Georgia

Named after King George II of Great Britain, Georgia is one of the most diverse states in the US. The state is famous for its picturesque coastline, immaculate mountain peaks and wealthy history.

Home to Coca-Cola in Georgia you wander along the cobbled roads of Savannah with a sunny atmosphere.

The state houses 47 state parks and has countless beaches scattered around its shoreline. Georgia also offers brilliant hiking, rafting, and kayaking opportunities. Chattahoochee River in Columbus is known for its urban white water course which is by far the largest in the world.

English is the official language of the state while Spanish is regionally spoken as well.

Let us now explore the many beach jewels of this historical state.

1. Tybee Island

Tybee Island

Located in Chatham County, Georgia, Tybee Island is a city as well as an island in the easternmost end of the state and a popular tourist destination for visitors from Savannah as well as the rest of the world.

Strategically placed near the mouth of Savannah River, Tybee Island was once frequented by pirates. Also known as Savannah Beach due to the closeness of the two town, Tybee is a paradise for birdwatchers. Herons, Egrets, and Osprey can be easily spotted.

The island typically attracts a lot of families and couples who wish to spend their beach holiday relaxing on the smooth sand or biking barefoot around the beautiful beach town. Seafood lovers will especially love the variety and taste of various seafood delicacies around the town.

Several endangered loggerhead turtles nest within the sand around the beach area.

While the Civil War Fort and the famous Tybee Island Lighthouse are the two primary attractions, swimming, kayaking, and other water sports also attract a great number of tourists.

2. Cumberland Island National Seashore

Cumberland Island National Seashore

The largest of Georgia’s Golden Isles, Cumberland Island lay mostly within the borders of Cumberland Island National Seashore. The 17-mile-long shoreline comprises of several dunes, freshwater lakes, and marshes.

Interestingly, the island is only reachable by boat. Hiking around the Cumberland Island National Seashore is a major attraction around the area.

Visitors who wish to spend the night can camp on the seashore which also houses the Cumberland Island Wilderness.

The coastline comprises a wide variety of flora and fauna, due to which, the area attracts many wildlife enthusiasts. The park is known to be the home of at least 23 different ecological communities which makes it the largest of its kind among Georgia’s barrier islands.

3. Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island

Another gem among the many of Georgia’s Golden Isles, Jekyll Island is one of the sea islands of Georgia located in the Glynn County and the smallest of its kind.

The island is quite popular among vacationers and offers guided tours of the adjoining Landmark Historic District.

Biking on surrounding trails, and walking and jogging around the coastline and sandbars are some of the usual activities around the area. The island also houses a water park, the Summer Waves, which is ideal for those traveling with kids.

Additionally, the island has a diverse range of flora and fauna including various mammals, birds, and even reptiles.

Jekyll Island is one of the only four islands in the state to have a paved causeway. There is a modest parking lot and three picnic areas near the northern end of the island.

4. St. Simons Island

St. Simons Island

The smallest of Georgia’s Golden Isles, St. Simons Island is on the south-eastern coast, in between Savannah and Jacksonville. Also known as “The East Beach”, the island serves as a residential community as well as a seaside resort.

The island’s warm climate, striking coastline, a plethora of water adventures, natural ambiance, historical sites, and shops and restaurants are some of the major factors that attract visitors from all around the world to this beach retreat.

St. Simons Island is also very popular among long-term vacationers and part-time residents.

White-tailed deer, raccoons, alligators, terrapins, marsh rabbits, and both native and migratory shorebirds are a popular sight amidst the vivid landscape of St. Simons Island.

The beach waters of the island see a lot of marine life such as right whales, dolphins, a wide variety of gamefish, and at times even manatee.

Golfing is one of the major sports around the island while hiking, walking, biking, boating, and sailing is also broadly enjoyed.

5. Little St. Simons Island

Little St. Simons Island

Among the least developed islands of Georgia’s list of Golden Isles, Little St. Simons Island flaunts a 7-mile-long coastline. The island is located within proximity of St. Simons Island and is distinguished from it by the Hampton River.

Little St. Simons Island is privately owned and anyone wishing to pay a visit must make prior arrangements with the Lodge office. The Lodge also offers all-inclusive day-trips and overnight packages along with guided fishing tours, hiking, biking, kayaking, birdwatching, and historical and ecological tours.

