If you’re considering a trip to the state of Georgia, you might think the best destination is the Greater Atlanta metropolitan area. Indeed, the city offers a wealth of amazing attractions and neighborhoods, such as thequaint Atlanta neighborhood of Acworth featuring a historic downtown, delicious dining options, and two beautiful lakes. However, there is much more to Georgia than just ATL, and we are not just talking aboutSavannah, the pedestrian-friendly treasure featuring vibrant green spaces and Southern cuisine, either. In fact, the whole state is going through a time of expansion, and numerous smaller, less recognized cities are beginning to receive attention.
To highlight the top attractions across the Peach State, we are showcasing the five fastest-growing cities based on data. Many of these cities lie beyond the major metropolitan area, making them a bit further from the Atlanta airport. However, the benefit is that you won’t have to deal with as much parking, traffic, or expensive hotels and other lodging options.
For this list, we are evaluating these five cities according to a 2026 report fromWorld Population ReviewThe report’s data points out regions that have seen the highest yearly population increases. Fortunately, as these towns are thriving, they are also becoming attractive tourist spots, allowing you to claim you visited them before they became popular.
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Mableton
As per World Population Review, Mableton has seen a remarkable increase of 82%.since 2025, placing it far ahead of any other city in Georgia. However, instead of the population actually increasing that significantly, the percentage is probably related to zoning changes. Still, it’s evident that Mableton has experienced historicalincrease in the past 15 years, and it’s convenient that it’s located right next to Downtown Atlanta, approximately 20 minutes west ofattractions such as the biggest aquarium in the United States, Georgia Aquarium. However, you don’t need to go outside of Mableton to have fun, as it is the home of Six Flags Over Georgia. (Technically, itsaddressis listed under the nearby city of Austell, but when examining Mableton’s boundaries, the theme park is clearly within the city limits.)
One factor contributing to Mableton’s rapid growth is the fact that it was never officially recognized as a city.until 2023. Although there was a city named Mableton at the beginning of the 20th century, it was dissolved several years later. The area itself is a mix of various unincorporated regions from other cities, but its location near downtown Atlanta, along with several highways (such as I-20 and US-78), suggests that Mableton is poised to become a major center.
But aside from roller coasters, what other attractions does Mableton have for visitors from Georgia? It also features some outstanding restaurants, many of which are located along major roads like Highway 78. The city offers a variety of global cuisines, including Nigerian, Italian, Mexican, soul food, and classic barbecue.
Hoschton
Next on our list is the modest town of Hoschton, which expanded by almost 13% between2025 and 2026. The city is located on the northeastern part of Atlanta, south of Lake Lanier, and adjacent toBrazelton, the town featuring a nostalgic ambiance, a romantic castle, and wine.
In reality, a significant reason Hoschton is a popular travel spot is because it’s near numerous other attractions in this region of the state. Lake Lanier is only 30 minutes away, the beautifulChateau Elan Winery and Resortis practically just across the street, and the city is adjacent to Braselton Town Green, an outdoor amphitheater that features numerous live performances all year round. Inside the city, there are also many restaurants, including the upscaleAsian Garden, the casual Johnny’s New York-Style Pizza, and the historic Depot by Four Brothers cocktail bar.
One point to consider when planning a visit to Hoschton is that there are no hotels located within the city limits. Nevertheless, there are several vacation home rental choices available in Braselton and surrounding regions, allowing you to make suitable arrangements. That being said, there are hotels along I-85, and for those seeking an upscale experience, the Chateau Elan offers an exceptional option.
Emerson
If you’re seeking a lakeside getaway that provides plenty of natural surroundings, chances for camping, and a touch of history, the city of Emerson is an excellent choice. This rising town (increasing by 7.86% between)2025 and 2026) is located next to Lake Allatoona and theentry to Atlanta’s metropolitan region, the relaxed city of Cartersville. Since Emerson is located between these two popular areas, you have the option of either discovering nature or delving into history. Cartersville boasts several remarkable museums, along with various historical landmarks in the vicinity, including the Allatoona Pass Battlefield and the Etowah Indian Mounds State Historic Site.
