Often referred to as “The Peach State,” Georgia is best known for being home to Coca-Cola’s headquarters, its southern hospitality, and of course, its peaches. The state is currently home to around 3.75 million people spread across cities like Atlanta, Savannah, and Albany. If you are thinking of making the move to Georgia and are figuring out what city to live in, we’re here to help. We com We compiled a list of the fastest-growing cities in Georgia which saw the largest population increase from 2017 to 2021. So sit back, relax and keep reading to see what cities made the list.
#1: South Fulton, GA
Median sale price: $305,000
South Fulton, GA homes for sale
South Fulton, GA apartments for rent
Taking the number one spot on our list of the fastest-growing cities in Georgia is South Fulton which is well known for its vibrant neighborhoods and easy access to all of that Atlanta has to offer. The city currently has a population of around 108,600, which is an increase of 13% from 2017.
While exploring the city, locals can also find a bustling arts and entertainment scene with entertainment venues like the City of South Fulton Southwest Arts Center. There are also many unique restaurants to try, such as Bella and Golden Krust Caribbean Restaurant. Regardless of your interests, there’s something for everyone in South Fulton.
#2: Stonecrest, GA
Median sale price: $273,000
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $1,635
Stonecrest, GA homes for sale
Stonecrest, GA apartments for rent
Stonecrest, GA is known for its convenient location just outside of Atlanta, as well as its lush, wooded areas and suburban homes. Stonecrest is also home to many businesses and shopping centers, making it a great place to live, work, and play. The city saw a 10% increase in population to its current population of around 59,900.
There are a lot of exciting things to do while living in Stonecrest, such as enjoying a picnic at Brownsmill Park and Fairington Park or savoring a bite at Arizona’s, Rice Thai Authentic Thai & Sushi Bar, and Belinda’s Southern Cuisine.
#3: Warner Robins, GA
Median sale price: $227,000
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $875
Warner Robins, GA homes for sale
Warner Robins, GA apartments for rent
Warner Robins, GA saw an 8% increase in population and has a population of around 81,450.
It is home to the Robins Air Force Base. If you want to check out a local restaurant, pay a visit to Greek Village, Zen Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi, and El Bronco. After a delicious bite, you can enjoy one of the countless parks like Memorial Park, Fountain Park, and Deloris Toliver Park. Lastly, be sure to catch a show at Friends On The Hill, 44th and Madison, and Warner Robins Little Theatre.
#4: Columbus, GA
Median sale price: $225,000
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $932
Columbus, GA homes for sale
Columbus, GA apartments for rent
Home of Fort Benning and the United States Army Infantry School, Columbus, GA takes the fourth spot on our list of the fastest-growing cities in Georgia. Columbus saw a 6% increase to its current population of around 205,650.
There are a ton of great activities to do while living in Columbus, from playing sports at Woodruff Riverfront Park, Cooper Creek Park, and Flat Rock Park to grabbing a quick bite at The Black Cow, Minnie’s Uptown Restaurant, and Saltcellar. If you love the arts and entertainment scene, be sure to check out the Columbus Museum, National Infantry Museum, Coca-Cola Space Science Center, River Center for The Performing Arts, Soho Bar, and The Sound Factory.
#5: Brookhaven, GA
Median sale price: $650,000
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $3,167
Brookhaven, GA homes for sale
Brookhaven, GA apartments for rent
Considering moving to Brookhaven? The city is known for its historic homes, tree-lined streets, and proximity to Atlanta. It is the fifth fastest-growing city in Georgia. Brookhaven’s population increased by 3% to around 55,400 residents.
You may be wondering, what is there to do in Brookhaven? There are many things like going on a jog at Blackburn Park, Murphey Candler Park, and Brookhaven Park, watching a show at the Conant Performing Arts Center, or eating delicious food at Secreto Southern Kitchen, Arnette’s Chop Shop, and Haven Restaurant and Bar.
