GEORGIA, — As Georgia's population keeps booming, folks are searching for the perfect spot to call home—and figuring out which places to avoid before handing over that hard-earned security deposit.
According to a recent ranking by USA TODAY Homefront, five cities in Georgia landed at the bottom of the list due to a mix of high living costs, low affordability, and other factors that make life a bit tougher. Here's a closer look at the bottom five:
Milton
Milton is topping the list of the worst cities in Georgia, where the cost of living is as steep as the city's rolling hills. With home values exceeding $920,000—more than six times the median household income—Milton is one of the state's least affordable places to live. The city also struggles with low walkability, and many residents face rent burdens, making it a difficult place to put down roots.
Douglasville
Douglasville might offer easy access to Atlanta, but residents pay a high price for that convenience. The city ranks poorly due to its high crime rates and a cost of living that’s outpacing the average income. While it has some appeal, these factors drag Douglasville down in the rankings.
Sandy Springs
Sandy Springs, a bustling suburb of Atlanta, also ranks low. The city suffers from high housing costs and relatively high crime rates, which overshadow its proximity to the state's capital. Despite its growth and development, these challenges make Sandy Springs less attractive to potential residents.
Hinesville
Hinesville, home to Fort Stewart, lands near the bottom of the list due to economic challenges. The city faces high unemployment rates and a cost of living that doesn’t align well with the average income. These economic pressures and limited amenities contribute to Hinesville's low ranking.
East Point
Rounding out the bottom five is East Point, a city that struggles with high crime rates and housing costs that exceed what many residents can afford. Despite its close proximity to Atlanta, these factors make East Point a less desirable place to live.
Best and worst cities in Georgia (full data from USA Today)
USA TODAY Homefront said it ranked 32 cities in Georgia based on 16 metrics, including walkability, school ratings, crime rates, and home value ratios. The study considered cities with over 30,000 people, with some data available only at the county level. Metrics included healthcare availability, severe weather, and education levels, aiming to identify the best cities to live in Georgia.
