Two GA cities rank among best places to live in Southeast. What makes them special?
Georgia is home to two of the best places to live in the Southeast — including the top destination, new rankings show.
Johns Creek ranks No. 1 and Roswell is No. 3 on a list of cities that offer their residents top-notch entertainment options, low crime rates and access to health care, according to results published Aug. 7.
To create a national list, the website Livability said it studied more than 2,000 places across the country. It focused on cities with 75,000 to 500,000 people, using data from the U.S. government and other sources to score them. The scores were divided into eight categories: environment, transportation, health, amenities, safety, education, economy, and housing/costs of living.
What makes Johns Creek and Roswell special?
Within the Southeast, the city that earned the highest overall score was Johns Creek. The northeast Atlanta suburb of about 82,000 people received a nod for boasting “excellent schools” and job opportunities in the health care field.
But when it’s time to trade work for play, Livability says there are plenty of activities to do outside, adding that “the city’s natural beauty sets it apart.”
Johns Creek also received praise for being an “inclusive community.”
“The city prioritizes adaptive recreation programs; hosts celebrations to honor Lunar New Year, Juneteenth and Diwali; and has an International Festival that recognizes the city’s diverse residents,” Livability wrote. “Also, the Johns Creek Veterans Memorial Walk, within Newtown Park, holds monuments to honor veterans and is a community space where visitors can pay their respects.”
Also in suburban Atlanta, the city of Roswell landed a high spot on Livability’s list. The city of roughly 93,000 residents was recognized for having top schools and a location along the Chattahoochee River.
“This sought-after Atlanta suburb is one of the best places to live in the Southeast because of its historic charm, welcoming neighbors, strong economy and nationally recognized health care facilities,” Livability said.
When it’s time to wind down, Roswell also has a “burgeoning craft beer scene” and a “thriving arts and culture scene,” according to the report.
How did other Southeastern cities rank?
Johns Creek and Roswell were the only cities in Georgia to land in the top 25 on Livability’s list.
Across the Southeast, the towns that rounded out the top five places to call home:
Cary, North Carolina, at No. 2
Columbia, Maryland, at No. 4
Virginia Beach, Virginia, at No. 5
The cities considered for the rankings were in the following states: “Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland,” Livability told McClatchy News in an email.
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