12 Best Places to Live in South Georgia in 2024 – True Southern Charm

When it comes to finding the best places to live in South Georgia, the options are as vast as the pine forests and as varied as the coastal swamps.

We’ve delved deep into the data, evaluating factors like cost of living, job opportunities, crime rates, livability, and local amenities, to uncover these best cities to live in South Georgia. Whether you’re seeking small-town charm or a buzzing suburban atmosphere, our list covers it all!

The 12 Best Places to Live in South Georgia

#12. Jesup

Population: 9,782
Location: Check on Google Maps

Jesup is a small town that holds a unique appeal, in part due to its proximity to both Savannah and the coast. The cost of living here is almost shockingly low, and while job opportunities might not overwhelm, the railroad industry still keeps its engines running. Crime rates hover around average for the region, but there’s a certain ‘grit and grace’ about Jesup.

As for charm, try wandering down Cherry Street or visiting the Historic Strand Theatre, and you’ll understand why Jesup made our list.

#11. Fitzgerald

Population: 8,367
Location: Check on Google Maps

Fitzgerald’s charm lies in its eccentricity. Founded by Civil War veterans from both sides, this town blends North and South in odd harmony. It’s like nowhere else in Georgia—a truly strange concoction.

The cost of living dips low, and though job opportunities are sparse, the town’s rich history and quirky turkey population (yes, the bird) create an allure that’s hard to explain. With historical attractions like the Blue and Gray Museum and the wildlife-rich Ocmulgee River nearby, Fitzgerald packs more than meets the eye.

#10. Waycross

Population: 13,189
Location: Check on Google Maps

Waycross lies at the literal gateway to the Okefenokee Swamp, one of the most unusual and biologically rich regions in the Southeast. It’s a town where swamps, railroads, and sawmills intertwine in unexpected ways.

Cost of living is low, jobs are linked to the forestry industry, and crime—well, it’s moderate. But there’s a strange comfort in the briny air and the wildlife-laden streets.

Residents have a deep sense of connection to their town, which hosts events like the SwampFest and offers outdoor adventures for those willing to explore.

#9. Vidalia

Population: 10,409
Location: Check on Google Maps

Vidalia is a sweet town, literally. Famous for its sweet onions, Vidalia is the agricultural heart of the region. Livability is high here, with excellent healthcare options and an economy revolving around farming, healthcare, and education. The Vidalia Onion Museum and annual Onion Festival are sources of both pride and strange fascination.

Crime rates are impressively low, making this a safe choice, with the slight scent of onions hanging in the air, forever imprinting Vidalia’s charm in your mind.

#8. Moultrie

Population: 14,211
Location: Check on Google Maps

Moultrie, the “City of Southern Charm,” lives up to its nickname, though its charm might be more in the form of rolling farmlands and quaint downtown streets than anything else.

The job opportunities? Well, they come mostly from agriculture and manufacturing, but Moultrie offers more in terms of livability than you’d expect. Colquitt County’s historic courthouse stands as a monument to time, and the town’s year-round markets and agricultural shows keep it buzzing with energy.

#7. Thomasville

Population: 18,442
Location: Check on Google Maps

Thomasville is known as the “Rose City” for a reason. Gardens and history bloom together here, creating an atmosphere that’s gentle yet filled with strength. The cost of living? Not too steep.

Jobs? Mostly in healthcare and education, with a side of agriculture. Thomasville’s brick-paved streets offer high walkability, and crime rates sit comfortably low. Every spring, the Rose Festival paints the town in vibrant hues, adding to its unique appeal.

#6. Valdosta

Population: 56,457
Location: Check on Google Maps

Valdosta, the Azalea City, isn’t just pretty—it’s lively. It’s the largest city in South Georgia, and with that comes more amenities, better job opportunities, and slightly higher crime.

The university presence adds a youthful vibrancy, while Wild Adventures Theme Park keeps the adrenaline flowing. Cost of living is reasonable, and the economic structure is diverse, making Valdosta an excellent hub for anyone wanting access to both career and fun.

#5. Tifton

Population: 17,045
Location: Check on Google Maps

“The Friendly City” has warmth, in both its people and its charm. Tifton thrives on agriculture, but it’s the small-town friendliness, the low crime, and the excellent schools that really stand out.

This is the place where you’ll find a strong sense of community. The Georgia Museum of Agriculture adds a unique flair, while nearby agritourism farms create a connection to the land that few cities can claim. It’s a slice of southern living wrapped up in hospitality.

#4. Bainbridge

Population: 12,697
Location: Check on Google Maps

Bainbridge is nestled along the Flint River and is a city with deep roots and flowing charm. Jobs in healthcare, retail, and industry are available, though what really sets Bainbridge apart is its slow pace of life.

It’s a peaceful town with low crime rates and an abundance of outdoor activities, like fishing and boating. Earle May Boat Basin Park is the gem of the town, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle.

#3. St. Marys

Population: 18,256
Location: Check on Google Maps

St. Marys, a coastal town, is the gateway to Cumberland Island, and that alone makes it something special. The mix of nature and history creates a strange allure.

Crime rates are low, livability is high, and though it’s small, it’s filled with life. Tourism supports the local economy, while residents enjoy the laid-back lifestyle.

Whether you’re strolling down Osborne Street or hopping a ferry to the island, St. Marys gives off an idyllic yet wild vibe.

#2. Richmond Hill

Population: 16,633
Location: Check on Google Maps

Richmond Hill, just south of Savannah, tops our list of the best places to live in South Georgia. It’s a master-planned community that strikes the perfect balance between suburban convenience and rural peace.

Jobs are abundant thanks to its proximity to Savannah, and the crime rates? Almost non-existent. Add to that excellent schools, beautiful parks, and the nearby Savannah River, and you’ve got the perfect place to plant roots. Richmond Hill’s true charm, though, lies in

#1. Savannah

Population: 147,780
Location: Check on Google Maps

When it comes to Southern charm and modern livability, Savannah takes the crown. It’s the city where Spanish moss clings to ancient oak trees, and cobblestones tell stories older than the pavement. But beneath the picture-perfect postcard scenes, Savannah pulses with opportunity and accessibility, making it one of the best places to live in South Georgia.

The cost of living hovers at a comfortable medium, with affordable housing options ranging from historic townhouses in the downtown district to more modern suburban homes in areas like Southside. Jobs are abundant in industries such as tourism, healthcare, and manufacturing, all while boasting a crime rate that is manageable, especially in its many walkable neighborhoods.

The city’s true charm lies in its juxtaposition of history and modernity. The Savannah College of Art and Design breathes youthful energy into the area, while Forsyth Park and River Street anchor it in time. Festivals, art galleries, and some of the best cuisine in the South create a livable city where culture thrives year-round.

Whether you’re wandering through the Historic District or exploring the vibrant Midtown, there’s something utterly magnetic about Savannah’s slow, enchanting rhythm. Its unique charm and balance of old-world beauty with new-world convenience make it an undeniable contender for the top spot in South Georgia.