The 10 Best Places to Live in Georgia

With so many cultural destinations and diverse landscapes, Georgia appeals to renters of all ages. From the cosmopolitan Atlanta to the charming and historic Savannah, Georgia is a grab bag of wonderful places to call home. Known for its history, diverse landscapes, and Southern hospitality, the Peach State appeals to city slickers, nature lovers, and budget-conscious suburbians of all ages. 

Residents of this southern state love its mountains and beaches, arts scene, diverse heritage, and inspired cuisine. Did we mention its affordable housing? Here are 10 of the best places to live in Georgia.

1. Athens

Best city in Georgia for college students

If you’re searching for a home with the conveniences of a college town — think walkability, affordable housing, and weekend events — look no further than Athens, Georgia. Residents of this Georgia city, home to the University of Georgia, appreciate the area’s public transportation, diverse dining options, and vibrant nightlife.

In addition to its low median home value, Athens offers locals an impressive number of breweries, dive bars, arts venues, and farmers markets, to keep its residents entertained all year long. Catch a show at the iconic Georgia Theatre or take a food tour of the local restaurants. Check out a Dawgs game or traipse through Bishop Park. From the unique Bear Hollow Zoo to one of the first vaudeville theatres built, owned, and operated by an African-American, Athens is home to an abundance of heritage and entertainment.

2. Decatur

Best city in Georgia for affordable rent

With a motto like “Everything is Greater in Decatur,” it’s hard for this city not to make the list of best places to live in Georgia. The benefits of living in this city support the claim from some of the best state universities to a rent rate lower than the national average. 

Located just outside of downtown Atlanta, Decatur residents get the best of both worlds: the attractions and conveniences of life in the city with the atmosphere of a suburb. Rest easy in the area’s low crime rate while taking advantage of amenities like Decatur’s charming downtown, which features hot spots like Three Taverns Brewery and Tasting Room and The Comet Pub and Lanes. 

In addition to Decatur’s farmer’s markets, residents also enjoy community events throughout the year, like the city’s Book, Wine Tasting, and Arts Festival. Plus, the area’s average rent price is around $1,425 for a 1-bedroom, making it much more affordable than other major cities like New York and San Francisco.

3. Johns Creek

Best city in Georgia for outdoor recreation

Of the options on this list, Johns Creek is one of the more affluent communities in Georgia. Located about 30 miles outside of Atlanta, Johns Creek is in Alpharetta and features higher-end luxury homes, among other housing options, offers a crime rate that’s 75% lower than the national average, and some of Georgia’s best public schools. Nature lovers also enjoy its proximity to the area’s outdoor recreation with destinations like the Chattahoochee River, while fans of city life appreciate its closeness to Atlanta.

No matter your choice of recreation, residents agree that Johns Creek has something for everyone, with hundreds of acres of hiking and walking trails, an Art Center, golf courses, and the North Atlanta Dance Theater. While the average home price in Johns Creek is higher than the others listed here, the cost to rent remains relatively low.

4. Marietta

Best city in Georgia for working professionals

Another city with an easy commute to Atlanta, Marietta hosts an active art scene, a number of cultural destinations, and 18 different parks. Some of the city’s top-rated schools include Cheatham Hill and West Side Elementary School, as well as Marietta High and the Marietta Center for Advanced Academics. 

Interested in the city’s entertainment offerings? Marietta locals can catch a classic film at the Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre or step back in time with a visit to The Gone with the Wind Museum. The city also hosts ghost tours around the more historical sites and is home to the Cobb Antique Mall for those who love the thrill of a bargain. With events throughout the year at venues like Out of the Box Theatre and the Marietta Museum of History, you’ll never be at a loss for something to do as a resident of Marietta. 

Marietta also has a lower median rental price than many Atlanta suburbs. The area also ranks among Georgia’s best suburbs for young professionals. 

5. Roswell

Best city in Georgia for growing families

If you’re looking for a great place to raise a family, consider Roswell. With great public schools and 18 different parks, families with children thrive in this area of Fulton County. To boot, Roswell boasts a lower crime rate, unemployment rate, and cost of living than the state average, making this family-friendly city affordable and safe. In addition to these enticing conveniences, Roswell offers a number of unique attractions and events to its residents, both young and old, from its historic district to its festivals.