Little St. Simons Island can only be reached by boat. An ornithologist’s nirvana, the island forest is home to over 330 different species of birds including Wood Storks, Red Knots, and Bald Eagles.

Sports fishing is quite a trend in the tidal creeks and can often lead you to score flounders, redfish, and speckled trout. Otters, right whales, and dolphins can be spotted as well.

6. Driftwood Beach

Driftwood Beach

Made famous due to the abundance of driftwood in the area, the Driftwood Beach is located at the northern end of Jekyll Island.

A highly popular site for weddings and photography enthusiasts, Driftwood Beach is a short walk from Jekyll Island and is covered in majestic pine and oak trees scattered around the area.

The beach has been voted as one of America’s ‘Top Ten Romantic Beaches” time and again.

Driftwood beach is very popular among family vacationers and allows pets throughout the year.

Constant soil erosion in the area has led to unfavourable conditions for trees to grow here. which resulted in the creation of a rather eerie yet stunning landscape of conserved and bleached fallen trees.

7. Glory Beach

Glory Beach

The location of the Academy Award-winning motion picture, Glory, Glory Beach is now a peaceful, tranquil beach paradise. It is hard to imagine that the island has a painful past.

The beach is accessible from the parking lot of the adjoining Soccer Complex. The boardwalk created by the filmmakers during the production of the movie is now a major wildlife spotting point.

The forest area around Glory Beach is home to various wild grass species which nestle finely alongside Russian thistle, and camphor wood.

Come evening, the cool breeze invites various animal species such as deer, raccoons, and several coastal birds. Carry a pair of binoculars if you enjoy observing marine flora and fauna.

8. Gould’s Inlet

Gould’s Inlet

Located on the northern point of St. Simon’s Beach, Gould’s Inlet is primarily a birdwatching spot.

Although a popular beach destination, the Inlet is mostly famous for birding, fishing and as an ocean observation zone. The southern end of Sea Island is visible from the Inlet.

Just across Gould’s Inlet, you can see flocks of seabird of different species. You are most likely to spot local fisherman along the beach and the pier fishing for the daily produce.

Stand-up paddle-boarding is a prevalent sport here. The beach location offers several public facilities such as a fishing pier, water hose, showers, community water bowl for pets, and dog bag station.

There is limited parking available so secure your spot early in the day.

9. U.S. Coast Guard Station

U.S. Coast Guard Station

Situated just south of Gould’s Inlet, U.S. Coast Guard Station is the most eminent beach location along St. Simons Island. Titled after the distinguished coast guard station that still stands tall as the Maritime Centre, the Station is often also known as “First Street Beach Access”.

The U.S. Coast Guard Station, irrespective of what it’s called, offers the widest beach area around the entire region of St. Simons Island and necessarily has the biggest parking space.

The Coast Guards Bathhouse located right on the beach area offers various public facilities such as restrooms, showers, picnic areas, water hoses, and bike racks. Grills and playground are also available in the vicinity for visitors.

The adjoining U.S. Coast Guard Station Beachfront Massengale Park is open daily from 6:00 AM till 10:30 PM.

10. St. Andrews Beach and Picnic Area

St. Andrews Beach

Located closely to Jekyll Island, St. Andrews Picnic Area is the perfect gateway to St. Andrews Beach. The surrounding park is a short walk to Jekyll Point.

The beach area is especially famous for its dolphin sightings along with an abundance of a wide variety of shells and a sundry species of the bird population.

St. Andrews Picnic Area is also a site of historical importance and houses The Wanderer Memorial – a dedication to the 400 African slaves who were illegally imported into the country, the last of their kind.

Visitors to the beach can enjoy various amenities and services such as a walking trail, picnic areas, grill sections, public beach access, and restrooms.

11. Nanny Goat Beach

Nanny Goat Beach

Reportedly the first place in the United States to have been developed by Europeans, Nanny Goat Beach amazes its visitors with its pristine beauty. Wide stretch of sandy beaches, the friendly atmosphere, and the historical significance of the beach area makes it even more special for vacationers.

A part of Sapelo Island, Nanny Goat Beach is best explored via one of the many guided tours around the area. The eastern end of the beach, due to its rolling sand dunes and variety of seagrass, sees most tourists in the area.

