Georgia
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Is moving to Georgia right for you?

Georgia has friendly weather, and short winters, making it easier for you to enjoy the great outdoors. The state is perfect for hiking, camping, rock climbing, festivals and several other tourist attractions.

Homes are affordable in Georgia and property taxes are lower than the national average. The job market in Georgia is booming with over 450 Fortune 500 companies and more. The economy of the state is powered by several industries including agriculture, tourism, and film production, etc.

If you're a sports fan, or even an athlete, you'll be glad to move to Georgia. In fact, Georgia's largest city, Atlanta, hosted the 1996 Summer Olympics - welcoming over 190 countries from across the world.

If you're considering moving to Georgia, we have all the information you need in this guide to make an informed decision.

Let's find out if Georgia is right for you or not.

Demographics

Georgia Demographics

A quick look at the population and other demographics of Georgia.

Why should we move to Georgia?

Here are a few reasons you need to think about moving to Georgia.

  • Great weather
  • Low cost of living
  • Thriving economy
  • Better job opportunities
  • Plenty of lakes, rivers, and mountains
  • High number of education instructions
  • Strong sports culture
Is moving to Georgia right for you?

Since you're mulling over moving to Georgia, we've compiled all the key information you need to know about the state before making up your mind.

Is Georgia a good state to move to?

Yes, Georgia is a good state to move in. Despite a booming economy, Georgia has a low cost of living and low taxes. In addition, the climate is also not that extreme.

Tip: While moving the home, safety of your belongings is the priority and you need a trustworthy mover at your side. Know the top-rated moving companies in Georgia.

Is it worth moving to Georgia?

You need to seriously think about moving to Georgia as the state is one of the best places to move in. Georgia???s economy is booming and the state is home to some of the largest companies in the world. The job opportunities are high and at the same time, the cost of living is low in Georgia. The state also has some of the best education institutions including UGA, Georgia Tech, and UNG.

Apart from that, Georgia has plenty of lakes and mountains that make the state a scenic paradise. Georgia is also home to the Falcons, UGA, GA Tech, Braves, Hawks, some of the best sports teams in the country.

Male vs Female Population of Georgia

Male vs Female Population by Age Groups in Georgia

Population distribution by Ethnicity in Georgia

move to delaware

What are the top 10 reasons to move to Georgia?

Moving to Georgia can be a great idea for many reasons. We've made a top 10 list of reasons to move to Georgia. This will give you an idea of how it feels like to live in the state.

  • Homes are highly affordable in Georgia

    Though the property costs in Georgia have increased in 2023, the state is still one of the cheapest in the US to own a home. The median home value in Georgia is $221,471, while it would require you to spend $1,455 per month to rent a home, which is much lower than the US national average.

  • Georgia has a great weather

    Georgia is a warm area and has short, mild winters and long, hot summers. The state receives about 50 inches of rain, on average, per year and one inch of snow per year. On average, there are 218 sunny days per year in Georgia, whereas the US average is 205 sunny days.

  • The job market in Georgia is booming

    The economy in Georgia is booming and the job cuts in the state weren't as brutal as in many states in the last year. The economy is further expected to grow by 4% this year and 17 Fortune 500 companies are located in the state, including Home Depot, UPS, Coca-Cola, Delta Air Lines, Honeywell, Equifax, FleetCor Technologies, and SunTrust Banks.

  • Lots of exciting things to do outdoors

    Georgia has great outdoor locations to spend a great time. Some of the best outdoor venues to explore in the state include:

    • Explore Atlanta Botanical Garden
    • White water rafting on Chattooga River
    • Hiking Stone Mountain
    • Exploring Callaway Gardens
    • Fishing on St. Simons
    • Hiking Blood Mountain
    • Hiking Lookout Mountain
    • Walk Along Driftwood Beach
  • Georgia is an exciting place for sports fans

    Georgia has a great sports culture and moving here, you will need to pick a team from the many as there will be a lot of debates and betting happening around you. The state is home to Atlanta Braves, Atlanta Falcons, and Atlanta Hawks, with sports items ranging from baseball, basketball, and football.