#6: Dunwoody, GA
Median sale price: $549,000
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $2,652
Dunwoody, GA homes for sale
Dunwoody, GA apartments for rent
Sixth on our list is Dunwoody, GA, a quiet, family-oriented suburb of Atlanta. The city has excellent public schools and is home to many corporate headquarters, making it a great place to live and work. While living in Dunwoody, you’ll find many things to explore such as trying delicious food at J. Alexander’s Restaurant, The Capital Grille, and Novo Cucina, exploring the Dunwoody Nature Center, playing sports at Brook Run Park and Dunwoody Park, or catching a show at Stage Door Theatre.
Dunwoody currently has a population of around 50,950, which is a 3% increase.
#7: Macon, GA
Median sale price: $201,000
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $1,112
Macon, GA homes for sale
Macon, GA apartments for rent
Thinking of moving to Macon? The city is known for its music and culture, and food, especially its Southern cuisine. Macon has a population of nearly 156,800, seeing a 3% increase since 2017.
There are many things to do in Macon, from visiting museums like the Tubman Museum and Georgia Sports Hall of Fame to enjoying a day at Tattnall Square Park or Amerson River Park. Be sure to taste the local cuisine at The Brick, Rookery, and Parish on Cherry, and afterward, catch a show at Theatre Macon, Macon Little Theatre, or The Grand Opera House.
#8: Augusta, GA
Median sale price: $211,000
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment:$1,138
Augusta, GA comes in at eighth and is best known for being the home of the Masters Tournament, one of the four major championships in professional golf. It saw an increase of 2% to its current population of nearly 201,200.
If you’re curious to know what activities you can do in Augusta, GA, be sure to pay a visit to a handful of parks around the city, such as Pendleton King Park, Phinizy Swamp Nature Park, and Brookfield Park, and venues like Miller Theater, Grover C. Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre, and Bell Auditorium. Be sure to check out local favorite restaurants Frog Hollow Tavern, Beamie’s at the River, and French Market Grille for a taste of what the city has to offer, and later on visit Augusta Museum of History and Morris Museum of Art. There is something for everyone living in Augusta.
#9: Athens, GA
Median sale price: $324,000
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $1,524
Athens, GA homes for sale
Athens, GA apartments for rent
Known for being home to the University of Georgia and its thriving music industry that gave birth to big names like R.E.M., Athens, GA comes in at ninth on our list of fastest-growing cities in Georgia. The city is home to about 127,350 residents, which is a 1.55% increase.
Looking for fun activities to do while living in Athens? You can read a book at Southeast Clarke Park, Bishops Park, or Ben Burton Park. If you love food, be sure to swing by Last Resort Grill, Mama’s Boy Restaurant, and Porterhouse Grill. If you love the arts and entertainment scene, pay a visit to the 40 Watt Club, Georgia Theatre, Taylor-Grady House, and Georgia Museums of Natural History.
#10: Marietta, GA
Median sale price: $450,000
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $1,453
Marietta, GA homes for sale
Marietta, GA apartments for rent
Rounding off our list at number ten is Marietta, GA. Marietta is known for its beautiful town square, five National Register Historic Districts, and stunning mountain backdrop. It is located a short distance from Atlanta, making it the perfect place to live for those who want the best of both worlds – the peace and quiet of a small town with the vibrancy of a big city. Marietta saw a 1.35% to its current population of about 61,500.
There are a lot of activities to do in Marietta, GA. From parks like Terrell Mill Park, Tumlin Park, and Skip Wells Park to museums like Gone With the Wind Museum at Brumby Hall, Marietta Fire Museum, and Marietta History Center, you’ll never get bored. If you’re feeling hungry, you should visit Stockyard Burgers and Bones, The Marietta Local, or Marietta Diner. Later on, you can catch a show at Dixie Tavern, Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre, and Lassiter Concert Hall.
Methodology: Population growth was calculated over a 5-year span (2017 vs. 2021). Only cities with a population of over 50,000 were used, as anything smaller is considered a town. Population data sourced from United States Census Bureau. Median home sale price data from the Redfin Data Center during August 2022. Average rental data from Rent.com during August 2022.
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