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Living in Georgia 🏡 | What to Know Before Moving to Georgia
Living in Georgia can be absolutely incredible! Indigenous people lived in Georgia for thousands of years before White settlers arrived in the 1500s. Spain was the first European country to colonize Georgia, with England taking control in the early 1700s. English settlers began moving to Georgia in large numbers after Georgia became an English colony in 1732.
Georgia was one of the original Thirteen Colonies and formed the initial United States of America. It joined the Confederacy during the Civil War and underwent economic and social downturns during the late 1800s and early 1900s. The state slowly urbanized and became a center for the Civil Rights Movement, being home to Martin Luther King Jr and other civil rights leaders.
Living in Georgia today gives you access to an affordable cost of living, nice weather, and a range of top attractions. Georgia's nickname is the Peach State because of its peach farms. Moving to Georgia may sound like the perfect thing to do. But before you start your upcoming move, you should learn more about this incredible state. Here's your authoritative guide on living in Georgia.
Yes, Georgia is a great place to live! It offers a low cost of living with affordable housing and low property taxes. The state has a strong job market, especially in sectors like technology, healthcare, and logistics. With a temperate climate and distinct seasons, Georgia also boasts warm summers and mild winters.
What Is Georgia Known for?
Georgia is known for its top crops, including peanuts, peaches, and pecans. It's also known for its historical landmarks, including Georgia Aquarium, Rock City, and Stone Mountain.
Where Is Georgia?
Georgia is in the Southeastern United States. Georgia has a small coast on the Atlantic Ocean, and it's close to the Gulf of Mexico, but it doesn't have a coast there. Georgia borders Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Alabama. Georgia movers can help you relocate from any of these states to Georgia.
Georgia has five major geographic regions: the Appalachian Plateau region, the Atlantic Plain region, the Blue Ridge region, the Piedmont region, and the Ridge and Valley region. Georgia contains various notable geographic features, including the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Savannah River, Jekyll Island, and Tybee Island. An Atlanta moving company can help you move to a new home with a laid-back atmosphere and beautiful scenery.
Where Is Georgia on the Map?
You can find Georgia in the lower-right part of a map of the United States. It's above Florida, to the right of Alabama, to the left of South Carolina, and underneath Tennessee and North Carolina.
Transportation in Georgia
Georgia is a great state for public transport, with Georgia airports being among the best in the world. The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) serves all residents living in Atlanta and the Atlanta metro area. The system has 100 bus lines, four rapid transit lines, and one street car line. Stops are all over the metropolitan area; you can use the MARTA system map to see where stops and routes are.
Many counties also have their own public transportation systems. CobbLinc serves Cobb County residents, while Ride Gwinnett serves Gwinnett County residents. Most people living in Georgia use their cars and rely on public transportation.
If you prefer to drive, you can rely on Georgia's roads. Georgia has thousands of miles of public roads, including interstates and state routes that connect nearly all cities and towns in the state. Moving to Georgia is easy, thanks to the public roads.
You can find out the latest news at Atlanta Airport by visiting Fox5 Atlanta.
How Many People Live In Georgia?
According to the US Census, Georgia had a population of 11,180,878 in 2024. The Georgia population has been steadily rising. Between 2010 and 2020, the population of people living in Georgia rose by 10.6%. Between 2020 and 2024, the population of residents living in Georgia rose by 4.4%. The Georgia population density is 185.6 people per square mile.
Atlanta is the biggest city in Georgia. According to the US Census, Atlanta had a population of 510,823 people. The Atlanta metropolitan area has over 6.3 million people, making it one of the biggest metropolitan areas in America. Other major metropolitan areas include the Augusta metro area, which extends into South Carolina. People will be moving to Georgia steadily over the next few years, drawn in by the economy and top schools.
Georgia Demographics
51.3% female, 48.7% male
Median age of residents living in Georgia: 37.9
Racial and ethnic composition of residents living in Georgia: 58.7% White (49.6% non-Hispanic), 33.2% Black or African American, 11.1% two or more races, 4.9% Asian, 2.5% two or more races, 0.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander
Median household income of residents living in Georgia: $74,664
Educational attainment of people living in Georgia: 89.0% of residents living in Georgia have graduated high school, 34.2% of residents have a bachelor's degree
Percentage of foreign-born people living in Georgia: 10.8%
What Famous People Are From Georgia?
Many famous people have been living in Georgia, including:
The five largest cities in Georgia are Atlanta, Columbus, Augusta, Macon, and Savannah. Here are the 10 largest cities in order of population, with statistics from the US Census Bureau in 2023:
You can use this map to find the biggest cities in Georgia.
