Best Affordable Places to Live in Georgia in 2025

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Albany is located in Dougherty County and calls itself the hub of southwest Georgia for culture, shopping, health care, education, and recreation. The birthplace of Ray Charles, it is a small suburban center with plenty of coffee shops and parks to explore.

If you’re thinking about moving to affordable Albany, know that first-time homebuyer programs in Georgia could sweeten the deal even more.

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Augusta is a large urban town in Richmond County. It has a population of 200,000. Augusta’s residents enjoy a low cost of living, plus plenty of nightlife and outdoor activities. Every April, the world watches Augusta when the Masters golf tournament takes place.

Augusta’s affordability makes it a good possible home base for first-time homebuyers.

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Located in the northwestern corner of the state near Tennessee, Dalton is another of the best affordable places to live in Georgia. It has a population of 34,000-plus and has a suburban feel, with most residents renting their homes. Right now, with a home price-to-income ratio of 3.58, the town is affordable, with average property taxes for Georgia.

If you’re thinking of making Dalton your home, it can be wise to learn more about mortgage preapproval or prequalification.

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Johns Creek is a relatively new suburban town around 30 miles from downtown Atlanta with a population of around 81,000. It blossomed over the last 40 years, when a tech hub launched in the area. The city is located in Fulton County and has excellent local parks. Families will appreciate the solid rankings of its local public schools.

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Alpharetta is another city with a lot to offer Georgia families. This is a vibrant town also located in Fulton County about 10 miles northwest of Johns Creek. Alpharetta is known for its classic architecture, farmers’ markets, restaurants, and entertainment. Families often move there because they are drawn to its good schools and other kid-friendly amenities. Overall, it can be a great place to raise kids.

Prices are also relatively affordable, which is good to know if you are shopping for a place and perhaps embarking on the mortgage preapproval process.

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Decatur is another suburb of Atlanta that offers lavish living with plenty of amenities like restaurants, shopping, and parks. It’s popular with families and young professionals who are drawn to its public school system and plenty of outdoor activities.

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The state capital has plenty of job opportunities for college graduates, particularly in technology and health care. Yes, the cost of city living can be high, but recent grads can earn a good living in Atlanta and make ends meet. The city has a vibrant nightlife for young adults, a demographic that accounts for close to 40% of the city’s population.

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Smyrna is a growing town with a well-educated population. The city has a large population of young people; 26% of the population is between ages 20 and 34. Smyrna scores highly for nightlife, outdoor activities, diversity, and health and fitness.

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Kennesaw, with 38,000 residents, has a high number of young adults; the median age is 35.6. The town doesn’t have the same buzz that a city possesses, but for those young professionals who want a suburban feel, many restaurants, and parks, it can be a great option.

Kennesaw is an affordable town with a relatively low price-to-income ratio, which can appeal to young professionals looking to qualify for a mortgage.

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Savannah has a vibrant community with lots going on for retirees, including museums, historic homes, and plenty of dining options. The weather is good year round, and it’s a beautiful town to explore. The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) adds a college-town vibe, which can mean more events and exhibits for retirees to check out.

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Barely an hour north of Tallahassee, Florida, Thomasville is a small town with plenty of charming Victorian-style historic homes. There is a vibrant town center with art galleries, craft stores, and cafes. Retirees can enjoy recreation and fitness programs at three YMCAs.

Griffin is another of the best places for retirees to live in Georgia. It’s a small town around 25 miles south of Atlanta and was featured in the movie “Driving Miss Daisy.” It could be a perfect fit for culture-loving retirees. Griffin has a ballet, theater, music, and the Griffin School for the Arts.

Located on the Georgia coast at the mouth of the Altamaha River, Darien is a coastal community about 60 miles south of Savannah with much to recommend it. It can be your starting point for deep-sea fishing outings, strolls along the shore, or dining with a great view of the sunset. This town of about 1,200 has a good mix of younger and older residents. Expect a quiet, quaint fishing-village vibe and some historical attractions in addition to fantastic views and landscapes. However, that also means there isn’t too much choice when it comes to shopping or dining. Prepare to drive a bit for those amenities.

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Among the best places to live in Georgia near the beach is Jekyll Island, a tiny but gorgeous community. It has 5,500-acres and 10 miles of shoreline. Tucked among what are called the Golden Isles, Jekyll Island is known for Driftwood Beach, the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, biking trails, tennis, golf, kayaking, and boating. All land on Jekyll Island is owned by the State of Georgia, which means owners of property pay the Jekyll Island Authority rent to lease the land in addition to other homeowner expenses.

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Located in Camden County on the banks of the St. Marys River, St. Marys is a small beach-centric area with historic buildings from the 1800s. The town borders the U.S. Naval base of Submarine Base Kings Bay. Also, the town hosts the annual Rock Shrimp Festival with delicious seafood and family fun.

If you’re getting ready to start home shopping, checking out a home loan help center to learn more about mortgage options can be a smart move.