The state of Georgia, with its captivating coastline, majestic mountains, and vibrant urban hubs, caters to many different lifestyles that make it a top choice for homebuyers both young and old. From beautiful beaches to large cities and quaint college towns, the Peach State truly has something for everyone seeking to put down roots.

Just last year, the state witnessed and influx of people, making it one of America’s hottest relocation destinations. Still, Georgia offers no shortage of appealing communities to to meet the diverse taste of its incredibly diverse 10 million residents. Savannah’s historic walks draw weekenders thirsting to call the coastal oasis home, while cozy small towns in the Piedmont region beckon with historic architecture and down-home hospitality. Of course, metropolitan Atlanta anchors the state’s hot housing market with Fortune 500 jobs and big-city energy.

Georgia has diverse real estate opportunities to match nearly any lifestyle. Homes are priced fairly reasonably and the favorable cost of living lets home investments stretch further when it comes to landing everything from modern downtown condos to sprawling country estates. Nice temperatures also allow you to enjoy the year-round benefits of home ownership. If you’re considering buying a home or living in Georgia, this list highlights the best places for your buck, including information that would be helpful for black families and young professionals.

Atlanta

• Population: 499,127
• Public School Rating: A
• Average Home Price: $418,000
• Walkability: Moderate to High

Georgia’s largest city that continues to grow, Atlanta is a city of opportunity. Whether you want to work in business, beauty, film & entertainment, engineering, sports, journalism or fashion, there are so many robust job fields to explore. Atlanta is also home to one of the largest airports in the country, making easy access to local and overseas travel. Public transportation is made easy in the city with Marta trains and buses. Educational opportunities in the city are also plentiful, with top HBCUs like Spelman and colleges like Emory and Georgia Tech.

Areas like Buckhead have Phipps Plaza and luxury shopping while midtown has many museums and parks to enjoy. Downtown Atlanta has some of the city’s most popular attractions including the Georgia Aquarium and the Coca-Cola museum. While the cost of living in Atlanta is higher than other cities in Georgia, access to amenities, activities, shopping, restaurants and luxury services make up for the cost. Most one-bedroom apartments run at $1500+ while the average cost of a home in Atlanta is over $481,000, meaning you’d need a decent salary to live in the city while still affording other expenses.

If you’re a fan of film and television, a number of major TV shows and movies film in Atlanta. The city also provides easy access to touring the studios and locations where some of your favorite Marvel movies and Netflix TV shows were filmed. Venture out to the town at Trilith to see your favorite superheroes in action, tour the set of “Stranger Things” and “The Walking Dead” or head to Covington to see where “The Vampire Diaries” was filmed.

For Black Families: With a large percentage of over 48 percent of Black residents, Atlanta is a diverse city and great for Black families. With many Black professionals working in areas of fashion, beauty, entertainment, business and sports, Black families tend to thrive in Atlanta.

For Young Professionals: For young professionals, Atlanta has so many opportunities. From the healthcare industry to engineering jobs and working in the business sector, young professionals are drawn to the job opportunities and the amenities the city provides.

Savannah

• Population: 148,044
• Public School Rating: B
• Average Home Price: $324,000
• Walkability: Moderate. Areas that are Downtown are more walkable than other parts of the city.

There’s nothing better than the feeling of your toes in the sand, the warmth of the sun on your skin and seeing the ocean waves crash on the shore. This can be a reality everyday living in Savannah, Georgia. Take full advantage of Savannah’s coastal life with boat tours, dinner cruises and white sand beaches like Tybee Island. While the city is not known for public transportation, it’s still fairly easy to get around after navigating the downtown transit system.

Life is a bit more relaxing and slower in Savannah compared to other cities, making the cost of living 10 percent lower than the national average. Median rent averages to around $985 while the home price is around $324,000. Like most southern cities, Savannah is incredibly historical, offering historic sightseeing tours of some of their oldest buildings and churches. Home to colleges like the Savannah College of Art and Design and Savannah State University, the city is a great place for college students with an appreciation for the arts and history.

For Black Families: Savannah offers a rich history and Black people comprise over 54 percent of Savannah’s population. It’s one of the largest Black cities in the U.S. and there are plenty of ways to teach your children about Black history by utilizing the city. Visit the First African Baptist Church, the oldest Black congregation in the United States or the Savannah African Art Museum to view collections from over 22 African countries.

For Young Professionals: Not only is there so much history to learn from the city, but there are plenty of opportunities for young professionals to advance in their careers and have fun in the city. Explore the many beaches Savannah has to offer, attend Savannah Pride, see a show at the Savannah Theatre or explore the many rooftop bars and lounges in the city.

Augusta

• Population: 199,894
• Public School Rating: B
• Average Home Price: $307,000
• Walkability: Low to Moderate. Downtown is more walkable than other areas.

