What Are the Top Spots for Families in Georgia? (Find Your Next Home)

Looking for the perfect Georgian city to raise your family? We’ve analyzed 9 outstanding cities that offer exceptional quality of life, top-rated schools, and abundant family activities.

These cities stand out for their unique combinations of safety, educational excellence, and family-friendly amenities.

Let’s explore what makes each of these cities an ideal place to call home, starting with detailed insights about their schools, activities, healthcare options, and cost of living.

Overview: The Best Places to Live in Georgia for Families

Methodology: How We Ranked These Places?

Want to understand how we determined the best places to raise a family in Georgia? We evaluated eight key factors that matter most to families:

• Education
• Safety
• Cost of Living
• Housing Cost
• Commute Time
• Family-Friendly Activities
• Healthcare
• Households with Children

Here’s Where Our Data Came From

• Niche
• US Census Bureau
• NeighborhoodScout
• Statistical Atlas
• Zillow
• City-Data
• Official City Websites

Best Places to Live In Georgia for Families

• Alpharetta

• Peachtree City

• Johns Creek

• Decatur

• Milton

• Roswell

• Dunwoody

• Savannah

• Suwanee

Alpharetta

• Population: 65,818
• Median Home Price: $708,047
• Median Rent: $1,878
• Niche.com Schools Rating: A+
• Households with Kids: 41%
• Average Commute Time: 28.2 minutes

Alpharetta sits just 30 minutes from Atlanta. Southern Living® Magazine readers recently named it The South’s Best Cities On The Rise 2024. Unlike the bustling streets of Atlanta, Alpharetta offers a safer, more family-oriented environment.

Did you know that 41% of households in Alpharetta have children? This impressive statistic ranks fourth highest in Georgia.

As a result, you’ll find public services specifically designed for family activities. Young families particularly gravitate to Downtown Alpharetta, especially the vibrant Avalon area.

Education

Looking for top-tier education? Fulton County Schools has you covered.

Money Magazine recently recognized it as one of the Top 100 School Districts in Places You Can Afford.

Higher education options are equally impressive. DeVry University and Keller Graduate School of Management maintain Alpharetta campuses.

Georgia State University operates locally, while the renowned Georgia Tech, one of the nation’s top engineering schools, sits just north of downtown Atlanta.

Family-Friendly Activities

Ready to explore outdoors? Wills Park and the Big Creek Greenway offer extensive walking trails, playgrounds, sports fields, and arboretums.

Cool off at Wills Park Pool on Old Milton Parkway, featuring a leisure pool with zero-depth entry, interactive play stations, and an exciting water slide.

Sports enthusiasts can choose from 11 lighted tennis courts and 18 pickleball courts. Mark your calendar for the Alpharetta Brew Moon Fest, held the first Saturday in October downtown.

Healthcare

Need medical care? Two major hospitals serve the area. Northside Hospital Forsyth operates a few miles north, while WellStar North Fulton Hospital serves the south side.

Safety

• Violent crime rate: 2.87 per 1,000 residents (GA avg: 3.67)
• Property crime rate: 13.14 per 1,000 residents (GA avg: 16.91)

Cost of Living

The only concern of moving to Alpharetta is its higher cost of living, running 3% above the national average. Have you researched housing costs? They significantly exceed the national average, so careful budget planning is essential.

Did You Know? “In 2024, Niche ranked Alpharetta as the second-best place to live in Georgia.”

Peachtree City

• Population: 38,244
• Median Home Price: $544,063
• Median Rent: $1,515
• Niche.com Schools Rating: A+
• Households with Kids: 36%
• Average Commute Time: 28.5 minutes

Have you dreamed of enjoying metropolitan Atlanta’s conveniences without big city pressures? Welcome to Peachtree City, the largest city in Fayette County. This unique community offers a distinctive lifestyle that might surprise you.

What sets this city apart? Picture yourself cruising through over 90 miles of dedicated golf cart paths. More than 10,000 households own golf carts here, making it a defining feature of daily life.

