Gainesville, GA: HGTV's BEST Up and Coming Town?

by Sarah Maslowski

Gainesville, Georgia is stepping into the spotlight. Named one of HGTV’s Best Cities for 2025 and featured in Southern Living’s list of “Cities on the Rise,” this North Georgia gem is growing rapidly—and for good reason. Let’s take a look at what makes Gainesville such a standout.

Booming Growth & Development

Spanning over 34 square miles, Gainesville offers plenty of room for residential and commercial expansion. Over the past few years, the city has seen major investments and revitalization efforts, especially in its downtown area. With more than $318 million in private investment, the heart of Gainesville has transformed into a vibrant destination filled with shops, restaurants, and year-round events—including the famously quirky “Lighting of the Chicken” during the holidays (a nod to its roots as the poultry capital of the world).

The growth doesn’t stop downtown. Across Hall County, new developments are fueling the local economy and reshaping the area. Thanks to a strong labor market—with over 300 manufacturing firms and 47 Fortune 500 companies—Gainesville continues to attract new residents and businesses alike.

The Midland Greenway & Family-Friendly Amenities

The city’s focus on livability is clear. Just off the square, the Midland Greenway has been revitalized into a destination with walking trails, parks, and plans for a permanent food truck park. It’s the kind of space that invites weekend picnics and outdoor fun.

Gainesville’s commitment to growth includes exciting new projects like the redevelopment of Lakeshore Mall. This dead mall is being transformed into a massive live-work-play outdoor complex with over 300,000 square feet of retail, 100+ hotel rooms, townhomes, apartments, and green space—developed by the same team behind Alpharetta’s Avalon.

Major Developments on the Horizon

Another highlight is a luxury lakeside resort coming to Lake Lanier. Scheduled to open in 2028, this upscale resort will feature hotel rooms, cottages, estate homes, and event space—offering a new way to enjoy the scenic lakeside lifestyle Gainesville already embraces.

New residential developments are popping up across the area, including:

Gainesville Township – a master-planned community with 2,400 homes, pools, tennis courts, and proximity to schools and parks.
The Lake Society – a lakeside neighborhood with RV storage and easy access to nearby shopping and highways.
David Weekley Active Adult Community – over 500 homes designed for retirees, with a mix of condos, townhomes, and single-family homes.

Ideal Location & Natural Beauty

Just 50 miles north of Atlanta and close to I-985, Gainesville offers easy access to the city without the traffic or high cost of living. And depending on where you are in town, you might even catch a view of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Gainesville also sits along the eastern shoreline of Lake Lanier, one of Georgia’s largest lakes. Residents enjoy public beaches, boating access, parks, and endless recreation right at their doorstep.

Affordable Living & Tax Benefits

The median home price in Gainesville is just under $400,000, and with plenty of new construction and established neighborhoods on larger lots, there's something for everyone. Gainesville also boasts one of the most affordable property tax rates in the region—under 1%—and seniors over 70 receive a full exemption on the school portion of their tax bill, which accounts for about 60% of the total.

KeyPoint

Gainesville is more than just an up-and-coming town—it’s a thriving community blending Southern charm, natural beauty, and economic opportunity. With exciting developments on the horizon, affordable housing, and unbeatable access to the outdoors and Atlanta, it’s no wonder Gainesville is catching national attention. If you’re considering a move to North Georgia, this might just be the perfect place to call home.