Augusta, a city of quiet living with notable events
Resting along the Savannah River and alongside the Georgia-South Carolina Border, Augusta is Georgia's second-oldest and third-largest city. With a population of around 200,000, many choose Augusta for its slow-paced way of living and proximity to Atlanta and Savannah. One week out of the year, Augusta is the center of the universe — or at least the center of the golfing universe. That's when the eyes of the sports world set their sights on the city and the Augusta National Golf Club as it hosts the Masters Tournament, one of the most prestigious events for men's professional golf. However, Augusta is more of a small town than a city when April comes and goes, despite the population. "So many like it and want to retire here because it's cheaper than any place they've lived. And a lot of people like the hot weather," says Judi Robinson, a Realtor with Blanchard & Calhoun Real Estate Co., who has sold real estate in 11 of the 14 years she's called Augusta home.
A consolidated city and county, Augusta-Richmond County is now a single government run by a mayor and 10 commissioners. The county's sheriff supplies law enforcement for the county and the city. The manufacturing industry is one of the largest sources of employment in Augusta, with companies like Textron and Clearwater Paper Corporation. Outside of manufacturing, the U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence, Augusta University and the healthcare industry are top providers of local jobs.
Dining at Finch & Fifth is like sharing lunch on a friend's front porch.
Relic Coffee Company has a small footprint but a lot of heart on the Augusta Coffee Trail.
The Hispanic Festival has featured Grammy-nominated Richie Cepeda at Augusta Common in Uptown.
The Augusta GreenJackets is a Single-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves and plays at SRP Park.
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The low cost of classic homes in Augusta
Most homes in Augusta were built between the early and mid-20th century. The residential architecture here is typical of the South, with examples including Craftsman and ranch styles. The median selling price for a single-family home in Augusta is around $210,000, much lower than the national average of $420,000. Some areas in Augusta, such as Belair and Jamestown, are the exceptions — though not by much. These areas, with newer properties or completely renovated vintage homes, typically have prices between $250,000 and $400,000.
This Craftsman Cottage though small, has eye-catching classic details.
The large porch on this Craftsman Bungalow effortlessly provides an additional living space.
Painted brick gives a fresh, distinguished look to this ranch home .
Brick ranch homes of various designs ensure each street has a unique look.
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Augusta Parks and Recreation's park expansion plans
The Augusta Parks and Recreation Department oversees and maintains over 1,500 acres of green space and recreation areas. Of the 60 park sites, the Augusta Riverfront is the best-known. It follows a bend at the Savannah River and is the location for small and large community events throughout the year. The Savannah River feeds into the Augusta Canal, designed to harness water power to drive mills, support goods transportation, and provide a municipal water supply. After a year of work and collaboration with financial consultants, the Augusta Parks and Recreation Department developed a 2024 Strategic Plan to expand and beautify Augusta's green spaces. The goal is to develop existing parks and introduce new recreation areas to boost community engagement and programs.
Augusta is prioritizing accessibility in its park expansions for families and seniors.
Augusta Riverwalk in Uptown Augusta features multi-level brick trails along the Savannah River.
Walk through the gardens of Pendleton King Park in Midtown Augusta.
Uptown Augusta’s Riverwalk Amphitheater is a hub for outdoor performances.
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Education with Richmond County Schools
Augusta is served by Richmond County Schools, which gets an overall C grade on Niche. The district runs 28 elementary, seven middle and eight high schools. The city also has several highly rated — often faith-based — private schools, such as Augusta Preparatory Day School and Westminster Schools of Augusta. The area's handful of universities and colleges includes Augusta University, home of the Medical College of Georgia, the flagship medical school of the University System of Georgia.
The Academy of Richmond County High School is a public school with a Niche rating of C.
Monte Sano Elementary School has a Niche rating of C-.
The magnolia trees frame the Augusta University Jaguar statue on campus.
Lucy C. Laney High School in Uptown Augusta honors its founder’s vision of education for all.
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Crime stats, the environment and Augusta weather patterns
According to the Georgia Crime Information Center, Richmond County’s overall crime rate exceeds the statewide figure. Between 2022 and 2023, reported violent crime rates in Richmond County rose significantly.
Augusta is home to a paper mill, which produces a distinct smell. "If I open the door early in the morning to let the dogs out, I can smell it. Usually, in the morning, they start cooking up," Robinson says. However, she adds it's not a citywide presence compared to metro areas with far more industrial factories.
As for local weather, Augusta experiences all four seasons. The summers are hot and humid, and the winters are relatively mild. Homes and businesses closer to the Savannah River are more at risk of flooding, though the city has implemented effective levees and flood walls.
Navigating via Interstates 20 and 520
One of the benefits of living in a moderately sized metropolitan area like Augusta is that getting around is generally easier. Two major thoroughfares, Interstates 20 and 520, pass through the city. Highway 28, John C. Calhoun Expressway and U.S. 78 are other significant roadways for traveling across the city and to surrounding areas. Augusta Transit offers limited options and hours, providing mass transit mainly around the medical center complex. The Augusta Regional Airport, located in the city's southeastern section, is served by airlines such as Delta and American. However, most travelers will fly to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the hub for domestic and international flights. A designated medical district near downtown has several hospitals, outpatient wings and research centers.
Interstate 20 connects Augusta to Atlanta and Columbia, ensuring regional access.
Visitors travel I-20 to reach Augusta National for The Masters each April.
The expansion of I-520 has improved traffic flow throughout Augusta.
The university bus system keeps student on schedule getting around Uptown Augusta.
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Local shopping in downtown Augusta along Broad and Greene
Local shops and restaurants are set up in historic buildings along Broad and Greene streets in downtown Augusta. The city has a vivid bar and coffee scene, with an official Augusta Coffee Trail that leads through the locally owned brew cafés. While downtown is the place to find eclectic goods and favored local eats, the most prominent mainstream commercial area is off Interstate 520 on Augusta's west side. The Augusta Mall, one of Georgia's largest shopping plazas, anchors the area and is surrounded by popular big-box stores. The city's south end, off Route 25, contains the largest concentration of grocery stores.
Art on Broad is an art consignment shop representing works of local and regional artists.
Fab'rik has women's apparel and accessories.
Trellis Coffee Bar is one of the favorite stops along the The Augusta Coffee Trail.
Design Images' buyers travel the world looking for exclusive and luxurious items.
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The Masters golf tournament takes over Augusta in April
In the first week of April, Augusta's population spikes dramatically as people flood in to watch or compete in the Masters, one of the nation's major events for men's professional golf. While it brings considerable attention to the city, it also means permanent residents can expect crowds and delays. "What ends up happening is that you have a whole bunch of people from all over the country who converge for the tournament. Non-Augustans drive around looking confused," Robinson says. "Most people are getting their parking spots at 8:00 in the morning." The week significantly impacts the local economy, from small business sales to providing opportunities for homeowners to earn additional income. It's common for property owners to travel out of town and rent their homes to tournament visitors. "I've heard anything as little as $3,500 a week to as much as $20,000 for the week, depending upon the amenities," Robinson says. Additionally, Augusta hosts several annual events, including an Ironman Triathlon each fall, a Fourth of July event, and a well-attended Christmas Parade.
Guest visiting Augusta for the Masters golf tournament golf always seem to find this gem.
The Sport of Golf exhibition at the Augusta Museum explores how the game has evolved.
Augusta Municipal is a great place to play golf at an affordable price for everyone in Augusta.
The entrance sign to National Hills in Augusta, GA.
On average, homes in Augusta, GA sell after 60 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Augusta, GA over the last 12 months is $215,000, up 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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