  • Georgians are friendly people

    One of the best things about Georgia is the friendly people there. Strangers will smile at you on sidewalks and may hold the door for you at a mall to enter first. They are highly hospitable and it's that warmth that makes Georgia folks so easy to get along with.

  • You'll have access to top-quality education

    Education in Georgia is top-notch. Georgia ranks 1st in the U.S. in connecting the K-12 education system with early learning, higher education, and the world of work. The state has 62 public colleges, universities, and technical colleges in addition to over 45 private institutes of higher learning. Every year, the state produces about one million new graduates and nearly 33% of Georgians have a bachelor's degree and nearly 1 in 10 hold a master's degree or higher.

  • Georgia is home to beautiful nature and lakes

    Georgia's landscape is breathtaking. The state has about 23 lakes, the most popular being Lake Allatoona, Lake Blackshear, Lake Seminole, Lake Lanier, and Lake Blue Ridge.

  • Property taxes in Georgia is below average

    Property taxes in Georgia are relatively low. The median real estate tax payment in Georgia is $1,771 per year, about $800 less than the national average. The average effective property tax rate in Georgia is 0.87%.

  • You'll enjoy tons of festivals

    There's no shortage of festivals and events in Georgia. Some of the popular festivals to drench in Georgia are:

    • Thomasville Rose Show and Festival
    • Vidalia Onion Festival
    • Georgia Peach Festival
    • Plains Peanut Festival
    • Georgia Apple Festival
    • Atlanta Food & Wine Festival
    • Rhythm & Ribs BBQ Festival
pros and cons of delaware

What are the pros & cons of living in Georgia?

Is moving to Georgia right for you or not? One of the easiest ways to find out is to consider the pros and cons of living in the state. The following are the various pros and cons of living in Georgia:

Pros of living in Georgia
  • Winter isn't harsh and long in Georgia compared to Northern states
  • Georgia is home to several natural phenomenon including Stone Mountain
  • Housing is affordable in Georgia
  • Georgia is the birthplace of Coca-Cola
  • The cost of living in Georgia is lower than the U.S. average
  • Georgia is a great place for hiking, camping, and rock climbing
  • Georgia is home to several beaches
  • You'll enjoy the nightlife and entertainment scene in Georgia
  • Georgia has a diversified economy
  • Georgia is a sports fan haven
Cons of living in Georgia
  • Summers in Georgia are long and hot with lots of humidity
  • You'll have to put up with lots of mosquitoes in Georgia
  • Georgia is ranked among the top 20 states in the country for obesity
  • Traffic in Georgia is terrible
  • Crime rates in Georgia is higher than the U.S. average
  • Healthcare quality in Georgia is less than the U.S. average
  • You'll have to deal with lots of bugs in Georgia
  • Public transport in Georgia is inadequate
  • Georgia can be irritating for pollen allergy sufferers
  • Aside property taxes, other taxes are high in Georgia

What are the best places to live in Georgia?

Georgia is home to many neighborhoods and towns. If you're planning on moving to Georgia, you'd most likely be interested in the best cities, towns, and neighborhoods in the state. So, we have compiled a list of the best places to live in Georgia to help you make the right choice.

Here are the 10 best places to live in Georgia:

                                          Place Population Median Home Value Unemployment Rate
Alpharetta 64,672 $392,200 4.6%
Johns Creek 83,637 $382,400 5.0%
Sandy Springs 105,411 $447,800 3.6%
Milton 38,171 $534,400 3.2%
Decatur 23,054 $466,800 4.7%
Dunwoody 49,016 $418,800 3.4%
Roswell 94,257 $355,900 3.3%
Woodstock 30,362 $222,500 2.9%
Suwanee 19,215 $292,900 3.2%
Braselton 10,509 $297,200 1.5%

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Where should I not live in Georgia?

Despite Georgia being safer than many states in the US, property-related crimes exist in the state, and here are a few places you need to avoid living in Georgia.

  • East Point
  • College Park
  • Eastman
  • Americus
  • Hapeville
  • Albany
  • Brunswick
  • Griffin
  • Dublin
  • Warner Robbins

Georgia Cities Moving Guides

What's the cost of living in Georgia?