The area lacks any kind of tourist facilities which may seem like a drawback, but it also prevents the coastline from commercialization.

The beach’s white sand is the most distinguished feature of the shoreline while the beach waters itself provide great opportunities for swimming and sunbathing. You could also go on a fishing expedition or choose to participate in a bird watching tour.

Top 13+ Best Beaches in Michigan (USA)

12. Robin Lake Beach and Callaway Gardens

Robin Lake Beach

Celebrated as the home to the biggest man-made beach in the world, Robin Lake Beach, Callaway Gardens is located in Pine Mountain, Georgia and is known to attract over 750,000 visitors yearly.

The artificial beach was established in 1952 to conserve the native azalea species. Currently, the Gardens is home to several recreational centers including but not limited to a massive butterfly habitat and the Cason J. Callaway Memorial Forest. Callaway Gardens is also a designated National Natural Landmark.

Callaway Gardens has several walking and biking trails, of which The Discovery Bike Trail is deemed the perfect way to access all tourist attractions.

The Gardens is also famous for hosting the Masters Water Ski and Skateboard Tournament on Memorial Weekend.

Source: www.callawaygardens.com

13. St. Catherines Island Beach

St. Catherines Island Beach

St. Catherines Island Beach is often considered as the best beach in the state of Georgia by many. Though that can still be questioned, there is no doubt that the 10-mile-long stunningly paradisiacal coastline is every beach and wildlife lover’s dream.

Located in Liberty County just south of Savannah, half of the island is covered with tidal marsh and wetlands. Notwithstanding the beach during the daylight hours, the rest of the area is not open to the public.

Owned by the St. Catherine Island Foundation, most of the island is aimed at conservation of endangered flora and fauna and protection of historically significant sites.

Swimming, day picnics, and beachcombing are quite popular among the visitors in the area.

Source: www.youtube.com

14. John Tanner State Park and Beach

John Tanner State Park And Beach

Named after a local businessman, John Tanner, the state park is home to the largest sand beach in the state of Georgia.

Situated amidst Carrolton and Mount Zion, the park is a former state park with a unique history.

The Park has two lakes, one of which houses the famous Tanner’s beach. It also is perfect for campers as the park has a full-functional campground with 32 tent, RV, and trailer camp spots, and cable, electric, and water hook-ups. There is also a dumping site for campers.

Tanner’s Beach is huge but the region’s popularity among campers also makes it too crowded for those looking to spend a lazy, relaxed afternoon by the beach. The trail encompassing the lake is great for hiking and biking.

Source: pbandjadventures.com

15. Cabretta Beach

Cabretta Beach

Situated north of Nanny Goat Beach is this remote slice of beach haven known as Cabretta Beach. Being the northernmost beach on Sapelo Island, it is often withdrawn and filled with serenity.

A stroll down the shoreline will reveal several tide pools as well as sand dollars and conch shells.

A short distance ahead lays the capacious Cabretta Campground which is your ideal getaway from the hustle and bustle of a regular Georgian beach. Though you may feel secluded, the campground is equipped with several public convenience facilities such as indoor bathrooms, hot showers, wash station, picnic tables, and a large firing ring.

Walk beyond the campground and you will find yourself on a trail which takes you through several sand dunes and tidal inlets.

While watching the sunrise here can be an amazing part of your vacation, the sunset sky filled with constellations as well as planets such as Mars, Venus, and Jupiter is an ethereal experience altogether. If you are observant and lucky, you may even spot the Milky Way.

Downtown Atlanta is the central business district of Atlanta, Georgia, United States. Atlanta is the capital of the U.S. state of Georgia. Atlanta History Center chronicles the city’s past, and the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site is dedicated to the African-American leader’s life and times. Downtown, Centennial Olympic Park, built for the 1996 Olympics, encompasses the massive Georgia Aquarium.

Downtown Atlanta may have been founded way back in the early 1800’s but this city district, which covers around four square miles and includes nine neighborhoods, is as up to date and vivacious as if it were built yesterday.

There’s nothing tired or shabby about the streets of Downtown Atlanta, They’re alive and kicking with a young vibe generated by the terraced street cafes and bars and the area’s mega-exciting nightlife. The district has a modern approach to culture too which is apparent in its eclectic art galleries, innovative theaters, and public artworks.