What Are the Best Places to Live In Georgia?
The best places to live in Georgia depend on your lifestyle, personal interests, job opportunities, and other details. Here are some of the best places to live in Georgia, organized in a few categories.
What Are the Best Places to Live In Georgia for Families?
The best places to live in Georgia for families include Johns Creek, Milton, and Alpharetta. These three Atlanta suburbs have top schools, including opportunities for higher education at the best colleges in the state. They also have low crime rates and a family-friendly atmosphere.
What Are the Best Places to Live In Georgia for Young Adults?
The best places to live in Georgia for young adults include Atlanta neighborhoods like Midtown Atlanta and Virginia-Highland. Midtown and Virginia-Highland have vibrant art scenes and affordable apartments and homes. Outside of Atlanta, young adults can enjoy Kennesaw, which USA Today named the best place to live in Georgia. Kennesaw has top attractions and a growing job market, making it perfect for young professionals.
What Are the Best Places to Live In Georgia for Retirees?
According to Travel and Leisure, the best places to live in Georgia for retirees include Decatur, Dalton, and Sandy Springs. These three cities have low crime rates and benefits for seniors on taxes and outdoor attractions.
What Is the Cost of Living in Georgia?
According to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center, Georgia has a cost of living index of 91.5. That means that the price of items in the state cost 8.5% less than the national average. Nearly all items are more affordable in Georgia than the national average, so you can save money by moving to Georgia and living in Georgia. Utilities are the only major exceptions, but they're only 0.4% more expensive than the national average.
Most major metropolitan areas have a lower cost of living in Georgia than the national average. The Atlanta cost of living index is 98.3, while the Columbus cost of living index is 92.3. Augusta is the most affordable metropolitan area in Georgia, with a cost of living of 84.3. Atlanta has the highest cost of living index of any major metro area in the state.
According to Doxo, the average monthly bill in Georgia is $2,128. The average monthly rent bill in Georgia is $1,253, while the average monthly mortgage bill is $1,499. According to the MIT Living Wage Calculator, a single adult living without children needs to earn $48,448 a year before taxes to cover their expenses. A single adult spends $4,279 a year on food, $15,331 on housing, and $2,983 on medical care. A family of four with both adults working needs to earn $106,414 a year before taxes. A family of four spends $12,577 a year on food, $18,188 a year on housing, and $9,907 on medical care.
According to the Tax Foundation, Georgia has a flat income tax rate that all residents living in Georgia pay, 5.49%. Georgia has a corporate tax rate of 5.75% and a state sales tax rate of 4.00%. The average combined state and local sales tax rate is 7.38%. Georgia has an effective property tax rate of 0.72%.
According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, real personal consumption expenditures in Georgia went up by 1.6% between 2022 and 2023. The regional price parity in Georgia in 2023 was 96.7, meaning items in Georgia cost 3.3% less than the national average in 2023. Residents living in Georgia spent $50,282 per capita in 2023, below the national average of $56,202.
Where Is the Cheapest Place to Live In Georgia?
According to Redfin, Albany is the cheapest place to live in Georgia. The median price of Albany homes for sale is $77,750, with an average price per square foot of $82.
What Is the Cost of Living in Atlanta Georgia?
The Atlanta cost of living index is 98.3, meaning items in the Atlanta area cost 1.7% less than the national average. This means the cost of living in Atlanta is affordable.
Is Georgia Cheaper Than Florida?
Yes, Georgia is generally cheaper than Florida. All major cities in Georgia have lower costs of living than the national average, while several major cities in Georgia are more expensive, including Miami and Fort Lauderdale.
Georgia Housing Market
Georgia real estate can be affordable, though you need to work higher than the minimum wage. According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, someone living in Georgia and working at minimum wage would need to work 140 hours to afford a one-bedroom home at the fair market rent rate. You need to earn $25.39 an hour to cover the cost of a one-bedroom rental home. According to the 2022 ATTOM Affordability Report, it is cheaper to rent in northeastern Georgia and cheaper to buy a home in other parts of the state.
How Is the Housing Market in Georgia?
The Georgia housing market is healthy and diverse. According to Redfin, over 120,000 homes were sold in Georgia in 2023. Most of these properties were single-family homes, but thousands of townhomes, condos, and vacant lots were also sold.
What Is the Average Rent in Georgia?
According to RentCafe, the average cost of Georgia apartments is $1,608 a month. The average rent in Georgia is more affordable than the national average.