Education

Students thrive in the renowned Fayette County School System, consistently ranking among Georgia’s educational leaders. The system’s 27 schools have earned recognition for achieving the state’s highest SAT, CRCT, and ITBS scores.

Wondering about higher education? Several prestigious institutions lie within an hour’s commute. Your options include the University of West Georgia, Point University, Georgia State University, Atlanta Metropolitan College, and Bauder College’s Atlanta campus.

Family-Friendly Activities

Looking for unique entertainment? Try Mastermind’s escape room adventures, where families solve puzzles and crack codes together. For artistic spirits, Splatterdash’s innovative “art warehouse” concept offers creative exploration.

Want more family fun? Bowl a few frames at Royal Lanes Social, perfect for all ages.

History buffs can explore vintage aircraft at the Commemorative Air Force Airbase Georgia – you can even take a ride!

Healthcare

Medical care remains easily accessible here. The city hosts numerous medical offices and physicians. Piedmont Fayette Hospital sits just five miles east of Peachtree City.

Safety

• Violent crime rate: 0.3 per 1,000 residents (GA avg: 3.67)
• Property crime rate: 10.14 per 1,000 residents (GA avg: 16.91)

Cost of Living

Considering your budget? The cost of living runs about 3% above the national average. Housing costs also exceed national averages, so factor this into your planning.

Did You Know? “Kids between the ages of 12 and 15 can drive a cart on Peachtree City’s cart paths as long as a parent, grandparent, or guardian rides in the front seat with them.”

Johns Creek

• Population: 82,453
• Median Home Price: $674,786
• Median Rent: $1,598
• Niche.com Schools Rating: A+
• Households with Kids: 47% (Joint highest in Georgia)
• Average Commute Time: 30.4 minutes

Seeking a safe suburban lifestyle near Atlanta? Johns Creek consistently ranks as Georgia’s safest city, offering a unique blend of cultural diversity with 25% international population.

Picture yourself exploring over 400 acres of pristine parkland and nature reserves. Five access points to the Chattahoochee River invite outdoor enthusiasts to connect with nature.

Education

Why do families flock to Johns Creek? The answer lies in its 19 exceptional Fulton County public schools. What makes these schools special? Local businesses and parents form active partnerships, creating an extraordinary support system for education.

Family-Friendly Activities

How do you envision spending quality family time? Johns Creek offers free cultural events throughout the year. Gather your little ones for Breakfast with Santa, or bring the whole family to the Holly Jolly Block Party.

Want outdoor entertainment? “Movies at the Park” screens family favorites under the stars.

For nature enthusiasts, Autrey Mill Nature Preserve provides year-round programs, from summer camps to preschool activities and home-school programs.

Healthcare

Need top-tier medical care? Emory Johns Creek Hospital stands ready to serve. This leading academic facility ranks as Georgia’s 8th best hospital and metro Atlanta’s 7th finest medical center.

Safety

• Violent crime rate: 0.57 per 1,000 residents (GA avg: 3.67)
• Property crime rate: 4.96 per 1,000 residents (GA avg: 16.91)

Cost of Living

Planning your move? Consider that living costs run 3.4% above the national average. Housing expenses also exceed national averages, so budget accordingly for your Johns Creek dream home.

Did You Know? “Johns Creek was named the Safest City to Raise Children in the U.S. by Safewise.com in 2022.”

Decatur

• Population: 24,928
• Median Home Price: $293,283
• Median Rent: $1,349
• Niche.com Schools Rating: A
• Households with Kids: 37%
• Average Commute Time: 26.2 minutes

Looking for the perfect blend of small-town charm and metropolitan convenience? Decatur ranks #1 in Best Places to Raise a Family in DeKalb County according to Niche.

Tree-lined streets and friendly neighbors create a welcoming atmosphere just minutes from downtown Atlanta.

Want easy access to the city? The MARTA rail station sits right under downtown Decatur’s square. Stone Mountain lies minutes to the east, offering endless outdoor adventures.

