Georgia is an amazing place to call home, and more and more people are moving to Georgia lately -- it’s one of the fastest-growing states in the U.S. From the warm weather to the southern hospitality and the low cost of living, it’s no wonder everyone is relocating to Georgia.
Are you thinking about moving to Georgia soon? Here’s what you should know about the state!
What to Know Before Moving to Georgia
Georgia Is Full of Sports Fans
Between football, basketball, and baseball, the Atlanta Hawks, Falcons, and Braves draw in huge crowds of passionate fans from all over Georgia. If you weren’t that big on sports before moving to Georgia, the atmosphere might just change your mind. Make sure to get a glimpse of Georgia’s sports-loving culture -- you might enjoy a game more than you think!
ITP vs. OTP
Metro Atlanta gets divided into two parts by “The Perimeter” (I-285), which is a highway loop that encircles the city. ITP means inside the perimeter, and OTP means outside the perimeter; why is that important to know? When you’re talking to locals about where something is, they will likely mention if it’s inside or outside of the perimeter. Getting acquainted with these terms quickly will help you navigate the big city of Atlanta.
You Know About Georgia’s Peaches, But What About the Pecans?
When you think of Georgia, what comes to mind? Probably the fact that it’s known for sweet, juicy peaches and the dozens of stands lining the state’s rural roads -- there’s even a peach on the state’s driver’s licenses! Georgia technically isn’t the top producer of peaches in the country, but it does bring in the most pecans!
Georgia Is More Than Atlanta
Atlanta is most people’s first thought when it comes to Georgia, but there’s so much more. The state has a ton of cool cities. Augusta hosts the PGA Master Tournament each year, and Savannah is a beautiful historic harbor town. Small town Georgia has so much to offer; try taking a drive down the rural roads -- the scenery is breathtaking. Beach towns and islands like Tybee and Jekyll make for the perfect weekend getaway during the summertime!
Georgia Has Stunning Beaches
Speaking of beach towns, while Georgia’s beaches may not be as famous as the ones in Florida, they are just as stunning, if not more so. It’s worth visiting (or moving to) Georgia to visit the state’s beaches and islands.
Housing in Georgia Is Pretty Affordable
The average price to buy a home in Georgia is around $250,000. Sound a little steep? Here’s the secret: you can get a manufactured home for less than $100,000 in Georgia. The state has a ton of beautiful land accessible to mobile homeowners -- they’re an excellent option for anyone who is thinking about moving to Georgia.
Looking for the best mobile homes in Georgia? Check out Home Nation’s selection for high-quality, affordable, Georgia manufactured homes!
Related: Buying a Mobile Home in Georgia
Pros and Cons of Moving to Georgia
Georgia is the 24th largest state and the 8th most populous. Here are a few pros and cons about living in Georgia:
Pros of Living in Georgia
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Cost of living. Georgia is the 11th most affordable state to live in the U.S. The state offers great savings on things like utilities, living expenses, and housing.
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Economy. With the affordable cost of living in Georgia, it has the economy to match. The median income is around $30 thousand, which is plenty when you consider the low costs of things like groceries, housing, and transportation.
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Sports. Any sports fan knows that Georgia is one of the most passionate states when it comes to just about any sporting event. Between their world-famous college and professional teams, Georgia is also the host for the PGA Masters Tournament.
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Southern charm. You haven’t experienced true Southern hospitality until you’ve been to Georgia. The Southern charm, general politeness, and amazing home cooking are unmatched.
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Job market. Georgia is home to many Fortune 500 companies and is a hub for amazing career opportunities, particularly in the larger cities like Atlanta.
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Nature. From the beaches to the mountains, Georgia’s landscape is exceptionally beautiful. The natural wonders and sense of outdoor adventure can’t be beaten -- it’s sure to keep you captivated year round!
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Festivals. Between the various famous film and music festivals that pop up in Georgia, there’s something for everyone to enjoy, no matter the season!