What Is the Average Home Price in Georgia?
According to Redfin, the median cost of Georgia homes for sale is $384,000, with a price per square foot of $176.
What Is the Weather Like in Georgia?
The overwhelming majority of Georgia has a humid subtropical climate, with small parts of North Georgia having an oceanic climate. Residents living in Georgia experience warm and humid summers and cool and windy winters. Temperature averages in Georgia weather vary depending on where you are living in Georgia. Atlanta has average temperatures in the winter in the mid-40s and average temperatures in the summer in the high 70s. Savannah has average winter temperatures in the low 50s and average summer temperatures in the low 80s.
Georgia receives very little snowfall; Atlanta receives 2.6 inches, while Savannah receives 0.2 inches of snowfall. Many cities in Georgia receive a substantial amount of rain; Atlanta receives 43.0 inches, while Savannah receives 40.6 inches.
According to the National Centers for Environmental Information, Georgia has experienced 133 severe weather events that have caused economic losses exceeding $1 billion. The most common forms of severe weather in Georgia are tornadoes, thunderstorms, and hail storms. Georgia can also experience tropical storms and winter storms that create sleet and hail.
What Climate Zone Is Georgia?
Georgia has a humid subtropical climate.
What's the Weather in Savannah Georgia?
According to Weather Spark, Savannah has hot and humid summer months and mild but partly cloudy winters. You can view the latest Savannah weather information by visiting The Weather Channel.
What Is the Weather Like in Atlanta Georgia?
According to Weather Spark, Atlanta has humid and hot summers and short but cold winters. Atlanta weather information is available on WSB-TV 2 and other local Atlanta news stations.
Things to Do in Georgia
Georgia has incredible things to do, including some of the best outdoor and indoor attractions in America. Here are the top things to do in Georgia, including kid-friendly points of interest you can enjoy as soon as you start moving to Georgia.
The Georgia Aquarium covers more than 600,000 square feet, with thousands of animals living in the aquarium. You and your kids can see manta rays, beluga whales, sea otters, and African penguins.
The World of Coca-Cola covers 20 acres and contains exhibits dedicated to the history of Coca-Cola. You and your family can try out over 100 flavors of Coca-Cola from all over the world and enjoy other interactive destinations.
Rock City Gardens is an outdoor botanical garden with walking trails, art installations, and suspended bridges. You can visit Rock City throughout the year, enjoying themed events in the summer, fall, and winter.
The Atlanta Botanical Garden is an outside botanical garden with numerous special features. You can view plants from all over the world, including orchids, conifers, and succulents. The garden is also home to an outdoor kitchen where you can try dishes with produce grown in the botanical garden.
Forsyth Park is one of the top free things to do in Georgia. The park covers 30 acres and contains walking paths, tennis courts, basketball courts, and other amenities. The park is also a concert venue with live musical performances throughout the year.
Six Flags Over Georgia is the top amusement park in Georgia. The park contains dozens of rollercoasters, water slides, and thrill rides, including children's roller coasters.
The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest is the only national forest in Georgia, covering 867,000 acres. The forest is the largest outdoor attraction, with 850 miles of hiking trails and dozens of campgrounds and picnic areas. The forest contains many notable natural wonders, including the Chattooga River and Anna Ruby Falls.
Zoo Atlanta covers 40 acres and is home to over 1,000 animals, including African elephants and flamingos. Zoo Atlanta is a hub for family-friendly programs, such as classes on wildlife conservation and Christmas lighting ceremonies.
The National Center for Civil and Human Rights commemorates the civil rights movement and contains thousands of artifacts related to social and political activism of all kinds. The center covers 42,000 square feet.
The High Museum of Art is one of the largest art museums in the state. The museum contains thousands of works of art, including from working artists in the Atlanta area.
If you love Georgia's sports culture, you'll love visiting the College Football Hall of Fame. The College Football Hall of Fame commemorates the best players and coaches in college football, including players in the Georgia Bulldogs and Atlanta Falcons. You can view dozens of interactive exhibits and try out your football skills on an indoor field.
The Atlanta Motor Speedway is the top destination for motorsports in Georgia. You can see races throughout the year, as well as demolition derbies and monster truck shows.
Netherworld Haunted House is the top haunted house and fall-themed attraction in Georgia. Netherworld is best known for using original characters, props, and stories, and each year offers new attractions. You can walk through the haunted house and then participate in an escape room or tour the on-site monster museum.
The National Infantry Museum is the official museum dedicated to the U.S. Army infantry. You can view over 70,000 artifacts, including a replica of the Vietnam War Memorial. It's a national historic site and an official historic site from the state of Georgia.
