Georgia (GA)

Known as the "Peach State," Georgia blends Southern hospitality, rich history, and diverse landscapes. From the vibrant city life of Atlanta to the serene beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains and coastal beaches, the state offers something for everyone. Its deep-rooted culture, thriving music scene, and delicious cuisine make it a standout destination.

• Population: ~11 million
• Weather: Hot, humid summers (80-95°F); mild winters (40-60°F).
• Famous Sites: Savannah Historic District, Stone Mountain, Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta Botanical Garden, Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site.
• Top Activities: Hiking, beach trips, sightseeing, exploring historic towns, enjoying Southern food, visiting museums.

Georgia’s job market is booming, offering excellent career opportunities in healthcare, technology, logistics, and education. These fields provide stability, strong salaries, and room for growth. Below are the top five in-demand jobs in Georgia based on salaries and job availability. Click the job titles to learn more from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Georgia features vibrant cities filled with thriving populations and dynamic higher-education campuses. Students from around the country attend excellent colleges across the state. Here is a table highlighting the ten largest cities in Georgia, their approximate populations, and their estimated college student enrollment numbers.

Georgia is home to some of the best public and private universities, offering diverse programs in business, healthcare, engineering, and the arts.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Georgia

• University of Georgia (UGA) – The state's flagship university, known for top-tier business, law, and agricultural programs.
• Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) – A world-renowned school for engineering, computing, and business.
• Georgia State University (GSU) – A major research institution offering robust business, law, and healthcare programs.
• Augusta University – A leader in medical education and healthcare-related programs.
• Kennesaw State University (KSU) – One of the fastest-growing universities, known for strong business and engineering programs.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Georgia

• Emory University – A prestigious research university known for its medical, business, and law programs.
• Mercer University – A well-regarded institution with strong healthcare, law, and business programs.
• Spelman College – A top-ranked historically Black college (HBCU) known for liberal arts and leadership programs.
• Morehouse College – Another distinguished HBCU, recognized for producing influential leaders and scholars.
• Berry College – A private liberal arts college known for its work-study opportunities and scenic campus.

Georgia is home to some of the best public and private high schools in the country. These schools are recognized for their strong academics, rich extracurricular activities, and excellent college preparation programs. Whether public or private, they provide students with a supportive learning environment that fosters success.

Top Public High Schools in Georgia

• Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology, Lawrenceville – One of the highest-ranked schools in the state, known for its rigorous STEM-focused curriculum and exceptional college readiness programs.
• Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School, Augusta – Offers a unique combination of strong academics and arts education, preparing students for both college and careers in creative fields.
• Columbus High School, Columbus – A respected magnet school that provides challenging coursework, including Advanced Placement (AP) programs.
• DeKalb School of the Arts, Avondale Estates – Combines academic excellence with a focus on the performing and visual arts, making it a top choice for students interested in creative careers.
• Northview High School, Johns Creek – Offers outstanding academics, competitive sports programs, and a wide range of extracurricular activities that help students develop leadership skills.

Top Private High Schools in Georgia

• The Westminster Schools, Atlanta – A premier private institution known for its academic rigor, competitive athletics, and impressive college placement record.
• Pace Academy, Atlanta – Offers a challenging curriculum with a focus on leadership, innovation, and global engagement.
• Woodward Academy, College Park – Provides excellent college preparatory programs, advanced STEM courses, and strong arts and athletics programs.
• The Lovett School, Atlanta – Known for its well-rounded education, emphasizing academic excellence, community service, and character development.
• Holy Innocents' Episcopal School, Atlanta – A highly rated private school that combines strong academics with a nurturing environment and a wide variety of extracurricular activities.

Georgia is home to several major professional sports teams, representing the state in the NFL, NBA, MLB, and MLS. The state has a passionate sports culture, with teams competing at the highest levels across different leagues.

