Best Cities for Families in Georgia
Georgia for Families: The Full Picture
Georgia ranks #34 out of 50 for families, placing it in the lower third of states. That doesn't mean families can't thrive here β the state scores well in affordability (74/100) β but Georgia's overall profile suggests families should weigh the tradeoffs carefully, particularly around outdoor access and livability.
Education is the single most important factor for families choosing where to live, and Georgia faces challenges on this front. The state's high school graduation rate stands at 84%, trailing the national average. Families relocating here should research individual school districts carefully, as statewide metrics (education score: 43/100) mask significant local variation. Childcare costs are below the national average at $8,118 per year for infants, easing the financial burden on young families.
Safety is the other pillar of family-friendly living. Georgia performs reasonably well, with a violent crime rate below the national average at 368 incidents per 100,000 residents. With a cost-of-living index of 97, household expenses are close to the national norm β neither a major advantage nor a dealbreaker.
All 20 Cities Ranked for Families
| # | City | Grade | Families Score | Overall | Education | Safety | Affordability | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Roswell | A | 64.0 | 62.9 | 61 | 86 | 65 | 91,708 |
| 2 | Johns Creek | A+ | 63.6 | 65.4 | 43 | 100 | 59 | 81,119 |
| 3 | Alpharetta | A+ | 63.0 | 64.4 | 60 | 79 | 61 | 67,054 |
| 4 | Smyrna | B+ | 61.4 | 58.5 | 64 | 77 | 68 | 56,285 |
| 5 | Sandy Springs | B+ | 59.6 | 59.4 | 43 | 85 | 62 | 105,803 |
| 6 | Brookhaven | A | 57.4 | 60.4 | 49 | 66 | 54 | 57,224 |
| 7 | Marietta | C+ | 57.2 | 52.3 | 64 | 68 | 70 | 61,773 |
| 8 | Dunwoody | B+ | 56.7 | 58.0 | 49 | 67 | 56 | 51,563 |
| 9 | Gainesville | C+ | 56.5 | 50.8 | 64 | 64 | 75 | 44,051 |
| 10 | Savannah | C | 55.6 | 48.9 | 67 | 58 | 78 | 147,751 |
| 11 | Atlanta | C+ | 52.9 | 51.7 | 66 | 34 | 68 | 510,826 |
| 12 | Valdosta | D | 51.6 | 43.3 | 63 | 50 | 84 | 55,222 |
| 13 | Warner Robins | C | 50.2 | 47.2 | 59 | 38 | 82 | 84,151 |
| 14 | Athens-Clarke County unified government | D | 48.9 | 41.7 | 43 | 58 | 71 | 128,423 |
| 15 | Columbus | D | 48.8 | 42.6 | 60 | 41 | 82 | 201,877 |
| 16 | Macon-Bibb County | D | 47.9 | 41.1 | 43 | 58 | 83 | 156,512 |
| 17 | Augusta-Richmond County consolidated government | D | 47.2 | 40.5 | 43 | 58 | 75 | 202,629 |
| 18 | Stonecrest | D | 46.9 | 42.7 | 43 | 58 | 70 | 59,917 |
| 19 | South Fulton | C | 46.4 | 45.6 | 43 | 46 | 67 | 110,911 |
| 20 | Albany | F | 44.4 | 36.3 | 61 | 27 | 86 | 67,373 |