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A scenic view of Gainesville, GA, showcasing its vibrant community and beautiful landscapes for new residents.
Eric Wirks

Is Gainesville GA a Good Place to Live? 🌄 | Guide to Living in Gainesville GA

Are you thinking about moving to Gainesville, Georgia? Located in northern Georgia, Gainesville is a great place to live due to its beautiful surroundings and friendly citizens. Living in Gainesville GA is a great option for outdoor lovers as this North Georgia city's close proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains offers plenty of options for exploring. Gainesville residents can enjoy hiking, biking, backpacking, and more.

Gainesville was first established as “Mule Camp Springs” by European-American settlers in the early 1800s. Today, Gainesville is known for being the “Poultry Capital of the World” because of its large number of poultry processing plants. This industry has created thousands of jobs and brought endless opportunities for the citizens of Gainesville. Here's what you need to know about living in Gainesville GA.

Is Gainesville GA a Good Place to Live?

Gainesville GA is a good place to live. Residents living in Gainesville GA can enjoy great job opportunities, excellent schools, and an abundance of outdoor activities at the Blue Ridge Mountains. Gainesville residents also have easy access to the nearby city of Atlanta.

Where Is Gainesville Georgia?

Gainesville is in Hall County and is the principal city of the Gainesville, Georgia Metropolitan Statistical Area. The city is located in northern Georgia, situated at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and lies along the shore of Lake Lanier. This North Georgia city is bordered by the cities of Oakwood and Woodlake. Other nearby communities you can explore when living in Gainesville GA include Buford, Cartersville, and Sandy Springs.

What cities are close to Gainesville Georgia? Gainesville, Georgia is close to many major cities, such as Atlanta and Athens. It is about 54 miles from Gainesville GA, to Atlanta, GA, and 43 miles from Gainesville to the popular city of Athens, GA. When living in Gainesville GA, you can enjoy easy access to public transportation. The Gainesville Amtrak Station allows for quick travel to many major cities, such as Charlotte, New Orleans, and Birmingham.

If living in Gainesville GA is in your future, then give our Gainesville movers a call. With our Gainesville moving company, you won't need to worry about a thing.

What Is the Population of Gainesville GA?

What is the Gainesville GA population? The population of Gainesville, GA is 42,926. That’s up nearly 25% from 2010! There are 1,248.5 people per square mile in Gainesville. Gainesville is home to many notable people, such as astronaut Roy D. Bridges Jr., musician John Driskell Hopkins, and NFL player Deshaun Watson.

Gainesville GA Demographics:

  • Sex ratio: 52% female, 48% male
  • Median age: 32.4
  • Racial and ethnic composition: 59.1% White (41.0% non-Hispanic), 15.5% Black or African American, 12.8% two or more races, 3l5% Asian, 0.2% American Indian
  • Median household income: $64,163 (About 90% of the amount in Georgia: $65,030)
  • Educational attainment: 76.8% high school graduate (or higher), 25.2% bachelor’s degree (or higher)
  • Foreign-born population: 22.2%

Is Gainesville, GA safe? According to the FBI, the overall crime rate in Gainesville, Georgia is 3,340 crimes for every 100,000 people. This is 62.3% higher than the state average and 43.7% higher than the national average. The violent crime rate is 557 per 100,000 people, which is 51.8% higher than the state average and 50.6% higher than the national average. The property crime rate is 2,782 per 100,000 people, which is 64.5% higher than the state average and 42.3% higher than the national average.

Although the crime rate in Gainesville is higher than the state and national average, there are many safe places to live in the area. Most crimes are concentrated in certain neighborhoods where poverty rates are higher or where nightlife and alcohol increase the risk of crime. As such, living in Gainesville GA is very safe.

When living in Gainesville GA, you will be served by the Gainesville Police Department. There are currently 101 police officers on the force.

Gainesville GA Cost of Living

Is Gainesville Georgia affordable? Gainesville, Georgia is an affordable place to live. The cost of living index for Gainesville is 95.1, which means that living in Gainesville GA is 4.9% more affordable than the national average of 100. Living in Gainesville GA is also more affordable than living in the city of Atlanta, where the cost of living index is 113.3.

