Looking to work in film, technology, or logistics with a bit of southern hospitality on the side? Move to Georgia! Atlanta, the state capital city, has a thriving culture, a bustling international airport, and room to grow! As for the rest of the state? It has plenty of charm, too! Learn about the fastest-growing cities in Georgia and find out what each one has to offer.
Best Cities to Live in Georgia: How to Choose an Atlanta Neighborhood
Before you move to Georgia, brush up on your local lingo. If you’re moving to an Atlanta neighborhood, you’ll either be ITP (inside the perimeter) or OTP (outside the perimeter). Interstate 285 forms a “perimeter” around the city of Atlanta, so anything inside the perimeter will have a more urban feel, while OTP cities will give you the convenience of suburban living with close proximity to downtown Atlanta. And yes, locals truly do use ITP and OTP to describe where they live!
Best Place to Move to In Georgia for Young Professionals
Not surprisingly, Georgia’s best cities for singles and young professionals are ITP. Here’s where to look if you’re craving urban vibes, up-and-coming neighborhoods, and plenty of things to do.
1. Decatur
Conveniently located to all of Atlanta’s major interstates, Decatur is tucked into the northwest corner of the city. It’s home to local music venues, a legendary farmer’s market, and even local pubs and breweries. Historic downtown buildings and year-round community events give this quiet Atlanta town a welcoming personality that’s all its own. Need to find a roommate in your new city? Because of its convenient location, Decatur will appeal to almost anyone who works ITP, making your search much easier.
2. Mozley Park
It doesn’t get any closer to the middle of the action than the westside neighborhood of Mozley Park. Nestled just minutes from downtown Atlanta, this neighborhood is poised for a steady population growth rate over the next few years. Plus, it’s on the Atlanta BeltLine, a network of trails that were revitalized from unused railroad tracks. If you move to Mozley Park, BeltLine walking and bike trails can give you easy access to parks, the city’s biggest attractions, and your own home — without needing a car!
Best Cities to Raise a Family in Georgia
Looking for the safest city in Georgia with a great school system, lower property crime rates, and space to raise a family? Any of these OTP Atlanta suburbs can fit the bill!
3. East Cobb
Marietta, Roswell, and Sandy Springs are all included in the East Cobb area. All of these cities offer all the amenities you expect from developing suburban towns, like plenty of grocery stores and restaurants, in addition to excellent public schools.
4. Johns Creek
The violent crime rate in Johns Creek is among the lowest in the state of Georgia. It’s also one of the fastest growing cities around Atlanta, alongside neighboring cities Milton and Alpharetta. And yet, this bustling suburb is still close to the city—so close that it’s still within Fulton County, the same as many ITP neighborhoods.
5. Peachtree City
Peachtree City is located just southwest of Atlanta. This affluent community has one notable perk: you can get around in a golf cart! Multi-use trails make it easy to get around in a golf cart, and close proximity to Interstate 85 puts you within minutes of the city’s international airport. Nearby towns of Newnan, Fayetteville, and Tyrone also have lots to offer (including lower median home prices in many cases!).
Best Places to Move to in Georgia (That Aren’t Atlanta!)
If your answer to, “Why move to Georgia?” is to have more space to spread out, consider moving further from the city! Here are a few wonderful cities in Georgia that
6. Gainesville
Like the idea of lakeside living? Most of Gainesville, Georgia is a stone’s throw from Lake Lanier. Live on the water and enjoy a scenic view, or move a bit further from the shore and take advantage of a lower cost of living. Gainesville is about an hour from Atlanta—just close enough for a day trip and just far enough to give you the elbow room you’re craving.
7. Athens
College towns aren’t just for college students, and Athens, Georgia is proof! The city is home to the University of Georgia (and regularly hosts hundreds of thousands of visitors during football season each fall!), but it has plenty to offer every family! You’ll find plenty of quirky and cool local businesses and activities in Athens, and families will love the neighboring town of Watkinsville.
8. Savannah
Think coastal living, historic charm, and city life can’t coexist in the state of Georgia? Think again! The city of Savannah has a huge historic district that feels like a step back in time, as well as a quaint-but-urban feel you won’t find anywhere else in the state. Because it’s also home to the Savannah College of Art and Design, Savannah also has a thriving creative scene and plenty of hangout spots for families and young professionals alike. Hilton Head and Tybee Island are close by, too, for those times when you need a beach day.
Why Move to Georgia? Life Can Be Peachy in the Peach State!
After you’ve decided where to plant roots in Georgia, it’s time to coordinate the logistics of moving! Getting set up in a new city and becoming part of a community can be tough. Why should you have to fuss with furniture on top of that? Let CORT Furniture Rental help you settle into your new space quickly.
Here’s how it works: you curate the perfect furniture rental subscription package by adding the furniture you need to rent. Then, you select a lease length and delivery date, and our team of professional movers will deliver and install your furniture for you. Finally, when you no longer need to rent furniture — because the new furniture you bought has finally arrived! — then our crew will pick up your furniture.
Start creating your furniture rental package online today so you can enjoy the Peach State as soon as you move there!
