Back To Index

Why move to Georgia? It could be the beautiful beaches or the Southern hospitality. Some come for the job opportunities of the year-round good weather. Whether you are planning to retire or looking for the ideal location to buy a home to raise a family, there are numerous areas in Georgia well worth taking a closer look at, including numerous affordable cities.

While much of Georgia has a low cost of living and a good to high quality of life, these are some of the most affordable places to live in the state.

#1 Macon

• Population: 157,346
• Average home price: $166,580
• Average rent price: $1,140 per month
• Crime rate: 36.64 per 1,000 residents
• Unemployment rate: 3.90%

A larger city in the central portion of Georgia, Macon is a thriving place to call home. The community has a rich history that is on display in its architecture and locations like the Tubman Museum and the Native American earthen mounds called the Ocmulgee National Monument. While it is the fourth largest city in the state, Macon remains rather affordable, with larger homes, bigger yards, and a diverse makeup of features to offer.

The city is the home of the Robins Air Force Base, and its economy is mostly that of industrial and manufacturing, with service industries present as well. While the people here work hard, they enjoy numerous celebrations of life, including various festivals throughout the year, like the Juneteenth Freedom Festival, The Mulberry Street Festival, and the Ocmulgee Indian Celebration. Take a look around this city to find amazing amenities, from the Theater Macon and Macon Little Theatre to the Grand Opera House and dozens of parks.

#2 Albany

• Population: 67,192
• Average home price: $167,450
• Average rent price: $785 per month
• Crime rate: 59.61 per 1,000 residents
• Unemployment rate: 3.90%

The community of Albany is in the southwestern portion of the state, located near the Flint River. A larger city, it has long been an important destination for the shipping industry, served mostly by steamboats and riverboats along the riverfront that later became major hubs for railroads. It’s economy is a mixture of agriculture today (noted for the pecan and pine trees) as well as a strong industrialized area. Over its history, Albany has become a culturally important community, which is visible in the numerous museums, art programs, and community festivals that take place here.  

The city is also noted for its tree canopy and the 77 park facilities throughout the community that contribute to it. There are also numerous miles of trails, including the Riverfront Trail that takes you around the Flint River. For luxury shopping and dining, the Albany Mall is a solid choice, but it remains far more affordable than the surrounding Atlanta area. Camping, hiking, watersports, and biking are all popular outdoor activities here.

#3 Forest Park

• Population: 19,400
• Average home price: $200,000
• Average rent price: $1,200 per month
• Crime rate: 59.30 per 1,000 residents
• Unemployment rate: 6.80%

While Forest Park is not the most affordable place throughout the state, it is one of the best places to find a beautiful home in a modern community that is close to Atlanta and remains affordable. It’s less than 9 miles from the heart of Atlanta, which means good access to jobs, entertainment, and culture. Forest Park is small in population and overall size, but good-sized homes with fenced-in yards are not uncommon here.

Forest Park is home to several farmer’s markets, the National Museum of Commercial Aviation, and Reynolds Nature Preserve. The city has dozens of miles of walking trails within it and within the surrounding communities. Clayton State University is also within the city, along with a strong school system overall. With an affordable cost of living and a wide range of home styles available, Forest Park could be a good option for many people.

#4 Valdosta

• Population: 55,074
• Average home price: $219,000
• Average rent price: $1,050 per month
• Crime rate: 26.49 per 1,000 residents
• Unemployment rate: 3.70%

Valdosta is an affordable city to live in for several reasons. The home prices and overall utility costs here tend to be lower than much of the state. However, this mid-sided community has a lot to offer those who call it home, including numerous parks and outstanding schools.

It is home to the Lowndes County Historical Museum, several golf courses, and lots of shopping, too. For many, being this close to Florida is ideal because it allows for great access to all of that state’s many amenities as well.

#5 Suwanee

• Population: 22,477
• Average home price: $576,740
• Average rent price: $1,934 per month
• Crime rate: 11.91 per 1,000 residents
• Unemployment rate: 3.60%

A small city by all accounts, Suwanee could be one of the best options for those looking for an affordable place to live in Georgia that also happens to be near Atlanta. Located about 45 minutes to the north of the Atlanta Metro area, Suwanee is a great commuting city with access to I-85, US Route 23, and State Route 317 passing through.

Suwannee is a natural beauty, too. Town Center Park is at the heart of it, a large 10-acre park with an amphitheater for community events and concerns, the Big Splash for kids to cool off in during the summer, and a dog park. The city is also home to George Pierce Park, a 304-acre park that includes sports facilities and a fishing pond.  Sims Lake Park is one of the best for those who want to do some fishing. Shops, numerous locally owned restaurants, and good schools also make this area desirable.

Making the decision to move to Georgia can be a sound one for all of the amenities here and the higher quality of life. Yet, many of the state’s best cities are also quite affordable.

Georgia's Unique Attractions and Landmarks: Explore the diverse attractions and landmarks offered by Georgia, from historic sites and cultural landmarks to natural wonders and scenic landscapes. Learn about must-visit destinations across the state and discover the hidden gems that make Georgia a unique and memorable place to live.

Georgia's Job Market Opportunities: Dive into Georgia's thriving job market and discover various industry career opportunities. Explore the state's critical economic sectors, such as technology, healthcare, and manufacturing, and learn how to leverage Georgia's job market to advance your career and achieve your professional goals.

Georgia's Outdoor Adventure Hotspots: Embark on an outdoor adventure in Georgia and explore the state's abundance of recreational activities and natural attractions. From hiking and camping in the Appalachian Mountains to kayaking and fishing along the coast, Georgia offers endless opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to connect with nature and enjoy the great outdoors.

Georgia's Cost of Living Breakdown: Get a comprehensive breakdown of Georgia's cost of living, including housing affordability, utility costs, transportation expenses, and more. Discover how Georgia's cost of living compares to national averages and learn practical tips for managing your finances and budgeting effectively in the Peach State.

Georgia's Diverse Communities and Neighborhoods: Discover the diverse communities and neighborhoods that makeup Georgia's vibrant tapestry of culture and lifestyle. Explore the unique characteristics and amenities of different cities and regions across the state and find the perfect place to call home that aligns with your preferences and priorities.