Best Places to Reside in Georgia for Students

Thinking about studying in Georgia? Great choice! With top-tier universities, buzzing campus life, and solid career opportunities, it’s no wonder students flock here. But let’s be real—finding the right place to live without burning a hole in your wallet can be tricky.

The key? A spot that’s affordable, safe, and close to everything you need. Luckily, Georgia has plenty of student-friendly cities that check all the boxes. Georgia is home to over 500,000 students and offers a mix of affordability, vibrant culture, and academic excellence. It boasts top universities like Georgia Tech, Emory, UGA, and Georgia State. With a population of 11 million, the state blends urban energy with Southern charm, making it a great place to study and live.

Whether you're hunting for budget-friendly rent, a secure neighborhood, or easy access to cafes, libraries, and public transport, we’ve got you covered. From all the student housing options available in Georgia, you can choose what fits you best with this best places to live in Georgia for students guide!

Top 10 Affordable Cities for Students in Georgia

Here are the best cities in Georgia where you can live well without breaking the bank:

1. Athens

Average rent: $1668/month

Crime rate: 53.4

Athens is home to the University of Georgia. This makes it a popular destination among students. 

Other factors why students from all over the world choose Athens are its vibrant economy, reasonable cost of living, and a thriving cultural environment. The large number of student housing options available in Athens makes this place more affordable as compared to other cities in Georgia. 

Athens is a great place with multiple third places like cafes, libraries, and co-working spaces. Jittery Joe’s Coffee and Hendershot’s Coffee and Cafe are all the buzz among students for everyday bread and breakfast. Moreover, study sessions are much easier in the Athens Regional Library System with all the resources available. 

Places to visit in Athens:

• Sandy Creek Nature Center
• Georgia Theater
• Downtown Athens
• Sanford Stadium
• Georgia Museum of Art

2. Atlanta

Average rent: $1802/month

Crime rate: 74.92

Atlanta is the capital city of Georgia and a great place for students. It has big universities like Georgia State, Georgia Tech, and Emory, so there are lots of students around. Student housing in Atlanta, Georgia, is about $1,802 a month, which is higher than in other places, but the city offers a lot in return. There’s good public transport, plenty of jobs, and a fun social life. Atlanta is also full of culture, with events like the Atlanta Dogwood Festival and a famous food scene. There are multiple affordable off-campus student accommodations in Atlanta as well. 

Students enjoy exciting nightlife, entertainment spots, and great places to eat. Places like Piedmont Park and Atlanta BeltLine are popular student attractions. Atlanta is even named in one of the 15 best food cities in the US. The universities offer research labs, career fairs, and chances to meet people, which helps with both studies and future jobs. 

 Top places to visit in Atlanta: 

• Atlanta Botanical Garden
• Georgia Aquarium
• Stone Mountain Park
• Zoo Atlanta
• Centennial Olympic Park

3. Savannah

Average rent: $1,710/month

Crime rate: 66.03

Savannah is a picturesque city with a rich historical background, known for its cobblestone streets, Spanish moss-draped trees, and beautifully preserved architecture. It offers a quaint, laid-back lifestyle, and student housing in Savannah is relatively affordable, with many student-friendly apartments and shared living spaces available, making the city one of the best places to live in Georgia. 

The city is a cultural hotspot, featuring museums, art galleries like Gallery 209, theatres, and historic sites, making it especially appealing for students at SCAD. Green spaces like Forsyth Park provide students with outdoor relaxation spots, while the local cafes and bookstores create a cozy, study-friendly atmosphere.

Top places to visit in Savannah: 

• Reynolds Square Art Displays
• Laney Contemporary
• Pin Point Heritage Museum
• Georgia State Railroad Museum
• Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist
• Old Fort Jackson
• Bonaventure Cemetery

4. Macon

Average rent: $1,112/month

Crime rate: 86.96

Macon is a smaller, more affordable city that provides a quiet, student-friendly environment, ideal for those who prefer a relaxed lifestyle. With Mercer University being a major part of the city, students benefit from a tight-knit community that fosters friendships and networking. 

The city has several study-friendly coffee shops like Cathedral Coffee, Village Coffee, Red Owl Coffee Company, local libraries, and university facilities, ensuring students have plenty of places to focus on academics. 

While you choose your ideal city, it is also important that you have everything you need when you move to Georgia. Thorough research on university essentials for students is important when you move to a different city.

Places to visit in Macon:

• Tubman Museum
• Amerson River Park
• The Allman Brothers Band Museum at the Big House
• Hay House
• Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park

5. Columbus

Average rent: $1220 

Crime rate: 73.33

Columbus is one of the best places to live in Georgia for students, offering a perfect blend of academic resources and a vibrant city atmosphere. The city is home to numerous cozy coffee shops like Fox in the Snow and Stauf’s Coffee Roasters, ideal for study sessions or relaxed reading. 

Students also benefit from excellent libraries, including the Columbus Metropolitan Library and Ohio State’s Thompson Library, both equipped with quiet spaces and extensive collections.

Places to visit in Columbus: 

• Coca-Cola Space Science Center
• Flat Rock Park
• National Civil War Naval Museum
• The Columbus Museum
• Whitewater Express

6. Sandy Springs 

Average rent: $1476

Crime rate: 29.7 

Sandy Springs is a gentle, welcoming place for students to live, offering both comfort and calm. Its neighborhoods feel safe and settled, with tree-lined streets and quiet pockets perfect for unwinding after a long day. 

There are cozy cafés for studying, like Café Vendôme, where the atmosphere is soft and unhurried. The public library offers peaceful spaces and helpful resources, making it easy to stay on track. 

