Top 10 Best Places to Live in Georgia
Written by: Jennifer Lamont
May 29, 2008
Filed Under Lifestyle, Travel
It has been said that the nicest people in the United States reside in Georgia. If you live there or have driven through the state, you know this is true. In fact, if you’re from such areas as NYC, South Florida or California, Georgians are so polite compared to you that it can be a little disconcerting.
For instance, you can be on a family vacation making your way up I-75 just outside of Atlanta but you need a little pick-me-up. As you wearily drive through McDonald’s to pay for your caffeine jolt, you don’t expect the 16 year-old at the window to ask you how your day was. And you really don’t expect her to grin from ear to ear while waiting for your answer.
Yes, the Peach State has friendly smiles and a proud heritage. The best places to live in Georgia embody these wonderful characteristics, plus a host of other endearing qualities. Here’s a look at some of Georgia’s finest:
10. Martinez
Number 87 on Money Magazine’s “Top 100 Best Places to Live,” Martinez (pronounced Mart-uhn-EZ) has a population of just over 30,000. The median home price is around $193,000 and the town boasts extravagant mansions, outstanding school systems and inland access to the Savannah River.
9. Richmond Hill
A quiet family community of just over 10,000 residents, Richmond Hill is just south of Savannah. The crime rate is low and the southern charm is high, according to the city’s official Web site. If you like to be near the coast, this is the town to enjoy great seafood, antiques and a variety of recreational activities. The median home price is $157,000.
8. Dallas
Dallas, according to Money Magazine, is where the jobs are in Georgia. Located in Paulding County, Dallas is being rejuvenated by an aggressive economic development plan that includes a multi-million dollar airport project. The average home price is $139,000. The county just recently received the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Excellence for Economic Development award.
7. McDonough
Becoming one of the largest cities in Henry County, McDonough has excellent schools, health care and outdoor recreation. It’s been designated as a “City of Character” by the Georgia Municipal Association. Located 25 miles south of Atlanta, the city has a small-town feel but access to big-city activities. Population is approximately 190,000 and the median home price in 2007 was $152,000.
6. Peachtree City
“Plan to Stay” is Peachtree City’s motto and it was voted one of Money Magazine’s best places to live. U.S. News & World Report reported it as one of the best places to raise a family or retire. The relatively new city is another Atlanta suburb and limits development. The population is approximately 34,000 and the median home price is around $250,000.
5. Suwanee
Settled originally by Shawnee Indians, the town of Suwanee is rich with its Native American heritage. It was placed at number 10 on Money’s top 100 best places list. Called a friendly and progressive town with strong ties to the railroad, Suwanee has a population of 11,200 and average home prices around $293,000.
4. Valdosta
Just over the north border of Florida is Georgia’s tenth largest city with a population of approximately 43,000, per U.S. Census 2000 statistics. According to the city’s Web site, Valdosta boasts a wealth of “amenities, attractions and overall beauty” that provides an excellent standard of living for residents. The median home price is $165,000.
3. Marietta
Marietta is one of Georgia’s “best managed and most livable cities,” according to Georgia’s Municipal Association. Located in the foothills of the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains, Marietta has numerous historical homes, monuments and sites. Just north of Atlanta, it has a population of about 60,000 and an average home price of $203,000.
2. Atlanta
Called the Hostess City of the South, Atlanta is known for its amazing walking tours. It offers historic squares, 18th century cemeteries and riverfront boardwalks. The city is vastly hip and culturally sophisticated but it manages to retain its southern charm. The median home price is $210,000 and the population as of 2006 was over 4.9 million people.
1. Savannah
Perhaps the friendliest place in all of Georgia is the coastal town of Savannah. Deep history and the present day meld together in this charming city where residents enjoy beautiful parks, squares and mansions in century-old settings. With a population of over 130,000, Money Magazine named it one of the best places to retire. The median home price is $137,500.
This is a small sampling of the best places to live in Georgia and doesn’t include many of the state’s hidden gems and quaint towns. Along with friendly residents, the state boasts succulent peaches, Appalachia and its own “Little Grand Canyon” as some of the many reasons why Georgians love their state.
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I would like to relocate to a nice place I thoght georgia would be nice
I would like to relocate to a nice place I thoght georgia would be nice please give a little information on the cost living and housing.
thank you
rayford_thomas@yahoo.com
p o box 251
scranton, pa 18501
phone-570-815-4558
I have grown up in the south and Savannah, GA is the most racist place I have ever been to in my life. I would never want to live their with my family.