Whatever was old has been rejuvenated in great style and has been given a new lease of life making Downtown Atlanta one of the most exciting places to visit in the States today.

Do any of these best fifteen things to do in Downtown Atlanta, and you’ll have an absolutely amazing time there.

1. Skyview Atlanta

Source: Sean Pavone

Skyview Atlanta

Go for a whirl on the Skyview Atlanta Ferris wheel on Luckie Street to get the best panoramic views ever of Downtown Atlanta.

The wheel is twenty stories high, which is over two hundred feet, and there’s nothing nearby to obstruct the vistas. It’s incredible by day and impressive at night when the Downtown Atlanta skyline glitters with thousands of lights.

The Skyview Atlanta has forty-two air-conditioned gondolas one of which is a luxurious, leather-seated and glass-bottomed booth for those who want a VIP experience.

2. Fountain of Rings

Source: Sean Pavone

Fountain Of Rings

The Fountain of Rings, in the Centennial Olympic Park on Park Avenue in Downtown Atlanta, is a fountain designed to replicate the Olympic rings and is the largest of its kind anywhere in the world.

The two hundred and fifty water jets of the fountain perform computer choreographed shows to music four times daily and spurt water up to thirty-five feet in the air.

The shows are fun and interactive during the day, so if the weather’s hot, it’s the ideal place to have a splash and cool down. The after-dark shows are accompanied with stunning illuminations which are simply hypnotic.

3. ATL Cruzers

Source: facebook.com

ATL Cruzers

Explore Downtown Atlanta on two wheels or by four, whichever mode of transport is more comfortable. They’re both great fun.

Take a Segway and follow a guide as they take you around the top sights of DT. The tours, covering around four miles of the city streets, last for one and a half hours with frequent narrated stops.

Sit back on your seat in an electric car and let someone else do the driving. The driver-guided, eco-vehicles hold up to five people and cover fifteen miles in ninety minutes.

4. Apex Museum

Source: facebook.com

Apex Museum, Atlanta

The Apex Museum on Downtown Atlanta’s Auburn Avenue is dedicated to the history of African-Americans in Atlanta and the state of Georgia.

The museum commemorates the timeline of African-Americans in the city from the first arrivals to the present day. There are extensive photographic exhibitions alongside informative bulletin boards, video presentations, artworks, and artifacts many of which are a fascinating insight into the times of the Civil Rights Movement.

5. State Farm Arena

State Farm Arena, Atlanta

The State Farm Arena is the go-to place in Downtown Atlanta to watch the Atlanta Hawks play a game of basketball or to see a live concert.

This mega-venue has a seating capacity of just under twenty thousand and a fifteen square acres of playing field. There are restaurants serving everything from soul food to Italian pasta, beer halls with amazing views of the pitch and private lounges with super plush décor.

6. ZuCot Gallery

Source: zucotgallery.com

ZuCot Gallery

Enter into the ZuCot Gallery on DT Atlanta’s Centennial Olympic Park Avenue and discover a different art experience.

The three-thousand five hundred square foot gallery is bold, colorful, eclectic and definitely contemporary both in the way works are exhibited, and in the art it presents.

The ZuCot Gallery hosts regular and innovative art tasting evenings as well as frequent talk sessions with contributing artists.

7. Ponce City Market

Source: Nicholas Lamontanaro

Ponce City Market

Housed in an old department store building, the Ponce City Market on Ponce De Leon Avenue in Downtown Atlanta is a real community hub. Don’t expect a conventional market; this one is way more diverse.

The Ponce City Market has fantastic shops, a produce market and a food hall with over thirty eateries serving everything from Sushi to hot dogs. It doesn’t end there either.

Grab the elevator and head up onto the roof. Apart from some of the best views of Downtown Atlanta, you’ll find an amusement park, cocktail bars, a beer garden, and a mini-golf course.

8. CNN Studio Tour

CNN Studio, Atlanta

Take an insightful behind the scenes tour of the CNN news studios. The CNN Center located on Marietta Street in Downtown Atlanta is a multi-purpose building which houses not just several of the global news company’s broadcasting facilities but retail outlets and restaurants too.

Start the tour by riding the world’s longest free-standing elevator before being escorted around the facility by a guide. They’ll give you inside information on the company’s history then let you spy down into the newsroom during a live broadcast.

