Best places to live in Georgia
Written by:
March 31, 2021
realtor.com
Best places to live in Georgia
What do you look for in an ideal town? Proximity to trails, lakes, and beaches? How about top-ranked schools for your children? Would you like a professional or college sports team nearby, or do you prefer museums and art walks?
Stacker compiled a list of the best places to live in Georgia using data from Niche. Niche ranks places to live based on a variety of factors including cost of living, schools, health care, recreation, and weather. Cities, suburbs, and towns were included. Listings and images are from realtor.com.
On the list, there’s a robust mix of offerings from great schools and nightlife to high walkability and public parks. Some areas have enjoyed rapid growth thanks to new businesses moving to the area, while others offer glimpses into area history with well-preserved architecture and museums. Keep reading to see if your hometown made the list.
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#25. Evans
- Population: 37,114
- Median home value: $262,100 (85% own)
- Median rent: $1,472 (15% rent)
- Median household income: $110,036
- Top public schools: River Ridge Elementary School (A), Lakeside High School (A), Stevens Creek Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Childcare Network Evans (unavailable)
- Pictured: 2021 Grace Ave, Evans ($2.0 million, 8 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $262,100 (85% own)
- Median rent: $1,472 (15% rent)
- Median household income: $110,036
- Top public schools: River Ridge Elementary School (A), Lakeside High School (A), Stevens Creek Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Childcare Network Evans (unavailable)
- Pictured: 2021 Grace Ave, Evans ($2.0 million, 8 bedrooms)
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#24. Brookhaven
- Population: 53,819
- Median home value: $484,400 (51% own)
- Median rent: $1,415 (49% rent)
- Median household income: $92,604
- Top public schools: Chamblee Charter High School (A+), DeKalb School of the Arts (A), DeKalb Early College Academy (A)
- Top private schools: Marist School (A+), Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic School (A+), Buford KinderCare - Brookhaven (unavailable)
- Pictured: 2662 Mabry Rd NE, Brookhaven ($5.9 million, 7 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $484,400 (51% own)
- Median rent: $1,415 (49% rent)
- Median household income: $92,604
- Top public schools: Chamblee Charter High School (A+), DeKalb School of the Arts (A), DeKalb Early College Academy (A)
- Top private schools: Marist School (A+), Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic School (A+), Buford KinderCare - Brookhaven (unavailable)
- Pictured: 2662 Mabry Rd NE, Brookhaven ($5.9 million, 7 bedrooms)
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#23. Smyrna
- Population: 56,268
- Median home value: $284,000 (55% own)
- Median rent: $1,248 (45% rent)
- Median household income: $76,444
- Top public schools: Wheeler High School (A+), King Springs Elementary School (A), Teasley Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: Whitefield Academy (A+), Covenant Christian School (A+), Smyrna First Baptist Weekday Education (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1408 Katherine Rose Ln, Smyrna ($1.5 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $284,000 (55% own)
- Median rent: $1,248 (45% rent)
- Median household income: $76,444
- Top public schools: Wheeler High School (A+), King Springs Elementary School (A), Teasley Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: Whitefield Academy (A+), Covenant Christian School (A+), Smyrna First Baptist Weekday Education (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1408 Katherine Rose Ln, Smyrna ($1.5 million, 6 bedrooms)
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#22. Avondale Estates
- Population: 3,144
- Median home value: $371,400 (88% own)
- Median rent: $1,259 (12% rent)
- Median household income: $110,000
- Top public schools: DeKalb School of the Arts (A), DeKalb Early College Academy (A), Kittredge Magnet School (A-)
- Pictured: 3173 Rockbridge Rd, Avondale Estates ($739,900, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $371,400 (88% own)
- Median rent: $1,259 (12% rent)
- Median household income: $110,000
- Top public schools: DeKalb School of the Arts (A), DeKalb Early College Academy (A), Kittredge Magnet School (A-)
- Pictured: 3173 Rockbridge Rd, Avondale Estates ($739,900, 5 bedrooms)
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#21. Watkinsville
- Population: 2,904
- Median home value: $201,100 (71% own)
- Median rent: $1,085 (29% rent)
- Median household income: $72,500
- Top public schools: Oconee County Elementary School (A+), Oconee County High School (A), Colham Ferry Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Westminster Christian Academy (A)
