Moving To Georgia: Pros & Cons

The state of Georgia is known for many things. The state was one of the original 13 colonies and played a pivotal role in the American Civil War. It is also known for peaches, sweet tea, and southern hospitality. Georgia has a long history of being a great place to live, work, and raise a family. In recent years, however, the state has become increasingly popular as a destination for people moving from all over the country of all ages. If you’re considering a move to Georgia, there are a few things you should know about before making the big decision. Here are some of the pros and cons of moving to Georgia.

 

Living in Georgia: Pros & Cons

Benefits of Living in Georgia

Depending on your priorities and values, different parts of Georgia will appeal to you more than others. The state is large and diverse, with many different types of communities, so it’s important to do your research before moving. That said, here are some of the general pros of moving to Georgia.

 

1. Diverse Landscapes

Georgia has everything from bustling metro areas to huge beautiful areas dedicated to natural landscapes. There is plenty of natural parks and beaches along the Atlantic Ocean to enjoy on the weekends. The Blue Ridge Mountains, which is a part of the Appalachian Trail, is located in Georgia. Along with Amicalola Falls State Park, Stone Mountain, Lake Lanier, and Tallulah Gorge State Park.

 

2. Winters are Mild

Northeast Georgia is known to get snow from time to time because of its mountainous range at high altitudes. However, the large majority of Georgia doesn’t get a lot of snow or rainfall. The annual average for sunny days is 218 out of 365. This means that yearly on average, 59% of the days are expected to be sunny, even during the winters.

 

3. Cost of Living is Low Comparatively

Georgia is one of the most affordable states when it comes to the cost of living. The overall prices of goods, services, housing, healthcare, and transportation are lower than the national average. However, the cost of living can change drastically depending on where you move to in the Peach State.

 

4. Job Opportunities

The economy of Georgia is strong and continues to grow by the day. Various industries are based out of the state and provide residents with plenty of job opportunities. Atlanta in particular has had a huge boom in recent years and is a hub for many different industries.

 

5. Property Taxes are low

The average homeowner in Georgia pays a property tax rate of 0.87% of their home value with the payment being $1,771 annually. This is lower than the national average of $2,571 by $800.

 

6. Southern Hospitality

If you’re moving from up North, then be prepared for the warm welcome of Southern hospitality. Southerners are known to be some of the friendliest people around and they take pride in their culture and traditions. From polite greetings to tasty food, moving to Georgia has its perks in this department.

 

Drawbacks of Living of Georgia

Of course, nothing is perfect, and moving to any new state has its challenges. Here are some of the cons of moving to Georgia that you should be aware of before packing your bags.

 

1. Bugs

Georgia has a warm, humid environment which means that it is the perfect place for bugs to thrive. Mosquitos are big and rampant in Georgia and many residents refer to them as the state bird. On top of mosquitos, sand gnats are also a big problem. These tiny biting bugs are attracted to the carbon dioxide that you expel and can be a real nuisance.

 

2. Heat and Humidity

Being closer to the equator and in a humid climate, Georgia can get pretty hot and sticky during the summer months. With highs of 90 degrees or more, the heat can be unbearable at times. The humidity only makes it worse as it can make it difficult to remain cool and comfortable.

 

3. Traffic

With a rapidly growing population, the traffic in Georgia has gotten considerably worse in recent years. Tourists, new residents, and commuters add to the congestion on a daily basis. This is especially true in Atlanta where one of the largest airports in the world resides traffic is known to be some of the worst in the country.

 

4. Bad Public Transportation

The public transportation in Georgia is not the best. While there are a few options available, they are not as widespread or reliable as in other states. This can make getting around Georgia a challenge, especially if you don’t have a car.

 

5. Rampant Allergies

The spring season in Georgia is notorious for its allergies. With pollen counts reaching high levels, many residents suffer from intense allergies. If you have allergies, moving to Georgia may be something to think twice about.

 

6. High Crime Rates in Specific Areas

The overall crime rate of Georgia is higher than most states. Depending on where you live in the state, the crime rate can be low or extremely high. Worrying about crime isn’t something that anyone wants to deal with, so it’s definitely something to keep in mind before moving. Here are the nine most dangerous cities in Georgia:

• College Park
• Americus
• Albany
• Forest Park
• Warner Robins
• Douglasville
• Morrow
• Bainbridge
• Waynesboro

 

Work With Some of The Best Georgia Agents on Your Move

Looking for a good real estate agent in Georgia? Then you’ll want to work with a Negotiator. Negotiators are top-performing real estate agents who have a proven track record of getting their clients the best possible deal on their home purchase or sale. These agents are located in Georgia along with many other states across the country and have a wealth of experience in helping people move to a new house.

 

Search to find a Georgia Negotiator here.