According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four living in Gainesville GA would need to earn $99,161 per year to live comfortably in the city.

Typical Gainesville Living Expenses:

  • Average Gainesville utilities per month: $215.33
  • Inexpensive meal: $15.00
  • Loaf of bread: $2.28
  • Gallon of milk: $3.40
  • Gallon of gas: $3.11
  • Gym membership: $39.00
  • Movie ticket: $12.92

Source: Numbeo

Are you looking for houses for sale in Gainesville, Georgia? The median home price in Gainesville is $420,000, according to Redfin. The Gainesville GA real estate market is somewhat competitive, and the median home price is lower than the national average of $428,000.

If you are looking for apartments or homes for rent in Gainesville, Georgia, then there are many great options. According to RentCafe, the average rent in Gainesville, GA is $1,465, and the average apartment size is 1,019 square feet.

Gainesville Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Gainesville

If you are moving to Gainesville Georgia, you are sure to find something that matches your needs and price point! Some of the best Gainesville neighborhoods include Lake District, Flowery Branch, and Downtown Gainesville. Make sure you explore these neighborhoods when living in Gainesville GA.

Lake District | Luxurious Area with Lakes and Country Clubs

Nestled right on The Little River, the Lake District is home to some of the best waterfront properties in the entire state of Georgia. The average home sale price in the Lake District is $392,500, although there are many new construction properties listed for over $2 million.

The Lake District is home to the Chattahoochee Country Club, where members can enjoy amenities such as an 18-hole golf course, a beautiful marina, and a 175,000-gallon Junior Olympic Pool.

Mundy Mill | Kid-Friendly Neighborhood with Spacious Homes and Luxury Amenities

Constructed by Chafin Communities, Mundy Mill is a beautiful community of new-construction homes. The median home sale price in Mundy Mill is $400,000.

Mundy Mill is perfect for those who are moving to Gainesville Georgia, with children as the prestigious public elementary school, Mundy Mill Art Academy, sits right in the center of this neighborhood.

Downtown Gainesville | A Bustling Area Perfect for Young Professionals 

If you are interested in apartment or small-home living when living in Gainesville GA, then you should check out the Downtown Gainesville area. Downtown Gainesville is right in the center of the city and is in walking distance of countless shops, restaurants, and office buildings. There are many amazing apartment complexes in the area, such as Towne Creek Apartments and Solis Gainesville.

Gainesville, Georgia Weather and Climate

What's the weather like when living in Gainesville GA? According to the Köppen classification, Gainesville, GA has a humid subtropical climate. This means that the weather in Gainesville, Georgia is made up of cool to mild winters and hot, humid summers.

The hot season in Gainesville, GA lasts from May 25 to September 17, with an average daily high temperature of around 81°F. The cool season lasts from November 29 to February 26, with an average daily high temperature below 58°F. Does it snow in Gainesville GA? The Gainesville, Georgia weather report hardly consists of snow, with an average of only 1.0 inches during the snowy period.

If you are going to be living in Gainesville GA then you will need to get used to thunderstorms. Although Gainesville does not sit in Tornado Alley, there are often tornado watches and warnings during the wetter spring months.

Things to Do in Gainesville GA

There are endless shopping options when living in Gainesville GA. You can enjoy grocery shopping at stores like Kroger and Green’s Grocery, and you can shop till you drop at the Lakeshore Mall and the Westside Shopping Center. Here are some of the top Gainesville attractions for you to enjoy.

Atlanta Botanical Garden, Gainesville

If you are looking for fun things to do in Gainesville, then you can’t skip out on the Atlanta Botanical Garden of Gainesville. You can spend hours exploring the beautiful gardens or walking on one of the marked forest trails.

1911 Sweetbay Dr, Gainesville, GA 30501 (404) 888-4760

INK Interactive Neighborhood

INK Interactive Neighborhood is one of the best things to do in Gainesville with kids. This interactive children’s museum offers dozens of different exhibits that teach kids about everyday experiences, such as going grocery shopping, visiting the dentist, and getting on an airplane.

