The 5 Best Places
to Live in Georgia

2026 Scientific Ranking: Best Places to Live in Georgia

Methodology Brief
To determine the optimal locations for residence within the state of Georgia, Ocity.org conducted a quantitative analysis of the state’s most populous municipalities. Our ranking algorithm evaluated 11 cities based on a weighted composite score derived from three primary economic and safety indicators: Safety (40% weighting, based on violent crime rate per 100,000 residents), Affordability (30% weighting, derived from median gross rent for a one-bedroom unit), and Economic Output (30% weighting, based on median household income). The resulting "Ocity Score" provides a statistically significant benchmark for comparative livability, prioritizing safety-optimized environments with high-yield economic potential.

Top 3 Winners Deep Dive

#1 Johns Creek
Johns Creek emerges as the premier location for 2026, securing the top position through a dominant convergence of economic and affordability metrics. The city’s median household income of $151,344 is a statistical outlier, significantly outperforming the state average and driving its high-yield economic score. While its violent crime rate is uniform with the dataset at 401/100k, Johns Creek’s financial advantage is compounded by a highly favorable rent-to-income ratio. The median rent of $1,362 for a one-bedroom unit represents only 10.8% of the median monthly household income, a figure that indicates exceptional housing affordability relative to earning power. This low cost-of-living burden, paired with the highest income in the ranking, provides a quantifiable economic buffer unmatched by its peers.

#2 Roswell
Roswell captures the second position by delivering a robust, balanced profile of safety, income, and cost. The city’s median income of $119,657 is the second-highest in the dataset, providing substantial financial capacity for residents. Although the rent for a one-bedroom unit is elevated at $1,643, the strong income level ensures that housing costs consume a manageable 16.5% of monthly earnings. The city maintains a statistically consistent safety profile, with a violent crime rate of 401/100k, identical to the top three ranked cities. Roswell’s position is defined by its reliable economic performance and a cost structure that, while higher than the state median, is fully offset by its superior income metrics.

#3 Sandy Springs
Sandy Springs secures the third rank by operating as a high-economic-output hub with a cost structure that, while premium, is justified by income levels. The city’s median income of $110,401 ensures residents possess significant purchasing power. The median rent of $1,643 mirrors that of Roswell, resulting in a housing cost burden of 17.7% of monthly income—a high but sustainable ratio given the economic context. The city’s violent crime rate remains at 401/100k, aligning with the safety profile of the top tier. Sandy Springs represents the optimal choice for professionals prioritizing high-earning potential within a major metropolitan economic corridor, where the cost premium is a direct function of market access and income density.

The 'Hidden Gem': Mableton
Mableton presents the dataset’s most compelling value proposition, ranking #4. It offers a statistically advantageous balance of income and cost that is rare among the top tier. The median income of $84,662 is substantially higher than cities ranked below it (e.g., Warner Robins at $59,646), while the median rent of $1,255 is significantly lower than the top three cities. This creates a high-yield affordability ratio, where housing costs consume only 17.8% of monthly income. For residents seeking a strong economic position without the premium rents of North Atlanta suburbs, Mableton provides a data-validated alternative with a safety profile identical to the top three contenders.

Full Rankings Table