Connect with us

Georgia

5 Georgia small towns make Most Charming Towns in America to Move To

Published

on

5 Georgia small towns make Most Charming Towns in America to Move To


Photo by Joyce Lupiani/FOX 5 Digital

Five small towns in Georgia have made the list of the Most Charming Towns in America to Move To.

Advertisement

According to the latest Census Bureau data, Americans continue to leave big cities in droves. This trend has been attributed to the allure of small-town life, which offers a lower cost of living, better quality of life, a sense of community, access to nature, lower crime rates, and a higher sense of safety.

High 5 Casino sought to find the most charming U.S. towns and cities to live in. They evaluated 161 small towns and cities across the country, ranking them based on 22 key metrics grouped into four categories: Essentials (cost of living, safety, employment), Lifestyle (entertainment venues, amenities, access to nature, climate), Housing (affordability, home appreciation rates, housing demand), and Community (population density, educational facilities, healthcare, average age of residents).

After ranking all the towns, they compiled a list of the 100 most charming small towns in the U.S. Five small towns in Georgia made the list, with one ranking in the top 5:

Advertisement
  • No. 4 – Madison (52.05 out of 100)
  • No. 21 – Adairsville (44.83 out of 100)
  • No. 47 – Jekyll Island (42.81 out of 100)
  • No. 53 – Dahlonega (42.57 out of 100)
  • No. 96 – Helen (39.99 out of 100)

Madison is known for its well-preserved antebellum architecture, scenic beauty with tree-lined streets and lush gardens, and rich cultural heritage showcased in museums and cultural centers. Its quaint downtown area features charming shops, boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. Madison’s historical significance, particularly its preservation during General Sherman’s March to the Sea, adds to its allure. The town’s unemployment rate is 3%, and the median home price is $455,000. Madison has a crime rate that is noticeably lower than average. 

Adairsville boasts a well-preserved historic downtown area with 19th-century buildings, quaint shops, and local eateries. Home to Barnsley Resort and various community events and festivals, it is located near the Appalachian Mountains, offering easy access to outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and camping. The median home price in Adairsville is $439,375, and the current unemployment rate is 0.2%. The crime rate is Adairsville is 13.3% lower than national average. 

Jekyll Island is famous for its picturesque coastal beauty and rich history, including well-preserved Gilded Age mansions. Residents and visitors can enjoy activities such as biking, golfing, and exploring nature trails. The median home price on Jekyll Island is $660,000, an increase of 53.5% over last year, with an unemployment rate of 3.2%. Crime risk is moderate in Jekyll Island.

Advertisement

Dahlonega, nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, is renowned for its history and landscapes. As the site of the first major U.S. gold rush in 1828, Dahlonega features a historic downtown with preserved 19th-century architecture, quaint shops, and cozy cafes. Surrounded by scenic vineyards, the town offers outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, and exploring Amicalola Falls. Dahlonega’s vibrant arts scene, friendly community, and annual festivals add to its charm. The median home price is $368,166, with an unemployment rate of 2.8%. The crime rate is considered low in Dahlonega. 

Helen is a unique town known for its Bavarian-inspired architecture and alpine village aesthetic. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Helen offers stunning natural beauty and outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and tubing along the Chattahoochee River. The town’s vibrant cultural scene includes numerous festivals, artisan shops, and local wineries. Helen’s charm, welcoming community, and scenic surroundings make it a delightful place to live, with a median home price of $461,000 and an unemployment rate of 2.6%. Helen’s crime rate is higher than the national average. 

Advertisement

Other Georgia ranking stories

The other small towns/cities in the top 5 are Homer, Alaska; Petoskey, Michigan; Oxford, Mississippi; and Marietta, Ohio.

Homer is known for its fishing, museums, art galleries, educational facilities, and below-average property prices.

Advertisement

Petoskey scored high for affordable housing, a low unemployment rate, a low crime rate, and easy access to some of Michigan’s most picturesque and affluent waterfront communities.

Oxford has an average age well below the list average (27.7 vs. 45) and is a haven for foodies. It is also home to numerous creatives, musicians, and artists.

Advertisement

Marietta is widely regarded as one of the prettiest cities in the Midwest with its brick streets, hardwood trees, and neoclassical Victorian houses. The average property price is just $264,900, making it quite affordable.



