Your Augusta, GA Real Estate Questions Answered

Augusta, Georgia, is a fabulous place to live with its warmer weather, available outdoor recreation, and affordable cost of living. This city in east-central Georgia is home to many golf courses but is probably best known for the Augusta National Golf Club, the annual Masters Tournament. However, golf isn’t the only popular pastime here; several equestrian centers are in and around Augusta.

If you’re thinking about moving to Augusta or are already a resident, this article will answer popular questions about the city. Learn about the average cost of housing, some Augusta neighborhoods, and other frequently asked questions about Augusta real estate.

What is the average price of a home in Augusta, GA?

The median sold price of a home in Augusta was $240,000 in February 2022, with 757 closed sales. The median list price for the same month was $249,999. These figures can vary depending on the specific neighborhood and type of home you are looking for. Waterfront homes, for example, will typically be more expensive than homes located elsewhere in the city.

The most affordable listing in March 2022 was a $5000 lot with a condemned 1,168 sq ft home. The most expensive listing was a historic home for $1,499,000 with five bedrooms, 5.5 bathrooms, and over 5,000 sq ft of living space.

Are there any condos or townhomes available in Augusta, GA? 

Yes, both condos and townhomes are available in Augusta. Condo properties are available throughout Augusta, with some right on the Savannah riverfront. Others are in adult communities or are new construction townhome developments. 

Prices for these homes start around $100,000 and can go up to $365,000 or more, depending on the size and location of the home.

What is the property tax rate for Augusta, GA?

Georgia property taxes are assessed on every $1,000 of assessed valuation. In Richmond County, your tax rate depends on your tax district. Augusta falls into Tax District 001, which had a net millage rate of 33.924 in 2021. In Augusta, the 2021 millage rate was 9.045. The Richmond County School District charged a millage rate of 19.312 in 2021.

The total rate may change depending on the specific property and location within Augusta. If the property address is outside Tax District 001, it will also have a different tax rate.

What is the average cost of living in Augusta, GA?

The average cost of living in Augusta can vary depending on your individual lifestyle and needs but is generally cheaper than the national average. In March 2022, the average price of a single-family home in the United States was $315,743. Augusta’s average cost of $240,460 is well below the national average.

Sperling’s Best Places Index places the Augusta-Richmond County cost of living at an overall 80.7, also below the national indexed average of 100. Utilities were the most expensive category, while housing was the least expensive.

What county is Augusta, GA in?

Augusta is located in eastern Richmond County and is its predominant city. The Savannah river forms its eastern border and separates the county from South Carolina. 

Richmond was established in 1777, making it one of George’s first counties. It has a long history and has been the economic center in this region. It has had a strong military presence since Fort Augusta was garrisoned in the 1730s. Camp McKenzie was an important center during the Spanish-American War, and Camp Hancock was located here during World War I. Fort Gordon was established during World War II and has been the home of the US Army Signal Corps ever since.

Richmond has been the home of the Masters Tournament since 1934. It has brought international attention to the city. Other local attractions are its robust arts center and educational institutions.

Is Augusta, GA a good place to retire?

US News and World Report placed Augusta in the top 50 places to retire in the United States in 2019. The city has a relatively low cost of living and plenty of amenities and activities for retirees to enjoy. It’s enhancing its public transportation and walkability. Besides golfing, retirees have a lot of cultural attractions, annual festivals, and recreation centers to keep them busy. 

Is Augusta, GA growing?

Yes, Augusta is growing. The city population has been increasing in recent years, and new businesses and developments are popping up. The US Census counted 202,081 residents in 2020, which was 7,000 more than in 2010. 

Despite this growth, Augusta is no longer Georgia’s second-largest city. Columbus overtook Augusta in the Census count. However, the Augusta metro area is much larger than the Columbus area.

What neighborhoods are in Augusta, GA?

The customer has her own 48 different neighborhoods for you to explore. Some of the most popular neighborhoods include downtown Augusta, areas around Augusta National, and the suburbs. Here are a few popular neighborhoods in Augusta:

Summerville is a little less than a mile south of Augusta city center. The municipality is home to the campus of Augusta State University, public libraries, museums, and other educational institutions.

