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10 Most Neighborly Towns In Georgia
Georgia is one of the most appealing states in the United States. Besides its rich history dating to the 1700s, this state is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and boasts many small towns full of Southern hospitality. With friendly locals, stunning natural scenery, and numerous attractions, visitors to these towns will surely feel welcomed, loved, and valued. Year-round, some of these towns even host exciting events aimed at bringing people together to further strengthen the communal bond. From Buford, with its lively community center, to Decatur and its long list of festivals, these towns in Georgia are some of the most welcoming destinations you can visit in America.
Greensboro
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Greensboro is naturally gorgeous as it lies within the Oconee River Watershed, surrounded by Lake Oconee. This lake is a highlight attraction in the area and doubles as a social setting to experience the town's friendliness. On this waterbody, activities such as boating, swimming, and paddling encourage interaction among tourists and locals. Additionally, there are many cozy restaurants around the lake where you can munch and socialize, with prominent options like Gaby’s by the Lake and Table at the Lake. Also, the Old Salem Park and Campground sits on a peninsula around the lake and features a swimming beach, boat ramp, campsites, picnic areas, and grill. For history buffs, the Greene County African American Museum is always a great place in town to stop and learn about the area’s African American history.
Decatur
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Decatur is a town remarkable for its lively art scene and illustrious history. Also, it is home to many festivals that bring everyone together and promote a congenial vibe. The Decatur Arts Festival, held in May, is notable as it invites locals and visitors to explore the works of over 100 artists while enjoying family-friendly performances at the town square and dining at local restaurants. The Book Festival is another one of the town’s social events that bring more than 80,000 people together, making it one of the largest in the country. Decatur also hosts more events, including the Craft Beer Festival and Decatur Wine Festival, to mention just a few. This places the town at the top of the list of most neighborly places in America, where travelers can easily make friends and have fun with other people.
For lovers of history, the DeKalb History Center Museum preserves various artifacts and exhibits related to the county’s bygone eras in an ancient courthouse. Meanwhile, Glenlake Park & Pool is a great outdoor attraction where people often gather to picnic, swim, and enjoy some sporting activities like tennis and basketball.
Suwanee
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Suwanee is one of Georgia's most welcoming towns and a scenic natural destination to explore the great outdoors. Visitors here will have a taste of close-knit community life at the Town Center Park, where several community events are held as the townsfolk unite. This park is home to a 1,000-capacity amphitheater for shows and concerts, a walking path, and one of the region’s largest interactive fountains - the Big Splash Suwanee. Meanwhile, adrenaline seekers are always welcome to join friendly bikers, walkers, and joggers to explore the 4-mile Suwanee Creek Greenway, while laid-back tourists can relax at Suwanee Creek Park, which is the starting point of the greenway. Sims Lake Park is another attraction that unites outdoor buffs in this town with its seven-acre lake, open meadows, picnic areas, and a hiking loop. Festivals also reveal the communal appeal of Suwannee, especially the Suwanee Half Marathon held every February.
Canton
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Canton is a beautiful small town in Cherokee County with a friendly aura and plenty of attractions to bring people together. First of all, the historic Canton Theatre is the life of the downtown area that brings locals and tourists together to watch shows and connect. Also, the town's Heritage Park has hiking trails and a natural amphitheater. The park even has a one-mile trail that links to Etowah River Park, another great spot where tourists can paddle on the Etowah River and enjoy picnics afterward. Notably, the Etowah River Park is the venue of the annual Wing & Rock Fest, where attendees will be entertained with some of the region’s most delicious chicken wings and endless rock music. Meanwhile, the town hosts the Canton Marketplace, where visitors can always shop and have fun, while the Art Barn in town is a great place to visit to get close to lovely animals, including chickens and bunnies.
Jefferson
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Named after Thomas Jefferson, this town is quite historic as it was the site of a former Indian settlement and is the county seat of Jackson County. In addition to its historic appeal, Jefferson is a friendly and must-visit town for those seeking to experience community vibes and camaraderie. For starters, this close-knit town hosts several events year-round, like the JCAF Harvest Festival and Jefferson Holiday Market, both aimed at entertaining and encouraging socialization interaction.
