Move to These 10 Towns in Georgia if You Want To Get Away From It All

Nature, local businesses, and welcoming vibes abound here.

aerial photo of downtown Madison, Georgia
mark – stock.adobe.com

Not everyone wants to live in a city. Some of us just want the quiet and serenity found in outlying areas where there's more untouched land and open space. There is so much peace in simplicity, and that's exactly what you'll find out here in Georgia's rural lands.

The Peach State has its fair share of big cities and tourist attractions, but there's something quite special about our small towns. If you're looking for a place with peace and beauty, hiking trails, and historical buildings, here is a list of 10 of the best quiet towns in Georgia.

1. Canton, GA

Canton is a semi-large city with almost 23,000 residents, but it still has a really small-town feel with its quiet farmland, historic Gresham's Mill, and quaint shops. You'll love this town if you don't want to live in a big city, yet don't want to be fully immersed in rural Georgia. It even has a small downtown area with restored former schools, textile mills, and mercantiles.

2. Spalding County, GA

Even though Spalding County is pretty large, the population is just under 67,000. This county hosts some of the more rural and peaceful remote towns in Georgia, plus 17 well-maintained parks, hiking trails, and other outdoor activities. So, if you love spending time in nature and the countryside, then a town in Spalding County is for you.

3. Hogansville, GA

Hogansville is a small city that was incorporated in 1870. Here you will find a wonderful community that's been dubbed "The City of Friendly People," according to the Hogansville city website. While it has that small-town feel you may be looking for, there are plenty of things to see and do here, with an outdoor amphitheatre, shops, restaurants, and historical buildings.

4. Blue Ridge, GA

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Blue Ridge hosts part of the Appalachian Mountain range. Nature and beauty abound in this town! It is a regular spot for folks all over Georgia to get away for a weekend, and it's easy to see why. This mountain town is home to a thriving arts community, craft breweries, and wineries, all surrounded by nature as well as numerous hiking trails and waterfalls, like Long Creek Falls and Fall Branch Falls.

5. Morgan County, GA

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Morgan County lies in Middle Georgia and has a population of around 20,000 in an area of 361 square miles. It's known for its dairy and timber industries and is perfect for those who enjoy southern hospitality, the quiet, and the open air. Several towns, like Madison, have quaint downtown areas with locally owned shops and restaurants, too.

6. Temple, GA

The City of Temple is located in Carroll and Haralson counties. This fine town considers itself west Georgia's best-kept secret. This peaceful town is full of trees and fields, so there's plenty of opportunity to be out in nature. Plus, there are lots of rural landmarks to sightsee, like this old-school gas station and convenience store on Taylor Gin Road.

7. Carroll County, GA

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Carroll County, Georgia, is a great area to move to for low-cost living and the peacefulness that comes with living in a small, idyllic town. Its city seat, Carrollton, boasts several charming general stores, shops, and railroads that look similar to Temple (because Temple is part of Carroll County!). The communities here are family-friendly, welcoming, and always have fun local events going on.

8. Tate City, GA

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Tate City is an unincorporated town in Towns County, located just below the Georgia/North Carolina border. Originally a logging and mining community, this town sits in a valley along the upper Tallulah River, and will wow you with several stunning waterfalls, a serene natural landscape, and the hikeable Tallulah Gorge State Park.

9. Elberton, GA

Elberton is the largest city in Elbert County and "The Granite Capital of the World" because of its vast granite deposits. This small city is close enough to larger cities but far enough away to maintain the feeling of a remote town.

10. White County, GA

White County includes several cities, like Helen and Cleveland, both of which are very scenic and pretty. Cleveland is surrounded by mountains, has buildings dating back to the 1800s, and is near the Chattahoochee River, providing endless opportunities for water sports adventures. The town is also home to Loganberry Heritage Farm, where visitors can learn about sustainability, healthy cooking, or purchase produce from the farm market.

Whether it's the smallest towns or the oldest cities in the Peach State, there are plenty of destinations that give off a homey vibe and welcome you to stay. Not completely sold yet? Take a trip to one of these Georgia towns before you move—with the help of Only In Your State's itinerary planner.

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