3. Oakwood, Georgia
Initially called Odell’s Crossing, this small town started around 1873 as a railroad between Atlanta and Charlotte. The name was later changed to Oakwood as it was a regular stop for wood-burning locomotives picking up fuel.
Located around 44 miles from Atlanta, Oakwood was home to one of the best historical institutes of higher learning in North Georgia, the Oakwood Academy. Today, that tradition continues in the great public schools and on the campus of the University of North Georgia.
Despite its small population of 4,200 residents, the crime rate in Oakwood makes the town pretty dangerous—125 incidents per year. There’s a one in 65 chance of being a victim of a violent crime.