Furthermore, the town has many attractions visitors would love, like the Hurricane Shoals Park, which offers picnic areas, hiking trails, and a playground for children. There’s also the Crawford W. Long Museum in town for history lovers to admire and learn. Interestingly, the Crawford W. Long Museum is a tribute to the life and medical career of Dr. Crawford W. Long, who pioneered the use of ether for surgical anesthesia in 1842.
Duluth
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Duluth sustains a lively atmosphere with many festivals, recreational parks, and a bustling town center that hosts the annual Duluth Fall Festival, featuring parades, live entertainment, and good food. For outdoor enthusiasts, find like minds at Roger Bridge Park while hiking, picnicking, and boating in the Chattahoochee River. Notably, Duluth stands out for hosting Georgia’s official transportation museum - the Southeastern Railway Museum, home to a large rolling stock collection, including early steam locomotives and Pullman cars. Visitors can also experience unforgettable shopping fiestas at the Gwinnett Place Mall and catch interesting shows at the Red Clay Music Foundry downtown.
Lawrenceville
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Lawrenceville is a small, charming town in the suburbs of Atlanta that offers an escape from the big city's chaotic environment. Even better, the town hosts dozens of free community events that gather residents and locals alike in the true spirit of community and oneness. The Polish Pierogi Festival every August is just one of these events, featuring good eats, music, and competitions. Also, the Lawrenceville Arts Center is a draw in town for folks seeking to enjoy shows, performances, and concerts. Even more exciting, the town is home to the Rhodes Jordan Park, where locals and visitors often congregate to have fun with a fishing lake, an outdoor play pool, a playground, and a 1.9-mile walking trail. Meanwhile, the AMC Colonial 18 is always a cool spot to enjoy sensational movies in the company of friendly locals.
Thomasville
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Thomasville is an enchanting and welcoming town, famously nicknamed the "City of Roses." The town is home to a rose garden that showcases more than 1,000 rose bushes and hosts an annual Rose Show and Festival. The festival has been running for over 100 years and features concerts, rose parades, food, drinks, and a rose-growing competition. Thomasville is also rich in history, arts, and culture, all serving to unite the townsfolk and city guests. Notable of its history lures is the Thomas County History Center, where historic exhibits whisper tales of the past. Meanwhile, the town is home to the Big Oak, which is a live oak tree dating back to the 1680s and serving as a historical landmark and gathering point for locals. Furthermore, history buffs here will be delighted to explore the thousands of African American artifacts at the Jack Hadley Black History Museum.
Snellville
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Snellville is a laid-back, friendly town with stunning scenery and plenty of things to offer. This town is home to T.W. Briscoe Park, a haven for both the old and young, as it hosts many events like summer camps, senior programs, and softball games. Additionally, the park has a 6-acre lake, outdoor pavilions, an outdoor pool, sports facilities, and a walking trail for some adventures. Snellville also hosts the Dragon Queen Winery, where visitors can stop to taste some delicious wine before heading to the Creekwater Alpaca Farm to play with alpacas, bunnies, and goats. In another part of town, the Snellville Veterans Memorial is where locals and visitors can go to pay their respects to town residents who lost their lives fighting for freedom.
Buford
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Buford is one of Georgia's most charming and lovable small towns, renowned for its exciting attractions. First, this town is home to the Mall of Georgia, which is a paradise for shopping, entertainment, and historic immersions. The town also hosts Lake Lanier, Georgia’s largest lake, where people from all over the country congregate to enjoy activities ranging from boating to swimming, boating, and fishing.
For history and culture lovers, the Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center is home to the Chesser-Williams House, one of the county's oldest wooden frame houses, built in the 1850s. Meanwhile, the Buford Community Center has a performance theatre, a museum, an amphitheater, and several open spaces where locals gather to interact and have fun.
Conclusion
These small towns in Georgia are fantastic destinations to kick back and experience the warmth and friendliness that only close-knit communities can bring. The sense of community in these towns is truly inspiring, and the oneness shared among locals spreads to visitors, creating a whole community of love, peace, and harmony. In addition, they offer natural and historic attractions for visitors to patronize and create unforgettable moments. Visit these towns today and experience the true meaning of Southern hospitality.