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Best places to raise a family in Georgia
Choosing a place to raise children can be a daunting task for any family. If it takes a village to raise a child, that may just extend all the way to your next-door neighbor, fifth-grade teacher, or volunteer soccer coach. While all parents are looking for a great place to raise their kids, oftentimes this decision means balancing鈥攁nd prioritizing鈥攃ertain community resources and costs.
compiled a list of the best places to raise a family in Georgia using data from . Niche ranks places to live based on a variety of factors including cost of living, schools, health care, recreation, and weather. Keep reading to see if where you grew up or currently live made the list.
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#25. St. Simons
- Population: 14,778
- Median home value: $371,800 (76% own)
- Median rent: $1,309 (24% rent)
- Median household income: $87,248
- Top public schools: Oglethorpe Point Elementary School (A), St. Simons Elementary School (A), Glynn Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Frederica Academy (A+)
- Pictured: ($3.7 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $371,800 (76% own)
- Median rent: $1,309 (24% rent)
- Median household income: $87,248
- Top public schools: Oglethorpe Point Elementary School (A), St. Simons Elementary School (A), Glynn Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Frederica Academy (A+)
- Pictured: ($3.7 million, 6 bedrooms)
#24. 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: ($1.7 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: ($1.7 million, 5 bedrooms)
#23. Braselton
- Population: 11,452
- Median home value: $318,700 (87% own)
- Median rent: $1,256 (13% rent)
- Median household income: $105,096
- Top public schools: Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science & Technology (A+), Mill Creek High School (A+), Frank N. Osborne Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Braselton Christian Academy (unavailable), Carrington Academy - Braselton (unavailable), Discovery Point Liberty Church (unavailable)
- Pictured: ($2.3 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $318,700 (87% own)
- Median rent: $1,256 (13% rent)
- Median household income: $105,096
- Top public schools: Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science & Technology (A+), Mill Creek High School (A+), Frank N. Osborne Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Braselton Christian Academy (unavailable), Carrington Academy - Braselton (unavailable), Discovery Point Liberty Church (unavailable)
- Pictured: ($2.3 million, 5 bedrooms)
#22. Martinez
- Population: 34,844
- Median home value: $162,600 (76% own)
- Median rent: $1,087 (24% rent)
- Median household income: $75,330
- Top public schools: River Ridge Elementary School (A), Lakeside High School (A), Stevens Creek Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Augusta Preparatory Day School (A+), Augusta Christian Schools (A-), Columbia County Christian Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: ($1.2 million, 10 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $162,600 (76% own)
- Median rent: $1,087 (24% rent)
- Median household income: $75,330
- Top public schools: River Ridge Elementary School (A), Lakeside High School (A), Stevens Creek Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Augusta Preparatory Day School (A+), Augusta Christian Schools (A-), Columbia County Christian Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: ($1.2 million, 10 bedrooms)
#21. Dacula
- Population: 5,919
- Median home value: $174,700 (74% own)
- Median rent: $1,327 (26% rent)
- Median household income: $80,192
- Top public schools: Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science & Technology (A+), Harbins Elementary School (A), McConnell Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Hebron Christian Academy (A-)
- Pictured: ($1.4 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $174,700 (74% own)
- Median rent: $1,327 (26% rent)
- Median household income: $80,192
- Top public schools: Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science & Technology (A+), Harbins Elementary School (A), McConnell Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Hebron Christian Academy (A-)
- Pictured: ($1.4 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#20. Woodstock
- Population: 31,437
- Median home value: $243,500 (65% own)
- Median rent: $1,342 (35% rent)
- Median household income: $76,191
- Top public schools: Etowah High School (A), Bascomb Elementary School (A), Woodstock High School (A)
- Top private schools: Discovery Point Woodstock (unavailable), Primrose School of Woodstock (unavailable), Primrose School of Woodstock East (unavailable)
- Pictured: ($1.4 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $243,500 (65% own)
- Median rent: $1,342 (35% rent)
- Median household income: $76,191
- Top public schools: Etowah High School (A), Bascomb Elementary School (A), Woodstock High School (A)
- Top private schools: Discovery Point Woodstock (unavailable), Primrose School of Woodstock (unavailable), Primrose School of Woodstock East (unavailable)
- Pictured: ($1.4 million, 6 bedrooms)
#19. 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: ($3.4 million, 5 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: ($3.4 million, 5 bedrooms)
#18. 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: ($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: ($824,900, 5 bedrooms)
#17. 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: ($1.8 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: ($1.8 million, 8 bedrooms)
#16. Buford
- Population: 16,143
- Median home value: $239,100 (66% own)
- Median rent: $969 (34% rent)
- Median household income: $59,855
- Top public schools: Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science & Technology (A+), Buford High School (A+), Buford Academy (A+)
- Top private schools: Faith Academy (C), Primrose School of Buford (unavailable), The Goddard School - Buford (unavailable)
- Pictured: ($1.4 million, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $239,100 (66% own)
- Median rent: $969 (34% rent)
- Median household income: $59,855
- Top public schools: Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science & Technology (A+), Buford High School (A+), Buford Academy (A+)
- Top private schools: Faith Academy (C), Primrose School of Buford (unavailable), The Goddard School - Buford (unavailable)
- Pictured: ($1.4 million, 3 bedrooms)
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#15. 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: ($1.5 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: ($1.5 million, 7 bedrooms)
#14. 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: ($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: ($1.5 million, 4 bedrooms)
#13. 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: ($817,000, 3 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: ($817,000, 3 bedrooms)
#12. 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: ($2.5 million, 5 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: ($2.5 million, 5 bedrooms)
#11. 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: ($545,000, 5 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: ($545,000, 5 bedrooms)
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#10. 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: ($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: ($995,000, 4 bedrooms)
#9. 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: ($650,000, 6 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: ($650,000, 6 bedrooms)
#8. 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: ($2.2 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: ($2.2 million, 6 bedrooms)
#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: ($3.2 million, 6 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: ($3.2 million, 6 bedrooms)
#6. 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: ($799,999, 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: ($799,999, 6 bedrooms)
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#5. 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: ($1.8 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: ($1.8 million, 5 bedrooms)
#4. 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: ($3.9 million, 6 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: ($3.9 million, 6 bedrooms)
#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: ($3.0 million, 5 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: ($3.0 million, 5 bedrooms)
#2. 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: ($1.3 million, 4 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: ($1.3 million, 4 bedrooms)
#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: ($3.8 million, 5 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: ($3.8 million, 5 bedrooms)
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