Education

Ready to give your children an exceptional education? Decatur’s independent school system features four neighborhood elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. Over 70% of the 200+ teachers hold advanced degrees.

Higher education thrives here too. Agnes Scott College ranks among the nation’s top 50 liberal arts colleges. DeVry University’s downtown campus adds to the city’s academic atmosphere.

Family-Friendly Activities

Have you explored Garden Go Seek? This unique scavenger hunt leads families through Decatur’s beautiful green spaces.

After your adventure, treat yourself at Butter & Cream, serving handcrafted frozen delights and fresh-baked goods.

Need sustainable toy options? Visit Clubhouse Kid & Craft on West Howard, where eco-friendly toys spark imagination and creativity.

Healthcare

How important is quality healthcare to your family? Emory Decatur Hospital, part of Georgia’s most comprehensive academic health system, serves the community with distinction.

Safety

• Violent crime rate: 1.36 per 1,000 residents (GA avg: 3.67)
• Property crime rate: 27.73 per 1,000 residents (GA avg: 16.91)

Cost of Living

Wondering about affordability? Here’s some good news: while overall living costs run 6% above the national average, housing costs remain surprisingly accessible. Average home prices fall significantly below the US average, making Decatur an attractive option for families.

Did You Know? “Decatur is named after United States Navy Commodore Stephen Decatur.”

Milton

• Population: 41,296
• Median Home Price: $885,554
• Median Rent: $1,615
• Niche.com Schools Rating: A+
• Households with Kids: 47% (Joint highest in Georgia)
• Average Commute Time: 28.5 minutes

Have you dreamed of combining rural charm with metropolitan convenience? Milton, named after Revolutionary War Hero John Milton, offers exactly that.

This affluent community stands among Georgia’s wealthiest cities, boasting some of the state’s highest educational attainment and lowest unemployment rates.

Did you know that just five years after its incorporation, Milton ranked ninth for quality of life in the entire southern United States? The city’s spacious residential lots and equestrian heritage create a distinctive atmosphere that sets it apart.

Education

Family education matters here. Fulton County Schools operates 4 elementary schools and 2 high schools within Milton. For those seeking private education, 8 private schools provide additional choices.

Family-Friendly Activities

Ready to experience true community spirit? Visit the Milton Farmers Market, where live entertainment and special activities bring neighbors together in the heart of downtown.

Seeking outdoor adventures? Explore Bell Memorial Park, Birmingham Park, or Freedom Park. Cool off at Milton City Pool, perfect your serve at Milton Tennis Center, or discover the natural beauty of Freemanville-Birmingham Greenspace.

Healthcare

Need reliable medical care? Primary Care of Milton, a Northside Network Provider, delivers the highest standard of care to North Fulton families.

Safety

• Violent crime rate: 0.81 per 1,000 residents (GA avg: 3.67)
• Property crime rate: 6.48 per 1,000 residents (GA avg: 16.91)

Cost of Living

Planning your budget? Consider that Milton’s cost of living runs 3.3% above the national average. Housing costs significantly exceed national averages.

Did You Know? “Over 80% of Milton’s land is zoned for agriculture, and residential properties are required to be at least one acre in size.”

Roswell

• Population: 92,883
• Median Home Price: $636,610
• Median Rent: $1,004
• Niche.com Schools Rating: A+
• Households with Kids: 34%
• Average Commute Time: 27.4 minutes

Want to experience Georgia’s ninth-largest city? Roswell combines laid-back charm with natural beauty along the Chattahoochee River. This Atlanta suburb invites exploration with its abundant parks, trails, and vibrant downtown scene.

Have you imagined living where history meets modern adventure? Roswell offers exactly that, with nature centers, water activities, and a bustling downtown filled with unique shops and restaurants.

Education

Parents, here’s good news: Roswell’s schools consistently excel. The Fulton County School System, Georgia’s fourth-largest, delivers ACT scores above national averages. Several schools have earned Georgia Schools of Excellence and National Blue Ribbon distinctions.

