1863 Central Ave.

Most people are familiar with Augusta as the site of the Masters Golf Tournament, which effectively takes over the city every April. While golf is certainly an integral thread in the community’s identity, there’s quite a bit more to the story. As Georgia’s second-largest city, Augusta combines Old-South elegance with modern sophistication, often on the same block. Downtown and its surrounding neighborhoods are full of historic homes and buildings, with a dining and nightlife scene that may surprise you with its diverse offerings.

The local economy employs folks in a wide range of major fields, from the well-established medical and higher education communities to the growing tech sector and military population stationed at nearby Fort Eisenhower. And while golf is certainly a popular pastime, Augusta’s recreational options extend far beyond the links: parks and nature preserves abound, and minor league baseball games at Olmstead Lake Stadium draw big crowds.