GA's Best Place To Live Earns National Recognition

The best place to live in Georgia is in the top five nationally, with reviewers raving about the city's diverse community and ability to keep its residents safe.

Ten towns in the Peach State are among the 250 best places to live, according to a new ranking from U.S. News and World Report that looks at value, desirability, job markets and the quality of life in U.S. cities.

The cities were determined based on a methodology that takes into account the city’s job market, value, quality of life and desirability.

"As prices of everyday goods continue to rise, consumers are considering affordability as a top priority when choosing a place to live," said Erika Giovanetti, consumer lending analyst at U.S. News and World Report in a news release.

"While U.S. News' consumer survey indicated that quality of life and affordability were close in importance, cost-of-living concerns resulted in many Americans putting what they can afford above their aspirations."

Experts evaluated indexes that concerned the cost of living, housing affordability, the economy, education, air quality, the job market and crime rates.

In the end, they found Johns Creek is once again the best place to live in Georgia. The Fulton County town also topped U.S. News and World Report's 2025 list and was named as Georgia's best suburb by Niche.

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Of Johns Creek, some of the Niche reviewers said:

"Beyond academics, the cultural diversity of Johns Creek offered a global education. My peers came from all over the world, and our daily interactions taught me empathy and inclusivity—values I carry today. Whether studying at the local library or spending weekends at Newtown Park, I felt supported by a community that invests deeply in its youth. This foundation of safety, ambition, and diversity gave me the 'roots' to pursue my goals with confidence. I aim to bring this same drive and global mindset to my future university studies." (in part)

"I have lived in Johns Creek my entire life. I have throughly enjoyed my deeply rooted community and the family and friendships that will last a lifetime. Everything I could possibly need is with 15 minutes or less. I love the the place I call home!"

"John's Creek is the best city! So much to do with children and very safe. Our neighborhood is very friendly and there are so many shops and restaurants convenient to us."

Facts about Johns Creek as described by U.S. News and World Report:

• Estimated population: 78,408 people
• Median age: 40.2
• Median household income: $167,051
• Average commute: 27.78 minutes
• Unemployment rate: 2.86 percent
• Median home value: $588,835
• Median rent: $1,809

U.S. News said measures were weighted in part based on a public survey of which people throughout the country voted on the qualities they consider important in a place to live. The news outlet also used its own internal research data, as well as data from U.S. agencies, including the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Census Bureau, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Federal Emergency Management Agency and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Those in Georgia named to the Best Places to Live in the U.S. in 2026-27 are:

Across the Southeast, some of Georgia's neighbors that made the national list were Parkland, Florida (14th); Hoover, Alabama (sixth); Hendersonville, Tennesee (79th); and Mount Pleasant, South Carolina (202nd).

The full top 10 are:

1. Carmel, Indiana
2. Fishers, Indiana
3. Flower Mound, Texas
4. Ankeny, Iowa
5. Johns Creek, Georgia
6. Hoover, Alabama
7. Rochester Hills, Michigan
8. Leander, Texas
9. Frisco, Texas
10. Sugar Land, Texas

See the full list.