- Pictured: 1401 Twin Oaks Trl, Watkinsville ($1.5 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $201,100 (71% own)
- Median rent: $1,085 (29% rent)
- Median household income: $72,500
- Top public schools: Oconee County Elementary School (A+), Oconee County High School (A), Colham Ferry Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Westminster Christian Academy (A)
- Pictured: 1401 Twin Oaks Trl, Watkinsville ($1.5 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#20. Sugar Hill
- Population: 23,121
- Median home value: $232,500 (79% own)
- Median rent: $1,263 (21% rent)
- Median household income: $87,090
- Top public schools: Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science & Technology (A+), North Gwinnett High School (A+), Buford High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Sugar Hill Christian Academy (unavailable), The Goddard School (unavailable), Sugar Hill KinderCare (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1004 Riverside Rd, Sugar Hill ($994,600, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $232,500 (79% own)
- Median rent: $1,263 (21% rent)
- Median household income: $87,090
- Top public schools: Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science & Technology (A+), North Gwinnett High School (A+), Buford High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Sugar Hill Christian Academy (unavailable), The Goddard School (unavailable), Sugar Hill KinderCare (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1004 Riverside Rd, Sugar Hill ($994,600, 3 bedrooms)
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#19. Mountain Park
- Population: 13,392
- Median home value: $187,800 (81% own)
- Median rent: $1,318 (19% rent)
- Median household income: $75,885
- Top public schools: Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science & Technology (A+), Parkview High School (A), Camp Creek Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 102 Russell Rd, Roswell ($799,000, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $187,800 (81% own)
- Median rent: $1,318 (19% rent)
- Median household income: $75,885
- Top public schools: Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science & Technology (A+), Parkview High School (A), Camp Creek Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 102 Russell Rd, Roswell ($799,000, 3 bedrooms)
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#18. North Druid Hills
- Population: 18,002
- Median home value: $366,800 (39% own)
- Median rent: $1,456 (61% rent)
- Median household income: $66,660
- Top public schools: DeKalb School of the Arts (A), DeKalb Early College Academy (A), Lakeside High School (A-)
- Top private schools: Temima High School (B+), Immaculate Heart of Mary School (unavailable), Cliff Valley School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1410 Lavista Rd NE, Atlanta ($2.5 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $366,800 (39% own)
- Median rent: $1,456 (61% rent)
- Median household income: $66,660
- Top public schools: DeKalb School of the Arts (A), DeKalb Early College Academy (A), Lakeside High School (A-)
- Top private schools: Temima High School (B+), Immaculate Heart of Mary School (unavailable), Cliff Valley School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1410 Lavista Rd NE, Atlanta ($2.5 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#17. Dunwoody
- Population: 49,371
- Median home value: $432,900 (56% own)
- Median rent: $1,468 (44% rent)
- Median household income: $96,057
- Top public schools: Chamblee Charter High School (A+), DeKalb School of the Arts (A), Dunwoody High School (A)
- Top private schools: St. Martin's Episcopal School (A+), Endeavor Montessori - Dunwoody (unavailable), North Peachtree Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1359 Holly Bank Cir, Dunwoody ($1.3 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $432,900 (56% own)
- Median rent: $1,468 (44% rent)
- Median household income: $96,057
- Top public schools: Chamblee Charter High School (A+), DeKalb School of the Arts (A), Dunwoody High School (A)
- Top private schools: St. Martin's Episcopal School (A+), Endeavor Montessori - Dunwoody (unavailable), North Peachtree Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1359 Holly Bank Cir, Dunwoody ($1.3 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#16. Lookout Mountain
- Population: 1,727
- Median home value: $354,800 (87% own)
- Median rent: $1,047 (13% rent)
- Median household income: $114,191
- Top public schools: Fairyland Elementary School (A-), Chattanooga Valley Middle School (B+), Ridgeland High School (B)
- Pictured: 391 Long Branch Rd, Lookout Mountain ($995,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $354,800 (87% own)
- Median rent: $1,047 (13% rent)
