The 5 Best Places to Live in Georgia for Young Adults

What makes a city a good place to live for young adults?

In the following list, we’ve highlighted cities in Georgia that balance affordable rent, fun things to do, and career opportunities — along with a variety of other factors important to young adults, like:

• Median Income: This statistic can give you an idea of the salary you could earn in each city.
• Average Rent: For young adults embarking on their next adventure, knowing average rent prices is crucial when searching for a rental home.
• Median House Price: If you’re planning to purchase a house, the median home price in your new city is important to consider.
• Population: You might be looking for a small-town feel or a city full of people. This number will help you compare the size of each city listed.
• Median Age: Whether you’re looking to make new friends or find a romantic partner, the median age in each city will help you decide if it’s a good fit for your social life.
• Average Commute Time: Traffic can make a big impact on your quality of life, so this is an important factor to consider before deciding to move to a new city.
• Top Industries: We listed the top industries in each city, so you can understand what your job prospects might look like.

Top 5 Best Places to Live in Georgia for Young Adults

Without further ado, let’s jump into the best places to live in Georgia for young adults!

#1: Columbus, Georgia

• Population: 204,366
• Median Age: 34.6
• Average Commute Time: 20.2 minutes
• Top Industries: Healthcare & Social Assistance; Retail Trade; Manufacturing

Columbus overlooks the beautiful Chattahoochee River along Georgia’s western border with Alabama and is growing in popularity as Georgia’s second-biggest city for its vibrant community, fun things to do, and diverse outdoor amenities including hiking trails, cycling paths, and parks.

Outdoor lovers will enjoy tubing, kayaking, or rafting on the longest urban stretch of whitewater rapids in the world! On Saturday mornings, check out Market Days on Broadway for fresh produce, artisan foods, and handmade crafts. Shopping is abundant, and on Friday nights, Uptown Columbus roars alive with free live concerts. The RiverCenter for the Performing Arts is home to the Columbus Symphony Orchestra and Columbus Ballet and has a packed entertainment schedule including traveling Broadway performances, show tapings, and more.  

In terms of working in Columbus, top companies like Aflac, Synovus, and Fort Moore (formerly Fort Benning) along with other top employers are always looking for new talent to join their ranks. The top occupations include management, office & administrative support, and sales jobs. Overall, Columbus is a great place for young adults to make their home.

#2: Sandy Springs, Georgia

• Population: 106,605
• Median Age: 36.6
• Average Commute Time: 25.7 minutes
• Top Industries: Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services; Healthcare & Social Assistance; Retail Trade

Located in northern Fulton County in the middle of Georgia’s Piedmont Region, Sandy Springs is best known for its freshwater springs that give the city its name. Sandy Springs has great proximity to other cities in Georgia; its location in Fulton County and neighbors of Cobb County and Dekalb County give it a perfect central location.

The King and Queen buildings (otherwise known as the Concourse Corporate Centers) mark the Sandy Springs skyline with their bright lights. Dine at delicious restaurants and enjoy events such as various film and art festivals, hiking or tubing on the Chattahoochee River, or exploring nearby Atlanta.

Many well-known companies are headquartered in Sandy Springs, including UPS, Cox Enterprises, and Mercedes-Benz’s U.S. corporate office. Top occupations in Sandy Springs include management, business & financial operations, and sales & related occupations.

#3: Atlanta, Georgia

• Population: 492,204
• Median Age: 33.4
• Average Commute Time: 32 minutes
• Top Industries: Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services; Educational Services; Healthcare & Social Assistance

Atlanta, known for its southern hospitality, cultural diversity, and the busiest airport in the world, is an excellent place for young adults to make their home. You’ll find various neighborhoods with distinct character and activities, from Midtown to Kirkwood to Grant Park.

Atlanta has some of the best food in the South and great tourist attractions like the Georgia Aquarium, The Center for Civil and Human Rights, the Beltline, the historic Fox Theater, and the Atlanta Zoo. Due to various tax incentives for filming and cheaper production costs, Atlanta has transformed into the ‘Hollywood of the South’—so you may even run into one of your favorite TV or movie stars when you visit!

Companies like Coca-Cola, The Home Depot, Chick-fil-A, and Delta Air Lines are headquarted in Atlanta. The top occupations in Atlanta are management, sales, and business & financial operations.

#4: Savannah, Georgia

• Population: 148,004
• Median Age: 33.5
• Average Commute Time: 21.6 minutes
• Top Industries: Manufacturing; Logistics; Entertainment

Savannah, Georgia is known for its historic architecture and vibrant culture. Founded in 1733, it is the oldest city in Georgia and boasts beautiful parks, cobblestone streets, and a rich history.

In addition to Savannah’s many parks and historic sites, young adults will enjoy the city’s lively arts scene, food festivals, breweries, and museums.

Savannah is home to one of the best art schools in the country, Savannah College of Art and Design, and top employers include Memorial Health University Medical Center, Gulfstream Aerospace, and the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System. Top occupations include management, healthcare, and education.

#5: Athens, Georgia

• Population: 213,886
• Median Age: 32.8
• Average Commute Time: 23.2 minutes
• Top Industries: Educational Services; Healthcare & Social Assistance; Retail Trade

Athens is located just 60 miles northeast of Atlanta and is a lively college town with a great arts and music scene. Whether you’re tailgating a Georgia Bulldogs game or exploring the many galleries, shops, or restaurants in Downtown Athens, there are plenty of fun activities to do. If you visit for a weekend, we recommend exploring the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, walking UGA’s campus, and doing a rooftop bar-hopping tour.

Several companies, including Zaxby’s, Creature Comforts Brewing Co., and Terrapin Beer Company have homes in Athens. The most popular occupations are education, instruction, & library, office & administrative support, and management.

Our number one pick? Columbus, GA!

Columbus is an up-and-coming city that is quickly becoming one of the top living destinations for young adults in Georgia. Columbus is an extremely welcoming town and even has a local ambassador program to help connect new residents to opportunities and activities in the city. Columbus also has exciting professional opportunities and top-rated K-12 schools, if you are considering starting or growing your family.

With the gorgeous Chattahoochee River, wonderful parks and trails, delicious restaurants, and a rapidly diversifying population, Columbus is waiting for you to make it your new home.

If you’re ready to learn more about living in Columbus, contact us here. Our team is here to help!