Georgia offers access to the Atlantic coast and a great deal of history and culture. If you’re considering relocating to the southeastern United States, Georgia can provide warm winters, a lower cost of living than Florida, and many professional opportunities.
This article will explain the pros and cons of living in Georgia including the following topics.
- Cost of living
- Climate
- Job market
- Culture and lifestyle
- Education
- Health Care
- Transportation and infrastructure
- Safety
Also, keep reading to learn about the best 15 places to visit in Georgia!
Cost of living
Pros:
Your risk of severe cold and robust snowstorms is low in Georgia. However, central heat will be necessary to protect you from the dampness of winter rains.
In addition, you will undoubtedly need air conditioning to deal with the sweltering summers.
Groceries in Georgia are generally less costly than the national average. But, of course, food costs tend to rise with income levels. Also, as the job market heats up, especially in urban areas, you may face higher prices in the city.
Housing costs are also lower as you move away from the city. While Georgia does offer many stretches of rural living, the population density is relatively high. Access to housing, including rental housing, is relatively consistent across the state.
Cons:
You will need a car, and your vehicle and home must have air conditioning in Georgia. If you can work remotely for at least part of your income, getting away from city prices may help protect your budget from high food, fuel, and housing costs.
Climate
Pros:
As noted above, the winters in Georgia are mild. If you can stay close to the coast, you can garden or hike all year round and enjoy more time outdoors.
A home at higher elevations may be more enjoyable if you enjoy all the seasons. Spring and fall can be especially glorious at any height.
Cons:
The Atlantic coastal regions may suffer damage from hurricanes. Summers can be brutally hot, especially if you settle further inland.
The high humidity year-round means you will not enjoy much temperature change when the sun goes down. Those who struggle in the heat may feel trapped. Once the day heats up, you may be stuck indoors until dawn.
Job market
Pros:
As of the end of 2022, the unemployment rate in Georgia was around 3%.
Job hunters can be picky and take their time making a decision.
Of course, urban areas have more options than rural Georgia. For the budget-conscious, remote work offers the best choice for keeping costs down and income high.
Even if you must drive into Atlanta once a week for your job, you can find lower-cost housing outside the city and protect yourself from high rents.
Cons:
Like many rural areas of the United States, the events of 2020 hit rural Georgia hard. While those economies are improving, you may need help finding work.
Your education level may impact your ability to get hired. Only 3 in 10 adults of employable age have a college degree in Georgia. However, if your education offers flexibility, your options may expand.
15 Best places to visit in Georgia
The following 15 destinations highlight the diverse attractions Georgia has to offer, from historic cities and charming towns to stunning natural landscapes and outdoor adventures.
- Savannah: Known for its charming historic district, cobblestone streets, and well-preserved architecture. Don’t miss Forsyth Park and the picturesque River Street.
2. Atlanta: The state’s capital offers attractions like the Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola, and the Atlanta History Center. Visit the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park for a deep dive into civil rights history.
3. Blue Ridge: A gateway to the Blue Ridge Mountains, perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and scenic train rides on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway.
4. Athens: Home to the University of Georgia, this vibrant college town boasts a lively music scene, historic architecture, and the State Botanical Garden of Georgia.
5. Jekyll Island: Part of Georgia’s Golden Isles, this island offers beautiful beaches, historic sites like the Jekyll Island Club, and the Georgia Sea Turtle Center.
6. Helen: A charming Bavarian-style village in the North Georgia mountains, known for its unique architecture, Oktoberfest celebrations, and nearby outdoor activities.
7. Stone Mountain Park: Features the largest exposed granite dome in North America, with hiking trails, a scenic railroad, and a laser show projected onto the mountain’s face.
8. Callaway Gardens: A beautiful resort complex in Pine Mountain offering gardens, a butterfly center, and recreational activities like golfing and hiking.
9. Cumberland Island: Accessible by ferry, this pristine island provides unspoiled beaches, wild horses, and historic ruins like the Dungeness mansion.