The Children's Museum of Atlanta is the top indoor kid-friendly attraction in Georgia. Your kids can play at six permanent exhibits and enjoy a range of rotating exhibits and installations.
What Are Fun Things to Do in Georgia?
Fun things to do in Georgia include the Georgia Aquarium, Six Flags Over Georgia, and Netherworld Haunted House.
What Are Some Fun Things to Do in Atlanta Georgia?
Fun things to do in Atlanta Georgia include the Children's Museum of Atlanta, the World of Coca-Cola, and Zoo Atlanta.
Map of Georgia Attractions
You can use this map to view some of the best things to do in Georgia.
Georgia Sports Teams
The Peach State is well known for its sports fans. Georgia is well-represented in professional sports, being home to:
Venues for Georgia sports teams are all throughout the state. The Atlanta Hawks play at the State Farm Arena in Downtown Atlanta, while the Atlanta Braves play at Truist Park in Cumberland. The Atlanta Falcons and the Atlanta United play at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
The Peach State is also well-known for its college sports teams. The state has five Division I football teams, including teams at Georgia State University and the University of Georgia. There are over 20 Division II and Division III sports teams in Georgia as well.
Atlanta was home to the 1996 Olympic Games, and it will be a host city for the World Cup in 2026. Augusta is home to the Masters Tournament, one of four major golf tournaments in America.
Is Sports Betting Legal in Georgia?
Sports betting is currently not legal in Georgia. However, you can use international sportsbooks like Bovada and BetOnline to bet on sports events while living in Georgia.
Is Georgia Safe?
Georgia is a safe state to live in. Its crime rates are lower than the national average and most states in the Southeastern region. Residents living in Georgia are well-known for their Southern hospitality, which helps keep crime rates down.
What Is the Crime Rate in Georgia?
Here are its latest crime rates, according to the FBI in 2022:
Overall Georgia crime rate: 2,058 offenses per 100,000 people living in Georgia (11.4% lower than the national crime rate)
Violent Georgia crime rate: 367 crimes per 100,000 people living in Georgia (0.8% lower than the national rate)
Property Georgia crime rate: 1,691 offenses per 100,000 residents living in Georgia (13.5% lower than the national rate)
What Are the Safest Cities in Georgia?
According to SafeWise, the safest towns in Georgia areHolly Springs, Senoia, and Douglas.
What Are the Most Dangerous Cities in Georgia?
Morrow, College Park, and Americus are the three most dangerous cities in Georgia. Each of these cities has an overall crime rate that is at least double, if not triple, the Georgia and national crime rates.
What Is the Murder Rate in Georgia?
According to the FBI, in 2022, the Georgia murder rate was 8.2 murders per 100,000 people living in Georgia. 893 murders and non-negligent manslaughters occurred in Georgia in 2022.
Is Savannah Georgia Safe?
Yes, Savannah is a safe place to live. According to US News, the Savannah crime rate is lower than the crime rates of other metropolitan areas of a similar size.
Is Atlanta Georgia Safe?
Atlanta Georgia can have some unsafe areas, but most people do not experience crime while living in Atlanta.
Georgia Economy
The Georgia economy is strong, diverse, and growing. According to USAFacts, Georgia has the ninth-largest economy of any state in America. Georgia accounted for 2.9% of America's economy, with a real GDP of $814.4 billion. The three largest sectors by real Georgia GDP are real estate, government, and manufacturing. Each of these sectors has a GDP of at least $80 billion a year.
According to DataUSA, 4,852,111 people had Georgia jobs in 2022, up by 17.7% since 2014. The largest sectors in terms of Georgia jobs are restaurants, elementary and secondary schools, and construction. Each of these sectors accounts for at least 6% of Georgia jobs. According to the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, top employers in the Atlanta area include Delta Air Lines, Emory University, and Piedmont Healthcare.
Many Fortune 500 companies have their headquarters in Georgia, such as The Coca-Cola Company, Home Depot, and AT&T. Anyone living in Georgia can apply for State of Georgia jobs.
What Is the Economy of Georgia?
Georgia's economy is diverse, with prominent real estate, manufacturing, and transportation sectors. Georgia has one of the largest annual GDPs of any state and is a hub for international trade. You can expect a strong economy while living in Georgia.
What Jobs Hire at 15 in Georgia?
Jobs that hire at 15 in Georgia include retail associates at department stores and hosts at restaurants. Major companies like Olive Garden and Chick-fil-A have job postings that 15-year-olds living in Georgia can apply for.
