Are you dreaming of sweet Southern living? Yearning a nest to call home? Hankering for a place for your family to feel safe? Well, you might want to be Georgia-bound! The Peach State is filled with charming cities that are safe and full of adventure, and we’ve brought it upon ourselves to uncover the most secure and family-friendly havens.
Grab your sweet tea and come with us to explore Georgia’s safest cities, uncover the latest about crime and public safety in Georgia, discover what might keep you on your toes, and arm yourself with gadgets to keep worries at bay. Let’s get into our top 10 safest cities in Georgia for families.
Contents
Key Takeaways
- Georgia boasts many safe, vibrant cities, like John Creek and Milton.
- People use smart security solutions like doorbell cameras and alarms across the country to feel safer.
- People are generally concerned about property crime, violent crime, package theft, identity theft, and other cybercrimes.
10 Safest Cities in Georgia for 2024
Georgia is a big enough state to host over 10 million inhabitants, but there’s still room for more. If you’re looking to relocate to the tranquil Southern charm of Georgia, we’ve rounded up a list of the ten cities that keep you and your family’s safety a priority.
John Creek
Johns Creek, Georgia, located in Fulton County, is a city that offers a blend of safety, education, and economic prosperity. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of approximately 76,728, making it a thriving community.
Education is a cornerstone in Johns Creek. The city is home to seven public schools, all part of the Fulton County School System, and several private institutions. These educational establishments consistently receive high ratings, emphasizing the city’s commitment to fostering academic excellence.
Safety is another strong suit for Johns Creek. In 2017, it earned the distinction of being the 2nd safest city in Georgia. This recognition, combined with the city’s numerous parks, recreational areas, and community events, makes it an ideal place for families seeking a secure and engaging environment.
Economically, Johns Creek stands out with a median household income that is significantly higher than the national average. This economic prosperity further enhances the city’s appeal. In fact, in 2019, USA Today ranked Johns Creek as the 3rd best city to live in the United States. Such accolades underscore the city’s dedication to ensuring a high quality of life for its residents.
If you’re looking for a place where you can stroll down idyllic streets and say a friendly hello to neighbors you know by name, John Creek is the place to be.
This up-and-coming city is barely over a half hour’s drive from Atlanta and boasts a thriving and diverse community, plus 80% lower violent crime than most of Georgia.
Milton
Nestled in the greenery of Fulton County, Milton lies only 30 miles outside of Atlanta. It might be a small city, but its thriving tight-knit community and high ranking as a safe city in Georgia have brought families to the tranquil family-friendly environment. The crime rate is lower than in surrounding areas, and with outdoor activities, great schools, and a welcoming community, Milton has everything you could wish for.
Education plays a pivotal role in the community. Milton is served by the Fulton County Schools system, which includes several elementary, middle, and high schools. Some of the notable schools in the city are Birmingham Falls Elementary School, Cogburn Woods Elementary School, Hopewell Middle School, and Milton High School, among others.
Economically, Milton stands as one of the wealthiest cities in Georgia. The median household income in the city is a remarkable $128,559. Furthermore, between 2015 and 2019, about 76.4% of residents (or their immediate family members) owned their homes, with the median value of these homes being $541,000.
The city’s demographics reveal a diverse population, and Milton’s rich history, strong educational foundation, and economic prosperity make it a desirable location for families and individuals seeking a blend of urban amenities and rural charm.
Grovetown
Grovetown is a small city with under 20 thousand inhabitants, but that doesn’t take away from its charm.
It has consistently proven itself to be a great place for families to settle down, filled with places to work, play, and enjoy life.
The crime rate is 65% lower than the national average, making Grovetown a paradise in its own right.
Peachtree City
Peachtree City almost seems like a place where everyone is permanently on vacation – you’ll notice as soon as you see how many people get around: cute little golf carts.
With a family-friendly environment that focuses on having parks, schools, coffee shops, boutiques, and restaurants, you won’t run out of things to do.
Plus, Peachtree records violent crime rates 61% lower than most cities in Georgia.
Braselton
Another great spot within 50 miles of a bigger city, Atlanta, Braselton has been named the safest city in Georgia more than a few times.
Recognized as a great place for families to live because of the low crime rate and tight-knit sense of community, many people settle down in this picturesque town filled with historical charm.
