Oconee County is one of only two places that made our top 10 two years in a row. Considering how extensively we changed our formula from last year, that's especially impressive.

It's not surprising, though. Drive down Colham Ferry Road through the middle of the county, watching on both sides of the road as family farms, beatific country homes and horse barns pass. Walk the sidewalks in the county seat of Watkinsville, where historic buildings stand next to a beautiful new City Center complex that centralizes businesses and preserves the small-town flavor. Hike along the Apalachee River and the county's nature trails. All this and it's just across the Oconee River from Athens and the University of Georgia.

When Oconee County appeared on our list last year, one resident told us that "every realtor within 100 miles of here will use that to sell land." Folks in the county have a strong commitment, though, to maintaining their rural lifestyle.

E X T R A: A Forever Farm

That kind of commitment is attractive to newer residents like Jim and Chris Altizer, who moved to Oconee County just months ago. Their daughter Sonia is an ecology professor at the University of Georgia. "It's peaceful here, and it's a perfect place to settle," says Jim, who has just built new wood fencing, a barn and a horse run on his acreage. Sonia keeps her horse there and stops by frequently to ride the pastures.

Young families are drawn to the county by some of the state's best schools. The relatively small Oconee County School District sports excellent test scores and gets great reviews from parents.