- Median household income: $114,191
- Top public schools: Fairyland Elementary School (A-), Chattanooga Valley Middle School (B+), Ridgeland High School (B)
- Pictured: 391 Long Branch Rd, Lookout Mountain ($995,000, 4 bedrooms)
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#15. Duluth
- Population: 29,370
- Median home value: $229,600 (55% own)
- Median rent: $1,366 (45% rent)
- Median household income: $71,220
- Top public schools: Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science & Technology (A+), Peachtree Ridge High School (A+), Burnette Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Notre Dame Academy (A+), Atlanta Adventist Academy (A-), Duluth Montessori School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 2233 Grady Ridge Trl, Duluth ($5.0 million, 7 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $229,600 (55% own)
- Median rent: $1,366 (45% rent)
- Median household income: $71,220
- Top public schools: Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science & Technology (A+), Peachtree Ridge High School (A+), Burnette Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Notre Dame Academy (A+), Atlanta Adventist Academy (A-), Duluth Montessori School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 2233 Grady Ridge Trl, Duluth ($5.0 million, 7 bedrooms)
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#14. Vinings
- Population: 12,934
- Median home value: $481,000 (37% own)
- Median rent: $1,439 (63% rent)
- Median household income: $81,973
- Top public schools: Teasley Elementary School (A-), Kennesaw Charter Science and Math Academy (A-), Campbell High School (A-)
- Top private schools: Creative World School at Vinings (unavailable)
- Pictured: 4306 Woodland Brook Dr SE, Atlanta ($2.7 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $481,000 (37% own)
- Median rent: $1,439 (63% rent)
- Median household income: $81,973
- Top public schools: Teasley Elementary School (A-), Kennesaw Charter Science and Math Academy (A-), Campbell High School (A-)
- Top private schools: Creative World School at Vinings (unavailable)
- Pictured: 4306 Woodland Brook Dr SE, Atlanta ($2.7 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#13. Druid Hills
- Population: 8,365
- Median home value: $645,600 (67% own)
- Median rent: $1,475 (33% rent)
- Median household income: $129,740
- Top public schools: DeKalb School of the Arts (A), DeKalb Early College Academy (A), Kittredge Magnet School (A-)
- Top private schools: Ben Franklin Academy (A+)
- Pictured: 482 Ponce De Leon Mnr NE, Atlanta ($1.9 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $645,600 (67% own)
- Median rent: $1,475 (33% rent)
- Median household income: $129,740
- Top public schools: DeKalb School of the Arts (A), DeKalb Early College Academy (A), Kittredge Magnet School (A-)
- Top private schools: Ben Franklin Academy (A+)
- Pictured: 482 Ponce De Leon Mnr NE, Atlanta ($1.9 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#12. Peachtree Corners
- Population: 43,057
- Median home value: $344,600 (54% own)
- Median rent: $1,179 (46% rent)
- Median household income: $71,149
- Top public schools: Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science & Technology (A+), Simpson Elementary School (A), Duluth High School (A)
- Top private schools: Wesleyan School (A+), Cornerstone Christian Academy (unavailable), Heart of Hope Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 4894 Fitzpatrick Way, Peachtree Corners ($2.1 million, 7 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $344,600 (54% own)
- Median rent: $1,179 (46% rent)
- Median household income: $71,149
- Top public schools: Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science & Technology (A+), Simpson Elementary School (A), Duluth High School (A)
- Top private schools: Wesleyan School (A+), Cornerstone Christian Academy (unavailable), Heart of Hope Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 4894 Fitzpatrick Way, Peachtree Corners ($2.1 million, 7 bedrooms)
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#11. Peachtree City
- Population: 35,443
- Median home value: $338,900 (75% own)
- Median rent: $1,408 (25% rent)
- Median household income: $101,121
- Top public schools: McIntosh High School (A+), Starrs Mill High School (A+), Kedron Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: The Campus Schools (B+), St. Paul Lutheran School (unavailable), The Foundry (unavailable)
- Pictured: 240 Smokerise Trce, Peachtree City ($3.3 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $338,900 (75% own)
- Median rent: $1,408 (25% rent)
- Median household income: $101,121
- Top public schools: McIntosh High School (A+), Starrs Mill High School (A+), Kedron Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: The Campus Schools (B+), St. Paul Lutheran School (unavailable), The Foundry (unavailable)
