With its capital in famous Atlanta, Georgia is one of the oldest states in the nation, tracing its roots back to the original 13 colonies. Today, Georgia has reshaped itself around new industries and rapid development. The state is a major transportation hub for air, rail, and road transit, and a critical center for communications and banking in the Southeast. It has also diversified into film and television production, technology, logistics, paper production, animal and plant agriculture, and advanced manufacturing. Georgia is home to a number of famous wilderness areas and national parks as well, and like many of the original states, much of Georgia is steeped in centuries of history, placing real historical education right next to modern development.
As of 2024, Georgia has a population of roughly 11.2 million, making it the eighth-most populous state in the country. The Peach State has one of the largest economies of any U.S. state—large enough that, viewed on its own, it would rank among the world's sizable national economies. Over the past decade the film and television industry has grown into one of the largest production hubs in the United States, contributing billions of dollars to the local economy each year.
Top Places to Live in Georgia
As of 2025, the typical Georgia home is valued at roughly $320,000, according to Zillow—a level that has risen substantially over the past decade as the state's population and economy have grown. Some of the most expensive homes in Georgia are found in the northern Atlanta suburbs, including Milton, Sandy Springs, Alpharetta, and Johns Creek, while more affordable options are available in outlying communities and smaller cities across the state. Families often gravitate toward the well-regarded school districts of communities such as Johns Creek, Sugar Hill, and the growing suburbs north and east of Atlanta.
There are a few large, notable cities in Georgia, and many prospective homebuyers consider these locations above all others. With that in mind, our editors have compiled brief descriptions of the major destinations within GA.
Atlanta
Population: approximately 505,000 (as of 2024)
Atlanta is the largest city in Georgia and the capital of the state. The broader Atlanta metropolitan area is home to more than 6 million residents, making it one of the largest metros in the country. The city is a major transportation hub, and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport consistently ranks as one of the busiest airports in the world. Atlanta drives a large share of Georgia's economy and is home to major corporations including Coca-Cola, The Home Depot, Delta Air Lines, and UPS.
Augusta
Population: approximately 206,000 (as of 2024)
One of Georgia's largest cities, Augusta is perhaps best known as the home of The Masters, the golf championship hosted each spring at Augusta National Golf Club. The Augusta economy is anchored by healthcare and biotech—led by Augusta University and its medical center—along with a significant military and cybersecurity presence at nearby Fort Gordon.
Columbus
Population: approximately 204,000 (as of 2024)
Located to the southwest of Atlanta along the Chattahoochee River, Columbus is the home of insurance giant Aflac and sits adjacent to Fort Benning, one of the largest U.S. Army installations in the country, which is a major driver of the local economy.
Savannah
Population: approximately 148,000 (as of 2024)
Savannah, Georgia's oldest city, is an important place historically and played a crucial role in both the American Revolution and the American Civil War because of its port. The Port of Savannah remains one of the busiest container ports in the United States and a cornerstone of the regional economy, which also centers on tourism, manufacturing, logistics, and the military. To this day, life in Savannah remains closely tied to the history of the United States and the American South.
Banks, Credit Unions, and More
Financial institutions in GA are regulated by the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance. You can find more information about banks here, credit unions here, and mortgage bankers and brokers here.
Several banks are headquartered in or maintain deep roots in Georgia. Here are a few:
- Ameris Bank (headquartered in Atlanta)
- Synovus (based in Columbus; now part of Pinnacle Financial Partners)
- United Community Bank (long-standing Georgia roots and a large branch network)
Credit unions with a significant presence in Georgia include:
- Delta Community Credit Union
- Robins Financial Credit Union
- Georgia's Own Credit Union
- Associated Credit Union
- Georgia United Credit Union
The following national banks have branches throughout Georgia:
- Bank of America
- Truist (formed by the merger of SunTrust and BB&T)
- Wells Fargo
- Regions Bank
- Fifth Third Bank
- PNC Bank
With all these options to consider, you may be wondering where to start. After all, there are advantages and disadvantages to every financial institution, and you need to shop around to find the best deals. You can use RateZip's free search engine to compare GA interest rates now.
GA Mortgage Rates
For those looking to put down roots in the Peach State, RateZip.com can give homebuyers an edge with a comprehensive listing of current mortgage rates available from regional and national lenders. Because home values and loan costs vary widely, it's possible to save thousands of dollars over the life of a loan by carefully shopping for your mortgage. On RateZip, you can compare fixed and adjustable rate mortgages, find out whether an FHA or VA loan is right for you, and review current rates from a range of lenders. First-time buyers may also want to explore the Georgia Dream Homeownership Program, run by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, which offers affordable financing and down payment assistance to eligible borrowers. Check RateZip for today's rates before you begin.