Alpharetta
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Alpharetta is a bustling city that runs on its own heartbeat, capturing that perfect balance between overflowing energy and calm tranquility.
The cultural community makes this a great place for families looking for creativity in a safe space, and you’ll enjoy the ambiance of a city that values safety above all.
Tyrone
While Tyrone only has about eight thousand residents, this suburban area is the perfect spot for those families looking for wide open spaces and privacy without compromising safety.
Consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in the state, you can enjoy hiking and biking trails, sports events, parks, and community picnics with your family, without a worry.
Kennesaw
Just 27 miles northwest of Atlanta, Kennesaw is nestled in a community that’s as lush and beautiful as it is safe. Its legacy of safety has led it to be 60% safer than most cities in the state. The town is filled with coffee shops, parks, museums, and kind neighbors in a suburban ambiance.
When it comes to safety, Kennesaw stands out due to its unique mandatory gun-possession ordinance.
This law, passed in the 1980s in response to a crime wave, mandates every head of household to own a firearm with ammunition.
While primarily symbolic with numerous exceptions, this ordinance often becomes a focal point in discussions about gun rights and crime prevention.
Beyond safety, Kennesaw is a haven for recreation and community activities. The city boasts parks like Swift-Cantrell Park, which is equipped with amenities such as playgrounds, skate parks, and walking trails, perfect for family outings.
Throughout the year, residents and visitors can partake in various events, including the Big Pie in the Sky pizzeria challenge and the annual Pigs & Peaches BBQ Festival, all of which contribute to the city’s family-friendly vibe.
Sandy Springs
An inner ring suburb of Atlanta, Sandy Springs is where the urban feel balances with vibrant energy.
Its crime rate is considerably lower than most of Georgia, making it one of the safest options for families to settle down in. With more than a dozen parks and surrounded by nature and tranquility, your family will grow up in an idyllic environment.
Acworth
Acworth is a lakeside sanctuary that is known for natural beauty and safety.
Just a few dozen minutes drive from Atlanta, this walkable city boasts a great environment for young families and people.
Its crime rate is much lower than the national average, and the communities living here enjoy a peaceful life in a bustling and thriving city surrounded by nature.
2024 Georgia Crime Rates
Georgia is a state that, deservedly or not, has consistently had people worried about crime.
Many are concerned about property crime, violent crime, cybercrime, and overall safety; still, lowering crime rates and cities with high safety ratings are found all around.
Georgians care deeply about their safety, taking action to protect neighborhoods and homes. Community initiatives and smart security solutions make already safe cities even safer.
How Georgia’s Safest Cities of 2024 Were Determined
To pinpoint the safest cities in Georgia for the year 2024, we relied on the most recent complete FBI crime report from 2021 and population statistics. Cities that didn’t meet certain population criteria or failed to provide a comprehensive crime report to the FBI were not included in the rankings.
The safety of our cities is increasingly under scrutiny. The cities in Georgia highlighted for their safety records offer valuable insights into the practices and policies that can help protect our most vulnerable populations. For families considering a move, these cities represent not just a safe haven but also a place where children can grow up with a sense of security and freedom, which is invaluable.
– Kirk MacDowell, Home Security Expert
Exclusions and Data Gaps
Unlike the national report, which excluded nine states due to incomplete crime reporting, Georgia’s data was sufficiently comprehensive for the analysis. This is noteworthy given the recent transition from the FBI Summary Reporting System (SRS) to the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS), which has led to data gaps in several states.
Crime Rate Calculation Methodology
The rankings are based on both violent and property crime statistics. Violent crimes considered include aggravated assault, murder, rape, and robbery, while property crimes include burglary, larceny-theft, and motor vehicle theft. Arson is not included in the property crime rates, in line with FBI guidelines.
To make the data comparable across cities with varying populations, we calculated crime rates per 1,000 residents. This differs from the FBI’s method, which uses rates per 100,000 residents. Both violent and property crime numbers were weighted equally in the rankings, and state-level standardization was applied before weighting.
Georgia-Specific Considerations
It’s worth noting that Georgia’s data was robust enough to avoid the exclusions seen in other states. This speaks to the state’s commitment to accurate and comprehensive crime reporting, making the rankings a reliable resource for families looking to settle in the Peach State.
