Augusta, Georgia Overview

Augusta is a consolidated city-county on the Savannah River in eastern Georgia and is the county seat of Richmond County. The community is widely known both as a regional service center and as an international sports destination because of the Masters Tournament held at Augusta National Golf Club.

Beyond golf, Augusta functions as a hub for nearby counties, with downtown districts, a riverwalk setting, and institutions that shape daily life across the Central Savannah River Area.

Augusta, Georgia Economy

Augusta’s economy is anchored by major institutional employers and by government and defense activity. Top employers include Fort Gordon, Augusta University, NSA Georgia, and large health systems, which collectively support a broad ecosystem of contractors, suppliers, and professional services.

This employment base gives the city a stable economic foundation and helps explain why health care, education, and related services are prominent in the area’s job mix.

Augusta, Georgia Education

Education in Augusta includes public school systems as well as higher education institutions, with Augusta University standing out as a major local presence. The city’s educational ecosystem is closely linked to health sciences and professional training, in part because of the scale of local medical and research activity.

For students and working adults, this combination can translate into practical pathways: traditional academic programs, clinical and health-related training, and workforce development aligned to large employers.

Augusta, Georgia Culture

Augusta’s cultural identity blends historic neighborhoods, downtown revitalization, and signature events. The city’s relationship with the Savannah River is central to how residents experience public space, with riverfront amenities and districts that tie together museums, local history, and live entertainment.

Sports culture is also a defining element, with the Masters Tournament and other events contributing to the city’s national profile and adding seasonal energy that complements the regular rhythm of local arts and community programming.

Augusta, Georgia Travel and Entertainment

Visitors often plan around the riverfront, including Riverwalk Augusta and the Augusta Canal area, then expand into downtown dining and historic districts. Outdoor options such as nature parks complement the urban itinerary, and the city’s calendar can be particularly busy around major sports weekends.

If you want a low-stress visit, prioritize a river walk, a canal or museum stop, and a relaxed evening in downtown. For a higher-energy trip, align your dates with a tournament, concert, or festival to see the city at its liveliest.