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Atlanta is in Top 10 Most Pet-Friendly Cities

Posted: August 4, 2026 | Categories: News | Amenities

Lake Arrowhead Great Festival Park

Most Pet-Friendly Cities (2026)

To many of us, pets are family — even if they’re covered in fur, feathers or scales. Animal companionship is a great stress reliever, and the 95 millionhouseholds in the U.S. that own pets want to live in places where their beloved companions can enjoy long, healthy lives without breaking the bank. In 2026, pet ownership will cost Americans an estimated $165 billion, according to the American Pet Products Association.

With animal parents in mind, WalletHub compared the pet-friendliness of the 100 largest U.S. cities across 23 key metrics. Our data set ranges from veterinarian costs to the number of pet businesses per capita to walkability.

“The most pet-friendly cities aren’t just those where it’s cheapest to own an animal and take care of its health, although cost is definitely a major consideration. Many factors contribute to a good environment for pets, from the availability of vets and pet-friendly stores to the prevalence of parks and how walkable each city is.”

– CHIP LUPO, WALLETHUB ANALYST

Overall Rank*  City Total Score Pet Budget Rank  Pet Health & Wellness Rank  Outdoor Pet-Friendliness Rank
1 Scottsdale, AZ 68.02 86 1 5
2 Tampa, FL 63.51 25 8 15
3 Las Vegas, NV 61.55 5 48 4
4 Orlando, FL 58.66 39 7 49
5 Cincinnati, OH 58.17 41 17 24
6 St. Petersburg, FL 57.84 45 12 39
7 Birmingham, AL 57.40 9 35 72
8 Tulsa, OK 57.16 2 43 63
9 Atlanta, GA 56.85 66 6 36
10 Irvine, CA 56.59 79 11 8

Author: Adam McCann, WalletHub

BUYING A HOME

New homes at Lake Arrowhead start from the mid $400s. Pricing varies by neighborhood and home type — Woodlands ranch homes start from the mid $400s, Waterview Townhomes and Fort Gibson ranch homes from the low $500s, and Timber Ridge luxury homes from the low $600s to the $800s. View current pricing on each neighborhood page.

All homes sold through the Lake Arrowhead sales office are new construction, built by award-winning veteran Georgia builders, including Majestic Lifestyle Builders, Rezide Properties, TIH Homes, and JW Collection.

Yes — resale homes are available, though they are not listed through the Lake Arrowhead sales and information center. Community covenants allow a uniform neighborhood resale sign on properties, so we recommend working with a local realtor familiar with the community to find resale listings.

Lake Arrowhead offers something for everyone: single-family ranch homes, waterview townhomes, and luxury custom homes with all the bells and whistles across multiple neighborhoods, including: Woodlands, Fort Gibson, Timber Ridge, and Waterview Townhomes.

Yes — Lake Arrowhead offers a Discovery Stay & Play program where you can reserve a luxury golf villa for a short stay to experience the community before deciding on the type of home and neighborhood of choice. Contact the sales and information center at 770-720-2700 to arrange a visit.

Once you close, please contact the Membership Director at 770-721-7913 or membership@lakearrowheadga.com to schedule your Membership Orientation — you'll receive gate devices, set up billing, and obtain your welcome package.