By focusing solely on Georgia, this analysis provides a more localized view of safety, allowing residents and potential newcomers to make informed decisions based on data that is most relevant to them.
A closer look at our Top 5 Safest Cities in Georgia:
| City | Violent Crime Rate (per 1,000) |
Property Crime Rate (per 1,000) |
| Johns Creek | 0.2 | 4.2 |
| Milton | 0.8 | 5 |
| Grovetown | 1.4 | 6.9 |
| Peachtree City | 0.4 | 9.6 |
| Braselton | 1 | 7.2 |
Georgia’s Level of Concern and Experience with Crime
66% of people in Georgia express concern about overall crime, but as a result that worry has caused communities to be proactive in building stronger foundations, causing many neighborhoods and cities to be even safer than the national average.
Georgia’s Crime Concerns
Since crime is a concern anywhere you might want to start or continue a family, it’s important to look at the main worries that residents may encounter.
Violent Crime
Violent crime is not a worry to be taken lightly, and communities have taken proactive measures to make sure cities and neighborhoods are looked after by authorities while neighbors rally together to make cities like John Creek and Milton great places for families to live.
Cyber Crime
Although Georgia is a serene haven, no state is safe from cybercrime. This digital shadow can loom over you and your family, and with over two thousand cybercrimes committed daily, it can be unsettling.
Phishing accounts for most of the cybercrimes, but some regions in Georgia, like Gainesville, have managed to lower cybercrime rates and ransomware through fortified digital sanctuaries.
However, Georgia did make the top 5 U.S. states with the highest losses due to cybercrime in 2022, making safety a priority.
If you’re worried about cybercrime, we suggest keeping your systems up-to-date, only downloading applications from trusted sources, and being wary of phishing and identity theft.
Property Crime
You might be worried about your property being trespassed on or burgled, which can be especially concerning when you’re thinking about your family. Living in a safe city can help, but smart solutions like window and door alarms like this security system on Amazon can be effective ways to fortify your home and calm your worries.
Gun Violence
In the face of growing gun violence across the nation, it’s no wonder that it’s a concern for any family trying to find a home. First-hand experiences with violent crime are up 25% around the country, leading to Georgians advocating for responsible gun ownership and sensible legislation, all while taking safety into their own hands with security systems and law-abiding behavior.
Package Theft
A less violent but still worrying crime is package theft, and while the convenience of Amazon and other e-commerce websites is a joy, it can also put you at risk of porch pirates. Across the country, many people have decided to install security and doorbell cameras like this Blink Mini Black 2Cam to help keep a watchful eye on all of your incoming packages.
Safeguarding Your Home
Safety is a cherished commodity, and keeping your home safe is a top priority. More than where you lay down to sleep – your home should be a sanctuary where you can live without worry in the world. Prevention is often the key to safety, so keep this in mind when thinking about home security:
Security Cameras
Keeping a watchful eye on your home, day and night, can help you keep tabs on your house even if you’re miles away. Doorbell cameras and porch cameras have become popular, and if you’re looking for a smart security camera, consider a 1080 HD resolution solution like the Blink Mini Black 2Cam.
Window and Door Alarms
As gateways into your home, it’s smart to equip your house with window and door alarms if you’re worried about wandering creepers. Unwelcome intrusions can be scared off with loud alarms and safety features that deter unwanted guests, like the GE Protection Security System.
Smart Deadbolt
Has technology taken over traditional locks and keys? Probably not, but there are smart options that help optimize your home’s safety. Smart deadbolts that connect to Wi-Fi and allow you to control who comes in and out of your home at any moment are an attractive option for those looking to fortify security, and you can find options like the Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt.
Resources for this Article:
https://cde.ucr.cjis.gov/LATEST/webapp/#/pages/explorer/crime/crime-trend
https://bjs.ojp.gov/national-incident-based-reporting-system-nibrs
https://www.ftc.gov/reports/consumer-sentinel-network-data-book-2022
https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga/pr/georgia-cyber-fraud-task-force-marks-two-years-addressing-laundering-cyber-enabled
https://rusi.org/explore-our-research/publications/occasional-papers/experience-cybercrime-georgia-awareness-victimisation-and-reporting