Source link

Georgia

Georgia Lottery Powerball, Cash 3 results for June 20, 2026

Published

on


The Georgia Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.

Here’s a look at June 20, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Powerball numbers from June 20 drawing

16-20-44-48-50, Powerball: 15, Power Play: 2

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Advertisement

Winning Cash 3 numbers from June 20 drawing

Midday: 0-9-2

Evening: 9-6-9

Night: 2-4-6

Check Cash 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash 4 numbers from June 20 drawing

Midday: 0-1-2-5

Advertisement

Evening: 1-8-1-5

Night: 5-4-6-0

Check Cash 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash Pop numbers from June 20 drawing

Early Bird: 06

Matinee: 03

Advertisement

Drive Time: 09

Primetime: 06

Night Owl: 02

Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Georgia FIVE numbers from June 20 drawing

Midday: 4-0-5-8-9

Advertisement

Evening: 3-3-9-2-2

Check Georgia FIVE payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Fantasy 5 numbers from June 20 drawing

01-09-10-15-42

Check Fantasy 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from June 20 drawing

01-10-16-30-31, Bonus: 04

Advertisement

Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your prize

  • Prizes under $601: Can be claimed at any Georgia Lottery retail location. ALL PRIZES can be claimed by mail to: Georgia Lottery Corporation, P.O. Box 56966, Atlanta, GA 30343.
  • Prizes over $600: Must be claimed at Georgia Lottery Headquarters or any Georgia Lottery district office or mailed to the Georgia Lottery for payment.

When are the Georgia Lottery drawings held?

  • Powerball: 10:59 p.m. ET on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
  • Mega Millions: 11 p.m. ET on Tuesday and Friday.
  • Cash 3 (Midday): 12:29 p.m. ET daily.
  • Cash 3 (Evening): 6:59 p.m. ET daily.
  • Cash 3 (Night): 11:34 p.m. ET daily.
  • Cash 4 (Midday): 12:29 p.m. ET daily.
  • Cash 4 (Evening): 6:59 p.m. ET daily.
  • Cash 4 (Night): 11:34 p.m. ET daily.
  • Cash Pop (Early Bird): 8 a.m. ET daily.
  • Cash Pop (Matinee): 1 p.m. ET daily.
  • Cash Pop (Drive Time): 5 p.m. ET daily.
  • Cash Pop (Primetime): 8 p.m. ET daily.
  • Cash Pop (Night Owl): 11:59 p.m. ET daily.
  • Georgia FIVE (Midday): 12:29 p.m. ET daily.
  • Georgia FIVE (Evening): 6:59 p.m. ET daily.
  • Fantasy 5: 11:34 p.m. ET daily.
  • Jumbo Bucks Lotto: 11 p.m. ET on Monday and Thursday.
  • Millionaire for Life: 11:15 p.m. ET daily.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Georgia editor. You can send feedback using this form.



Source link

Continue Reading

Georgia

Democrats block local property tax referendums as Georgia lawmakers clash over affordability  – The Current

Published

on

Democrats block local property tax referendums as Georgia lawmakers clash over affordability  – The Current


House Republicans are attempting to pass a wave of local property tax measures during an ongoing special session that would allow communities to vote on whether to raise their sales taxes to give homeowners a tax break. 

But Democrats have so far successfully blocked the effort, stymying GOP lawmakers from putting the question before voters this November. They argue the change represents a new tax that shifts the burden of paying for local services from homeowners to lower income Georgians – and they question the rush to put it before voters this year. 

An attempt to pass dozens of local property tax measures failed Saturday in both the House and Senate, but Republicans say they aren’t giving up. Lawmakers will be back Monday for a special session that has no set end date. 

“We still have a chance to get this right,” said Rep. Shaw Blackmon, a Bonaire Republican who has led the House GOP’s efforts to target local property taxes. 

Advertisement

House Republican leaders have prioritized property tax relief this year, saying it is needed to curb rising property taxes and help people who are struggling to stay in their homes. They unsuccessfully pushed to eliminate local property taxes statewide earlier this year, instead settling for a last-minute compromise that Democrats say is unconstitutional because of how it was passed. 

