Augusta's historic Riverwalk along the Savannah River provides scenic paths for walking and cycling, while the Augusta Canal National Heritage Area invites exploration by boat, foot, or bike. The city features cultural landmarks like the Sacred Heart Cultural Center, which hosts concerts and art exhibitions in a stunning former church, and the Morris Museum of Art showcases works exclusively from Southern artists. Food lovers appreciate Abel Brown Southern Kitchen & Oyster Bar's refined Southern cuisine and Frog Hollow Tavern's contemporary American dishes. The Boll Weevil Cafe and Sweetery serves homemade desserts in a restored cotton warehouse.
The housing market includes diverse options across distinct neighborhoods. Single family homes in Summerville have a median price of $309,900, while Forest Hills homes reach $382,500. West Augusta properties typically sell for $362,500, and Downtown Augusta homes average $270,000. National Hills presents more affordable options at $206,800. One bedroom condos in Augusta sell for $165,000, while two bedroom units cost $160,000. Townhomes across the city have a median price of $222,700.
Augusta's cost of living sits 15.1% below the national average. A family with school age children needs $91,000 annually to live comfortably, while renters require $49,000. Property taxes remain competitive at 0.88%, lower than many major cities. The combined sales tax rate is 7.42%. Monthly grocery costs average $1,500 for families and $700 for renters. Housing expenses run approximately $1,600 monthly. Education options include Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School, rated A+ by Niche, along with private institutions Westminster Schools of Augusta and Augusta Preparatory Day School. Georgia Regents University and Paine College provide higher education opportunities within the city.