In terms of outdoor adventures, Emerson is near Red Top Mountain State Park, located just across the lake. However, because Lake Allatoona winds through the area, you can also travel further east to places such as George Washington Carver Park or Victoria Beach. With a boat, you can explore the lake, offering more scenic views and a quicker path than driving.
If you prefer to remain within Emerson, you’ll still have many activities to enjoy. The city offers a variety of hotels for your comfort, or you can spend the night at Red Top Mountain for a more natural and traditional experience. For family entertainment, go toLakepoint Station, an indoor entertainment center featuring bowling, mini-golf, an arcade, and more. It is located near the previously closed (as of this writing)Terminus Wake Park.
Oakwood
For the following city on our list, we’ll continue with water-focused locations, as Oakwood islocated close to the wooded banks of Lake Lanier and referred to as “Georgia’s least recognized city.”Nevertheless, it ranks in the top five of the fastest-growing cities in the state, so Oakwood’s relatively obscure reputation is beginning to fade. From 2025 to 2026, itspopulation grew by 6.62%.
Similar to Emerson, a significant attraction of Oakwood is its closeness to water, although Lake Lanier offers a much bigger and more luxurious experience than Lake Allatoona. To put it in perspective, Lanier covers more than 39,000 acres, whereas Allatoona is only 12,000 acres in size. That being said, Oakwood does not have a direct shoreline, so you will need to drive a short distance to get to the water’s edge. Nevertheless, the city is near popular spots such as Margaritaville and Lake Lanier Olympic Park.
In addition to discovering the lake, Oakwood boasts some outstanding dining options. If you’re in the mood for a tasty Mexican-style breakfast, visitHaydee’s Cafe. Alternatively, if you’d rather have a family-style Southern meal,Curt’s Country Cookin’ hits the spot. TheCuban Cafeis ideal for sandwiches or empanadas, and theNew Lucky Crab Houseis excellent if you’re looking for fresh seafood boils. Then, if you intend to stay overnight in the area, there are multiple chain hotels located near I-985 for your ease.
Cumming
Completing our list of Georgia’s fastest-growing cities is another choice located near the lake, showcasing how popular it is to reside close to water. Cumming is situated on the western side of Lake Lanier, opposite Oakwood. Similar to Oakwood, Cumming does not officially border the lake, but it does feature Mary Alice Park, which extends into the water and provides access to the shoreline and beach. Its populationincreased by 6.47%, placing it just behind Oakwood.
Coming is also a big enough city to have its own fairgrounds, whichhosts eventsthroughout the year, featuring a large Fourth of July celebration and the Rough Stock Rodeo, perfect for those who enjoy watching cowboy and cowgirl action. Alternatively, if you prefer a more intimate setting, theCumming City Centeramphitheater features live music and various festivals. The advantage of visiting the City Center is that you can explore local restaurants such asSanta Maria, which includes Latin tapas and seafood;Dominic’s Wood-Fired Pizza; or Homestead, which showcases regional ingredients and traditional Southern food.
In reality, Cumming has a strong appreciation for food, offering several excellent dining establishments across the city. In addition to the choices near the Cumming City Center, you can enjoy outstanding tacos atLos Compadres, homestyle cooking at Susie Q’s Restaurant, juicy steaks at theRidge Steakhouse, or unlimited Korean barbecue atQ Korean Steakhouse. Ultimately, regarding hotels, there is a limited selection located at the southern end of town.
Methodology
Our main reference for this list was the 2026 World Population Review report, which lists all 299 cities in the state, ordered based on their growth compared to the previous year. However, you might notice that we excluded the town of Homer, Georgia, which was ranked number four. The reason for this is that the city lacks or is not near any significant attractions or facilities, making it not a popular destination for travelers.
One point to mention is that every city listed is within an hour or less from Hartsfield-Jackson Airport (depending on traffic conditions). The most distant choice is Oakwood, taking approximately 55 minutes to reach when driving during non-peak hours. Therefore, if you’re planning to visit any of these locations, you won’t need to go too far out of your way.
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