10. Augusta: Renowned for hosting The Masters golf tournament, Augusta also offers the Augusta Canal National Heritage Area and the historic downtown district.
11. Macon: Known for its rich musical history, visit the Allman Brothers Band Museum, the Tubman Museum, and the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park.
12. Tybee Island: A popular beach destination near Savannah, offering sandy shores, a historic lighthouse, and Fort Pulaski National Monument.
13. Tallulah Gorge State Park: Home to one of the most spectacular canyons in the eastern U.S., with hiking trails, waterfalls, and breathtaking overlooks.
14. Providence Canyon State Park: Often called “Georgia’s Little Grand Canyon,” this park features colorful, eroded cliffs and scenic hiking trails.
15. Okefenokee Swamp: A vast wilderness area offering boat tours, wildlife viewing, and unique opportunities to explore one of the largest freshwater ecosystems in the country.
25 Fun Things To Do In Georgia
- Explore the Georgia Aquarium: Dive into the underwater world at the Georgia Aquarium, home to thousands of marine animals, including whale sharks, beluga whales, and manta rays.
- World of Coca-Cola: Embark on a fascinating journey into the history of Coca-Cola, a globally iconic beverage brand.
- Atlanta History Center: Delve into Atlanta’s rich history through exhibits and artifacts at the Atlanta History Center.
- Centennial Olympic Park: Relax or jog in the sprawling Centennial Olympic Park, a legacy of the 1996 Summer Olympics.
- Fox Theatre: Catch a performance at the opulent Fox Theatre, a landmark known for its architectural beauty and theatrical productions.
- Savannah Historic District: Wander through the charming streets of Savannah’s historic district, lined with moss-draped squares and antebellum architecture.
- Fort Frederica National Monument: Explore the ruins of Fort Frederica, an 18th-century fort on St. Simons Island, offering a glimpse into Georgia’s colonial past.
- Amicalola Falls State Park: Hike to the top of Amicalola Falls, a cascading waterfall that is the highest in Georgia.
- Blue Ridge Mountains: Immerse yourself in the scenic beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering opportunities for hiking, camping, and breathtaking views.
- Golden Isles: Relax on the beautiful beaches of Georgia’s Golden Isles, including Jekyll Island and Saint Simons Island.
- Cloudland Canyon State Park: Explore the canyons, waterfalls, and overlooks of Cloudland Canyon State Park, a hidden gem in northwest Georgia.
- Okefenokee Swamp: Take a boat tour through the Okefenokee Swamp, a vast wetland teeming with alligators, birds, and other wildlife.
- Brasstown Valley Resort: Enjoy winter fun like skiing, snowboarding, and tubing at Brasstown Valley Resort in the North Georgia mountains.
- Providence Canyon State Outdoor Recreation Area: Hike through the otherworldly landscape of Providence Canyon, also known as Georgia’s “Little Grand Canyon.”
- Amicalola Falls Zipline Canopy Tour: Soar through the forest canopy on a zipline tour near Amicalola Falls State Park.
- Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park: Learn about the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at this national historical park in Atlanta, including his birthplace and Ebenezer Baptist Church.
- Atlanta Ballet: See a world-class ballet performance by the Atlanta Ballet.
- High Museum of Art: Explore a vast collection of art spanning centuries at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta.
- Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD): Immerse yourself in the vibrant art scene of Savannah, with SCAD offering galleries and exhibitions.
- Callaway Gardens: Explore the beautiful gardens, butterfly center, and even a Discovery Center at Callaway Gardens, a popular destination near Pine Mountain.
- Sample Southern Cuisine: Savor Georgia’s delicious Southern cuisine, featuring dishes like fried chicken, peach cobbler, and shrimp and grits.
- The Varsity: Enjoy a classic Atlanta hot dog and experience the iconic atmosphere of The Varsity, a popular fast-food restaurant.
