While many visitors through Georgia tend to stick to the main cities and thriving tourist towns, what they miss out on are those beautiful small towns in rural Georgia that are downright delightful. From charming main streets to mom-and-pop shops and restaurants, these are some of the best rural towns to live in Georgia where life is experienced at a much slower pace.

1. Lavonia, Georgia
Lavonia, GA 30553, USA
Flickr Trixie.In.Dixie
Just a few miles from Lake Hartwell, Lavonia is a charming town in rural Georgia with a population of fewer than 3,000 residents. The reason why this town is so delightful is due in part to its original Carnegie library, and the peaceful, folksy laid-back culture.
2. Senoia, Georgia
Senoia, GA 30276, USA
Flickr John LightComposer
This small rural town in Georgia is a short drive from Atlanta, despite feeling like a million miles away from it all. Senoia is the type of town that epitomizes small-town Georgia, with picturesque landscapes and quaint shops and restaurants everywhere you look.
3. Dublin, Georgia
Dublin, GA 31021, USA
Flickr Neal Wellons
One of the best rural towns to live in Georgia, Dublin has grown in popularity throughout the years, which just pays tribute to what a delightful place it is to reside. If you need to get away from city life, you can spend a night at a charming bed and breakfast, peruse the farmer’s market, and feast on some delicious in-town restaurants.
4. Toccoa, Georgia
Toccoa, GA, USA
Flickr Jimmy Emerson DVM
Most people come for the waterfall, but they stay for the town. It’s the perfect small town in Georgia to immerse yourself in nature, as you sit at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. There are plenty of parks and historic sites for you to choose from during your visit, we promise there will never be a dull moment.
5. Harlem, Georgia
Harlem, GA 30814, USA
Flickr Bruce Tuten
With a population of fewer than 3,000 people, Harlem, Georgia is a great place to visit if you never have before. Visit the famed Laurel and Hardy museum, which is jam-packed with memorabilia. Or, simply walk the town and enjoy Harlem's welcoming community and friendly vibes.

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6. Canton, Georgia
Canton, GA, USA
Flickr Chris McClanahan
One of the coolest small towns in Georgia, a visit to Canton never disappoints. Nestled right at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Canton is a nature lover's paradise.
7. Cumming, Georgia
Cumming, GA, USA
Flickr Bill Denney
Cumming is a small town in rural Georgia of about around 5,000 residents and has an allure to the neighborhood that can’t be duplicated. Snag a delicious breakfast from Dutch Monkey Doughnuts, or visit during the fall fair, which shuts the entire town down for some family fun.
8. Hogansville, Georgia
Hogansville, GA 30230, USA
Flickr Darren Copley
With around 3,000 inhabitants, Hogansville is on the small side of things, but it still has a huge tourist attraction. From the beautiful antique shops to the delightful downtown area, Hogansville is worth a weekend trip to explore it all. Make sure you snap a few photos of the Hogansville tower while you’re there!
9. Helen, Georgia
Helen, GA 30545, USA
Flickr Robert Lz
Many people visit Helen, Georgia for the famed Alpine setting. However, there is so much more to this small Georgia town that deserves recognition. Between the wineries, the mom-and-pop restaurants and cafes, and all the nature-inspired activities, you’ll want to spend more than a few days in Helen.
10. Plains, Georgia
Plains, GA 31780, USA
Flickr Gil Daspit, Jr.
Plains, Georgia is not your usual small town. Besides being the birthplace of President Jimmy Carter, this small rural town is in abundance with cotton fields and peanut farms, adding to the charm. Did we mention that there were around only 900 inhabitants?

Know of any other beautiful small towns in Georgia that we didn’t mention? Share in the comments!

If visiting unique places in Georgia is what you’re here for, then you may just love 12 Reasons To Drop Everything And Visit Coastal Georgia.

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Small Towns In Georgia

Jackie Ann | September 19, 2022

What are the best little-known attractions in Georgia?

If you’re a history buff, then you need to visit the small Georgia town of Madison. With a population that hovers around 5,000, it’s the perfect mix of small-town life without feeling like you’re too far away from everything. One of Madison’s coolest features that not everyone knows is that Madison has one of the largest historic districts in the state. As you walk through the downtown area, you’ll be met with endless examples of beautiful antebellum architecture. 

What is the best scenic town in Georgia?

There are so many beautiful towns all throughout Georgia that we’ve created a road trip that’ll bring you right to some of the most scenic towns in Georgia. One of our favorite little towns in the Peach State that offers stunning scenery and plenty of attractions is Senoia, Georgia. If you’re a fan of the popular television show "The Walking Dead," you’ll recognize the town as being the filming location for the show. 

Which town in Georgia has the best restaurants?

Georgia is peppered with so many delicious restaurants that it’s impossible to name them all. In the small Georgia town of Jackson, located just outside of Atlanta, there’s a BBQ joint called Blind Pig BBQ that’s worth a road trip from any corner of the state. On the northern edge of the state, right by the North Carolina border, you’ll find the charming town of Clayton, a tiny town in Georgia with a bug restaurant scene. This little Blue Ridge Mountain town has several delightfully charming mom-and-pop restaurants where you can feast on everything from southern comfort food to pizzas.

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