On a VIP tour experience, you get to go into a live newsroom and meet the presenters. Now that is something which is totally newsworthy.

9. VIDA Ultra Lounge

Source: facebook.com

Vida Ultra Lounge ATL

For a sophisticated night out in a superb location, check out the Harlem Nights Ultra Lounge on Courtland Street in Downtown Atlanta.

This club, has over eleven thousand square feet of internal space occupied by an enormous dance floor, lounge areas and VIP seating booths. They present a small but tasty menu for anyone who wishes to dine before the DJ’s start spinning discs for the night. They offer all types of beverages and have a cocktail list as long as your arm.

The Harlem Nights Ultra Lounge is for over 21’s only and they appreciate it if you dress to thrill.

10. World Of Coca Cola

Source: Sean Pavone

World Of Coca-Cola

Find out everything you’ve ever wanted to know about the world’s most famous refreshment at the World of Coca-Cola. The museum on Baker Street in Downtown Atlanta is dedicated to the Coca-Cola company and the drink they’ve been producing for over a hundred years.

The museum covers over twenty acres and includes exhibits of a working bottling machine, presentations on the drinks unique formula, informative videos and a tasting station offering sixty variants of the drink for visitors to try.

11. Agatha’s Mystery Dinner Theater

Source: agathas.com

Agatha’s Mystery Dinner Theater

Have a different and very entertaining evening at Agatha’s “A Taste of Mystery” Dinner Theater. The theater, which has been presenting mystery and murder dinner shows for thirty years, is on Downtown Atlanta’s Peachtree Center Avenue.

Take a place at a table in the vintage-style dining room and dine on a five-course meal while watching the mystery comedy-drama unfold. Expect some slapstick, expect to laugh but above all expect to be well fed and very well entertained.

12. Relay Bike Share

Source: relaybikeshare.com

Relay Bike Share

Grab a cycle from the Relay Bike Share scheme at Centennial Olympic Park or any other pick up and drop off point in Downtown Atlanta and take a ride around the district.

Downtown Atlanta has super cycle paths running around some of the best parts of the district. Download the map app onto your mobile, plan a route and discover DT under your own pedal produced power. It’s a great way of exploring and you can stop off and start again whenever you feel like it.

13. Center For Civil & Human Rights

Source: Klaus Balzano

Center For Civil & Human Rights

The Center for Civil and Human Rights is a museum at Pemberton Place in Downtown Atlanta. The museum is dedicated to the work achieved by the Civil Rights Movement, not just in the US but throughout the world.

The eye-opening exhibits at the museum include memorabilia pertinent to Martin Luther King, an interactive gallery about segregation and other historically important artifacts of the civil rights movement.

The museum also houses an interesting exhibit on some of the world’s worst and most dangerous dictators.

14. Big Daddy’s Southern Cuisine

Don’t leave Downtown Atlanta without having a taste of the regional cuisine. Big Daddy’s Southern Cuisine restaurant on Martin Luther King Jr Drive will set you straight with a hearty, home-style meal which will have you struggling to get up from the table.

Fried chicken wings, slow-cooked pot roast or smothered beef liver with onions are all must tries and so is the catfish. Accompany any of them with a side of collard greens, yam soufflé, mashed potatoes or mac’n’cheese, and you’ll not want to eat again for another week.

15. Old Fourth Ward Distillery

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Old Fourth Ward Distillery

Tour the Old Fourth Ward Distillery on Edgewood Avenue in Downtown Atlanta to find out how they distill their beverages.

The distillery produces craft made gin and vodka from fresh ingredients on their premises using a one hundred and thirty-year-old technique. The tour ends, as all good distillery tours should, in the tasting room.

Don’t miss out on trying their Lawn Dart. It’s a true Downtown Atlanta twist on an Italian Limoncello and has the flavorsome kick of added ginger. It’ll make your visit to Downtown Atlanta even more worth it.

Georgia is a southeastern U.S. state whose terrain spans coastal beaches, farmland and mountains. Capital city Atlanta is home of the Georgia Aquarium and the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site, dedicated to the African-American leader’s life and times. The city of Savannah is famed for its 18th- and 19th-century architecture and leafy public squares. Augusta hosts the Masters golf tournament.