With affordable student housing in Georgia, Sandy Springs gives students the best of both worlds—a peaceful home with everything they need close by.

Places to visit in Sandy Springs for students:

• Morgan Falls Overlook Park
• Big Trees Forest Preserve
• Heritage Sandy Springs Museum and Park
• City Springs
• Abernathy Greenway Park
• Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
• Café Vendôme
• Reverie Coffee Café

7. Holly Springs 

Average rent: $1711

Crime rate: 4.71

Holly Springs, Georgia, is a peaceful and welcoming town that offers students a calm space to live and study. The Hickory Flat Public Library is a quiet gem, with open reading areas and reliable resources that make it easy to focus. 

For a softer setting, nearby cafés like Reverie Coffee Café and Café Vendôme offer cozy corners perfect for sipping something warm while going over notes. The town’s safe and serene neighborhoods—like Harmony on the Lakes, Barrett Farms, and Taylor's Farm—make it one of the most affordable student housing in Georgia. 

Places to visit: 

• Barrett Park 
• JB Owens Park 
• Cherokee County Aquatic Center
• Sweetwater Day Use Area
• Blankets Creek Mountain Bike Trail System

8. Johns Creek 

Average rent: $1770

Crime rate: 38

Johns Creek is among the best places to live in Georgia for students who enjoy a calm and cozy study environment. With plenty of coffee shops like Starbucks and Café Intermezzo, it’s easy to find a comfortable place to focus or meet with friends. 

The Northeast/Spruill Oaks Library and Ocee Library offer quiet study spaces and helpful resources, making it a great city for academic life.

Places to Visit in Johns Creek:

• Autrey Mill Nature Preserve
• Newtown Park
• Six Bridges Brewing
• Johns Creek Arts Center
• Johns Creek Tunnel

9. Kennesaw 

Average rent: $1927

Crime rate: 53

Kennesaw has a suburban feel but is totally student-friendly thanks to Kennesaw State University. Safe student apartments in Georgia and nearby shopping centers add to the convenience. 

The growing café scene—with spots like Lazy Labrador Coffee House and Rev Coffee—is perfect for studying or unwinding. For focused study time, students can head to the Kennesaw Library or the North Cobb Regional Library.

Places to Visit in Kennesaw:

• Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park
• Smith-Gilbert Gardens
• Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History
• Swift-Cantrell Park
• Big Pie In The Sky

10. Augusta 

Average rent: $1204

Crime Rate: 57.95

Augusta offers affordable university housing in Georgia and is home to Augusta University, making it ideal for students, especially those in health sciences. The slower pace suits those looking for a more relaxed lifestyle. Coffee shops like Ubora Coffee Roasters and Buona Caffe provide comfy study spots. The Appleby Library and Maxwell Branch Library are popular go-tos for quiet reading or research.

Places to Visit in Augusta:

• Augusta Riverwalk
• Phinizy Swamp Nature Park
• Augusta Museum of History
• Meadow Garden
• Morris Museum of Art

Safe Student Housing in Georgia

Whether you live on-campus or in off-campus housing Georgia, safety precautions are a must — they help you feel more secure, more aware, and comfortable in your new environment. Student housing in Georgia varies by location, so research neighborhoods and housing security features before committing to a place. 

Here are some key safety tips to keep in mind when choosing accommodation:

• Choose well-lit areas with low crime rates. Research crime statistics in different neighborhoods and avoid isolated areas.
• Use university shuttle services or public transport safely. Travel in groups at night and stay alert while using buses, trains, or ride-sharing services.
• Consider safe student apartments in Georgia like gated communities or housing with security features. Look for accommodations with CCTV, keycard access, and on-site security for extra peace of mind.
• Secure your doors and windows. Whether in a dorm or rental, always lock your doors and avoid sharing keys with others.
• Stay informed. Sign up for university safety alerts and familiarize yourself with emergency contacts and campus security services.

By taking these precautions, students can create a safe and comfortable living environment, ensuring a stress-free university experience. The more precautions you take, the better!

Cost of Living in Georgia for Students

The cost of living in Georgia varies by city, with larger metropolitan areas like Atlanta being pricier than smaller cities like Macon or Athens. Students should budget for rent, food, transport, and entertainment, ensuring they choose a location that aligns with their financial comfort.

Best Student Housing in Georgia

Deciding where to live in Georgia is a crucial decision. When it comes to cheap housing options for students in Georgia, you have the flexibility to choose from private rentals to dorms and apartments.

Amber Student's user-friendly approach enables easy housing arrangements in Georgia based on location. This improves a student's experience by providing hassle-free moving and orientation periods, allowing more concentration on academic activities. 

By accounting for the cost of living in Georgia for students, candidates can live in private rented apartments or in dormitories (where they have personal rooms, but the rest of the space is shared). Both arrangements have their pros and cons, which students have to take into account.

• University dorms: Ideal for first-year students looking for convenience, on-campus access, and a structured environment. If you are someone who prefers dorms, make sure you know how to make friends and co-exist during your student life.
• Private rentals: Offers flexibility in location and pricing but may require roommates to split costs.
• Purpose-built student housing: Designed for students with amenities like study rooms, gyms, and social spaces to enhance both academic and social life.
• Homestays: A great option for international students wanting a local experience while living with a host family.

Living in a state like Georgia depends on budget, lifestyle, and personal preferences. For a seamless housing search, explore the best places to live in Georgia with Amber Student. We provide you with numerous options like shared apartments, studios, and dorms, ensuring multiple options for you. Our verified listings, personalized support, and hassle-free booking process make finding student accommodation easier than ever.