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Do you have Georgia on your mind? Ready to move to a state where the tea is sweet and the trees drip Spanish moss? With a population of over 10.8 million people and a growing political profile as a possible swing state, Georgia is a popular choice for Americans on the move. Here are 15 things to know before moving to Georgia.
Be sure to work with a financial advisor as you weigh the pros and cons of moving to the Peach State.
1. Sports Fans Are Everywhere in Georgia
The Braves, Falcons and Hawks all draw big crowds and passionate fans in Georgia. Not to mention, the University of Georgia football team that boasts plenty of attention throughout the state. If you’re not big on sports, moving to Georgia might encourage you to go to at least one professional game just to get a glimpse of the Peach State’s sports-loving culture.
2. Fortune 500 Companies Love Georgia
Seventeen Fortune 500 companies call Georgia home, including household names like Coca-Cola, Delta and Home Depot. According to the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, “Access to new markets, the number one workforce training program in the nation, and a low cost of doing business are just a few of the reasons these companies successfully compete on a global scale.”
3. Even the Cemeteries Are Beautiful
Georgia’s Bonaventure Cemetery is a popular tourist destination. That may sound a little odd to you, but the cemetery is beautiful, it’s historic and it was featured in the best-selling book “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.” Even if you don’t settle in Savannah after moving to Georgia, it’s worth a trip to the city to see Bonaventure Cemetery and the many other attractions there.
4. You’ll Be Close to the CDC if the Worst Happens
You know all those post-apocalyptic movies and zombie television shows where everyone is trying to get to the CDC? Well, there’s good news if you’re moving to Georgia: the CDC is in Atlanta. You won’t have too far to go if the worst happens. That may give some a very nice peace of mind.
Related Article: The True Cost of Living in Georgia
5. Georgia Has Plenty of Kid-Friendly Attractions
The Georgia Aquarium, which has more than 100,000 marine animals, the beaches of the Georgia coast and Zoo Atlanta are just some of the kid-friendly attractions available in the Peach State. There’s also Six Flags Over Georgia and Stone Mountain Park, which is great for hiking, biking and a memorable cable-car ride. In other words, if you’re moving to Georgia with a family, planning to start a family after your move or simply visiting, there’s a lot for kids to enjoy.
6. The Peaches Are as Good as You’ve Heard They Are
Georgia isn’t called the Peach State for nothing. The peaches of Georgia will blow your mind when they’re in season. If you’re not moving to a neighborhood that’s near a farmers market you may have to work a little harder to get your hands on some of the state’s most famous crop, but it’s worth the extra effort.
7. Fast Food is Abundant
Peaches sound too healthy for you? Or maybe you just have a soft spot for the occasional fast food meal? Well, fast food – in the form of national chains and local joints – is abundant in Georgia. Chick-fil-A restaurants, which got their start in Atlanta in 1967, are virtually ubiquitous in Georgia. Though national chains dominate in terms of number of outlets, Chick-fil-A still ranks as No. 7 in the state.
8. Traffic Can Be Pretty Bad
Traffic in the (enormous) Atlanta metro area is notoriously bad. George has nine of the nation’s 100 worst bottlenecks for trucks, according to the American Transportation Research Institute. Eight of those are in Atlanta. In other words, if you live in Atlanta or you’re headed to the Atlanta airport for a trip out of state, it’s a good idea to give yourself plenty of time.
Check out the current mortgage rates in Georgia.
9. Atlanta’s Hip-Hop Scene Sets National Trends
Atlanta’s hip-hop scene is world famous and has produced talents like Future, 2 Chainz, Ludacris, Young Jeezy, Killer Mike, T.I. and more. If you’ve been noticing lots of trap beats and auto-tuned lyrics lately, you have Atlanta’s powerhouse record executives, producers and artists to thank. Being in the local area, you might be able to hear new artists before they hit it big.
10. The Beaches Are Beautiful
The beaches of Georgia aren’t as famous with residents of other states as the Southern beaches in Florida and the Carolinas are. But Tybee Island, St. Simons and Jekyll Island are all stunning beach destinations in the Peach State. Check the weather before you book, though. You wouldn’t want to spend a big chunk of change on a beach vacation that gets rained out.
11. There’s a Red-Blue Divide
While Atlanta leans to the left, most of the state leans to the right. That creates a divide in state politics. Georgia isn’t the only state with an urban-rural political divide, of course, but the schism is deep in Georgia and you should know what you’re getting into, especially if politics are important to you with where you live.
12. Summers Are Hot and Steamy
If you’ve never experienced a summer in the Deep South, your first summer after moving to Georgia might be a bit of a shock. Even after summer ends it never gets very cold in the Peach State. You can probably get away with donating your winter coat before moving to Georgia, unless you plan on traveling to colder climes in winter.
13. Georgia Is Steeped in Civil Rights History
Want to learn more about the Civil Rights Movement? Moving to Georgia is a perfect opportunity to enrich your knowledge of the movement and its leaders because the state was the site of so much organizing and many significant moments in the fight for civil rights. Don’t miss the National Center for Civil and Human Rights and the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site.
14. Housing Is Pretty Affordable in Georgia
Georgia was hit hard by the housing crisis, but the housing market has since recovered. Housing, whether you rent or buy, is relatively affordable in the Peach State. According to Zillow, the median list price for homes in Georgia, at the time of publishing, was $332,047. Fair market rent on a monthly basis in Georgia was $682 for a one-bedroom apartment, according to RentData.com.
15. Georgia Offers a Unique Cuisine
The state is known for a number of unique and delicious dishes. These include low country boil, shrimp and grits, peanuts, buttermilk pie and pimento cheese. Add to this list pretty much anything that incorporates the state’s famous peaches.
Bottom Line
It’s an exciting time to move to Georgia, what with the housing market recovery, political changes and high levels of entrepreneurial activity in the state. Before you move, it’s a good idea to do some research into jobs, housing and public schools so you settle someplace you’ll love.
Tips on Moving to Georgia
- A financial advisor can help you navigate big life changes such as a move to a new state, or just help you to meet your financial goals in general. Finding a financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can have a free introductory call with your advisor matches to decide which one you feel is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
- If you’ll be switching jobs, your paycheck may end up looking quite different than it does now. Try using our Georgia paycheck calculator to estimate what your new take-home pay will be.
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