Atlanta is the center of professional sports in Georgia, boasting teams with dedicated fan bases and a history of competitive success:

Major League Teams in Georgia

Football 🏈

• Atlanta Falcons (NFL) – Established in 1966, the Falcons have been a strong presence in the NFL, making multiple playoff appearances and competing in Super Bowl LI.

Baseball ⚾

• Atlanta Braves (MLB) – One of the most successful franchises in baseball, the Braves have won multiple World Series titles, including their recent championship in 2021.

Basketball 🏀

• Atlanta Hawks (NBA) – A competitive team with a rich history, the Hawks have showcased several legendary players and continue to be a force in the Eastern Conference.

Soccer ⚽

• Atlanta United FC (MLS) – One of the most successful expansion teams in Major League Soccer history, Atlanta United won the MLS Cup in just their second season in 2018.

WNBA 🏀

• Atlanta Dream (WNBA) – Founded in 2008, the Dream have made multiple WNBA Finals appearances and continue to grow as a competitive franchise.

Minor League & Semi-Pro Teams in Georgia

Baseball 🏟️

• Gwinnett Stripers (Triple-A – Atlanta Braves affiliate) – Serving as the top minor league team for the Braves, the Stripers develop future MLB talent.
• Rome Emperors (High-A – Atlanta Braves affiliate) – A competitive minor league team known for exciting young prospects.
• Augusta GreenJackets (Single-A – Atlanta Braves affiliate) – Part of the Carolina League, this team plays a key role in player development.

Hockey 🏒

• Atlanta Gladiators (ECHL – Second-tier professional league) – Bringing high-quality hockey to Georgia, the Gladiators maintain a loyal following.
• Macon Mayhem (SPHL – Southern Professional Hockey League) – A strong minor league hockey team with a dedicated fan base.

Soccer ⚽

• South Georgia Tormenta FC (USL League One – Third-tier professional soccer) – Based in Statesboro, the team competes in the growing USL system.

Basketball 🏀

• College Park Skyhawks (NBA G League – Atlanta Hawks affiliate) – The G League team developing top prospects for the NBA.

Georgia's professional sports scene is vibrant, with passionate fans supporting teams at all levels. From championship-winning major league squads to fast-growing minor league clubs, sports remain an essential part of Georgia's culture.

1. Home of the Peach State 🍑 – Georgia is famous for its delicious peaches, earning the nickname "The Peach State." However, it is not the top peach producer in the U.S.—that title belongs to California.
2. Birthplace of Coca-Cola 🥤 – One of the world's most famous beverages, Coca-Cola, was invented in Atlanta in 1886 by Dr. John S. Pemberton. You can visit the World of Coca-Cola museum in the city.
3. The Busiest Airport in the World ✈️ – Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has been the busiest airport in the world for years, serving over 100 million passengers annually.
4. Home of the Masters Golf Tournament ⛳ – Augusta, Georgia, hosts the prestigious Masters Tournament every April at the Augusta National Golf Club.
5. The First Gold Rush in America 🏆 – The first major U.S. gold rush happened in Dahlonega, Georgia, in 1828, decades before the famous California Gold Rush.
6. Birthplace of Martin Luther King Jr. ✊ – Civil Rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. was born in Atlanta in 1929. His childhood home and the Ebenezer Baptist Church are now historical landmarks.
7. Hollywood of the South 🎬 – Georgia has become a major film and television production hub, with hit shows like The Walking Dead and blockbuster movies like Avengers: Endgame filmed there.
8. The Only State with a Barrier of Sea Islands 🏝️ – Georgia’s coast features the beautiful Golden Isles, which include St. Simons Island, Jekyll Island, and Cumberland Island.
9. Stone Mountain is the Largest Exposed Granite Rock ⛰️ – Stone Mountain, near Atlanta, is the largest piece of exposed granite in the world and features a massive carved relief of Confederate leaders.
10. The World’s Largest Drive-In Restaurant 🍔 – Atlanta is home to The Varsity, the world’s largest drive-in restaurant. It has been serving classic fast food since 1928 and can accommodate up to 800 cars.