Welcome to Georgia! Known as the Peach State, Georgia is the country’s leading producer of peaches, peanuts and pecans. In addition to these delicious crops, Georgia is known for its southern charm and diverse geography, from the Georgia Mountains to the Okefenokee Swamp. Ready to take advantage of all Georgia has to offer? Take a look at our list of the 10 safest cities to help inform your choice. You can also check out the best cities in Georgia for retirees!
1. Braselton
- Population: 11,537
- Violent Crimes: 1 (0.0087 per capita)
- Nonviolent Crimes: 65 (0.5634 per capita)
- Most Common Crime: Larceny and Car Theft
77.37% Below National Crime Rate, 80.28% BelowState Crime Rate
Braselton jumped from second place to first place on the safest cities list, mainly due to its low violent crime rate; only one violent crime was reported in the past year. Situated across four counties northeast of the Atlanta metropolitan area, Braselton was first settled in 1884 and incorporated in 1916. The nearby Château Élan, a sprawling resort and winery in the Georgian foothills, offers fine dining, golf, wine tastings and more.
2. Milton
- Population: 39,848
- Violent Crimes: 11 (0.0276 per capita)
- Nonviolent Crimes: 288 (0.7227 per capita)
- Most Common Crime: Larceny and Burglary
70.78% Below National Crime Rate, 74.13% BelowState Crime Rate
Located in Fulton County, Milton is a fairly new Atlanta suburb, having been incorporated in 2006. Although new, the city is anything but small, with nearly 40,000 residents calling it home. One of the most affluent cities in Georgia, Milton has a median household of more than $120,000, which is nearly double the national average. The community boasts plenty of parks and cycling paths that are perfect for family outings.
3. Holly Springs
- Population: 12,369
- Violent Crimes: 3 (0.0243 per capita)
- Nonviolent Crimes: 123 (0.9944 per capita)
- Most Common Crime: Larceny and Burglary
60.34% Below National Crime Rate, 64.88% BelowState Crime Rate
Named after the holly trees planted at its original site, Holly Springs is one of the safest towns around, with only three violent crimes in the past year. Located in Cherokee County north of Atlanta, Holly Springs is well known for its historic train depot, which was built in the late 1800s. Interested in settling down here? With house prices currently averaging $250,000, now is a great time to make this safe city your home.
4. Johns Creek
- Population: 85,446
- Violent Crimes: 34 (0.0398 per capita)
- Nonviolent Crimes: 532 (0.6226 per capita)
- Most Common Crime: Larceny and Burglary
74.21% Below National Crime Rate, 77.16% BelowState Crime Rate
With a population of more than 85,000, Johns Creek is the most populated city on our list. Located in Fulton County, Johns Creek officially became incorporated in 2006. It is an affluent town with multiple parks and golf courses, including nature preserves. Housing is a little on the pricey side, with prices averaging over $400,000, but it’s hard to beat such beautiful greenery and high safety rankings.
5. Tyrone
- Population: 7,390
- Violent Crimes: 1 (0.0135 per capita)
- Nonviolent Crimes: 108 (1.4614 per capita)
- Most Common Crime: Larceny and Burglary
42.57% Below National Crime Rate, 49.14% BelowState Crime Rate
Located south of Atlanta, Tyrone jumped from 11th last year to be the fifth safest city in Georgia. In fact, just one violent crime was reported in the past year. All about community pride, the town hosts a weeklong Founders Day celebration full of entertainment for the whole family each fall. If you’re ready to call this town your home, house prices average around the mid-$300,000s.
6. Peachtree City
- Population: 35,374
- Violent Crimes: 18 (0.0509 per capita)
- Nonviolent Crimes: 466 (1.3174 per capita)
- Most Common Crime: Larceny and Burglary
46.73% Below National Crime Rate, 52.82% BelowState Crime Rate
The largest city in Fayette County and sixth safest city on our list is Peachtree City, named after the famous Georgia peaches. Since its founding in 1959, this master planned community has bloomed to life, with more than 35,000 residents calling it home. Given that Peachtree City was founded on old farmlands, there’s plenty of nature parks, lakes and golf courses to explore on the weekends.
7. Grovetown
- Population: 14,543
- Violent Crimes: 13 (0.0963 per capita)
- Nonviolent Crimes: 186 (1.279 per capita)
- Most Common Crime: Larceny and Burglary
46.46% Below National Crime Rate, 52.58% BelowState Crime Rate
Incorporated in 1881, Grovetown is the largest city in Columbia County, with a population of more than 14,000 residents. With a low crime rate and a motto of “A Community That Cares,” Grovetown is a welcoming, safe city to call home. Need added enticement? The median home price is around $160,000, making this city one of the more affordable spots in the United States.
8. Alpharetta
- Population: 67,051
- Violent Crimes: 42 (0.0626 per capita)
- Nonviolent Crimes: 1,204 (1.7965 per capita)
- Most Common Crime: Larceny and Burglary
27.65% Below National Crime Rate, 35.93% BelowState Crime Rate
Alpharetta has grown from a small trading post town in 1858 to a bustling city with a population of more than 67,000 residents. Positioned between the Georgia Mountains and Atlanta, Alpharetta is a gateway to both urban and natural delights. Prefer to stay in town? Check out the local breweries. For those interested in moving here, house prices range from the high $300,000s to mid-$400,000s.
9. Jefferson
- Population: 11,394
- Violent Crimes: 12 (0.1053 per capita)
- Nonviolent Crimes: 151 (1.3253 per capita)
- Most Common Crime: Larceny and Burglary
44.30% Below National Crime Rate, 50.67% Below StateCrime Rate
Named after President Thomas Jefferson, Jefferson is the county seat of Jackson County. One of this small town’s highlights is the Crawford W. Long Museum, which honors the physician who first used ether for surgical anesthesia in 1842. Jefferson has a low cost of living compared to the U.S. average, and house prices average in the mid-$200,000s.
10. Glennville
- Population: 5,083
- Violent Crimes: 4 (0.0787 per capita)
- Nonviolent Crimes: 83 (1.6329 per capita)
- Most Common Crime: Larceny and Burglary
33.36% Below National Crime Rate, 40.99% BelowState Crime Rate
Rounding out the top 10 is Glennville, a city located in the southern part of Tattnall County. Glennville dates back to the the1800s, with official city incorporation in 1905. The town is a pioneer in the cricket farming industry, led by Armstrong Crickets, which in 1947 became the first commercial cricket grower in the United States.
Ready to live a safe, peaceful life fishing with local crickets? Houses in Glennville average around $120,000 to $150,000, making this town one of the most affordable around.
Other Georgia Resources
Sarah graduated from Trinity University in 2012 with a degree in International Relations and Political Science. She writes blogs on new homes, decor, communities, and more for NewHomeSource. When she’s not writing, you can find her spending time with her three cats.
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