Georgia is the 24th largest state in area, and the 8th largest in population. Known as Peach State, and Empire State of the South, Georgia crosses mountains and rivers on its way south to the Atlantic Coast. It has some beautiful rural scenery dotted with small towns, while cities like Atlanta are vibrant and cosmopolitan. Crime can be a problem in Georgia, especially in those larger cities. We’ve ranked some of the largest cities in the state according to crime, as well as how good the schools are, unemployment levels, weather, cost of living, and amenities. Here’s the list:
10. Albany
Taking the No. 10 spot on our 10 best cities in Georgia list is Albany. Albany is the eighth largest city in the state, and it’s in Dougherty County in the southwest. Albany ranks very well for amenities, cost of living, and weather, and about average for unemployment, but it’s the bad crime index and under average schools that puts this city down.
9. Augusta
Known around the world as the home of golf’s Masters Tournament, Augusta is the second largest city in the state. It has some great weather year-round, and a very low cost of living, but it’s the crime index that stops Augusta from ranking higher than ninth best city in Georgia.
8. Macon
Nicknamed The Heart of Georgia because of its central location in the state, Macon is about 85 miles south of Atlanta. Ranked the eighth best city in Georgia, Macon scores lower for education, and residents have ample crime to worry about. Amenities, cost of living, and weather all score very well though.
7. Columbus
Georgia’s City of Columbus is the third largest city in the state and is set on the banks of the Chattahoochee River. The crime index for Columbus is an improvement over the three cities above, but still high, while education and unemployment are average, giving Columbus the number seven best place in Georgia.
6. Warner Robins
Twice named best place in Georgia to raise a family, the city of Warner Robins does have some good things going for it. The crime index is still above average though cost of living is very good and there are plenty of amenities. Schools are also a little better than average.
5. Atlanta
Atlanta is the capital and largest city of Georgia, and with an economy ranked 15th among the world and sixth in the U.S. you’d expect this to be a city that’s going places! Unemployment is about average though, and the cost of living is a little higher than other cities on our list, but then you get great amenities and average schools. It’s the crime index again that stops Atlanta from ranking any higher than fifth best city in Georgia.
4. Savannah
Georgia’s oldest city is Savannah, and it’s full of charming historic buildings. The city has many other things going for it as well: excellent access to amenities, a very low cost of living, great weather, average unemployment and education. Once again there’s an above average level of crime here though.
3. Athens
Yes, Athens was named for the capital of Greece! It’s the fifth largest city in Georgia and it’s a college town, home to the University of Georgia. Athens ranks as the third best city in Georgia because it has a very low cost of living and ample amenities. The crime index is better than all of the aforementioned cities, and education, employment, and weather are all average.
2. Sandy Springs
Sandy Springs is in Fulton County, and it’s the sixth largest city in the state. Sandy Springs scores very well in all categories, especially for having a stable housing market, good schools, low unemployment, and many amenities. Crime is below average, but cost of living stops Sandy Springs from taking the number one spot.
1.Roswell
The best city in Georgia is Roswell. Roswell is a northern suburb of Atlanta, and the eighth largest city in the state. It’s known as an affluent city and scores very highly in all the quality of life ratings used for this top 10. Despite being affluent, even the cost of living is not especially high in Roswell, and the crime index is the best of all 10 cities. Roswell has a very low unemployment level, good schools, and a stable housing market too.
Image Sources: wikipedia