If a list of most lovable states was drawn, you can wager your house that Georgia will be among the top 10 states.

There is just something about the Peach State that endears it to many.

Maybe it’s its deeply rich history. Or the breathtaking natural sights spanning mountains, farmland, dense forests and coastal beaches. Some love it for its true southern hospitality (and accents). And an equally hospitable people.

Others love Georgia for being the cradle of the world’s favourite syrupy drink. And Brunswick soup. And being the biggest producer of peaches. And peanuts. And pecans. And for the fried fish, and fried everything, including vegetables.

The Augusta Masters tournament. The football. The famous BBQs. We could go on.

With a population of 10.3 million, this Deep South state remains highly affordable for budget-conscious residents. It guarantees more bang for your buck for everything ranging from housing, to the fresh farmers markets produce.

Georgia generally boasts a high cost of living, with 18 Fortune 500 companies among the biggest employers (and 33 Fortune 1000 companies). The generous tax incentives are attracting all sorts of businesses, including the film and TV industry which has grown in spades.

Majority of cities in Georgia are considered safe, with an incredibly diverse population everywhere you go.

The Peach State has a widely varying topography that promises a unique lifestyle, and the blend of city and country atmosphere appeals to many. The endless supply of attractions also means there is always something to do for everyone, young and old.

If locating to Georgia is on the cards any time soon, these are the best places to live in Georgia, all factors considered – education, healthcare, cost of living, quality of life, crime rate, attractions and amenities.

1. John’s Creek

Johns Creek

Starting us off is John’s Creek, a suburb located 30 miles northeast of Atlanta in Fulton County. It is home to 82,200 people who enjoy an extremely high quality of life.

The schools in this area are some of the best in the state, with a close to 100% high school graduation rate that trounces the state’s rate and that of the nation in general.

John’s Creek enjoys low crime rate. The property crime rate is 75% lower than the national average, while the rate of violent crime is a welcomed 90% lower.

As far as amenities go, the residents have a wide selection, including entertainment, dining, shopping and recreation options. The suburb’s proximity to the big city only serves to enhance its appeal in terms of leisure activities.

For all the benefits, you will have to fork out a little more living in John’s Creek, at least compared to the rest of Georgia. The median home value in this area is at $333,300.

2. Alpharetta

Alpharetta

Alpharetta is a town near Atlanta also located in Fulton County, a region that boasts several places often considered the best to live in the Empire State of the South.

This one has a population of 62,000 who enjoy a high quality of life. This is not just due to the area’s livability, but also because each household takes home a high income amounting to $92,839 on average each year.

Crime rate is lower compared to the rest of the state, ditto the unemployment rate.

If you are a young family, the education system in Alpharetta will work wonders for your kids as the schools here are the best you can access in the entire state.

A home will set you back more than most other places in Georgia. Still, you get good value since a nice three-bedroom two-bath single-family home will cost you $327,000 on average.

Then again, most of the residents enjoy pretty nice salaries, coming to about $92,839 per household.

3. Athens

Athens

The Athens version of Georgia is a proud place to call home, although not much for families.

If you are looking for great schools or a mature environment, Athens is not your kind of town. Because this is a college town most ideal for the young at heart.

We say young at heart because you don’t necessarily have to be a young student to reap the benefits that come with living in Athens, as pretty much most college towns worth their salt.

The beauty of college towns is that by and large, housing tends to be affordable. That is exactly what the close to 120,000 residents of this town in Clarke County get. Median home value is $150,000, with rents averaging $789.

More than that, college towns also tend to be bike-friendly and walkable, with fantastic public transportation as is clearly apparent in Athens.

As well, there is never a dull moment what with an abundance of entertainment, dining and shopping options, all of which you can enjoy at a fraction of the price in this great town.

4. Roswell

Roswell

Roswell is another town in Fulton County which is home to almost 94,000 residents.

It makes it to our list of best places to live in Georgia for several reasons.

Roswell has great schools and boasts one of the lowest unemployment rates in the Peach State.

Crime is also lower than the state average, and another perk is that the cost of living in this area is a tad lower than some other areas in Fulton County.

A single-family home averages $297,000, but the folks here also take home a fat salary that swings around the $82,150 mark.

