Moving to Georgia

As much as we may appreciate stability, having an established routine is not something that everyone likes. What we mean to say is that some people like to change things every once in a while — change and newness are great ways of spicing up our lives, after all. And what’s better to change our routine than moving to a new place?

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• Home to over 10 million people, Georgia is considered one of the most prominent states in the Southern United States
• View of Downtown Atlanta, Georgia

If you’re thinking of moving to the South, you should definitely consider living in Georgia. The Peach State is one of the best Southern states, and it is also one of the best states to live in the U.S. in general. Home to over 10,6 million residents, Georgia is especially known for its picturesque small towns and growing economy.

If you’re moving to Georgia, here’s a complete guide to help you learn more about the “Empire State of the South”!

Contents:

Pros & Cons

Georgia ranks at #17 among all U.S. states, which means that it is one of the 20 best states to live in America. However, this number also means that Georgia still has room for improvement. If you’re considering moving to Georgia, here are 7 pros and 7 cons of living in the Peach State!

Pros

• Weather: If you’re into warm weather, moving to Georgia will be ideal for you. This state has hot summers and mild winters, which is perfect if you’re moving to Georgia from the New England region.
• Economy: Georgia’s economy is growing very steadily, which is definitely a pro. While the national average for job growth is 1.2%, Georgia’s job growth is currently at 2.2%.
• Real estate: Housing in Georgia is more affordable than in other states. The median home price in the Peach State is approximately $223,000, which is significantly below the national average.
• Taxes: In comparison to some states in the New England region, the tax burden in Georgia is more reasonable and more affordable.
• Small towns: If you’re all about that small-town lifestyle, Georgia is the ideal place for you. This state has some of the most picturesque small towns in the country.
• Nature: Georgia has a lot to offer when it comes to nature. In the Peach State, you’ll find forests, swamps, beaches, and mountains!
• Cost of living: The cost of living in Georgia is more affordable than that of most states. Georgia’s Cost of Living Index is 91.3, whereas the national average is 100.0.

Cons

• Poverty: Unfortunately, the poverty rate in Georgia is higher than the national average, at 14.9%.
• Education: Depending on the location where you’ll live in Georgia, the quality of schools can be very poor.
• Health care: The health care system in Georgia is not necessarily one of the best in the country. This state ranks at #41 in terms of health care access and #37 when it comes to healthcare quality.
• Coastline: If you’re moving to Georgia thinking of living near the beach, keep in mind that the Georgia coastline is hours away from most cities in the state.
• Crime rates: Overall, the crime rates in Georgia are similar to those of most states. However, if you look at property crime rates, you’ll find that Georgia has 17% more property crimes than the national average.
• Weather: If you’re used to living in colder regions of the country, you’ll probably have a hard time adjusting to Georgia’s hot weather.
• Mosquitoes: According to locals (as well as to scientific reports), Georgia has one of the worst mosquito populations in the country! If you’re moving to Georgia, be ready to buy lots of bug repellent!

Fun Facts

• The State of Georgia is also known as the Peach State thanks to the delicious peaches that are produced there and exported to the entire world
• Fresh peaches laying in a wooden basket

Georgia was the last of the Thirteen Colonies to be established back in the 1700s — and it was also one of the last states to be restored to the union once the Civil War was over. As you can see, the State of Georgia has quite a lot of history to tell. That’s why we’re about to show you 6 fun facts about Georgia!

1. Largest state: With a total land area of a little over 59,400 square miles, Georgia is the largest state east of the Mississippi River.
2. Women in college: The Wesleyan College in Macon, Georgia was the first college in the world that was allowed to grant degrees to women!
3. Peach State: The state of Georgia is known as the Peach State thanks to its manufacturing of high-quality peaches that are exported to the entire planet.
4. Voting age: Back in 1945, Georgia became the first U.S. state to lower the legal voting age from 21 to 18 — while the rest of the country only passed this bill in 1971!
5. King George: Georgia became a British colony back in 1733, and it is named after King George II, as its name suggests.
6. First state-supported university: In 1785, the University of Georgia in Athens became the first state-supported university in the entire country!

Funny State Laws

Some states have laws that we find weird and funny. Perhaps they were relevant at some point in time, but when we look at these laws nowadays, we can’t help but laugh. If you’re relocating to Georgia, here are 5 laws that you should keep in mind!