Looking for educational options? Multiple private schools and alternative institutions ensure you’ll find the perfect fit for your child.

Family-Friendly Activities

Ready for year-round entertainment? Join the free Alive in Roswell festival every third Thursday from April through October.

Music lovers can enjoy Roswell Riverside Sounds, offering free concerts on the fourth Saturdays, April through September.

Want to connect with nature? Explore the Chattahoochee Nature Center’s 127 acres of educational outdoor adventures.

Healthcare

Need comprehensive medical care? Choose from 375+ healthcare practices and 16 Wellstar Health System facilities. Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center provides cutting-edge technology and personalized care right in your neighborhood.

Safety

• Violent crime rate: 2.01 per 1,000 residents (GA avg: 3.67)
• Property crime rate: 12.26 per 1,000 residents (GA avg: 16.91)

Cost of Living

Living costs run 2% above the national average, with home prices following suit. However apartment rentals often cost less than the national average, making Roswell accessible for various lifestyles.

Did You Know? “Roswell’s population grew from 5,430 in 1970 to 88,346 by 2010.”

Dunwoody

• Population: 51,683
• Median Home Price: $649,375
• Median Rent: $1,181
• Niche.com Schools Rating: A+
• Households with Kids: 30%
• Average Commute Time: 24.9 minutes

Looking for a destination that combines business with pleasure? Discover Dunwoody, where greenspace extends beyond parks and corporate headquarters thrive.

This 50-year-old Atlanta suburb attracts families with its spacious homes and abundant swim and tennis facilities.

Want to know an impressive stat? Among residents 25 and older, 96.4% are high school graduates and 71.9% hold bachelor’s degrees.

Education

DeKalb County School System, Georgia’s third-largest district, serves Dunwoody’s students. Did you know it’s recognized as the Most Diverse District in Georgia? This diversity creates a rich learning environment for students from all backgrounds.

Family-Friendly Activities

When was the last time you enjoyed a spring carnival? Join the annual Lemonade Days celebration or mark your calendar for the Mother’s Day weekend Art Festival.

Seeking outdoor adventures? Explore Brook Run Park’s expansive grounds. For nature enthusiasts, Dunwoody Nature Center offers interactive experiences that bring families closer to the natural world.

Healthcare

Four major hospitals serve Dunwoody residents: DeKalb Medical Center, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory Saint Joseph’s Hospital, and Northside Hospital.

Safety

• Violent crime rate: 2.43 per 1,000 residents (GA avg: 3.67)
• Property crime rate: 28.43 per 1,000 residents (GA avg: 16.91)

Cost of Living

Consider that living costs run 4.6% above the national average. Housing costs exceed national averages too, reflecting Dunwoody’s desirable location and amenities.

Did You Know? “Dunwoody is home to Perimeter Mall, one of the largest shopping centers in the Southeast.”

Savannah

• Population: 147,780
• Median Home Price: $321,132
• Median Rent: $1,559
• Niche.com Schools Rating: A+
• Households with Kids: 24%
• Average Commute Time: 20.4 minutes

Ever dreamed of living in America’s most picturesque Southern city? Savannah, Georgia’s oldest city, sits four hours from Atlanta along the coast.

Historic cobblestone streets wind through neighborhoods filled with Victorian homes, bustling boutiques, and stunning gardens.

Why do millions visit the “Hostess City of the South” each year? Beyond its breathtaking architecture, Savannah offers world-class art, exceptional dining, and centuries of history waiting to be explored.

Education

Looking for educational opportunities? Four prestigious institutions call Savannah home: Georgia Southern University-Armstrong Campus, SCAD, Savannah State University, and South University.

The Savannah-Chatham County Public School System, Georgia’s 10th largest district, serves 36,000 students across 60 schools. From elementary to high school, traditional to virtual learning, families find diverse educational paths.

Family-Friendly Activities

Want to spark creativity? Visit Telfair Museums for hands-on art, history, and architectural experiences. Take your little explorers to Savannah Children’s Museum in Tricentennial Park.