The cost of living in Georgia is 93.4. The United States average is rated 100. This means the cost of living in Georgia is lower than the U.S. average. Georgia is more affordable to live in compared to several other states across the country.

How is Georgia's rental market like?

If you move to Georgia, you'll either buy a home or rent one. Many of the state's residents are homeowners. However, up to 30.8% of Georgians are renters. If you're considering renting a home in the state, you should start your search early. Only 2.6% of homes in Georgia are available to rent.

  • Average rent price in Georgia is $1,295, US is $1,470
  • Average cost of a studio Apartment is 790. The U.S. average is $821
  • Average cost of a 1 Bedroom is $ 821. The U.S. average is $930
  • Average cost of a 2 Bedroom is $ 958. The U.S. average is $1,148
  • Average cost of a 3 Bedroom is 1,256. The U.S. average is $1,537
  • Average cost of a 4 Bedroom is $1,520. The U.S. average is $1791

Are homes affordable in Georgia?

Buying a home in Georgia could be a great idea because housing is affordable in the state and property taxes are lower than the U.S. average. If you're mulling over moving to Georgia and thinking about buying a home in the state, we've collated significant data about the state's real estate market.

  • The median home value in Georgia is $206,804
  • Georgia home values have gone up 4.9% over the past year
  • Georgia's home values are expected to fall by 1.5% within the next year
  • The median list price per square foot in Georgia is $123
  • The median price of homes currently listed in Georgia is $260,700
  • The median price of homes that sold is $212,500
  • The median rent price in Georgia is $1,425
  • The percent of delinquent mortgages in Georgia is 1.1%. The U.S. average is 1.1%
  • Georgia's homeowners underwater on their mortgage is 9.5%

Is Georgia expensive to live in?

No, Georgia is not at all expensive. The cost of living is low in Georgia. Both the housing cost and rentals are much lower than the national average. In addition, the state???s economy is also booming.

Is it cheaper to live in Georgia or Florida?

Georgia is cheaper than Florida to live in. While in Georgia, you will spend less on groceries, housing, entertainment, sports, and dining than in Florida. The two things that are more expensive in Georgia than in Florida are public transport and clothing.

Median House Price in Georgia vs USA

Median Rent Price in Georgia vs USA

Cost of Living by Categories in Georgia vs USA

How is the job market in Georgia?

How soon can you get a job if you move to Georgia? The state's economy is powered by many companies in various sectors.

  • Over 450 Fortune 500 companies have a presence in Georgia
  • Georgia is home to 32 Fortune 1000 companies
  • The global headquarters of 18 Fortune 500 companies are in Georgia

What's the median salary in Georgia?

If moving to Georgia means getting a new job, how much will you most likely earn? We've collated data from the U.S. Census Bureau and Zippia to help you figure out the average amount you'll most likely earn while working in Georgia:

  • Georgia's median household income is $55,679
  • The average household income in Georgia is $78,574
  • Georgia's per capita income is $29,523
  • Georgia's high-income household (making over $200,000 a year) is 5.8%
  • Average pay for hourly rates job in Georgia is $19 per hour

Who are the largest companies in Georgia?

Moving to Georgia could mean standing a better chance of working with some of the biggest companies in the United States. If you're interested in taking a shot, here's a list of the 10 largest companies in Georgia:

  • The Home Depot
  • United Parcel Service
  • Randstad USA
  • Delta Air Lines
  • Arby's
  • The Coca-Cola Company
  • Hansen Beverage
  • Cox Media Group
  • Cox Enterprises
  • Genuine Parts Company

What are the fastest growing jobs in Georgia?

Some skills and professionals are more needed than others in Georgia, similar to several other places. If you're considering moving to Georgia and interested in the fastest growing jobs in the state. We've made a list of the fastest growing jobs in Georgia here, to help you get started.

  • Nurse Practitioner
  • Physical Therapist Assistant
  • Physician Assistant
  • Home Health Aid
  • Physical Therapy Aide
  • Physical Therapist
  • Computer Numerical Controller Machinist
  • Ophthalmic Technician
  • Optician
  • Medical Assistant

What are the top industries in Georgia?

