5 affordable places to live in Georgia:
All but one of these places are close to the Atlanta metropolitan area, which is otherwise known for expensive real estate.
1. Waycross
Part of Ware County, Waycross has a population of about 14,000. Most residents who live in this town are retirees, though the above-average schools draw families, too.There's a roughly equal percentage of owners and renters, and the median home value is $72,700 -- less than half the national median -- according to Niche. Property taxes are among the lowest in the country at 0.83% of a home's assessed fair market value, per Tax-Rates.org. However, the crime rate is average in the area.
2. Dublin
Near the middle of the state, Dublin has its own regional airport despite its small population of 16,000. The town offers decent employment opportunities, and most residents (around 59%) tend to rent. Homes cost a median of $97,600, and property taxes are some of the lowest in the U.S. at 0.63%. Families will love that the schools are highly rated, and Dublin has a diverse mix of residents.
3.Forest Park
If you're looking to live close to Atlanta, this suburb is as close as you'll get to finding affordable housing. Plus, it's about five miles east of the Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport and access to Interstates 75 and 185, making it convenient for commuters. The median home price is just $63,200, though most residents rent. Families make up the majority of the population, and there are many parks. However, public schools are only average, and crime and safety rates aren't high on Niche. Plus, property taxes are slightly higher at 0.88% of the home's assessed value.
4. Warner Robins
One of the larger towns on our list with a population of 75,000, Warner Robins has plenty of parks, an aviation museum, and an entertainment complex with plenty of indoor and outdoor activities for families. Most residents own their homes, which have a median value of $111,000. Warner Robins offers decent employment rates and has highly rated public schools, according to Niche. Property taxes are 0.86%.
5. Vidalia
Lots of families and young professionals live in this town with a population of 10,500. With a median home value of $118,000, more residents tend to rent than own. Vidalia has the lowest property taxes on our list, with homeowners paying only 0.59% of their home's fair market value. Schools are rated above-average, and residents love the small-town feel of the area.
Georgia's median home prices may be above the national average in more urban areas, but there are plenty of places where homeownership is attainable for the average American. Keep your housing costs down by finding the best rates available from mortgage lenders. Shopping around while working to improve your credit score can save you tens of thousands of dollars throughout the lifetime of your loan. Check out our mortgage calculator to help you estimate your monthly payment, including principal, interest, insurance, taxes, and PMI.