- Pictured: 240 Smokerise Trce, Peachtree City ($3.3 million, 6 bedrooms)
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#10. Grayson
- Population: 3,989
- Median home value: $311,700 (96% own)
- Median rent: $1,368 (4% rent)
- Median household income: $111,528
- Top public schools: Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science & Technology (A+), Trip Elementary School (A), Grayson Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Montessori School at Grayson (unavailable), Kids Harbor Early Learning Center - Bay Creek (unavailable), Kids Harbor Early Learning Center - Grayson (unavailable)
- Pictured: 2582 Heritage Lake Cv, Grayson ($632,000, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $311,700 (96% own)
- Median rent: $1,368 (4% rent)
- Median household income: $111,528
- Top public schools: Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science & Technology (A+), Trip Elementary School (A), Grayson Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Montessori School at Grayson (unavailable), Kids Harbor Early Learning Center - Bay Creek (unavailable), Kids Harbor Early Learning Center - Grayson (unavailable)
- Pictured: 2582 Heritage Lake Cv, Grayson ($632,000, 6 bedrooms)
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#9. Tyrone
- Population: 7,295
- Median home value: $286,500 (85% own)
- Median rent: $999 (15% rent)
- Median household income: $103,929
- Top public schools: McIntosh High School (A+), Booth Middle School (A), Crabapple Lane Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Our Lady of Victory Catholic School (unavailable), Crossroads Christian School (unavailable), La Petite Academy of Tyrone (unavailable)
- Pictured: 378 Ellison Rd, Tyrone ($2.0 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $286,500 (85% own)
- Median rent: $999 (15% rent)
- Median household income: $103,929
- Top public schools: McIntosh High School (A+), Booth Middle School (A), Crabapple Lane Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Our Lady of Victory Catholic School (unavailable), Crossroads Christian School (unavailable), La Petite Academy of Tyrone (unavailable)
- Pictured: 378 Ellison Rd, Tyrone ($2.0 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#8. Roswell
- Population: 94,498
- Median home value: $374,700 (68% own)
- Median rent: $1,281 (32% rent)
- Median household income: $99,726
- Top public schools: Milton High School (A+), Roswell High School (A+), International Charter School of Atlanta (A)
- Top private schools: Blessed Trinity Catholic High School (A+), Fellowship Christian School (A), Eaton Academy (A-)
- Pictured: 1513 Jones Rd, Roswell ($3.5 million, 10 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $374,700 (68% own)
- Median rent: $1,281 (32% rent)
- Median household income: $99,726
- Top public schools: Milton High School (A+), Roswell High School (A+), International Charter School of Atlanta (A)
- Top private schools: Blessed Trinity Catholic High School (A+), Fellowship Christian School (A), Eaton Academy (A-)
- Pictured: 1513 Jones Rd, Roswell ($3.5 million, 10 bedrooms)
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#7. Suwanee
- Population: 19,743
- Median home value: $308,900 (74% own)
- Median rent: $1,488 (26% rent)
- Median household income: $90,436
- Top public schools: Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science & Technology (A+), North Gwinnett High School (A+), Peachtree Ridge High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Discovery Point Suwanee (unavailable), Kids 'R' Kids Academy - Suwanee (unavailable), Primrose School of Suwanee West (unavailable)
- Pictured: 301 Kemp Rd, Suwanee ($10.6 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $308,900 (74% own)
- Median rent: $1,488 (26% rent)
- Median household income: $90,436
- Top public schools: Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science & Technology (A+), North Gwinnett High School (A+), Peachtree Ridge High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Discovery Point Suwanee (unavailable), Kids 'R' Kids Academy - Suwanee (unavailable), Primrose School of Suwanee West (unavailable)
- Pictured: 301 Kemp Rd, Suwanee ($10.6 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#6. Milton
- Population: 38,759
- Median home value: $541,000 (76% own)
- Median rent: $1,359 (24% rent)
- Median household income: $128,559
- Top public schools: Alpharetta High School (A+), Milton High School (A+), Cambridge High School (A+)
- Top private schools: King's Ridge Christian School (A+), Mill Springs Academy (unavailable), Montessori Scholars Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 570 Lost River Bnd, Milton ($6.2 million, 7 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $541,000 (76% own)
- Median rent: $1,359 (24% rent)
- Median household income: $128,559