Georgia's economy is propelled by several large industries and thousands of companies as well as the state's government. If moving to Georgia sounds like what you'll be interested in, here's a list of the largest industries in the state to give you an idea of what to expect.

  • Agriculture
  • Film production
  • Energy
  • Automotive
  • Tourism

Who are the 10 best employers in Georgia?

There are thousands of great employers in Georgia and chances are that you may get the opportunity to work with any of them. If you're considering moving to Georgia and interested in getting a job from any of the best employers in the state, we've made a list for you. Here's a list of the top 10 best employers in Georgia according to Forbes:

  • Google
  • Emory University
  • Shaw Industries
  • QuikTrip
  • Home Depot
  • Gulfstream Aerospace
  • Piedmont Healthcare
  • Emory Healthcare
  • Publix Super Markets
  • Shepherd Center

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What are the best jobs for recent college grads in Georgia?

If you're a recent college grad who's moving to Georgia, you'll most likely be interested in the best jobs you can get in the state. While it's impossible to list every single job that you can get in Georgia as a recent college grad, we've made a list of the 10 best jobs you can get in the state.

Here they are the 10 best jobs for recent college grads in Georgia:

  • Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers
  • Database Administrators
  • Management Analysts
  • Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education
  • Computer Systems Analysts
  • Web Developers
  • Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists
  • Multimedia Artists and Animators
  • Sales Engineers
  • Electronics Engineers, Except Computer

What's the unemployment rate in Georgia?

Getting a job in Georgia is fairly easy. The state's average unemployment rate is similar to the national average. Below is a simple analysis of Georgia's unemployment rates:

  • Georgia has an unemployment rate of 3.9%. The U.S. average is the same.
  • Over the past year, Georgia's job market has risen by 2.6%
  • Georgia's future job growth over the next 10 years is expected to hit 43.9%
  • The U.S. future job growth over the next 10 years is expected to hit 33.5%

Number of Households by Income Level in Georgia

Median Income in Georgia vs USA

Unemployment Rate in Georgia vs USA

Is Georgia a tax-friendly state?

Georgia has one of the lowest property taxes in the United States. Georgia's median real estate tax is $1,448 per year. That amount is $650 less than the U.S. average. Below is a simple analysis of the key taxes in Georgia.

  • Income tax in Georgia is 1% - 5.75%
  • Georgia Sales tax is 4% - 9%
  • Georgia's average effective property tax rate is 0.91%
  • Georgia gas tax is 35.15 cents per gallon of gasoline, 39.33 cents per gallon of diesel
  • Median real estate tax payment in Georgia is $1,448 per year. U.S. average is $2,090

Are taxes high in Georgia?

No, Georgia is a highly tax-friendly state. The sales tax, income tax, and property tax are much lower than the national average.

What is Georgia most known for?

The beautiful state of Georgia is known for so many things. While it's impossible to list every reason, we've selected some of the most well-known things the state is known for. If you consider moving to Georgia, chances are that you'll be interested in the various things the state of Georgia is mostly known for. Here they are:

  • Stone Mountain

    A quartz monazite dome monadnock situated 514 meters above sea level, at the city of Stone Mountain is a memorial to the Confederacy and is one of the most visited destinations in Georgia.

  • Georgia Aquarium

    The world???s third-largest aquarium is home to hundreds of species and thousands of animals across its seven major galleries. Opened in 2005, the aquarium in Atlanta has whale sharks, beluga whales, California sea lions, bottlenose dolphins, and manta rays.

  • Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site

    A 35-acre park in Atlanta dedicated to the life and works of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. Has several buildings including his boyhood home and the original Ebenezer Baptist Church, where he was baptized.

  • Ocmulgee National Monument

    The 3,300-acre park was formerly known as Ocmulgee National Monument preserves traces of over ten millennia of culture from the Native Americans in the Southeastern Woodlands. Located on the east bank of the Ocmulgee River in Macon, Georgia, the park has evidence of "17,000 years of continuous human habitation.Jimmy Carter National Historic Site

  • Established in 1987 as Jimmy Carter National Historic Site, the 71-acre historical park in Plains is dedicated to Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the US and includes his residence, boyhood farm, school, and the town railroad depot, which served as his campaign headquarters during the 1976 election. It got renamed a national historical park in 2023.

  • Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

    The world???s busiest airport by passenger traffic for the past two decades, it sees over 1,000 flights a day to 225 domestic and international destinations.

  • Pecans, peaches, and peanuts

    The three Ps in Georgia refers to pecans, peaches, and peanuts, the three largest farm produces in the state.

  • Festivals

    Georgia???s winter is mild but as soon as spring arrives with warm sunshine, the festival season also begins. Some of the popular festivals in Georgia are:

    • Azalea Festival
    • International Cherry Blossom Festival
    • Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival
    • Blessing of the Fleet
    • Thomasville Rose Show and Festival
    • Savannah Music Festival
    • Penny McHenry Hydrangea Festival
  • Sports

    Georgia is famous for its sports culture. People speak about soccer, football, basketball, and baseball seriously and take sides with their favorite teams.

  • Film production

    The film industry in Georgia is the largest in the US, with most movies shot in and around Atlanta. The state has attractive tax incentives to boost filmmaking in the state and Georgia became a prominent production destination by 2005. Atlanta is called the ???Hollywood of the South???.

What should I know before moving to Georgia?

The climate in Georgia is hot and humid. Apart from having a booming economy, the cost of living is low in Georgia. In addition, Georgia ranks high in education and infrastructure.

Before you pack your bag to Georgia, you need to know a few facts about the state, both good and bad.

  • The weather is great and there are no cold snowy winters here.
  • The cost of living is low in comparison to other US states.
  • Violent crime is relatively low.
  • Housing is cheap in Georgia.
  • As the population is diversified, the minorities live comfortably.
  • The nightlife is exciting and lively.
  • The tax rate is extremely high.
  • Traffic is horrendous, especially in peak hours.
  • Georgia is famous for its fast food and its obesity rate is alarming.

What are the best Schools & Universities in Georgia?

School quality is one of the key things you'll have to consider if you're contemplating moving to Georgia. Buying a home in an area with a top quality school district often boosts the resale value of the property. Also, renting a home or apartment in a good school district area will help your kid stand a better chance to access top quality education.

We've collated data about the best public schools (elementary, middle, and high schools) in Georgia as well as the top colleges and universities in the state. This will give you a good idea about Georgia's education and help you make the right choice.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

With a laid-back atmosphere, amazing food, and southern hospitality, Georgia is a great place to move in. The state is home to historical landmarks, beautiful scenery, and a growing job market. In addition, the metro areas of the state are also highly diverse.

Before you pack your bags to the Peach State, it is crucial to know that while winters are mild, summers are hot and humid. As the nickname denotes, Georgia has no shortage of peaches and the state cultivates about 33% of total peaches and pecans in the US. In addition, the economy is also booming which means you will find a job in any city without much trouble.

Mild winter, affordable living, abundant outdoor recreation options, miles-long beautiful beaches, mountains, and pretty landscapes make Georgia a great place to raise a family. However, the state also has many drawbacks, such as a high crime rate, high poverty rate, constant humidity, and poor public transport outside major cities. Those who are allergic to pollen would also have a tough time in Georgia.

Ask coworkers or friends

Georgia is cheaper to live in than Florida. The Peach State is 1.7% cheaper when it comes to dining, healthcare, transport, and accommodation. You may check the Florida Moving Guide for more information.

A good salary in Georgia is anything over $39,000 or $18.75 per hour. And this may differ with the city and your neighborhood. If you earn about $50,000 annually, your earnings would be equal to the income of about 50% of the state population. However, if you are in Atlanta, ensure you earn $52,000 annually to live comfortably as everything including accommodation, healthcare, and utilities are expensive here.

As per recent estimates, you need an income of roughly 52k to live comfortably in Georgia. However, if your destination is Atlanta or its suburbs, you should be ready to pay higher figures for housing, gas, and entertainment.

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