Critical Things To Know Before Moving To Georgia
Are you ready to move and wondering if Georgia is a good place to live?
If you answered yes, great. I will address the question head-on and then support my answer with all the pros and cons of living in Georgia.
With the facts, you can decide if moving to Georgia is the right choice for you and your family. Let’s get get going.
Is Georgia A Good Place To Live?
The healthy job market, low cost of living, nice weather, gorgeous natural scenery, and robust entertainment options make Georgia an excellent place to live.
On the other hand, regional real estate expert Jerry Pinkas says the lousy traffic, annoying bugs, summer heat, poor health care, and seasonal allergies are reasons people leave Georgia for better locations (source).
Keep these comments about living in Georgia in mind. However, before moving, I recommend carefully considering the pros and cons.
Pros And Cons Of Living In Georgia: Side-By-Side Comparison
| Living in Georgia Pros | Living in Georgia Cons |
| 1. Vibrant economy | 11. Hot summers |
| 2. Good job market | 12. Pesky insects |
| 3. Low unemployment | 13. Pollen and allergies |
| 4. Hartsfield-Jackson airport | 14. Heavy traffic |
| 5. Low cost of living | 15. Limited public transit |
| 6. Modest real estate taxes | 16. High crime rate |
| 7. Fun things to do | 17. Sub-par health care |
| 8. Diversity and hospitality | 18. High obesity rate |
| 9. Scenic beauty | 19. Poverty |
| 10. Nice weather |
Next, let’s go through each of Georgia’s pros and cons individually and in greater detail. Then, you will be armed with the facts before moving to Georgia.
Disclosure: At no cost to you, I may get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.
Pros Of Living In Georgia
1. Georgia Has A Large And Robust Economy
Georgia has an excellent economy.
For example, the state’s economy is one of the top 10 most extensive in the United States. Total output exceeds $700 billion.
Georgia businesses export many goods and services to the rest of the world, making it one of America’s most economically significant states.
2. Living In Georgia Means Access To Good Jobs
After moving to Georgia, you can access the state’s productive job market.
For example, dozens of Fortune 500 companies are located in the state. Many of these companies have big campuses and operation centers located here.
Some of the well-known companies include:
- Coca-Cola
- Delta Air Lines
- Home Depot
- UPS
Furthermore, popular small businesses like Chick-fil-A and garment maker Spanx are based out of the state.
So you can see that business is pretty good here. Thus, good jobs make my list of pros and cons of living in Georgia.
3. The State Has A Low Unemployment Rate
Georgia’s productive economy and noteworthy companies add up to a low unemployment rate.
After moving to Georgia, you won’t have to worry about finding a good job that meets your needs. The unemployment rate is low, and jobs are plentiful.
4. There Is A Major Air Transportation Hub In Georgia
Georgia has a robust air transportation infrastructure.
The state is home to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The facility is one of the world’s largest and busiest airports, handling over 100 million passengers in peak years.
Delta Air Lines uses the airport as its home base. Other major airlines also service both tourists and business travelers.
5. You Will Benefit From The Favorable Cost Of Living In Georgia
Georgia is a less expensive state to live in. The savings start in the real estate market with reasonable home prices.
For example, the median-priced home in Georgia is about 15% less than the comparable national figure (Source: Redfin).
Some of the state’s higher-priced real estate is in Atlanta and Savannah. So, choose your location wisely if you are on a tight budget.
Georgia’s other significant living costs, including utilities, food, transportation, goods, and services, run between 4% and 12% less than the national average (Source: RentCafe).
Here are a couple of other money tips to make moving to Georgia more cost effective:
Tip #1: To save a little more money, we use the cashback app from Rakuten for all of our online purchases.
Tips #2: Before moving to Georgia, double-check your finances. Try the free financial app from Empower. It is an excellent tool for pulling your expenses, budget, and investment together in one place online.
6. Property Taxes Are Manageable When Living In Georgia
Georgia’s real estate taxes contribute to the state’s lower cost of homeownership.