Need a peaceful afternoon? Pack a picnic for Forsyth Park’s rolling green lawns. Don’t miss the SCAD Sidewalk Arts Festival, where colorful creativity brings the community together.

Healthcare

Seeking top-tier medical care? Two major centers serve the community: St. Joseph’s/Candler and Memorial Health University Medical Center.

Cancer patients receive specialized care at the Lewis Cancer & Research Pavilion and Anderson Cancer Institute.

Safety

• Violent crime rate: 3.89 per 1,000 residents (GA avg: 3.67)
• Property crime rate: 18.23 per 1,000 residents (GA avg: 16.91)

Cost of Living

Ready for some good news? Savannah’s cost of living runs 6% below the national average. Housing costs remain surprisingly affordable, with median home prices lower than national averages.

Did You Know? “In Savannah, you’re allowed to take your cocktails to-go.”

Suwanee

• Population: 20,786
• Median Home Price: $607,416
• Median Rent: $1,600
• Niche.com Schools Rating: A+
• Households with Kids: 40.3%
• Average Commute Time: 30.4 minutes

Did you know Suwanee is the only Georgia city on Fortune’s 50 Best Places to Live for Families? Located 30 miles north of Atlanta, this former agricultural town maintains its small-town charm while embracing smart growth and innovation.

Want diverse housing options? Suwanee’s mixed-use developments and varied neighborhoods accommodate different lifestyles and preferences.

Education

Excellence in education defines Suwanee. Gwinnett County Schools, Georgia’s largest system, serves local students. This two-time Broad Prize for Urban Education winner operates six elementary schools, two middle schools, and three high schools in the area.

Family-Friendly Activities

Ready for award-winning community events? Join the nationally recognized Suwanee Fest for unforgettable family memories.

Looking to stay active? Suwanee Sports Academy offers year-round basketball and volleyball training, plus multi-sport programs. Nature lovers can explore the wooded Brushy Creek Trail, while Main Street Park provides a basketball court, skate park, and the Burnette-Rogers Pavilion.

Healthcare

Need comprehensive medical care? Five quality facilities serve Suwanee residents: Northside Hospital Gwinnett, Northside Hospital Duluth, Glancy Inpatient Rehabilitation Center, Emory Johns Creek Hospital, and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

Safety

• Violent crime rate: 1.96 per 1,000 residents (GA avg: 3.67)
• Property crime rate:16.55  per 1,000 residents (GA avg: 16.91)

Cost of Living

Planning your budget? Living costs run 2.8% above the national average. Housing costs exceed national averages.

Did You Know? “From 1979 to 2001, Suwanee served as the practice home for the Atlanta Falcons football team.”

Best Places to Live In Georgia for Families: FAQs

Is Georgia Good for Families?

Georgia offers an exceptional environment for families seeking diverse experiences and opportunities. The state combines Southern hospitality with modern amenities, creating communities that cater to family needs.

Look beyond Atlanta’s urban scene. Georgia’s diverse landscape offers options for every family’s taste. Mountain communities in the north have outdoor adventures, while coastal cities like Savannah have history and beaches.

What makes Georgia so great for families? Strong education options, affordable housing in many areas and year round recreation. From world class aquariums and museums to state parks and historic sites, kids have endless learning outside the classroom.

What Is the Best Place to Live In Georgia for Families?

Johns Creek is the best place to live in Georgia for families. Niche.com also ranked it #01 in its list of “2024 Best Places to Raise a Family in Georgia.”

What Is the Safest City in Georgia to Raise a Family?

Holly Sprigs is the safest city in Georgia to raise a family. As per Neighborhood Scout, violent crime rate here is 0.16 per 1,000 residents (GA average: 3.67) and property crime rate is 3.47 per 1,000 residents (GA average: 16.91). Both these rates are way below national as well as Georgia average.

What Are the Most Affordable Places to Live In Georgia?

Sandersville, Americus and Macon are the most affordable places to live in Georgia. Here’ why: