Moving to Georgia: 6 Reasons to Pack Your Bags & Move

Georgia is one of the fastest-growing states in the U.S., with a population surpassing 10.8 million in 2024. If you are considering moving to Georgia, the overall cost of living is about 7% below the U.S. average. This makes it an excellent choice for families, young professionals, and retirees alike.

Georgia’s economy thrives, supported by booming industries such as technology, film, and healthcare. The state is expected to generate 5.2 million jobs by 2028. Major corporations like Coca-Cola, Home Depot, and Delta Airlines are headquartered in the state, making Georgia a hub for career growth.

Georgia also offers a rich cultural experience. You can immerse yourself in Southern hospitality, explore historical sites like the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, or hike the scenic Appalachian trails. With its mild climate and vibrant community life, Georgia is an ideal place to both live and work​.

6 Reasons to Move to Georgia

Georgia is one of the favorite relocation destinations for Americans. Here are the significant reasons for moving to Georgia.

1. Low Cost of Living

The cost of living in Georgia, which is 10% below the national average, makes it an affordable place to live. It’s an attractive option compared to more expensive states like California and New York, where living costs are 38% and 26% above the national average.

Here’s a breakdown of basic expenses in top metros in Georgia.

Metro	Home Price	Home Renting/Mo	Public Transport/Mo	Utilities/Mo	Food/Mo
Atlanta	$399,187	$1,927	$95	$216.15	$324
Savannah	$322,217	$1,950	$89	$198.56	$526
Augusta	$176,006	$1,250	$40	$198.56	$478
Winder	$341,092	$1,960	$95	$216.15	237.86

2. Employment Opportunities in Georgia

Georgia’s robust economy offers various employment opportunities across several industries. The Peach State is also home to 19 Fortune 500 companies.

• Advanced Manufacturing: Georgia is a leader in automotive and aerospace manufacturing. Since 2024, more than 16,000 new jobs have been added in this sector. Companies like Hyundai and Kia Motors are constantly expanding, creating opportunities for people with diverse skills.

• Healthcare and Biosciences: The healthcare industry is one of the fastest-growing in Georgia. By 2030, it’s expected to add around 200,000 jobs. This includes hospitals like Emory Healthcare and Piedmont Healthcare, along with bioscience companies like Boston Scientific.

• Logistics and Distribution: With one of the largest ports in the U.S., Savannah, and the busiest airport in the world, Hartsfield-Jackson, Georgia is a logistics hub. Over 30,000 jobs are expected to open in this sector by 2030. Major companies like UPS and Home Depot rely on Georgia’s world-class logistics network.

• Technology and FinTech: Georgia is becoming a tech powerhouse, especially in FinTech. Companies like Visa and Fiserv are growing their presence here, creating jobs for IT professionals, software developers, and finance experts. Since 2023, more than 1,200 new jobs have been created in this field, and there’s more growth on the horizon.

3. Excellent Education System

Georgia is ranked #1 in the U.S. for effectively connecting early education, K-12 schools, colleges, and job training.

Schools in Georgia

Georgia has one of the most prominent public school networks in the country. It serves over 1.7 million students across 194 districts. These are further divided into different types:

• Magnet Programs: These are free public schools that offer specialized programs in science, technology, arts, and international studies. Magnet schools like Kittredge Magnet School and DeKalb School of the Arts draw students from various districts and provide a distinct, top-grade education.
• Charter Schools: Georgia has over 97 charter schools serving over 65,607 students. These schools are run separately from the regular public system and don’t charge tuition fees. They provide specialized education in the arts or STEM fields.
• Private Schools: Georgia has over 284 private schools known for their academic excellence. The average annual tuition for private schools in Georgia is around $11,963. Prominent private institutions include Pace Academy in Atlanta and Woodward Academy in College Park.

Higher Education in Georgia

Georgia is home to several top-tier universities. The University of Georgia (UGA) and Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) offer highly regarded programs in business, law, and engineering. Emory University is another prestigious option, known for its strong programs and research opportunities.

Many of these institutions provide substantial financial aid, which can make higher education more accessible for your family.

4. Business-Friendly Environment

Georgia has been ranked the No. 1 state for business for 11 consecutive years. Its low corporate tax rate of 5.75% makes it one of the most attractive places to start or expand a company.

Georgia also offers job creation tax credits of up to $4,000 per job for the first five years. Its strong infrastructure, including Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and the Georgia Ports, further supports business growth.

5. Incredible Neighborhoods

Georgia’s neighborhoods stand out for their safety, community vibe, and strong local amenities. Areas like Alpharetta, Decatur, and Johns Creek consistently rank among the best due to low crime rates and top-rated schools.

Alpharetta, for instance, has an A+ rating for public schools and a thriving tech job market. Many Georgia neighborhoods host regular events like farmer’s markets, block parties, and festivals. Some of the popular festivals in GA include the Georgia Peach Festival, Atlanta Food & Wine Festival, and Rhythm & Ribs BBQ Festival.

6. Outdoor Activities

Georgia has a mild climate with around 215 to 220 sunny days a year, making it perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. The state’s weather allows for year-round activities like hiking, golfing, and exploring scenic landscapes without drastic seasonal changes.

If you love outdoor sports like boating, biking, and fishing, Georgia offers endless options. You can hike the Appalachian Trail or paddle along the Chattahoochee River. For those into water sports, the state’s lakes and rivers make it easy to enjoy kayaking and fishing throughout the year.

Cost of Moving to Georgia

There are additional costs involved in moving from one state to another. Here’s a breakdown of costs you may incur while relocating to Georgia.

1. Moving Costs ~ $420 and $3,394

Moving to GA involves several costs, including the costs involved in moving your belongings.

• Georgia movers can cost $103 per hour, which includes labor costs for 2-3 movers and a truck. However, this figure depends entirely on your belongings and the distance traveled.
• If you want to DIY your move, you can rent a truck as a cost-effective alternative. Mid-size moving trucks with a load capacity of 4,000-6,000 pounds generally cost between $40 and $80 per day.

👉 Tip: Moving can be expensive, especially if you are selling your home before you move. In this case, you can use a Flat Fee MLS company to save on listing agent commissions. This way, you can have additional cash when you move to Georgia.

2. Utility Expenses ~ $400 to $500 Per Month

• Once you’ve moved to Georgia, you’ll need to set up utilities like gas, electricity, and water. The average monthly utility bill in Georgia is approximately $411.
• Additionally, you’ll need to register your vehicle in Georgia. The cost for first-time registration is about $20, although counties may impose extra fees. For instance, Harris County adds a $64.75 state fee.

3. Housing Costs

Housing costs in the Peach State can vary depending on your location.

• In popular cities like Atlanta, Sandy Springs, and Rosewell, the average rent ranges between $1,400 to $2,000.
• However, if you’re looking to buy a house in Georgia, home prices vary across the state. Coastal cities like Savannah have a median home price of $322K. On the other hand, the average cost of a home in inland cities like Columbus is $225K.

3 Things to Know Before Moving to Georgia

Before you pack your bags for the Peach State, it’s essential to be aware of a few key factors that can greatly impact your experience. Here are three important things to know before moving to Georgia.

1. Traffic and Transportation

Traffic congestion in Georgia, particularly in Atlanta, is a significant problem. With an average commute time of 35 minutes, Atlanta surpasses the national average of 27.6 minutes. Studies indicate that drivers in Atlanta spend a substantial 70 hours annually stuck in traffic during peak travel times.

The limited reach of public transportation, provided by MARTA, contributes to the congestion. Only 8% of commuters utilize public transit, resulting in a heavy reliance on cars.

2. Pollen Allergies

Georgia ranks among the top 5 worst states for allergies, particularly in spring. Pollen counts can reach as high as 4,000 particles per cubic meter during peak allergy season (typically from March to May), significantly impacting residents with seasonal allergies.

3. Weather Conditions

Georgia faces a variety of weather challenges. The state experiences an average of 30 tornadoes per year and is frequently affected by tropical storms and hurricanes, especially in coastal regions.

In case of tornadoes, keep an emergency kit with food supplies, essential medicines, and important documents. For added protection, purchase hazard insurance to safeguard your property.

4 Tips for a Seamless Move to Georgia

Moving to a new place can be tough. Here are some tips to help you make a smooth transition.

• Research Cities and Neighborhoods: It’s important to research the area you want to live in. You must know if your home is in the city or suburbs. Find out where the nearby schools, hospitals, coffee shops, or restaurants are.
• Find the Living Costs: Your living costs will change once you relocate to GA. Get an estimate of the basic living expenses in your desired location before visiting the locality.
• Visit the Neighborhood: Once you’ve decided where you want to live. You must visit that Georgia neighborhood in person and see what you feel about the area.
• Meet Your Neighbors: Connect with your neighbors and socialize. Local Facebook groups can be the best way to meet your neighbors.

Is Moving to Georgia a Good Idea?

Yes, moving to Georgia is a good idea. The state continues to draw thousands of new residents yearly with its economic advantages, pleasant climate, and varied lifestyle options. Moving to Georgia offers something for everyone.

Whether it’s the year-round outdoor activities, tax advantages, or reduced cost of living, plan carefully, pick a great spot, and take advantage of everything the Peach State has to offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

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