The state’s property tax rate is about average compared to the rest of the country. However, because home prices are lower, residents’ total real estate taxes are less than in most other states.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a place with a low property tax rate, jump the border and head to South Carolina. One of the country’s lowest state property tax rates is there. And one of the best states for the low cost of living.
Okay. Enough about jobs, work, and money.
Next, it’s time to have some fun. Finding fun things to do is one of the best things about living in Georgia.
7. Georgia Has Nightlife, Pro Sports, Fantastic Festivals And More
In Georgia, the options for nightlife within the state are incredible.
Atlanta, the state’s largest city, has the most concentrated nightlife options. Bars and clubs can be found all over the city.
Savannah is a vibrant seaside city on the Atlantic coast, similar to Miami in some respects. Residents here like to get out and frequent the clubs for a good time. Savannah is also known for its live music performances. But understand, this coastal city is touristy, which may not suit your tastes.
Georgia has a sizeable college-age population. So, the nightlife runs hot for students, twenty-somethings, and older residents looking to enjoy the college atmosphere in the state’s college towns, including:
- Athens (University of Georgia)
- Kennesaw (Kennesaw State University)
- Statesboro (Georgia Southern University)
Georgia residents love their sports teams. Pro sports franchises include:
- MLB – Atlanta Braves
- NFL – Atlanta Falcons
- NBA – Atlanta Hawks
Augusta, Georgia, hosts pro golf’s Masters Tournament annually. And finally, Georgia residents are crazy for their big-time college sports teams.
Living in Georgia means easy access to fun festivals.
There are festivals around the state all year long. You’ll have to decide what you love most. Some examples include:
- Atlanta Pride festival
- Savannah Music Festival
- Georgia Renaissance Festival (Fairburn)
- Dragon Con (Atlanta)
- Bio Festival (Athens)
- Sweet Auburn Festival (Atlanta)
8. Relocating To Georgia Means Diversity And Hospitality
Life in Georgia means being embraced with open arms. People are friendly here.
Furthermore, the state is a crossroads of cultures, ethnicities, and lifestyles. For example, African Americans and people of Hispanic descent have a significant representation in the population.
Let this state’s southern hospitality wash over you. Take in the charm and culture. You will discover that making new friends in Georgia is easier than many other places.
9. The Landscape Has Lots Of Variety And Scenic Beauty
Georgia has a picturesque landscape. Please let me provide some fantastic examples.
The state is home to the Blue Ridge Mountains. The range is part of the Appalachian Mountains, located near the increasingly popular town of Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Be sure to visit Amicalola Falls State Park. The park is the southernmost starting point for the Appalachian Trail. Georgia’s tallest waterfall is located here.
Take in Stone Mountain near Atlanta. It is a large dome of exposed granite and part of a 3,000-plus acre park.
Georgia has many natural springs and lakes to enjoy. Some examples include Lake Lanier in Gainsville, Georgia, and Indian Springs State Park, located in the northcentral part of the state.
Finally, explore Georgia’s scenic coastline along the Atlantic Ocean. The shoreline runs from Savannah, then south down to Jacksonville, Florida.
The Georgia coast is known for its marshes and beaches. The area is called the “Golden Isles” because of the natural beauty here.
10. Georgia Offers Four Seasons Living, Mild Winters, And Limited Snowfall
After moving to Georgia, you can enjoy all four weather seasons.
Expect hot summers. Autumn’s changing leaves accompany cooling fall temperatures.
Winters are mild, with virtually no snow.
The state’s spring weather brings colorful blooms to life. Thus, you can enjoy the beauty of the natural color as the spring progresses and the temperatures start to warm.
Okay. Let’s switch gears.
An article about the pros and cons of living in Georgia is incomplete without addressing some reasons you may not want to move here in the first place.
Cons Of Living In Georgia
11. Georgia Living Means Hot And Humid Summers
Georgia’s summers are hot and humid, especially in the middle and southern parts of the state. Several times yearly, temperatures top out over a hundred degrees combined with high humidity.
In the south, high humidity levels make conditions feel warmer than the temperature indicates.
The heat is brutal, even if you are accustomed to living in a warm climate. The summer weather is similar to Georgia’s border state of Florida.