1. Giraffes and street lamps: If you’re going to Atlanta and you’re a giraffe owner, be aware that it’s illegal to tie giraffes to street lamps or to telephone poles.
2. No hats: In Columbus, Georgia, it is against the law for people to wear hats inside movie theaters. Now that’s a helpful law!
3. Donkeys in bathtubs: If you have a donkey and you want to let it relax a nice bath in a bathtub, keep in mind that it’s illegal to do that in Georgia!
4. Ice cream in your pocket: In the state of Georgia, citizens are forbidden by law to carry an ice cream cone in their pockets on Sundays. Why would anyone do that, though?
5. Neighbor rivalry: Are you moving to Conyers, Georgia? Then you can rest assured that your neighbors won’t place dead birds on your grass — that’s illegal in this city!

Weather and Climate

Due to its geographic location, the climate in Georgia will vary depending on the region. If you move to Northeastern Georgia, you’ll experience a more oceanic climate. In the rest of the state, on the other hand, the climate is classified as humid subtropical. This means that the summer in Georgia is warm and humid, while winters are mild and pretty short. Because of all that, snowfall in Georgia is mild and not that usual. Average temperatures in this state during the summer range from 72 °F to 100 °F, depending on the location. As to the winter, the temperatures range from 25 °F to 42 °F.

Nature

As we’ve mentioned previously, nature in Georgia is pretty diverse. If you move to the Peach State, you’ll find mountains, forests, swamps, and beaches. In other words, the state of Georgia has plenty of natural attractions to please most newly-arrived residents! Here are the top 5 places to see in Georgia:

• Providence Canyon
• Cherokee Falls
• Jekyll Island Forest
• Okefenokee Swamp
• Blue Ridge Mountains

Natural Disasters

Every state is vulnerable under the threat of natural disasters. However, the intensity and the nature of these disasters will vary depending on the location. The state of Georgia, for instance, has a subtropical climate, thus it isn’t prone to suffering natural hazards such as snow blizzards or northeasterners. On the other hand, there are quite a few natural disasters that can affect Georgia. Here they are:

• Hurricanes
• Tornadoes
• Storms
• Wildfires
• Floods
• Droughts

Moving Prices from Major Cities

• If you’re moving to Georgia from a major city, you should have no problem finding a mover to help you relocate to the Peach State!
• Buildings in Downtown Los Angeles, California

If you’re moving to Georgia, one of the first things you’ll want to do is research moving prices. Depending on where you’re moving from, it can be quite expensive to relocate to Georgia — which is why getting as many moving quotes as possible will help you save money. We’ve gone ahead and calculated the estimated moving costs to Georgia from 6 major cities in the United States:

• Moving from Dallas, TX, to Georgia: $2481 – $4136
• Moving from New York City, NY, to Georgia: $2598 – $4330
• Moving from Chicago, IL, to Georgia: $2392 – $3987
• Moving from Los Angeles, CA, to Georgia: $4382 – $7303
• Moving from Baltimore, MD, to Georgia: $2385 – $3976
• Moving from Montpelier, VT, to Georgia: $3012 – $5020

Housing / Real Estate

According to the real estate pricing tool Zillow, the median home price in Georgia is approximately $223,900. In comparison to the median price of the United States in general, houses in Georgia are at least $45,000 cheaper. According to data, the reason why homes in this state aren’t as expensive is that there are more houses for sale in Georgia than there are buyers. As to renting, prices (on a state level) are cheaper than the national average. However, if you move to Atlanta, be ready to pay at least $1000 for a 1-bedroom apartment!

Price of Living

Are you thinking about moving to Georgia? As we mentioned earlier, the costs of living in the Peach State are lower than in other states. Even if you move to the Atlanta metro area, you won’t spend nearly as much money as you would if you were to move to a small town in the New England region. To help you get an idea of how much you’ll spend annually, here are the prices of living in 5 different areas of the state of Georgia:

Atlanta/Sandy Springs/Roswell metro area

Athens/Clarke County metro area

Cobb County

Chatham County

Savannah metro area

* All estimates were calculated using the Family Budget Calculator provided by the EPI.