Cons of Living in Georgia
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Traffic. While mostly a problem in cities like Atlanta, traffic can be terrible since it’s a hub for tourism and business. Atlanta is one of the most congested cities in the U.S. when it comes to traffic.
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Pollen. With the plethora or plants and trees in Georgia comes just as much pollen. It can be a rough time for people who suffer from seasonal allergies.
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Humidity. The winters in Georgia are fantastically mild, but the tradeoff is the heat and humidity during the warmer months. The humidity is no joke.
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Bugs. There are a variety of bugs that live year-round in Georgia, from ants to gnats and mosquitos; there’s always some pesky bug that’s active.
Best Places to Live in Georgia
Remember when we told you that there’s more to Georgia than Atlanta? Here are some of the best cities to look into when you’re thinking about relocating to Georgia:
Alpharetta
Alpharetta is an amazing place for someone who is (or is thinking about) raising a family. Names the top place to move to by Forbes Magazine and named one of the friendliest cities in the U.S., Alpharetta is an amazing place. It’s a community-focused city and hosts events for the people living there often. Alpharetta has an exceptionally low crime rate, high property values, and an excellent education system. It’s also home to hundreds of delectable restaurants and craft beer breweries!
Athens
Athens is an excellent city in Georgia for the young (or young-hearted). It’s a vibrant college town where there is never a dull moment! Rent and housing here are extremely affordable, and it’s the perfect place to enjoy the nightlife and a wide array of entertainment options. Athens is full of college students and young professionals. It’s also well-known for providing tons of free transportation options. Athens is a great place for anyone who is looking for exciting things to do each day.
Johns Creek
Johns Creek is the melting pot of Georgia; it’s known for having a deep, rich culture and diversity. Johns Creek also has many historic landmarks along with countless opportunities for business startups and entrepreneurs! This Georgia city also has some of the best housing options and public schools in the entire country. It’s an excellent place to focus on your career -- it’s home to many Fortune 500 companies along with aspiring ones.
Roswell
Living in Roswell, Georgia is kind of like living in Atlanta but with the small town benefits. It’s quaint, charming, and family-friendly, with community-focused events held all the time! It’s the perfect town for anyone looking for a small-town, close-knit vibe, but that offers all of the activities that a bigger city would usually have! Anyone who values a strong connection to their community will feel at home in Roswell.
Warner Robins
Warner Robins is up there with the most affordable places to live in Georgia. It has a decidedly suburban feel, and its public schools are highly rated. It’s a military town, and Warner Robins is home to the Museum of Aviation and the Robins Air Force Base, along with the Georgia Aviation Hall of Fame. This Georgia city offers outdoor activities from golfing to hiking, and it has plenty of other attractions like live theater.
Living in Georgia: Fun Facts & Weird Laws
Here are some of the unique (and silly) things about living in Georgia!
Did You Know That:
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Georgia is where Coca-Cola started!
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18 different Fortune 500 companies call Georgia home.
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Georgia’s state animal is the possum -- it’s named Pogo.
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There are 55 streets in Georgia called Peachtree.
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Georgia started the civil rights movement!
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Georgia produces onions that are extremely sweet.
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The Varsity in Georgia has the world’s largest drive-thru -- it can fit 600 cars!
Let’s Look at Georgia’s Strange Laws
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It’s illegal for a funeral director to use obscene language in front of a corpse -- you know, in case it gets offended.
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You can’t keep your donkey in a bathtub -- anywhere else is fine, though.
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If you own a mule, they must be under constant supervision -- it might be easier to have a pet donkey.
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You can’t sell two beers for the price of one -- you can sell them both for half price, though.
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On Sundays, you can’t have an ice cream cone in your back pocket. It’s perfectly acceptable every other day.
What do you think; does living in Georgia sound like something that’s right for you? Before you move, don’t forget to stop by Home Nation and check out the best, most affordable selection of manufactured homes in Georgia!