Cooler temperatures can be found in the north and northwest parts of Georgia in and around the mountains, near the Tennessee state border.
12. Mosquitos, Bugs, And Insects Love Living In Georgia
Georgia’s flowering plants, trees, summer heat, humidity, and rainfall are the perfect breeding grounds for pesky insects.
For example, mosquitos are active in this state during the warm summer months. They are jokingly referred to as Georgia’s state bird.
Other bugs are prevalent, especially during the spring through fall, including:
- Palmetto bugs
- Ants
- Biting fleas
- Gnats
- Ticks
- Various cockroaches
These insects can get inside and be a nuisance in your Georgia home.
13. Allergy Producing Pollen Is Thick In Georgia
Georgia has a lot of pollen and mold spores floating around. The conditions are a problem if you suffer from allergies or asthma.
The pollen count usually peaks in March and April. However, the counts can also remain high through early summer. The yellow-green sticky substance from trees coats everything outdoors during the spring.
Grass pollen arrives in May through June. August and September are ragweed season.
If that’s not enough, I have another one of the cons of living in Georgia for you.
14. Commercialization, Urbanization, And The Bad Traffic That Comes With It In Georgia
Georgia’s heavy traffic congestion has increased because of population growth, urbanization, and overcommercialization.
For example, traffic in Atlanta will be as bad as anything you have experienced. It is common for commuters to spend an hour in their car getting to and from work.
Atlanta’s interstate highway system is about ten lanes wide! Yet, there are still 2-3 mile backups in heavy traffic, especially during the morning or evening rush hours.
At the same time, the state has many rural and less populated areas. So, choose your location wisely if the negative aspects of large metropolitan areas will bother you.
More reading: Tips and facts about living in each state
15. There Is A Lack Of Public Transportation In Georgia
Georgia’s traffic is terrible, partly due to the limited public transportation systems. Efficient forms of travel, such as commuter rail, aren’t developed to their full potential.
Larger cities like Atlanta and Savannah have bus lines, subway systems, and other means of getting around. However, they do not reach as many places as other major cities in the country.
So, unless you can live, work, and recreate in a confined area of one of the big cities, plan on owning a car.
16. Residents Experience High Crime Rates Living In Georgia
Georgia has mid to higher crime levels than other states in the country.
Naturally, crime rates are higher in the larger Georgia cities. At the same time, there are plenty of safe places to live. Just do your homework. Choose your location carefully within the state.
Statistics show that the state’s urban areas have a much higher crime rate than suburban and small-town living options. Even less crime is found in Georgia’s rural areas.
17. Sub-Par Quality Of Health Care Living in Georgia
Georgia’s health care system is poorly rated.
A recent survey by WalletHub ranks Georgia in the bottom quarter of all states. The study focused on the cost of health care, access, and patient outcomes.
18. High Obesity Rates Among Georgia Residents
Georgia’s obesity rate is high and rising, similar to other southern states.
I guess it’s all of the good old Southern cooking.
19. Poverty Rates Are High In Georgia
Georgia’s poverty rate is one of the highest in the nation. Nearly 13% of residents live at or below the poverty line.
Furthermore, many of the health risks encountered by Georgia residents are aggravated by poverty.
Thus, crime, poverty, and health issues contribute to overall poor quality of life for many in Georgia.
Okay. Thank concludes all of my top perks and pitfalls of living in Georgia. So, please allow me to wrap up with a few concluding thoughts.
Living In Georgia Pros And Cons – (A Good Place To Live?)
Moving to Georgia may or may not be the right choice for you and your family. As a result, I hope this article has helped you address these critical questions:
- Is Georgia a good place to live?
- What is living in Georgia like?
- Is Georgia a good place to retire?
More Reading About Living In Georgia And Beyond
- Help on deciding where to live
- A summary about living in each state
- About living in a tiny state up the east coast
Author Bio: Tom Scott founded the consulting and coaching firm Dividends Diversify, LLC. He leverages his expertise and decades of experience in goal setting, relocation assistance, and investing for long-term wealth to help clients reach their full potential.