What’s more, with 18 parks in Roswell, children have acres of space to live and grow. Source: www.roswellgov.com

5. Decatur

Decatur

Decatur is a small community of close to 21,000 people that was ranked by Niche as the best place to live in Georgia in 2017.

Snuggled in DeKalb County, the city’s motto is “Everything is Greater in Decatur”, and it seems to live up to its hype in every respect.

The schools here are ranked as some of the best in Georgia, with students spending the second-highest amounts in the state, although this comes with the added bonus of getting lots of personal attention.

Home prices in Decatur are greater, as the motto intimates, averaging $365,900, although anyone looking for rentals would be relieved to hear the going rate of $887 a month is lower than the national average.

Crime is also low in this beautiful suburb, making it a great area for families, more so considering the wealth of dining, shopping and recreation options available.

Whether it’s fine dining, soul food, BBQ or fusion restaurants you’re after, Decatur has you covered.  Source: www.decaturga.com

6. Suwanee

Suwanee

Next up on our list of best places to live in Georgia is a little city of a little more than 17,000 residents that has found its name in many a publication, including Kiplinger, Money Magazine and Family Circle.

Yes, for all the right reasons.

Suwanee is an all-round great place to live, that much is not in doubt, be it for families, single professionals or retirees.

Public schools are right up there with the very best, and the low cost of living is low for a neighbourhood of its standards. $239,400 can get you a pretty decent four-bedroom two-bath single family home!

The residents have great jobs that see them pocket a combined $82,440 per household each year, with a fairly low crime rate to contend with.

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7. Marietta

Marietta

Marrieta is a town near Atlanta that you will find in Cobb County.

It has many notable schools with a strong rating of 9/10 on GreatSchools.org, with Lassiter High School being ranked the seventh-best in the state by U.S. News & World Report.

Cost of living in Marietta is affordable, with monthly rent averaging $900, below national average. If you are looking to purchase property, $211,500 is enough to snap up a nice two-bed one-bath single-family house.

Marietta has more than enough attractions to accommodate its 58,900 residents. Theatres, museums and 18 parks.

History lovers will appreciate the Civil War museum and war reenactments in the area, while outdoor lovers will fancy the 18 miles worth of trails in the nearby Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park.

Speaking of Kennesaw…

8. Kennesaw

Kennesaw

Kennesaw is a fast growing town in Cobb County that is currently home to 32,200 residents.

The livability of Georgia is causing mass migrations to the Peach State, according to the U.S. News & World Report 2016, and Kennesaw seems to be garnering quite the attention.

Why, you may ask?

For starters, the area has an extremely low cost of living.

With houses going for $151,800 on average, you can scour the entire state but you won’t find a better deal than this when you gauge cost versus benefits.

Kennesaw is also desirable to families due to its high performing schools, and this little diverse community is known for its low crime rate; there are multiple incidences each year but there is a reason the area scores “A+” on the “desirability for families” category on Niche.com.

There is also a historic town here, walkable at that, where you will find brick walkways, museums, parks, specialty shops, restaurants and a nice infusion of that unmistakable southern charm.

The presence of the Kennesaw State University gives the town a college feel and some vibrancy to it, but not so much as to override the overall vibe in the area.

9. Mountain Park

Mountain Park

The name itself is a dead giveaway as to what you can expect in this suburb of Gwinnett County that is home to 12,700 residents.

Indeed, it is here that the vast stone monolith is located that serves as a gateway to the Stone Mountain Park which is one of the biggest tourist draws in Georgia.

The distance between Mountain Park and Atlanta would not be ideal for anyone working in the city. But the affordability of homes in this stunning area is low enough to appeal especially to growing families just starting out.

The median home value in Mountain Park stands at an attractive $168,500, and if nature, a serene environment and close community appeal to you, you need to move to Mountain Park before properties rise any further.

With the nearby Stone Mountain Park that also features a theme park among a slew of other attractions, the kids are sure to love this place and have it etched in their memory well into old age.

10. Peachtree City

Peachtree City

With a population of 34,900, Peachtree City is regarded as one of the best places to live in America by many notable entities, including CNN and TIME Magazine.

The verdant suburb of Atlanta, Georgia is tucked somewhere in Fayette County where you will find people of all ages zipping through neighbourhoods in golf carts, be it teens or seniors.