Demographics

Georgia is home to a population of over 10,6 million people, which represents a growth of almost 10% in comparison to its population in 2010. More than 51% of Georgia’s residents are females, and over 23% of the population is under 18 years old. In regards to race, Georgia’s racial composition is distributed as follows:

• White (alone): 60.2%
• Black or African American (alone): 32.6%
• Hispanic or Latino: 9.9%
• Asian (alone): 4.4%
• Two or more races: 2.2%

Education

In terms of education, Georgia ranks #30 among all U.S. states. The peach state still leaves quite a lot to desire regarding both its higher education system as well as its Pre-K-12 systems. Such underperformance reflects directly on Georgia’s high school graduation rate, which is below the national average by a little over 4 percentage points. In addition to that, Georgia’s public schools have also underperformed in national tests, including the NAEP Mathematics test. Here are the top schools and universities in Georgia:

High schools

• Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science & Technology
• Northview High School
• Walton High School
• Alpharetta High School
• Lambert High

Universities / Colleges

• Emory University
• Georgia Institute of Technology
• University of Georgia
• Mercer University
• Georgia State University

Healthcare and Medical Institutions

Georgia ranks at #39 when it comes to health care. The quality of health care in Georgia, as well as the quality of public health, is among the worst in the country, and almost 19% of adults in the Peach State are uninsured. If you’re moving to Georgia, here are the best hospitals you’ll find in this state:

• Emory University Hospital (Atlanta, Georgia)
• Piedmont Atlanta Hospital (Atlanta, Georgia)
• Northeast Georgia Medical Center (Gainesville, Georgia)
• Northside Hospital – Atlanta (Atlanta, Georgia)
• WellStar Kennestone Hospital (Marietta, Georgia)

Tourism/Attractions

If you’re relocating to Georgia, there’s one thing you should keep in mind: there are plenty of places to visit in the Peach State. From huge aquariums to incredibly important historic sites to picturesque architecture, Georgia has a bit of everything! In addition to that, this state also has lots of natural attractions, including breathtaking falls and beautiful forests. Here are 5 top-rated tourist attractions in Georgia:

• Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site
• Georgia Aquarium
• Savannah Historic District
• Chattahoochee National Forest
• Jekyll Island

Top Cities

Georgia is the largest state east of the Mississippi, and it is home to over 530 municipalities! Because of that, it may be a little overwhelming to choose the ideal location to live within the Peach State — but we’re here to help! If you’re moving to Georgia, here are 5 top cities in this state:

1. Atlanta: Atlanta is both the capital of Georgia and the largest city in the state, with over 500,000 residents. This city has one of the best economies in the country, and it is known for being an important transportation hub.
2. Savannah: This picturesque city is the oldest city in Georgia and it is home to a little over 140,000 people. Savannah is particularly popular among tourists thanks to its historic sites and picturesque architecture.
3. Athens: Home to over 120,000 people, this city-county is known for being a college town. The University of Georgia is located in Athens, and it was really helpful to the city’s growth in the past.
4. Augusta: The second-largest city in Georgia, Augusta is known for hosting The Masters Tournament, an important competition in golf.
5. Columbus: One of the largest city-counties in the country, Columbus is popular among those who enjoy adventures — it is home to the longest whitewater rafting course in the world!

Job Market

As of 2019, there were over 4,7 million employed residents in the state of Georgia. The Peach State has the 23rd-highest unemployment rate in the United States, at 5.6. There are several companies all across the state, and there was a growth in jobs of 2.45% during a 1-year period. If you’re relocating to Georgia, you’ll probably need to find a job. Here are the top hiring companies in the Peach State:

• Delta Air Lines
• The Home Depot
• Coca-Cola
• Arby’s
• Randstad USA

Alternatively, you can also try to find a job using the State of Georgia’s official website.

Economy

In terms of economy, Georgia is one of the top-rated states in America. With a GSP of over $600 billion, the Peach State could maintain itself as an independent economy and it would still be one of the 30 best economies in the world. In addition to that, Georgia is also considered one of the best U.S. states to do business, which is why it is home to 17 Fortune 500 companies. Here are the top industries in Georgia:

• Aerospace
• Food & Beverage
• Machinery/Heavy Equipment
• Automotive
• Fabricated Metal

Things to do in Georgia

If you’re moving to the Peach State, you won’t have trouble at all trying to find things to do. Georgia has a rich history, which can be explored in one of the many museums across the state — and it also has been blessed geographically speaking, that is, in Georgia, you’ll find mountains, beaches, rivers, lakes, swamps, and many other natural attractions. Here are 8 things to do in Georgia!