The community of Lake Aumond is a lovely planned city that allows you to access everything the metropolis has to offer. The location can’t be beaten; it’s near Augusta State University campus and only minutes from downtown. Walking paths, nature parks, and a community center with a pool and playground are all available in the region.

The Forest Hills community is located adjacent to Lake Aumond in eastern Augusta. It provides pleasant suburban living with easy access to I-20 and Fort Gordon and has some of the lowest crime rates in Augusta.

The Augusta National Golf Club is located 1.5 miles from the West Side neighborhood. This neighborhood’s lifestyles are above average, and its safety rating is excellent.

Richmond Hill has a high livability score and below-average crime rates. The suburban community is close to shopping, dining, and I-520.

Are there any waterfront properties found in Augusta, GA?

Augusta is right on the Savannah River, so waterfront properties are available. However, the downtown and riverfront landscape is highly developed with commercial and multi-family properties. The limited amount of available waterfront means homes typically come with a higher price tag. On the upside, owners have stunning views and easy access to the water. 

In March 2022, only two properties were for sale on the riverfront, one condo and one single-family home.

How is golf in Augusta, GA?

Augusta is home to nine golf courses, including the famous Augusta National Golf Club, the site of the annual Masters Tournament. The club has hosted the tournament since 1934 each year in April and draws thousands of fans into the city.

The Augusta Municipal Golf Course and the Forest Hills Golf Course are public courses. In particular, the Donald Ross-designed Forest Hills course is a local favorite and has been independently rated as one of the best public courses.

The Pointe South Golf Club features eight lakes, dogwoods, and over 4,000 azaleas, making it a beautiful place to play in the spring. It focuses on creating a true southern golfing experience.

The River Golf Club opened in 1998 along the banks of the Savannah River. While technically across from downtown on the South Carolina side of the border, it was a top-five new course as rated by Golf Digest.

Ellis Maples designed the Goshen Plantation Golf Club with an open layout and rolling terrain. It is considered a more challenging course in the area.

Are there golf course communities in Augusta, GA? 

Several golf course communities are in Augusta. These communities offer residents stunning homes and access to world-class golf courses.

Goshen Plantation residents have homes accessible to the Ellis Maples course. Residents are about 19 miles from downtown.

Forest Hills Golf Club is within four miles of the Augusta National Golf Club plus has its own Donald Ross design course within the community. The amenities include a banquet facility, a driving range, and a bar and grill.

West Lake Country Club has estate homes right on the fairways. The community amenities include tennis courts, a restaurant, and fitness center. It is a gated community and one of the oldest golf communities in the area.

Hammond’s Ferry is across the river in North Augusta, South Carolina. It is designed around the River Golf Club and has amenities like a bicycle route, a park, and a pond.

What areas are near Augusta, GA?

Augusta is an epicenter for this part of Georgia and South Carolina. The Savannah River separates the city from North Augusta, Belvedere, and places beyond.

Some of the areas located near Augusta include Martinez, Hephzibah, Evans, and Aiken. The latter is notable for its strong equestrian culture.

To Augusta’s north, the Savannah River is damned to create Thurmond Lake. This extensive recreation area has several parks, public beaches, and boat launches. From downtown to the West Dam Beach is about a 30-minute drive.

Columbia, South Carolina, is about an hour and 15 minutes by car up Interstate 20. Augusta to Savannah is about 2 1/2 hours. The travel time to Atlanta is roughly the same.

What to know about living in Augusta, GA

Augusta is a great place to call home. The city has a low cost of living and plenty of amenities beyond golfing. There are many different neighborhoods to choose from, each with unique character. Augusta has something to offer everyone, whether you’re looking for a quiet suburban neighborhood or a lively downtown area.

If you’re thinking about moving to Augusta or are already a resident, hopefully, we have answered some of your questions about the city. Contact a local real estate agent to find the right neighborhood for you if you have any other questions.