The number of Americans who relocate each year has been trending downward for decades. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, only 28.2 million people moved to a new home in 2022, down from 41.1 million 20 years earlier. Of those who did move in 2022, the vast majority – an estimated 78% – stayed within the same state.
When Americans do decide to move, many do so to improve their standard of living. Climate, health considerations, taking or finding a new job, buying a better or more affordable home, and living in a safer neighborhood are all commonly cited reasons. But for those who are not prepared to move across the country, within every state, there are cities and towns that stand out for the higher overall quality of life they can offer.
Based on a weighted index of 22 key measures from government sources, related to community, the economy, and quality of life, Druid Hills ranks as the best place to live in Georgia.
Druid Hills, home to about 8,610 people, has a median household income of $137,576 and a median home value of $698,000. According to the 2023 County Health Rankings and Roadmaps program, a collaboration between the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute, 88.5% of the local population have easy access to places for exercise, like parks. Census data also shows that there are about 12.4 recreational and entertainment venues, such as movie theaters, museums, sports clubs, libraries, and restaurants for every 10,000 businesses in the area.
We considered all places in the U.S. with sufficient data and populations of at least 5,000. Our list includes cities, towns, villages, boroughs, and unincorporated communities. Click here to read our full methodology.
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