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GA among top ‘boujiest’ states. Here’s what that means, how it impacts the economy

In this stock image, champagne flutes clink in a celebratory toast at a New Year's Eve party.
Nothing says “boujie” like a champagne toast. Getty Images

Georgia has appeared on many lists over the years, but landing 10th “boujiest” in the nation is a new one for us.

According to Merriam-Webster, boujie” (also spelled “boujee”) is a way of describing something or someone as fancy, luxurious, or “high-class” and Georgia earned a “boujie score” of 324.1 out of 500, with the Atlanta neighborhood, Buckhead, doing most of the work.

Travel tech company Holafly set out to rank all 50 states to create “A ‘Luxury Lifestyle’ Index: Where are America’s Boujiest States?” using several factors to reveal “where premium experiences are most concentrated.”

Factors that affect the score

The study pulls data from Google Maps and TripAdvisor in these five categories:

  • Luxury hotels
  • Upscale restaurants
  • Michelin-recognized establishments
  • Designer fashion retailers
  • Luxury car dealerships

Georgia is 10th “boujiest” in the US

Georgia ranked 10th overall with a “boujie score” of 324.1.

Boujie by the numbers

  • 63 Michelin Guide restaurants statewide
  • 40 luxury hotels
  • 56 luxury restaurants in Atlanta alone
  • 20 luxury car dealerships

What it could mean for Georgia’s economy

Although it may sound silly or frivolous, Georgia’s strong “boujie” ranking signals real economic momentum. The growing luxury tourism industry is a good thing for everyone.

Benefits to being “boujie”

  • Employment opportunities statewide
  • Tax revenue
  • Encourages travel
  • Attracts global business

Top 10 boujiest states

  • California: 492
  • Florida: 418.5
  • New York: 410.2
  • Texas: 392.6
  • Colorado: 365.4
  • Illinois: 318.6
  • Nevada: 359.8
  • Massachusetts: 352.7
  • Washington: 331.5
  • Georgia 324.1

Atlanta carries the state’s luxury profile, anchored by Buckhead properties like the Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis, however cities like Savannah, Columbus, and Augusta are holding their own in the race for “boujiest.”

What would you like to read more about? Email me at srose@ledger-enquirer.com or find me on social media.

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