What Is the Average Income in Georgia?
According to the US Census, the average household income in Georgia is $74,664. The per capita income is $39,525 a year. According to DataUSA, top-paying jobs in Georgia include jobs in the information, finance and insurance, and real estate sectors. Jobs in each of these sectors had median earnings of over $75,000 for men and over $50,000 for women.
Jobs in Georgia tend to pay more money than jobs in other parts of the country. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average hourly wage for an Atlanta worker is $32.17, compared to $31.48 across the country.
What Is the Average Salary in Georgia?
Figures for the average salary in Georgia vary depending on which metropolitan area you're living in. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual mean wage in Atlanta is $66,910, while the annual mean wage in Savannah is $55,990. The mean hourly wage in Atlanta is $32.17, while the mean hourly wage in Savannah is $26.92.
Does Georgia Have State Income Tax?
Yes, Georgia has a state income tax rate of 5.49%. It's a flat tax rate, meaning that all people living in Georgia pay 5.49% of their income, regardless of how much they earn.
The HOPE Scholarship is a scholarship available to all students living in Georgia. Residents qualify if they graduate from high school with a 3.0 GPA or higher, participate in AP or IB classes, and enroll in an in-state school. The scholarship pays for part of the student's college tuition and books.
US News considers Emory University, Georgia Institute of Technology, and the University of Georgia to be the best Georgia universities. US News ranks these best colleges in Georgia among the top 50 universities in the country. US News ranks Emory University's nursing program as the best in the country. It also ranks Emory in the top 25 best value schools in the United States.
What Schools Are Closed Tomorrow in Georgia?
You can find out what schools are closed tomorrow in Georgia by visiting your local school district's website.
Where Does Georgia Rank in Education?
US News ranks Georgia 26th out of all 50 states for education. Georgia is 25th for PreK through 12th-grade education and 22nd for higher education.
Fun Facts About Georgia
The official state song of Georgia is "Georgia on My Mind" by Ray Charles.
Georgia was home to the largest wild hog ever found. Hogzilla was 800 pounds and was between 6.9 and 8.6 feet long. It was found and killed in Alapaha, Georgia in 2004.
Berry College in Georgia is the world's largest college campus. Berry College covers over 27,000 acres, containing Lavender Mountain, forests, and fields. It was also a filming location for Stranger Things.
Georgia is the largest producer of pecans of any location in the world. An average pecan harvest in Georgia produces roughly 100 million pounds of pecans every year.
In addition to being called the "Peach State," Georgia is also called the "Empire State of the South." Many major cities in Georgia have their own nicknames. Atlanta is called "The City in a Forest," "Hollywood of the South," and "The A."
The Georgia Guidestones were a public monument erected in Elbert County, Georgia in 1980. No one knows for sure who financed the stones. The Guidestones contained mysterious inscriptions like "Rule passion – faith – tradition – and all things with tempered reason." Conspiracy theorists alleged that the Guidestones were Satanic, and someone destroyed them with an explosive device in 2022.
Pros and Cons of Living in Georgia
Pro: Georgia has excellent public transport, especially in the Atlanta area. Moving to Georgia is extremely easy, thanks to the number of public roads and airports. Atlanta International Airport serves all major airports throughout the world.
Pro: Georgia is home to the best colleges in the United States, including Emory University.
Con: Some cities in Georgia have very high crime rates, namely College Park and Morrow.
Pro: Georgia has some of the best outdoor destinations in America, including Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests.
Con: Georgia weather can have extremely high humidity, even in the spring and fall. Some Georgia cities have muggy or oppressive conditions throughout the entire summer, making outdoor activities difficult.
Pro: Georgia is home to amazing food, including fresh produce from Georgia farms. Georgia is well known for its peaches and pecans.
What to Know About Living in Georgia
Living in Georgia should be right up your alley! The vast majority of Georgia residents enjoy low crime rates, great schools, delicious restaurants, and top outdoor attractions! You can raise a family, retire, or get a top education in the state.
Moving to Georgia isn't as tricky as it may seem. Wirks Moving is the top Georgia moving company, having served over 20,000 customers. Call 404-635-6683 for a free estimate now.
Eric Wirks
Eric Wirks started out in the moving industry over 16 years ago and after gaining in depth expertise in all industry related areas, went on to found Wirks Moving & Storage in 2009. Under Eric’s expert tutelage Wirks Moving & Storage has since serviced over 10,000 moves and kept their customers very happy, proven by a 98% customer referral rate.