Hello. I am very interested in receiving some more information about Georgia, as I’m thinking about moving to this state. I have a 6 year old daughter and I’m a single mom, therefore any information about the school systems and crime rates would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Best regards,
Alike’ H.
Hello,
I am from New England in the Boston area and have been researching the state of Georgia to move there in about 2 years. I would like to live in an area that does not have a lot of crime such as Atlanta but close enough to the city say within 45 minutes from the city. I will be a certified elementary school teacher in 2 years so I would like to live in an area that is diverse including an equal amount of whites and blacks. I like the demographics of Boston MA because there is some diversity but hate the winters and prices of homes. I also have been looking at the Georgia MLS real estate listings and I see that houses are very affordable. What areas would be low crime and affordable? if you could Email me some info on the towns that would be good, that would be appreciated.
Thank You
I was born and raised in Carrollton, Georgia. It is a small community (about 20,000), with a good mix of whites and blacks. The city schools in Carrollton are very good schools, and it is a very good place to raise a family. It is about an hour from downtown Atlanta, and two hours from Birmingham, Ala. I also would recommend Douglasville, Smyrna, and Newnan. These would all be good places for a teacher, as I actually looked for jobs teaching in some of these areas. I hope this is helpful. I am completely biased to the south, though, so do more research before taking my comments at face-value.
i’m in the process of completing my degree as a medical administative assistant,(rma) for short, and i ‘m from dayton,ohio, and i’m tired of the cold winters ,really want to live in a place with no snow,or very mild winters, and i’m looking for a nice city ,or town with things to do, low crime cause of the safety of my children, i’m a single mom of two teenage sons, a little boy and little girl,equal amount of black and white people, where they have high turn out of high school graduates good schools, plenty of hospitals,and churches, and i need as much information about any place in ga that i can get, anything but atlanta.
I am at a point in my life where I would like to move. I went to college in Alabama and I would love to go back to the south. I am thinking about Georgia. I am the mother of 1 and I am a business owner. I would like to move somewhere in Georgia that is culturally diverse, family-oriented and things to do for a young couple. In addition, I really don’t want to move to Atlanta, however I would like to be close enough to drive for the day. I want an area with good schools, church, activities for children also. Any info about an area in Georgia that is close to Atlanta and that has some of the things I stated please let me know. Any additional info is greatly appreciated!
I was born and raised in Anchorage, AK. I’m currently in my first year of college at The University of Alaska. In July, I have plans to drive from Anchorage to Atlanta, GA. I’ve done so much research on schools, neighborhoods, community activities and more. If someone could give me some insight about Atlanta, that would be helpful. I have a lot of knowledge at this point, but I’m sure I can learn more from you all. Alaska is a great place for people interested in the outdoors, but I want to go somewhere where there are many activities. Alaska doesn’t offer that as far as my interests and my likings go. I’d like to be involved in charities and community events for the youth of minorities. Alaska definitely doesn’t have a lot of concerts for the type of music i enjoy, such as Rap, R&B and Soul. Hopefully, I will be attending an HBCU. Well, write me thankx. Bye
Might I add, I’m probably going to live close to Atlanta, but not in Atlanta. I am aware that the crime is high. Therefore, I’d just like to be within driving distance for shopping and fun concerts!
Warner Robins is nice and growing.
I am interested in relocating to GA,I am a RN I would like someone to tell me the best hospital to apply at and the best area to live , I will be a single mother with teenage children .
TO ANNA: Two of the greatest hospitals in Georgia arent located within Atlanta.
Floyd Medical Center in Rome, GA is growing and was voted best hospital going on 4 years in a row. And kennestone hospital in Marietta, Ga.