1. Georgia Aquarium: If you’re interested in sea life, you can’t miss the Georgia Aquarium. The Georgia Aquarium is home to thousands of animals — and it was once considered the largest aquarium in the world!
2. Jekyll Island: This island is perfect for those who want to enjoy a weekend getaway at the beach. Jekyll Island is also a popular destination for filmmakers, and it was the filming location for productions that include movies such as X-Men and TV shows such as The Walking Dead.
3. Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site: Martin Luther King Jr. needs no introduction. If you want to learn more about this legend’s life, the MLK Jr. National Historic Sites includes his boyhood house and the church where he was a pastor!
4. Forsyth Park: Are you interested in taking gorgeous pictures for your Instagram feed? Forsyth Park in Savannah is a picturesque park that will look perfect in the background of your photos!
5. Rock City: This attraction on Lookout Mountain is quite popular among tourists, especially because of the gorgeous view from up there!
6. Anna Ruby Falls: If you feel like spending a day connecting with nature in a breathtaking location, the Anna Ruby Falls and its twin waterfalls are perfect for that!
7. Masters Tournament: The city of Augusta in Georgia is internationally famous for hosting one of the most important competitions in golf: the Masters Tournament. Even if you’re not a fan of golf, it’s totally worth it going to the Masters at least once!
8. Driftwood Beach: The beaches in Georgia are gorgeous, but Driftwood Beach is particularly spectacular, especially when the tide is low. If you’re into taking amazing pictures or hunting seashells, this beach is ideal for you!

Public Transport

While Georgia is the #1 state for road quality, locals often report that the quality of public transportation still has to improve quite a lot. However, if you move to one of the major cities in the Peach State, transportation should not be a problem. Here are 8 means of transportation you’ll find in Georgia:

Crime and Safety

According to crime reports, Georgia is the 27th-best state in terms of crime and corrections. The juvenile incarceration rate in the Peach State is almost 50% lower than the national average, and the violent crime rate of 357 crimes per 100,000 residents is also well below the national average. If you’re relocating to this state, here are the 5 safest cities in Georgia:

• Braselton
• Johns Creek
• Milton
• Summerville
• Holly Springs

Acquire a new driver’s license in Georgia

Moving to a new location requires that you undergo lots of bureaucratic processes that include transferring some documents. If you’re relocating to Georgia, one of the first things you’ll have to do is acquire a new driver’s license — the state’s government requires that new residents do this within the first 30 days of moving to Georgia. If you don’t know how to acquire a new driver’s license in Georgia, here’s what you have to do:

1. Visit a Department of Driver Services in Georgia.
2. Bring the following documents:
   1. proof of identity;
   2. proof of birth;
   3. proof of Social Security Number;
   4. proof of Georgia address;
   5. your current driver’s license;
   6. MVR, if required.
3. Pass a vision exam (and written knowledge and road exams, if required).
4. Pay the fees.

Road Safety, Highways, and Routes

According to traffic accident reports, approximately 70 drivers in Georgia are involved in car accidents every hour. With over 340,000 crashes per month, the average number of car crashes per day is a little over 1,100! Because of that, the Georgia Department of Transit has implemented different road safety programs in an attempt to prevent traffic accidents. If you’re moving to Georgia, here are the main highways and routes in the Peach State:

Highways

• I-75
• I-20
• I-85
• I-16
• I-95

U.S. Routes

• US 23
• US 41
• US 129
• US 27
• US 441

Museums

By now, you’ve probably noticed that Georgia is one of the richest states in terms of history. One of the original colonies, the Peach State has been involved in many important moments of American history, including the Civil War and the Civil Rights movement. If you’re interested in learning more about the history of Georgia and the history of the United States, here are 7 museums to visit in Georgia!

• The National Center for Civil and Human Rights
• The National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center
• The Martin Luther King Jr., National Historic Site
• Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia
• Augusta Museum of History
• Booth Western Art Museum
• Webb Military Museum

In the end, is moving to Georgia worth it?

If you’re considering moving to Georgia, we would recommend that you look into moving to one of the major cities in the state. Considering that the health care and education systems in the Peach State still have significant flaws, living in major cities means that you’ll have access to better hospitals, better schools, and overall better quality of life. If you work in the metal industry, Georgia may be worth it for you, considering that this industry has some of the highest-paying jobs in the state. If you’re interested in living in picturesque small towns, the Peach State is also ideal for you!