Located along the Georgia and South Carolina border is Augusta. A quiet city known for its greenery, Augusta is one of the best places to live in Georgia for those with a taste for the outdoors. Home to some of the best golfing courses, art museums, the Augusta Riverwalk and outdoor activities like skydiving and kayaking, this city has something for everyone. The cost of living is 13 percent lower than the national average, making the average rent price $933 and the home price $307,000. The low cost of living, along with major events like the Masters golf tournament and great restaurants on the culinary scene draw in lots of Georgia residents to this city. It’s Georgia’s second-largest metropolitan area and can be described as a city living with a small-town feel.

For Black Families: With Augusta having over 56 percent of Black residents, it’s a great place for Black families to thrive. The Black community in the city has played a crucial role in Augusta’s vibrant historical culture.

For Young Professionals: Young people can take advantage of the low cost of living combined with Augusta’s amenities. Shop at large name-brand stores at Augusta Mall or local boutiques in the city. Get yourself a beer or cider at the multiple breweries in the area before heading downtown to bar hop for the night. Fuel up on coffee and food from tons of coffee shops and restaurants before heading to Augusta’s art museum or many bike trails. There’s something for young professionals who like to stay active, relax or explore.

Athens

• Population: 127,358
• Public School Rating: B
• Average Home Price: $401,000
• Walkability: Moderate to High

Athens is one of Georgia’s major college towns and home to the University of Georgia. Of course, this small city is perfect for Bulldog fans, but it’s also great for those interested in outdoor recreation, the arts scene, restaurants and more. The best thing about living in a college town like Athens is that there are so many free activities to participate in like the state botanical garden and Athens Music Walk of Fame. With a population of over 127,358, Athens isn’t quite as big as Augusta or Atlanta, but it offers a small community with a wide range of amenities. With the cost of living being slightly lower than areas of Georgia like Atlanta, the average apartment rent is around $1491 while the home price is $401,000.

For Black Families: In Athens, Black history runs deep. The city is about 28 percent Black, with over 35,295 Black residents. Beyond Black history in the city, there are so many small Black-owned businesses to choose from in retail, health and beauty, restaurants and more. Notable sites like the Hot Corner: An Athens Legacy Mural and The Morton Theatre are incredible historical places to visit.

For Young Professionals: For young professionals, Athens is a great place for those looking to work in higher education. With close proximity to Atlanta and cool activities like Saturday farmers markets, ice skating and outdoor activities, this city is a great place for young professionals to thrive.

Alpharetta

• Population: 66,446
• Public School Rating: A
• Average Home Price: $390,000
• Walkability: Moderate

Just outside of Atlanta is Alpharetta, a vibrant southern city with lots of charm. With a population of 66,000+ residents, residents are drawn to the city because of its quietness and close access to Atlanta’s great amenities. The small Georgia city is one of the best places to live because of its recreation parks and activities, breweries and bustling restaurant scene. Four percent lower than the national average, Alpharetta is a great option for families looking to stay in a small area with a low cost of living and access to a major city. The median cost of living can be anywhere from $1200 to rent an apartment and $390,000 to buy a house.

For Black Families: Black residents make up around 12 percent of Alpharetta. Black residents have moved to Alpharetta and other North Metro Atlanta suburbs for over a decade. This has allowed residents to get the best of both worlds in terms of cost of living and proximity to Atlanta’s amenities.

For Young Professionals: Because of its super close proximity to Atlanta, Alpharetta is a great city to live in for young professionals who work in Atlanta and want to take advantage of everything the city has to offer at a lower cost of living.

Blue Ridge

• Population: 1,167
• Public School Rating: A
• Average Home Price: $487,566
• Walkability: Moderate

Gorgeous mountain views, waterfalls, wineries and luxury cabins are plentiful in Blue Ridge, Georgia, This mountain town is one of the best places to live in Georgia for families and people who enjoy hiking, sipping on beer and wine, fishing and outdoor recreation. While it’s less diverse than other areas of Georgia, with over 94 percent of the white population, Blue Ridge offers a low cost of living in a small town. The average for a one-bedroom apartment in the area is roughly $670 with the annual cost of living around $37,143 for a single person. Known as one of the south’s best mountain towns, this city is great for enjoying the outdoors with over 106,000 forested acres, 300 miles of hiking trails and 100 miles of streams.

For Black Families: While Blue Ridge is less diverse than other Georgia cities, if you’re looking for a quiet mountain town for your family, this is the perfect area for you.

For Young Professionals: Blue Ridge is a great town for young professionals who love to hike and stay active. Bike around the many trails the mountains have to offer and enjoy fishing, breweries, wineries and antique shops.