Hi I have been wanting to move to the atlanta area but do not know the best surburb to live not to far from atlanta but with in 20 to 30 min from atlanta. Can someone give me some feed back please
I have no plan> I am a single mom with 5 children< I am sooooo titred of Michigan and lokking to move somewhere in Georgia or texas, where I can easil y find work in the medical field and have a nice safe quiet neighboorhood, where my kids can have good schools and i wont have to travel more than 45 minutes to work this is a spur of the moment decision.PLEASE HELP all you can thanx
i am looking for a hot and attractive guy that is my age and that lives right here in georgia.
i would like to move to georgia, but have no idea how to start the process and where to look and what cities are ideal. i have 2 kids and i would likem a nice neighbourhood and good schools. quite and simple living. thanks let me know please if any ideas
everyone wants to move to georgia and i understand why. i left mlps mn for same reasons many of you speak about. i love this state so much. my stress leevel has really gone down. everything is nice here.i love the city/country type living.there are so many good places to raiise a family here. lots of school pride.churches on every corner.and no snow.
ok listen im 12 years old and i live in oregon and i really wanna move to a good place with houses next door to each other and with boys so please please if you know any good places to live in with hot emo boys and houses door to door
please comment on here to me…. xoxo
My family is originally from Miami, florida and we moved to Columbus, oh for a better life. Now that my kids are older and attending high school and one in college..we are looking to move to Georgia in about 4 years. What would be the best place to live for families and college bound students?
At this present moment I live in Clarkston Georgia with a friend, I just moved here from New Orleans. I am truly fascinated with Savannah and I would like to find some info on the city and it’s citizens. I am a single parent of a 3 year old boy….I don’t want to live in a huge city.
Hi a single mother of two looking to make a move from Birmingham with in the next two years, one coming out of High School and one going into Junior High School, need a good family Bible Bass church, low crime neighborhood, quiet, and the closes Hospital for employment. Will love a neiborhood thats full of activities but not in the city or in a neighborhood thats not too racisist. Their’s enough room in this world for everyone. peace!
http://www.warner-robins.org/
We moved here from Silicon Valley in 2002. Warner Robins area is a very open community with lots of DOD jobs. It offers faith base systems & community. It still has it’s “Southern Charm” with locals here & open to change! It is a very diversified community & helpful one, might I add! The local school system is one of the best in Georgia! I would suggest this area in Georgia if you are looking for low crime!
The police dept. does NOT put up with crime! There are still blue laws, why…
The local congressman have been very active in our community, thankfully!
Macon
http://www.cityofmacon.net/
Macon seems to have more Hospitals if someone is working in the health care system. Macon has a wonderful Arts community! There is just so much in Macon!
Check it out!
Me and My husband is looking to make a move from New York to Georgia, we’re thinking about Henry County, Clayton County or Dekalb County. We have no kids yet, but planning on having a family soon. So can someone give me some feed back.
Hello and thank you,
My name is Jill Smith, and I currently live in Boston, MA., and work for the Department of PUblic Health. I am a social worker. I am very interested in relocating to the south, and so far, Georgia seems to have the best package all the way around. Would you let me know the best way to get to know Georgia?…I fI can find a job and sell my home, I’m there. Thank you…
Uhm . I live in Columbus Georgia and people are not nice. You are very wrong about that. There is nothing nice about this state. I want to move out of it as soon as I can . I literally hate it. People here are VERY racist . You can’t find a job here. Everyone is crazy. I dont know about other cities, but Columbus sucks ass. Just to let you know. I will be the happiest bitch in the whole world once im out of here.
I have just been informed that my job is relocating to Columbus, GA. While I am interested in moving from CT. I am concerned about the lifestyle and the community at large in the south. I am working professional with multiple degrees and would like to live someplace nice but within reasonable driving distance of my new job in Columbus. So if anyone has any first hand experience and could recommend a town within 20 miles of Columbus that would be a great help.
Thanks
Aaron
Aaron, We just moved to Columbus in September. We currently live in North Columbus. We came from a smaller community nestled between Cleveland and Akron Ohio. Columbus reminds me of Akron Ohio. Some very nice area, but some very depressed areas also. My husband works in downtown Columbus, which is a beautiful area with newer options for downtown living. Since we have a family, we picked the northern part of Columbus. It seems a calmer and quieter in this area. We are still unsure if this is where we will set up permanent residence.
I have been thinking of relocating. I am looking for a good surburban area, with good schools, close to hospitals,and shopping. I would like an area with a low crime rate and diverse mix of cultures in the neighbor hood. I have heard so many mixed messages about the Atlanta area. So I don’t want to live in the city but close enough that I could be a part of the many things it has to offer. I would also need to be able to find employment in the healthcare field. I have known people from the area that say the job market there is very limited at best. What’s the story?? What field are offering employment in the Atlanta area?? Can’t move without an income>>>>
What’s a good place to start lookg???
Savannah is known as the Hostess city of the south, not Atlanta.