Best Cities for Outdoor Enthusiasts in Georgia
Georgia ranks #40 of 50 for outdoor enthusiasts, with a outdoor enthusiasts score of 29.7. Johns Creek is its best city for outdoor enthusiasts at 71.9.
- Georgia, all states
- #40 of 50
- Population
- 81,988
What Outdoor Enthusiasts Should Know About Georgia
Georgia ranks #40 out of 50 for outdoor enthusiasts, which may surprise given its reputation. The outdoor access score of 8/100 indicates limited public outdoor infrastructure compared to western and northeastern states. 6.1% public land offers some options, though dedicated outdoor enthusiasts may find themselves driving to reach prime terrain.
Environmental quality matters when you spend significant time outdoors. Georgia's environment score of 32/100 is a concern for outdoor athletes and those with respiratory sensitivity — air quality (AQI: 45) and environmental protections lag behind top-ranked states. Natural disaster risk is low, meaning fewer disruptions to outdoor plans.
The practical side: average living costs (index: 96.3) keep outdoor lifestyles manageable. Safety (71/100) is strong — important for solo hikers and those exploring remote areas, and the overall health infrastructure (40/100) is adequate, though access to specialized sports medicine may be limited outside metros.
All 20 Cities Ranked for Outdoor Enthusiasts
| # City | Grade | Outdoor Enthusiasts score | Overall | Environment | Safety | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1Johns Creek | A+ | 71.9 | 73.4 | 68 | 100 | 81,988 |
| 2Roswell | A+ | 70.8 | 69.2 | 68 | 94 | 92,621 |
| 3Sandy Springs | A+ | 70.1 | 68.0 | 68 | 90 | 107,087 |
| 4Alpharetta | A+ | 69.9 | 70.6 | 68 | 85 | 66,855 |
| 5Smyrna | A | 68.8 | 64.8 | 76 | 84 | 56,633 |
| 6Dunwoody | A | 68.5 | 67.1 | 67 | 76 | 51,758 |
| 7Brookhaven | A | 67.2 | 65.4 | 67 | 76 | 57,855 |
| 8Marietta | B+ | 65.3 | 60.9 | 76 | 77 | 62,263 |
| 9Athens-Clarke County unified government | C+ | 61.0 | 54.2 | 67 | 70 | 127,345 |
| 10Gainesville | C+ | 58.9 | 55.2 | 63 | 69 | 45,032 |
| 11Atlanta | B | 57.9 | 58.3 | 68 | 38 | 505,268 |
| 12Columbus | C | 57.6 | 51.4 | 67 | 70 | 203,711 |
| 13South Fulton | C+ | 57.2 | 53.9 | 68 | 65 | 110,471 |
| 14Warner Robins | C+ | 57.2 | 53.9 | 71 | 57 | 82,990 |
| 15Stonecrest | D | 53.0 | 46.5 | 67 | — | 60,501 |
| 16Valdosta | D | 51.8 | 46.6 | 62 | 49 | 55,252 |
| 17Augusta-Richmond County consolidated government | D | 50.8 | 45.9 | 61 | 46 | 201,528 |
| 18Savannah | C | 47.7 | 51.9 | 26 | — | 147,898 |
| 19Macon-Bibb County | F | 44.7 | 40.3 | 66 | 19 | 156,578 |
| 20Albany | F | 40.1 | 39.5 | 48 | 16 | 67,224 |
City outdoor enthusiasts scores use each city's own data, with the category weights rescaled over the categories the city has; outdoor access has no city-level measure and is left out.
Compare: States with Similar Outdoor Enthusiasts Rankings
Also See: Georgia for Other Lifestyles
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Georgia a good state for outdoor enthusiasts?
Georgia ranks #40 out of 50 for outdoor enthusiasts with a persona-weighted score of 29.7/100. Its strongest relevant category is Affordability (73/100) and its weakest is Outdoor Access (8/100).
What is the best city for outdoor enthusiasts in Georgia?
Johns Creek ranks #1 in Georgia for outdoor enthusiasts with a score of 71.9/100, followed by Roswell and Sandy Springs.
What factors are most important for outdoor enthusiasts in Georgia?
Rankings weighted toward outdoor access (parks, public land, recreation), environmental quality, safety, health infrastructure, and affordable housing — for those who prioritize access to nature and an active lifestyle.