Modern-day Mayberry is crowned best place to live in US thanks to booming jobs, top schools and almost no crime
Picture Mayberry — that friendly small town from classic TV — only this one has Teslas in the driveways, Fortune 500 jobs nearby, and a median income that's double the national average.
That's Johns Creek, Georgia, a leafy suburb about 25 minutes outside Atlanta that has just been named the best place to live in America by US News & World Report.
The comparison to Mayberry — the fictional town from The Andy Griffith Show that symbolized neighborly charm and safety — helps explain Johns Creek's appeal.
It offers that same tight-knit feel, but with high-tech employers, top-ranked schools, and the lowest crime rate of any city in the ranking.
The city ranked number one overall out of 859 American cities studied. It placed 13th for its job market and 24th for quality of life — strong scores that helped it edge out Carmel, Indiana, and Pearland, Texas, for the top spot.
Major employers include Boston Scientific, Alcon, and Emory Johns Creek Hospital, which also provides top-tier healthcare for residents.
Johns Creek also happens to have a brush with fame — it's where singer Usher once owned a modest three-bedroom home, after moving to the area with his mother when he was 12.
Local realtor Skylar Topper, who grew up in Johns Creek, said families are drawn by its schools and safety.
The area is super walkable and the extensive park systems will eventually connect over 400 acres across nine parks
Local realtor Skylar Topper, who grew up in the area, said Johns Creek is a perfect place to live
THE ANDY GRIFFITH SHOW episode 'The Darling Fortune'. Andy (Andy Griffith), second from right, and The Darling Family: Briscoe Darling (Denver Pyle), right, and the bluegrass band, The Dillards as his sons. They are from left: Mitch Jayne as Mitch, Rodney Dillard as Rodney, Dean Webb as Other, and Doug Dillard as Jebbin. July 1, 1966
'Our public school system is consistently recognized as one of the best in Georgia — and even in the country,' she said.
The city's unemployment rate sits at 2.8 percent, well below the national average of 4.5 percent. The typical household earns about $163,000 a year — more than double the national median.
With tree-lined streets, spacious homes averaging $528,000, and more than 400 acres of parks, the suburb blends small-town charm with big-city access.
Topper said the average home price is high but 'offers strong value compared with similarly sized cities.'
Its proximity to bustling Atlanta also draws many commuters. 'If there's no traffic, you can be in downtown Atlanta in 20 minutes,' she said. 'It is so accessible.'
Johns Creek also topped the national rankings for safety, making it the lowest-crime city in the report. 'We consistently rate very low for crime across the US — it's a very safe place to live,' Topper said.
A new mixed-use city center opening in 2026 will bring offices, a boutique hotel, apartments, and locally owned restaurants.
'It's very exciting,' Topper said. 'It will be boutiques, shopping, med spas — we are expanding so much.'
Molly Swindall poses with part of her Taylor Swift vinyl collection that she keeps at her childhood home in Johns Creek, Georgia, in October 2023.
Johns Creek, Georgia, a suburb 25 minutes outside Atlanta, performed well in the quality of life, at number 24, and ranked high for its job market, at number 13
Usher used to own a modest three-bedroom home in the area outside Atlanta where his mom moved him when he was 12 years old
The City of Johns Creek presents free movies, concerts and family-friendly events that the community can enjoy
Johns Creek is known for it's dog-friendly parks and trails, there are multiple large dog runs located throughout town
Johns Creek is an outdoorsy place with a lot of amazing parks and waterways with surrounding trails
A golf course in Johns Creek, where the mild weather allows for year round outdoor activity
Johns Creek sits just 25 minutes from downtown Atlanta and many commuters to the city live in the suburb
The city's population is culturally diverse, with a large international community.
It's also an outdoorsy place with dog parks, bike trails, and riverfront walks along the Chattahoochee.
'Bikers and hikers love it, there are a lot of trails. It's along the Chattahoochee River so there's some cool trails and parks along there,' Topper said.
According to Topper, there's something for every type of lifestyle.
Johns Creek also has mild weather. It has has an average winter temperature of 48 degrees, while fall and spring temperatures are generally in the low 60s and summer averages around 78 degrees.
Johns Creek Mayor John Bradberry said: 'We are blessed with a great community and it's always nice when others recognize that.'
With safety, sunshine, and strong schools — plus a touch of Southern hospitality — it might just be America's real-life Mayberry for the modern age.