- Stone Mountain: Take a ride on the Scenic Railroad or hike to the top of Stone Mountain for panoramic views, and enjoy delicious food options at the park.
- Atlanta BeltLine: Explore Atlanta’s BeltLine, a converted railway turned into a vibrant public trail system, where you can discover trendy restaurants and cafes along the way.
- Explore Local Wineries: Georgia boasts a thriving wine scene, with wineries scattered across the state. Take a vineyard tour and sample local wines in North Georgia or the Dahlonega area.
Culture and lifestyle
Pros:
History buffs will love Georgia. It’s important to note that Georgia was one of the original 13 colonies. There are ruins near the Atlantic shore constructed at the direction of King George.
The Cherokee Nation offers several historical sites, and you can tour many different burial mounds and structures.
In addition, Atlanta features a great deal of Civil Rights history, including the childhood home of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Art fans will find a great deal to enjoy at the High Museum of Art. This family-friendly facility is a hub for many events, from toddlers to senior citizens.
Finally, I recommend visiting the Georgia Aquarium to swim with the whale sharks at the end of the tourist day.
Cons:
Atlanta is challenging to get around. The traffic can be tricky. Additionally, many historical features can only be reached after quite a bit of walking.
If you are traveling with children on summer break, you can become quite exhausted. Carry water.
Education
Pros:
Georgia boasts many excellent universities, including Emory University and Spelman College. There are also several prep schools to help your student gain more benefits from their high school experience.
Private preschools must be reviewed individually to ensure your little ones are ready to succeed in kindergarten.
Cons:
As noted above, the number of college-educated citizens in Georgia is low at 3 out of 10. In addition, as of January 2021, the public school system in the state does not rank higher than the national average, and in some cases, it falls below the national average.
Urban areas offer the best options for parents of young children looking for the best education for their children. If you plan to be very active in your child’s school, your support for local classroom teachers and neighborhood educational events can make a big difference.
Health Care
Pros:
There are several excellent teaching hospitals in the urban areas of Georgia. Overall, the health of the citizens of Georgia could be better than the rest of the nation.
However, many organizations seek to improve healthcare access, especially in rural areas.
This is not to say that you won’t be able to find a physician in Georgia.
Cons:
It does mean that you may struggle to find care from a specialist if you are dealing with a rare condition.
However, if you are dealing with a specific health issue and planning a move to Georgia, finding a specialist before packing is critical. For those who plan to move to a rural area, setting up your care team first is imperative.
Transportation and Infrastructure
Pros:
Bus access is expected if you choose to live in an urban area. In Atlanta, the MARTA rail is expanding and offers cool comfort for those who don’t want to drive into the city’s heart.
The extensive highway system is well-marked and relatively easy to use. However, rush-hour traffic can be pretty heavy, especially in urban areas, as citizens head back to their homes in outlying areas.
In addition to remote work, you may save yourself headaches and hassles by working alternate shifts, such as four every 10-hour days or coming in later in the day and driving home when the rush has cleared.
Cons:
Bus service is available from city to city, but you should expect some lengthy delays. Additionally, if you’re standing out in the heat or the rain waiting for your next bus, you may get to work dripping and get home wrung out.
You will more than likely need a car if you move to Georgia. Make sure you leave room in your budget; car insurance rates in Georgia are high compared to the rest of the nation.
Safety
Pros:
As a citizen of Georgia, your risk of being the victim of a violent crime is about average compared with the rest of the country. The more expensive your region, the safer your home will likely be.
Traffic accident risk goes up in rural areas of Georgia. Many rural roads are two-way with no separation barrier or marking, and many accidents resulting from this are fatal.
Cons:
Your risk of being injured in a storm or suffering harm from a battery’s aftermath will increase after your move to Georgia. As noted above, you have a higher-than-average risk of suffering fallout after a hurricane or severe tropical storm.
As tornado alley shifts east, the risk of suffering power outages or shortages after a powerful storm system will also go up after your move.