There are 10,000 golf carts in this scenic town that also includes 90 miles of trails, beautifully weaving through lakes, a BMX park, baseball fields, and an amphitheatre.

Homes in Peachtree City are worth $274,600 on average, with high rent prices (by Georgia standards) that play around the $2,000 mark.

But the high-salaried households whose residents work for the likes of Panasonic and TDK are well cushioned from the high cost of living, with their annual salaries standing at $85,420.

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11. Evans

Evans

Evans is another town that has received notable plaudits over the years. You will find the town in Columbia County where 33,730 residents are happy to call home.

Evans may give off the feeling of a rural town, which it is, but a 10-mile commute will get you to downtown Augusta where the likes of Fort Gordon – the U.S. Army Center, and Georgia Regents University are based.

Evans is ideal for anyone who doesn’t mind a small-town mindset, although this is not your ordinary small town.

The nightlife is absolutely buzzing, made the merrier by the many different cultures living here.

The quality of life is extremely high as evidenced by the soaring house prices (median home value is $227,600), with rent alone sitting at $1,544.

But equally high are the income levels enjoyed by the residents, averaging $92,507 a year.

Crime in Evans is virtually non-existent, with outstanding public schools to boot.

12. Sandy Springs

Sandy Springs

Just north of Atlanta in Fulton County is a large city that goes by the name Sandy Springs.

It has a population of just over 100,000 whose only downside to living in this area has to be the hot real estate market. The average cost of homes is $415,600 which, if you have already finished paying up, can only be good news.

Other than that, Sandy Springs is a perfect place for families, with beautiful well-defined neighbourhoods everywhere you look.

Residents are well-catered for in terms of healthcare. The area they have christened “Pill Hill” has a concentration of three large hospitals – St. Joseph’s, Northside Hospital and All Children’s Hospital.

There is also a lot going on here in terms of nightlife, and each year the community makes sure to put on multiple events and festivals.

13. Virginia-Highland

Virginia-Highland

Locals have an affectionate name for Virginia-Highland.

They call it Va-Hi, and this is a neighborhood best suited for the city slicker who fancies living in the vicinity of Downtown or Midtown Atlanta.

It is a neighbourhood particularly famous with young professionals. But it does double up as a good place for families who will particularly love its convenience when it comes to commute time and attractions.

Life in the city is bound to be costly, and the 10,300 residents have to put up with upwards of $1,000 in monthly rent, and homes in this area fetch at just below half a million dollars at $496,195.

They are beautiful, though, bearing semblance with cottage-style houses.

There are tons of local businesses in Va-Hi, including boutiques, home décor shops, and restaurants and cafes.

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14. Druid Hills

Druid Hills

Next up on our list of best places to live in Georgia is an Atlanta suburb that is home to 14,000 people.

Druid Hills is an interesting place in the sense that it is a mishmash of neighbourhood/suburb/census designated place, although it’s popularly referred to as Atlanta’s “second suburb”.

What Druid Hills may lack in a clear identity it makes up for in its sumptuous offering.

The place is drop-dead gorgeous, but you would have to pay through your nose to live in this affluent neck of the woods.

Homes are valued at $477,800 on average, but the residents are well remunerated with each household earning an average $87,912 per annum.

Druid Hills is beautifully diverse, with an almost zero crime rate. The nightlife too is amazing, and this is because the peaceful neighbourhood peppered with giant houses is within proximity to Va-Hi and Emory University.

15. Milton

Milton

Milton rounds off our 15 best places to live in Georgia list.

It is good to note that this is a new neighbourhood that was established as recently as 2006.

However, it has been growing at a phenomenal rate. Today, the population stands at 35,800, a number that has seen the area even surpass many Atlanta suburbs that have been in existence since way back when.

Milton is the kind of place that oozes a small-town feel, albeit just a stone’s throw to the amenities in nearby cities.

It has been recognised as one of the places in Georgia with the highest quality of life, so much so that it was ranked ninth-highest in the southern U.S.

Milton has an excellent education system, with more than enough to see and do – swimming, parks, golf, baseball, tennis, horseback riding, festivals and more.

The serene community is surrounded by rolling hills and a breathtaking rural landscape, but living here is costly, with homes valued at $459,500 on average.

However, the salaries are correspondingly high, with each household amassing $111,778 a year on average. Source: www.cityofmiltonga.us