Milton residents are the happiest in Georgia among the state’s most affluent areas, according to a survey by CardRates. The survey ranked Milton 79th nationally in a study of the top 150 most expensive places to live in the United States.
Elsewhere in Georgia, Dunwoody came in at 107th, and Johns Creek followed at 121st.
Where The Numbers Came From: The survey polled 3,000 residents from high-cost communities across the country. Respondents answered questions about their satisfaction with the lifestyle in their areas compared to the financial burden of living there.
Why It Matters: The study gives insight into what residents value most about living in high-cost areas. Among the most common reasons for satisfaction:
• 38% appreciated quality schools and a family-friendly environment.
• 34% pointed to access to nature and outdoor activities.
• 16% cited proximity to high-paying job opportunities.
At the same time, financial pressure remains a challenge. Of those surveyed, 39% said they would cut back on non-essential spending if costs became too high, while 38% said they would seek higher-paying jobs.
The Georgia Cities: Milton stands out as the top-ranked city in Georgia. Residents of Dunwoody and Johns Creek also reported high levels of satisfaction with their communities, placing all three cities among the happiest affluent areas in the country.
The Bigger Picture: Palm Beach, Florida, was ranked as the happiest affluent community in the country, followed by Boca Raton, Florida, and Ewa Beach, Hawaii.
The full list of the top 150 cities can be found on CardRates’ website.
B.T. Clark
B.T. Clark is an award-winning journalist and the Publisher of The Georgia Sun. He has 25 years of experience in journalism and served as Managing Editor of Neighbor Newspapers in metro Atlanta for 15 years and Digital Director at Times-Journal Inc. for 8 years. His work has appeared in several newspapers throughout the state including Neighbor Newspapers, The Cherokee Tribune and The Marietta Daily Journal. He is a Georgia native and a fifth-generation Georgian.