Historic Roswell features various galleries and shops like Vinings Fine Art Gallery and Mojo Vinyl Records, as well as children’s theaters, museums, and nature centers. To see it all, new and veteran residents can opt to take one of the city’s walking tours. Roswell hosts concert series, festivals, and farmers markets throughout the year. The summer’s Alive in Roswell festival presents live music, food trucks, and local artisans. The area’s food lovers can also take advantage of Roswell’s 200 independent restaurants, with cuisine for any mood.

6. Atlanta

Best city in Georgia for a bustling nightlife

Atlanta, Georgia, owns the nickname “The Big Peach.” Renting in Atlanta puts you right in the middle of the busy city life. You’re within walking distance to some of the state’s best restaurants and entertainment attractions. With the Georgia Aquarium and the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, you’ll never run out of things to do.

Atlanta is also home to top-rated restaurants like By George and Ray’s on the River, giving you access to world-class cuisines. Students also love living in Atlanta because of its close proximity to a few campuses. Here, you’ll find students who attend Georgia State University and the Georgia Institute of Technology. Atlanta is also where the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is located, perfect for residents who travel frequently.

7. Canton

Best city in Georgia for a slower pace of life

Life in Canton is far different than what you get in busier cities like Atlanta. Canton offers a slower way of life. When you hear about the Southern charm of Georgia, this is often what you’ll find here. You can spend your weekends stocking up on fresh fruits at the local farmers market or taking in a play at the local school. Canton is also a great place for families because of its good-rated schools.

Even though Canton is outside of Atlanta, you still have access to good restaurants and entertainment. The Etowah River Park is the place to go to enjoy the outdoors. The Canton Theatre is perfect for catching a comedy show on the weekends. Mamma Onesta’s Italian Restaurant and Queenie’s Restaurant are a few restaurants worth checking out in Canton.

The apartments in Canton tend to be a little pricier but also offer more space and luxury amenities.

8. Brookhaven

Best city in Georgia for families

Brookhaven attracts a lot of families for its larger homes and low crime rates. The area tends to be affluent with a higher cost of living. Even though Brookhaven is surrounded by lush green parks and theaters, it’s still just a short drive to Downtown Atlanta. This means commuting may be an option if you work or attend Atlanta school.

The Oglethorpe University Museum of Art is located in Brookhaven and frequently hosts art nights. Families also spend a lot of time exploring the Murphey Chandler Park, which is a 55-hectacre park with a swimming pool and tennis courts. Numerous trails wind through the park, perfect for hiking, biking, or taking the kids for a walk.

9. Savannah

Best city in Georgia for beautiful scenery

Savannah, Georgia, is best known for its beautiful views. As the oldest city in Georgia, you’ll never run out of attractions to explore here. Many of the buildings in Savannah line old, cobblestone streets, giving it a charming vibe. Renting an apartment or condo here means you can sit on your balcony and indulge in the views day and night.

Savannah is also close to the state’s beaches, perfect for summer weekends. The Savannah Historic District is one of the most popular attractions in the city and is home to restaurants, museums, churches, and coffee shops. The Olde Pink House is also one of the city’s most visited attractions.

10. Alpharetta

Best city in Georgia for business professionals

Alpharetta has been consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in the United States due to its beauty, entertainment, and booming business economy. Some even refer to Alpharetta as the Technology City of the South. This means the city is popular with business professionals and owners.

Alpharetta is also home to the Ameris Bank Amphitheatre and Wills Park, meaning it has its fair share of entertainment. While the restaurant scene in Alpharetta may not yet be comparable to other Georgia cities, like Atlanta or Savannah, it has more recently become a hot spot for new restaurant owners. The cost of living in Alpharetta is still affordable, especially when compared to other tech spots in the country.

Frequently asked questions about living in Georgia

Home to hundreds of cultural sites, attractions, and conveniences, there’s never a dull moment in Georgia. Whether you’re looking for a house in the mountains or an apartment near the newly dubbed Hollywood of the South, you’re sure to find your ideal community in the Peach State.

Now that you’ve discovered the best places to live in Georgia, check out the state’s house and apartment listings and find your new home.