- Top public schools: Alpharetta High School (A+), Milton High School (A+), Cambridge High School (A+)
- Top private schools: King's Ridge Christian School (A+), Mill Springs Academy (unavailable), Montessori Scholars Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 570 Lost River Bnd, Milton ($6.2 million, 7 bedrooms)
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#5. Berkeley Lake
- Population: 1,839
- Median home value: $442,000 (96% own)
- Median rent: $1,821 (4% rent)
- Median household income: $145,625
- Top public schools: Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science & Technology (A+), Duluth High School (A), Berkeley Lake Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 504 Lakeshore Dr, Berkeley Lake ($1.4 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $442,000 (96% own)
- Median rent: $1,821 (4% rent)
- Median household income: $145,625
- Top public schools: Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science & Technology (A+), Duluth High School (A), Berkeley Lake Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 504 Lakeshore Dr, Berkeley Lake ($1.4 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#4. North Decatur
- Population: 16,701
- Median home value: $295,800 (57% own)
- Median rent: $1,205 (43% rent)
- Median household income: $79,449
- Top public schools: DeKalb School of the Arts (A), DeKalb Early College Academy (A), Lakeside High School (A-)
- Top private schools: Hess Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1428 Silverleaf Trl, Decatur ($824,900, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $295,800 (57% own)
- Median rent: $1,205 (43% rent)
- Median household income: $79,449
- Top public schools: DeKalb School of the Arts (A), DeKalb Early College Academy (A), Lakeside High School (A-)
- Top private schools: Hess Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1428 Silverleaf Trl, Decatur ($824,900, 5 bedrooms)
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#3. Johns Creek
- Population: 83,999
- Median home value: $400,100 (76% own)
- Median rent: $1,677 (24% rent)
- Median household income: $122,514
- Top public schools: Northview High School (A+), Alpharetta High School (A+), Chattahoochee High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Mount Pisgah Christian School (A+), Holy Redeemer Catholic School (A), National High School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 8957 Old Southwick Pass, Johns Creek ($3.5 million, 7 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $400,100 (76% own)
- Median rent: $1,677 (24% rent)
- Median household income: $122,514
- Top public schools: Northview High School (A+), Alpharetta High School (A+), Chattahoochee High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Mount Pisgah Christian School (A+), Holy Redeemer Catholic School (A), National High School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 8957 Old Southwick Pass, Johns Creek ($3.5 million, 7 bedrooms)
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#2. Decatur
- Population: 24,002
- Median home value: $521,900 (66% own)
- Median rent: $1,015 (34% rent)
- Median household income: $106,088
- Top public schools: Decatur High School (A+), Winnona Park Elementary School (A), Oakhurst Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Academe of the Oaks (A), Saint Thomas More Catholic School (unavailable), The Waldorf School of Atlanta (unavailable)
- Pictured: 2662 Fairoaks Rd, Decatur ($1.9 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $521,900 (66% own)
- Median rent: $1,015 (34% rent)
- Median household income: $106,088
- Top public schools: Decatur High School (A+), Winnona Park Elementary School (A), Oakhurst Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Academe of the Oaks (A), Saint Thomas More Catholic School (unavailable), The Waldorf School of Atlanta (unavailable)
- Pictured: 2662 Fairoaks Rd, Decatur ($1.9 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#1. Alpharetta
- Population: 65,590
- Median home value: $422,800 (66% own)
- Median rent: $1,451 (34% rent)
- Median household income: $113,802
- Top public schools: Alpharetta High School (A+), Chattahoochee High School (A+), Johns Creek High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Fulton Science Academy (A+), William & Reed Academy (A), Rivers Academy (A-)
- Pictured: 13042 Bethany Rd, Alpharetta ($6.2 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $422,800 (66% own)
- Median rent: $1,451 (34% rent)
- Median household income: $113,802
- Top public schools: Alpharetta High School (A+), Chattahoochee High School (A+), Johns Creek High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Fulton Science Academy (A+), William & Reed Academy (A), Rivers Academy (A-)
- Pictured: 13042 Bethany Rd, Alpharetta ($6.2 million, 6 bedrooms)
