
Founded in 1828 on the western bank of the Chattahoochee River, Columbus, Georgia, is a city rich in history and cultural heritage, known for its pivotal role in the textile industry and as a strategic military center. Today, Columbus blends its historical significance with modern innovation, offering a vibrant community with diverse economic sectors, including defense, and healthcare.
Colombus snapshot
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Average Home Price | $199,900. |
| Crime | 33.51 incidents per 1,000 residents (Average crime rate in the US is 23.48 per 1,000 residents (FBI, US Census)) |
| Weather | Columbus enjoys a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters, typical of the southeastern United States. |
| Cost of Living | 89.511 Regional Price Parity (RPP for the US is 100, lower = lower than average, higher = higher than average) |
Colombus healthcare
Columbus, Georgia, stands out with its notable hospitals. Piedmont Columbus Regional Midtown Hospital and others stand out in the field of healthcare and hospitals.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Columbus Hospitals | Columbus is home to reputable healthcare facilities. Piedmont Columbus Regional Midtown Hospital and St. Francis-Emory Healthcare-Columbus are known for their high performance in adult procedures and conditions. |
| Other Notable Hospitals | Other significant medical centers in Columbus include Northside Medical Center and Jack Hughston Memorial Hospital, both contributing to the city’s healthcare services. |
Colombus walkability
Columbus, Georgia, presents a more car-dependent walkability experience, with an average Walk Score of 25, indicating that most errands require a car. However, certain areas in Columbus offer a more walkable environment, with scores reaching up to 77 in some neighborhoods.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Overall Walkability | Columbus has an average Walk Score of 25, suggesting that most errands require a car. |
| Highly Walkable Areas | Some locations in Columbus, like the area around 3rd Avenue, are more walkable, with scores as high as 77. |
| Neighborhood Variability | Walkability in Columbus varies by neighborhood, with some areas being more walkable than others. |
| City Ranking | Specific city ranking data for Columbus’s walkability does not exist, but overall, the city is more car-dependent. |
Colombus education
Columbus, Georgia’s education system, while part of the broader Georgia context that ranks 21st in the U.S. for education quality, features several high-performing schools and districts. Columbus High School, for example, stands out as one of the top public high schools in the state.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Columbus Area School Districts | Several school districts in Columbus are noted for their quality, with rankings available on Niche.com. |
| High Schools in Columbus | Best high schools in Columbus include Columbus High School, as listed by U.S. News & World Report. |
| Public School Performance | While Georgia ranks 36th in the nation for public school performance, Columbus has strong-performing schools like Britt David Elementary Computer Magnet Academy and Columbus High School. |
| Top Public Schools In Columbus | Notable schools in Columbus include Columbus High School and Britt David Elementary Computer Magnet Academy, known for their high performance. |
Colombus jobs and economy
Columbus, Georgia’s economy, while not as large as Atlanta’s, shows steady growth in its job market and future job prospects. The city has seen a recent increase in job market growth and offers a diverse economic base.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Job Market Growth | The Columbus, GA-AL metropolitan area has experienced growth in the job market, with an increase in employment over the last year. |
| Average Annual Salary | The average annual salary in Columbus is $46,748 |
| Future Job Growth | Future job growth in Columbus is predicted to be 31.9%, indicating steady growth. |
| Recent Trends | Columbus has shown resilience in its labor market, with recent economic forecasts suggesting continued strength. |
| Attractiveness to New Residents | Columbus’s growing job market and diverse economy make it an appealing destination for new residents. |
| Overall Economic Strength | Columbus’s economy is diverse, with key sectors including defense, healthcare, and manufacturing. |
Our methodology
In our methodology for identifying the best places to live in a state, we adopt a comprehensive and data-driven approach, relying on a variety of trusted and authoritative sources to compile our rankings. This process is outlined in the following steps:
Economic Data Analysis: We gather robust economic statistics from esteemed sources such as the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Bureau of Economic Analysis. These agencies provide us with critical data on employment rates, income levels, job growth, and other economic indicators that contribute significantly to the quality of life in an area.