999 Chestnut St SE, Gainesville, GA 30501 (770) 536-1900

Liquid Nation Brewing

Liquid Nation Brewing is the first brewery in Gainesville and has been open since 2016. This spacious 19,000 square-foot building offers 27 different beers on tap for you to try out. There are many activities for you to enjoy, such as cornhole, cards, and board games. This brewery is pet-friendly, so bring your pups along!

2100 Atlanta Hwy, Gainesville, GA 30504 (678) 827-6678

Additional Gainesville City Attractions

Looking for more things to do when living in Gainesville, GA? The Gainesville Department of Parks and Recreation manages many parks around the city. You can also view the City of Gainesville events calendar to find upcoming events in the area!

Gainesville GA Restaurants

When living in Gainesville GA, you'll enjoy an abundance of food options. Gainesville is home to some of the best food in the state of Georgia. Here are just a few fantastic restaurants you are sure to enjoy when living in Gainesville GA.

Luna’s Restaurant

If you are searching for a fine dining experience when living in Gainesville GA, then look no further than Luna’s Restaurant. Complete with a full-service bar, cocktail menu, and piano lounge, Luna’s is perfect for any special occasion or fun night out.

200 Main St SW, Gainesville, GA 30501 (770) 501-0848

Recess Southern Gastro-Pub

Recess Southern Gastro-Pub is one of the best restaurants in Gainesville. Check out this laid-back pub for some delicious Southern American cuisine paired with a glass of one of their signature wines.

118 Bradford St NE, Gainesville, GA 30501 (678) 450-0444

Avocados Restaurant

Avocados is one of the most popular Gainesville restaurants in the downtown area. This casual cafe offers a delicious menu full of fresh, seasonal American food and a full brunch bar every Sunday.

109 Bradford St NE, Gainesville, GA 30501 (770) 532-0001

Jobs in Gainesville GA

Looking for a job when living in Gainesville GA? Poultry farming is one of the most significant economic drivers in Gainesville, representing six of its top ten employers. Other popular industries in Gainesville, GA include medicine, banking, and retail.

According to Payscale, the average salary in Gainesville is $65,000. The top employers in Gainesville, Georgia are the Northeast Georgia Health System (primarily the Northeast Georgia Medical Center of Gainesville), Fieldale Farms, and Pilgrim’s.

If you are searching for Gainesville GA jobs, Georgia, then consider checking out job opportunities from the city of Gainesville or look for jobs hiring in Gainesville, GA on Indeed.

Gainesville, GA Schools

When living in Gainesville, GA, you will be served by the Gainesville City and Hall County school districts for preschool, elementary, junior high, and high school public education.

There are two private schools in Gainesville GA: Riverside Military Academy and Lakeview Academy.

If you're looking for higher education when living in Gainesville GA, then you'll be spoiled for options. The University of North Georgia Gainesville, or UNG Gainesville, is one of the most popular higher education institutions in the state. Other options include Brenau University, the Interactive College of Technology, Riverside Military Academy, and Lanier Technical College.

Serving students and residents of Gainesville is the Hall County Library System.

Gainesville Statistics & Information

  • County: Hall County
  • Gainesville GA Area: 35.37 square miles
  • Gainesville GA Zip Code: 30501, 30503-30504, 30506-30507
  • Gainesville GA Area Code: 770
  • Gainesville GA Elevation: 1,250 feet
  • Gainesville GA Time Zone: Eastern Time Zone (UTC-4 and -5)
  • Closest Airport to Gainesville: Lee Gilmer Memorial Airport (GVL) is 2.2 miles away, and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is 62 miles away

Gainesville, GA Map

Explore more things to do when living in Gainesville GA.

Does living in Gainesville GA sound great to you? When moving to Gainesville Georgia put your trust in our Gainesville movers at Wirks Moving. Give us a call today at (404) 635-6683 to learn more about our services and receive a free quote.

Eric Wirks
Eric Wirks started out in the moving industry over 16 years ago and after gaining in depth expertise in all industry related areas, went on to found Wirks Moving & Storage in 2009. Under Eric’s expert tutelage Wirks Moving & Storage has since serviced over 10,000 moves and kept their customers very happy, proven by a 98% customer referral rate.
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