10 Best Places to Live in Georgia, According to Real Estate Experts

Travel + Leisure

4 days ago

With its mountains, beaches, historic small towns, bustling metropolises, and quiet suburbs, Georgia can accurately claim to have something for everyone. Several destinations within the Peach State also have the best of both worlds. Take the smaller cities surrounding Atlanta, for instance. Alpharetta and Decatur are short drives from the city (depending on the traffic), making them the perfect choice for those who plan to commute in a few days a week. Savannah is also multi-faceted in its own right, offering a heavy dose of small-town appeal without forgoing modern conveniences, top-tier dining, or a robust cultural scene.
Whether you're planning a big cross-country move or simply considering an interstate relocation, here are the best places to live in Georgia, according to real estate experts.
Old Fourth Ward Park in Atlanta.
'The Old Fourth Ward is still relatively affordable while being connected to some great, but pricier, neighborhoods like Inman Park, Virginia Highlands, and Atlanta's pride and joy, Piedmont Park,' says Amy Adams, national real estate expert at The CE Shop and associate broker at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties. She adds that it's 'historic and trendy,' and it has the added benefit of being on the Atlanta Beltline: 'The trail connects many of Atlanta's neighborhoods, and along the way, there are restaurants, shopping, and parks.' Redfin notes that, as of July 2025, the housing market is 'somewhat competitive,' with a median housing price of around $420,000. Aerial shot of downtown Alpharetta, Georgia.
'Alpharetta continues to attract buyers with its top-rated schools, thriving tech job market, and walkable, amenity-rich downtown centered around Avalon, a large, upscale mixed-use development, and City Center, a vibrant destination blending local dining, boutique shopping, and green space,' says Sarah Strohschein, a real estate advisor at Engel and Völkers Atlanta. 'With easy access to GA 400, Alpharetta provides all the benefits of city access while still maintaining a 'homey' feeling,' Derek Varnadoe, a licensed realtor at HomeSmart and Georgia housing market expert, adds. This balance, however, will cost you; the average home value in Alpharetta is around $730,000. Gascoigne Bluff Park on St. Simons Island, Georgia.
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If coastal living is what you're envisioning for your life in Georgia, browse the real estate in St. Simons. Part of Georgia's stunning Golden Isles—and recently named one of the most underrated destinations in the U.S.—St Simons Island is a popular vacation spot that simultaneously has everything you need to live there full-time. Glynn Academy, for example, is known as one of the best public schools in Georgia. Home values are on the rise—with an average of about $700,000 in July 2025—so if you want to make this charming island your home, you'll want to look sooner rather than later. Morning fog over Monroe, Georgia.
'Monroe is a quiet, bedroom community east of Atlanta in Walton County and the perfect blend of old and new. This community has a historic downtown area with shopping, concerts, and new restaurants—some of them farm-to-table,' says Adams. 'Monroe and Walton County have plenty of open land, so you feel like you are in the country, but it's still close enough to Atlanta to visit frequently and enjoy city life, sporting events, and concerts.'
She also shares that 'there is a range of housing, from more affordable to custom homes on large tracts of land and horse farms.' The average home value is just over $375,000, and the overall cost of living is three percent lower than the national average. Visitors enjoying Blue Ridge Lake on a sunny day.
Geoff Johnson/Explore Georgia
'Blue Ridge is in North Georgia at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Tourism is a large part of the Blue Ridge economy, but this town is more than that. A thriving full-time community exists in Blue Ridge. There are tons of restaurants and shopping in Blue Ridge, but the main draw is the natural beauty,' says Adams, adding that there is 'housing that starts at affordable and goes all the way up to full-blown custom, luxury mountain homes.'
Housing prices in Blue Ridge increased directly after the pandemic but have decreased slightly since 2022 and plateaued. Currently, the average home value is around $520,000, although that number is certainly inflated by multi-million dollar homes; there are several homes for sale in the Blue Ridge area for under $300,000. A gazebo in Decatur's Town Square.
'Decatur offers the perfect mix of small-town charm and big-city perks. Its walkable downtown is filled with locally owned shops, a great food scene (including several Michelin-recommended restaurants), and year-round festivals. Its public schools are consistently top-rated, a key driver for buyers,' explains Strohschein. She also says that demand remains high, which she attributes to the 'strong community vibe and overall quality of life,' so expect single home prices in the city, which is just 20 minutes from Atlanta, to average around $930,000; the median sale price of a condo is around $260,000. A walkway along the Chattahoochee River in Roswell, Georgia.
'Roswell blends historic charm with natural beauty, featuring a lively downtown, excellent dining, breweries, boutiques, outdoor festivals, and access to parks and the Chattahoochee River. It's a favorite for families thanks to its strong schools and outdoor lifestyle, and it appeals to those wanting small-town character with easy access to Atlanta,' says Strohschein. The median home value in Roswell is $662,306, and the city is just over 20 miles from all of the amenities and events in downtown Atlanta. Outdoor dining in downtown Savannah, Georgia.
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'This city's historic riverwalk district is filled with Southern charm and personality. Savannah attracts countless tourists annually but is also a great place to call home. It has a relatively low cost of living compared to Atlanta and offers a relaxed lifestyle with easy access to Georgia's barrier islands for those who love the coast,' says Varnadoe. According to Payscale, the cost of living in Savannah is 2.8 percent lower than Atlanta, and housing is 10.8 percent lower; the average home value in the area is around $330,000. Aerial view of Johns Creek suburb outside of Atlanta.
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'Situated just north of Atlanta and consistently ranked as one of Georgia's safest and most affluent cities, Johns Creek offers exceptional schools, luxury real estate, and beautifully planned and well-maintained communities,' says Varnadoe, adding that it 'boasts ample access to medical and healthcare facilities,' including Emory Johns Creek Hospital. It's also about a 45-minute drive from Lake Lanier, a popular destination for boating and fishing. A person enjoying a lake view in Peachtree City, Georgia.
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'With over 100 miles of golf cart paths, Peachtree City is a beautifully planned community situated approximately 30 miles south of Atlanta. This city attracts those seeking more space, safety, and a relaxed lifestyle without sacrificing convenience or connection to the metro area,' says Varnadoe. WorldAtlas ranked it as one of the best retirement towns in the South, citing its access to golf, tennis, and medical facilities; Piedmont Fayette Hospital is only six miles away.