Employment Opportunities: In addition to general economic data, we specifically examine employment statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This includes examining trends in job growth, the diversity of industries present, and the stability of employment in different regions, which are vital factors in determining a place's economic health and attractiveness.
Crime Rate Assessment: For understanding the safety and security of a place, we utilize data from the FBI’s Crime Data Explorer. This tool offers detailed insights into various types of crime rates, including both property and violent crimes, allowing us to assess the safety of a community comprehensively.
Housing Market Evaluation: Housing affordability and market trends are key components of our analysis. We primarily use Zillow.com for up-to-date and detailed information on house prices, trends in the housing market, and the overall affordability of living in different areas. When necessary, we also consult other reliable sources to validate and enrich our data.
Additional Quality of Life Factors: Recognizing that quality of life is influenced by a variety of factors, we also incorporate data from other official and reputable sources. This includes information on education quality, healthcare accessibility, environmental quality, transportation infrastructure, and recreational opportunities, among others.
Data Integration and Analysis: Upon gathering data from these diverse sources, we integrate and analyze it to provide a holistic view of each location. Our analysis involves not only looking at the raw numbers but also understanding the context and relative significance of each data point.
FAQ
What is the overall cost of living like in Georgia?
The cost of living in Georgia varies by region but is generally considered to be lower than the national average. Urban areas like Atlanta may have a higher cost of living compared to rural areas. Housing, utilities, and transportation costs in Georgia are typically reasonable, making it an affordable state for many.
How is the weather in Georgia?
Georgia’s climate is predominantly humid subtropical, characterized by hot summers and mild to cool winters. This climate allows for a variety of outdoor activities year-round, though the hot summers might require adjustments for those not used to high humidity and temperatures.
What recreational activities are available in Columbus, Georgia?
Columbus offers a variety of recreational activities, particularly outdoor adventures, due to its location near the Chattahoochee River. The city is known for its riverwalk, whitewater rafting, and biking trails. Additionally, Columbus has a vibrant arts scene and several historical sites, providing diverse entertainment options.
What are the educational opportunities like in Atlanta?
Atlanta offers a wide range of educational opportunities, with numerous highly ranked public and private schools, as well as prestigious universities and colleges. The city is known for its strong emphasis on education and includes institutions like Georgia Tech and Emory University.
How does Savannah’s historical heritage contribute to its quality of life?
Savannah’s rich historical heritage significantly enhances its quality of life, offering residents and visitors alike a unique blend of historic architecture, cultural events, and a strong sense of community. The city’s well-preserved historic district and numerous cultural festivals add to its charm and livability.
Key Takeaways
- Rich Historical and Cultural Tapestry: Georgia’s history, dating back to the Paleoindian Period, is a blend of Native American, English, and Scots-Irish influences, creating a unique Southern culture known for its hospitality and traditions. This rich historical background is evident in cities like Atlanta, Savannah, and Columbus, each with its own unique heritage and cultural offerings.
- Economic Diversity and Growth: The state’s economy is a dynamic mix of agriculture and industry, contributing to its stability and growth. Atlanta, as a major economic hub, ranks highly both nationally and globally, while Savannah and Columbus contribute with their own economic strengths in port activities, manufacturing, defense, and healthcare.
- Education System Variances: Georgia’s education system varies across the state, with Atlanta featuring high-ranking school districts and top-performing public schools. Savannah and Columbus also have notable educational institutions, though they face challenges similar to the broader state context.
- Walkability and Lifestyle: The walkability and lifestyle in Georgia’s cities vary. Atlanta offers a diverse walkability landscape with areas of high walkability, while Savannah’s historic downtown provides a charming pedestrian experience. Columbus, on the other hand, is more car-dependent, with certain areas offering more walkable environments.
Share this post:
Table of Contents