The ongoing special session was originally called to redraw Georgia’s political maps – although those redistricting plans were abandoned – and to address a looming deadline for the state to stop using ballot QR codes to count votes. Gov. Brian Kemp later opened the door for lawmakers to tee up local property tax referendums.  House Majority Chuck Efstration and other House Republicans criticized Democrats for voting against local property tax measures Saturday. Jill Nolin/Georgia Recorder

Dozens of referendums are in the works for communities all across the state, from Fannin County in north Georgia to Lowndes County in south Georgia. 

“We missed an opportunity to help our neighbors today,” said Rep. Gerald Greene, a Cuthbert Republican who had sponsored several tax referendums for south Georgia communities. 

Republicans control both chambers of the Legislature, but since the measures involve homestead exemptions, they need two-thirds support to pass. That means Democratic votes are needed in both chambers. 

Advertisement

“Today what we witnessed once again was Republicans cosplaying a care for affordability in this state,” said Rep. Tanya Miller, an Atlanta Democrat who chairs the minority caucus and is the party’s nominee for attorney general. 

“What they are trying to do is a bait and switch. What they propose today was nothing more than a tax increase on the people who are already hit the hardest,” she said, referring to the sales tax. 

Republicans criticized Democrats for denying communities a chance to decide for themselves whether to lean more on sales tax revenue to offset property taxes on homeowners. 

“This bill is very simple. It’s giving voters the chance to vote to lower their property taxes. Give voters that chance to do that,” said Rep. Scott Hilton, a Peachtree Corners Republican. 

“I believe the minority party deep down knows this would overwhelmingly pass if put on the ballot, but voters are being denied that chance right now, denied the chance to have a more affordable life, to be able to afford their home, to stay in their homes,” he added. 

Advertisement

House Minority Leader Carolyn Hugley, a Columbus Democrat, said GOP leaders are manufacturing a crisis by pursuing the tax measures during the special session instead of waiting until lawmakers return for their regular session in January.  

She framed the proposed local tax referendums as a GOP ploy to turn out conservative voters in November. 

“There is no reason for us to rush through this,” Hugley said. “The other thing is that you’re asking people to raise a sales tax on themselves so that homeowners can get a relief. You’re picking winners and losers, and that’s not what we should be doing here.”

Georgia Recorder is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity.

Advertisement

Type of Story: News

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.





Source link

Continue Reading

Georgia

2 Georgia lake towns named among the South’s best places to live

Published

on

2 Georgia lake towns named among the South’s best places to live


play

Two Georgia destinations have landed on a new list highlighting some of the South’s best lake communities for year-round living.

In a recent feature, Southern Living asked real estate professionals across the region to identify Southern lake towns that offer a strong mix of natural beauty, community amenities and full-time residential appeal.

Advertisement

Among the eight communities selected were Greensboro and Clayton.

Best lake towns in Georgia

Greensboro, located along Lake Oconee, was recognized for offering residents a blend of lake living and small-town charm.

According to experts interviewed by Southern Living, the area combines boating, fishing and outdoor recreation with golf courses, restaurants and a historic downtown district.

Real estate professionals also pointed to continued residential growth and a range of housing options, from cottages and condominiums to luxury waterfront properties.

Advertisement

Farther north, Clayton was highlighted as a gateway to several popular North Georgia lakes.

While not directly located on a lake, the mountain community provides access to Lake Burton, Lake Rabun, Seed Lake and Tallulah Falls Lake.

Southern Living noted that Clayton’s location in the Southern Appalachian foothills gives residents easy access to outdoor recreation while still offering restaurants, shops and other amenities in town.

Which Southern lake towns made the list?

Southern Living’s list included:

Advertisement

  • Greensboro, GA
  • Clayton, GA
  • Seneca, SC
  • Hot Springs, AR
  • Chapin, SC
  • Guntersville, AL
  • Dandridge, TN
  • Cornelius, NC

The feature focused on communities that combine lake access, outdoor recreation, local amenities and year-round livability, according to Southern Living.

For more information, visit southernliving.com/southern-lake-towns-to-live-in-year-round-11983242.

Vanessa Johns is the Trending Topics Reporter for the Deep South Connect Team Georgia, covering food and entertainment. Email her at Vcountryman@gannett.com.



Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending