Georgia is a state that has something for everyone. With its mountains and beaches, small historic towns, busy metropolises and quiet suburbs. The Peach State has a number of destinations that offer the best in both worlds. Consider the smaller cities that surround Atlanta. Alpharetta or Decatur can be reached in just a few minutes (depending on traffic) from Atlanta, making them a great choice for commuters. Savannah, too, is a multi-faceted city that offers a small-town charm without sacrificing modern conveniences or top-notch dining.
Real estate experts have identified the top places to live in Georgia for anyone planning a cross-country move.
Old Fourth Ward in Atlanta
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Amy Adams, national expert in real estate at The CE Shop Associate broker at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties. She also adds that the trail is “historical and trendy” and that it has the benefit of being part of the Atlanta Beltline. Redfin As of July 2025 the housing market was “somewhat” competitive, with a housing median price of about $420,000.
Alpharetta
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“Alpharetta continues attracting buyers because of its top-rated school system, thriving job market and amenity-rich, walkable downtown, which is centered around Avalon – a large mixed-use project – and City Center – a vibrant destination that combines local dining, boutique shops, and green spaces,” says Sarah Strohschein, a real estate advisor at Engel and Völkers Atlanta. Alpharetta offers city conveniences with a homey feel. Derek VarnadoeHomeSmart’s and Georgia housing market experts, both licensed realtors, agree. The average value of a home in Alpharetta, Georgia is about $730,000.
St. Simons Island
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Browse the coastal Georgia homes for sale to find your dream home. real estate in St. Simons. Georgia’s breathtaking scenery is part of the 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 instance is known as being one of. 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.
Monroe
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Monroe, a quiet and peaceful bedroom community located east of Atlanta is the perfect combination of old-fashioned and new. This community has a historic downtown area with shopping, concerts, and new restaurants—some of them farm-to-table,” says Adams. “Monroe County and Walton County are both large areas of open land that make you feel as if you’re in the country but still close to Atlanta so you can visit often and enjoy city events, concerts, and sporting events.”
She says that there is a wide range of housing from the affordable to large custom homes and horse farms. The average home is valued at just over $375,000The cost of living in the United States is three percent lower More than the national median
Blue Ridge
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“Blue Ridge North Georgia is at the foothills Appalachian Mountains. Blue Ridge’s economy is heavily based on tourism, but it is much more. Blue Ridge is home to a thriving community of full-time residents. Blue Ridge has a lot of shopping and restaurants, but its main attraction is the natural beauty,” Adams says. “There are houses that start at an affordable price and go all the way to luxury custom mountain homes.”
Housing prices Blue Ridge’s home values have increased after the pandemic. However, they have been decreasing since 2022. Home values are currently around $520,000This number is inflated, however, by the multi-million dollar houses. several homes Blue Ridge homes for sale under $300,000.
Decatur
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Decatur has the perfect combination of small town charm and big city perks. The downtown area is a walkable one, with many locally-owned shops and restaurants (including Michelin-recommended ones) as well as festivals throughout the year. Strohschein says that the city’s public schools consistently rank at the top of their class, which is a major factor for buyers. She says the demand for homes in the city is still high. She attributes this to the “strong sense of community and overall quality-of-life” so single home prices should be around average. The city is only 20 minutes from Atlanta. around $930,000The median condo sale price is approximately $260,000.
Roswell
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“Roswell combines historic charm with natural beauties, offering a lively downtown and excellent dining. There are also breweries, shops, outdoor festivals and parks along the Chattahoochee. Strohschein notes that Roswell is a great place for families, thanks to its outdoor lifestyle and strong schools. The median value of a home in Roswell, Georgia is $662,306It is less than 20 miles to all the attractions and events of downtown Atlanta.
Savannah
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The riverwalk district of this city is full of Southern charm, personality and history. Savannah It is a popular tourist destination, but it’s also a wonderful place to live. Varnadoe says that it has a low cost of living in comparison to Atlanta, and offers a relaxed life with easy access Georgia’s barrier island for those who enjoy the coast. According to PayscaleThe average home in the area costs around $330,000.
Johns Creek
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Johns Creek is located north of Atlanta. Consistently rated as one of Georgia’s safest, wealthiest and best-planned cities, it offers excellent schools, luxurious real estate, well-planned communities and beautiful landscaping. Emory Johns Creek Hospital. Lake Lanier is a popular fishing and boating destination, about 45 minutes away.
Peachtree City
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“With over 100 miles Peachtree is a planned community located about 30 miles south-east of Atlanta. This city appeals to those who are looking for more space, safety and a relaxed life style without sacrificing convenience. WorldAtlas It was ranked as one of the most desirable retirement towns in the South due to its proximity to medical, golf and tennis facilities. Piedmont Fayette Hospital, which is just six miles away, is also a major attraction.