How to Move to Georgia

• When you decide to move to Georgia, there are many details that you need to consider in order to make the moving process go as smoothly as possible!
• House items packed into moving boxes

Have you decided that moving to Georgia is the best option for you and your family? If that’s the case, then it’s time to start organizing everything and getting ready for the big move. Are you unsure regarding where to get started? Don’t worry! Here are 10 steps to help you move to Georgia!

1. Plan Ahead.
   • The key to getting everything right during the moving process is to plan ahead. Don’t leave everything until the last minute and you’ll save yourself time and money! You can download our handy moving checklist to help you with planning!
2. Downsize.
   • Let’s be honest: we all have things in our homes that have no use. Keep in mind that moving to another state can be quite expensive — and the more things you have, the more you’ll spend. Downsizing is a great way of saving money.
3. Get Moving Quotes.
   • Another tip on saving money during the moving process is to get moving quotes from different companies. This way you can compare prices and find the most affordable mover.
4. Book Movers.
   • Once you narrow down your search and find the ideal mover for your needs, it’s time to book their services and set a date to start moving to Georgia.
5. Visit Your New Area.
   • In case you’re still unsure whether or not you’re making the right decision, we recommend that you visit your new area in Georgia before moving permanently.
6. Start Packing.
   • Now that you’ve hired a mover and visited your new area, it’s time to start packing your belongings. You can get moving boxes directly from your mover — or you can read our guide on everything moving boxes and supplies!
7. Create Essential Box
   • Once you get to your new home in Georgia, you’ll want to have access to items such as clothes, clean towels, toothbrushes — that’s why it’s recommended that you create an Essentials box where you’ll store these items.
8. Say Farewells.
   • If you’re moving to Georgia from another state, that means you’ll be living away from the people you know. Because of that, it’s essential that you set aside some time (and some tissues) to say farewells to your friends and family!
9. Get Some Rest.
   • There are only a handful of things that are as mentally and physically exhausting as moving to a new place. That’s why it’s important that you don’t forget to get some rest in-between packing your belongings and contacting movers.
10. Enjoy the Move.
    • Our final tip to help you move to Georgia is, technically, quite simple — however, most people forget to enjoy the moving process. Sure, moving to a new area is quite stressful and energy-consuming, but try to stay positive!

Moving Services to Help You Relocate to Georgia

Once you start looking into moving to Georgia, you’ll find that there are multiple services offered by a seemingly infinite number of moving companies all over the country. It can be quite overwhelming trying to understand all the terms and definitions related to the moving process. That’s why we’re about to show you a simplified explanation of 9 moving services to help you relocate to Georgia!

• Furniture Transportation
  • Usually, when people move to a new location, they bring their furniture along. In some cases, it’s cheaper to move furniture to Georgia than to buy everything from scratch.

• Residential Movers
  • As the name suggests, residential movers are specialists in moving your belongings from one house to another. In case you’re moving an office to Georgia, this is not the service you’re looking for — we’ll explain more below!
• Piano Transportation
  • Are you a pianist? In that case, you know exactly how heavy a piano is. That’s why not all companies will move a piano to Georgia. You need to contact a mover that offers this service specifically.
• Art and Antiques Movers
  • Moving art and antiques to Georgia will require extra attention and care, for they are fragile items. Not all companies offer this service, so make sure to hire the right mover!
• Hot Tub Movers
  • Hot tubs are one of the heavier items that people have at home, as well as being one of the most expensive. Depending on where you live, moving a hot tub to Georgia will probably be cheaper than buying a new one.
• Pool Table Movers
  • Similar to hot tubs, pool tables are bulky items that require more attention and more space in a moving truck. Not all companies will move a pool table to Georgia, which is why you need to thorough research before booking a mover.
• Office Movers
  • Remember that we mentioned office movers on another topic? Well, these movers are specialists in transporting items from one office to another, regardless of the location of the office. If you’re relocating an office to Georgia, office movers are what you’re looking for.
• Long Distance Movers
  • If you’re making a cross-country move to Georgia, you’ll need to hire a long-distance mover, as some companies will only transport your items within your current state.
• Last Minute Movers
  • When we recommend that you plan ahead of moving, it’s because moving is a very detailed and complex process. However, if the circumstances require that you make a last-minute move to Georgia, there are movers who specialize in this service.