(Updated February 27, 2025)
Is Georgia on your mind as a new place to call home? You’re not the only one. The Peach State welcomed 116,646 new residents between 2023 and 2024 from all over the country (most are moving from Florida, California, Texas, and North Carolina) — and even across the globe.
This Southern charmer has many perks to offer its new residents, including a robust job market, a diverse cultural landscape, reasonable home prices, and access to both outdoor recreation and urban attractions, just to name a few.
It’s not hard to see why thousands of new arrivals find this state so peachy, but does moving to Georgia make sense for you? A long-distance relocation is always a major decision, but you don’t have to weigh out all the pros and cons of living in Georgia alone.
We’ve compiled a list of what you need to know before hitting the road — from the cost of living and climate to the best places to live in Georgia and the fun attractions that await you, plus so much more.
Georgia Quick Facts
Population: 11,180,878 (2.9% increase from 2023)
Climate: Temperate with long, humid summers and relatively short, mild winters
Cost of Living: 10% lower than the national average
Home Value: $325,540 (1.6% increase from 2023)
Cost of Rent: $1,608 per month (one-bedroom apartment)
Job Outlook: Annual growth rate forecast of 1.48% from 2023 to 2025
7 Things to Know When Moving to Georgia
Living in Georgia means excellent food, historic landmarks, flourishing culture, immersive entertainment — and, of course, that famous Southern hospitality to make you feel at home.
Whether you’re cheering on the Falcons NFL team in Atlanta, tucking into a plate of BBQ in Savannah, rafting the Chattahoochee River in Columbus, or hiking in the serene Blue Ridge Mountains, there’s always something unique to discover.
If moving to Georgia appeals to you, here are some factors worth considering.
1) Georgia’s cost of living is cheaper than the national average
The cost of living in Georgia is 10 percent below the national average (except for when it comes to healthcare, which ranks one percent above the national average). This makes Georgia more affordable than many other U.S. states and, therefore, an attractive place to move.
A single person needs to earn an annual salary of $96,886 to live comfortably in Georgia, while a family of four needs $212,826. But those relocating from more expensive cities will find Georgia’s cost of living especially reasonable. For instance, someone who moves from Los Angeles will only need to earn $46,566 per year to maintain the same lifestyle in Atlanta.
2) You can experience all four seasons in Georgia
Georgia’s temperate climate is moderately subtropical, with 218 days of sunshine and 50 inches of rainfall per year. The humid summers usually hover between 85 and 90 degrees, while in the winter, temperatures can fall below 35 degrees.
Some parts of Georgia do experience snow, but overall, the weather here is mild. You can also witness all four seasons in the Peach State, with brisk, chilly autumns and warm, breezy springs.
But it’s not all peaches: Because Georgia is a coastal state, it does face hurricane risk and a threat of floods from storm surge, which can impact towns and cities as far as 30 miles inland. While hurricane seasons in Georgia tend to be less active than other parts of the Southeast like Florida, it’s still important to take severe weather into account when moving to Georgia.
3) Crime rates in Georgia are some of the lowest in the South
According to recent estimates, the violent crime rate in Georgia is about 3.7 per 1,000 residents, and the property crime rate is about 16.9. The likelihood of becoming a crime victim is one in 272. This all makes Georgia a safer place to live than many Southern states, including Arkansas, Tennessee, South Carolina, Alabama, and Louisiana.
The safest part of Georgia is Holly Springs (an hour north of the Atlanta perimeter), while the highest concentration of crime is in College Park (less than 30 minutes outside metro-Atlanta).
As with just about anywhere, crimes tend to occur in small pockets of the state. Wherever you live, it’s always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings, and if you exercise the usual precautions, most Georgia towns and cities are not abnormally dangerous.
4) Georgia has a relatively affordable housing and rental market
A single-family home in Georgia will cost around $325,540 — cheaper than the national average of $356,585. In fact, the Georgia housing market is more affordable than other sought-after destinations such as California, Florida, Arizona, and Tennessee.
Currently, over 58,000 homes are for sale across the Peach State, so if you plan on moving to Georgia soon, you’ll have tons of options to choose from in numerous locations and price ranges.
If you’re looking for an apartment, the average one-bedroom rental costs around $1,608 per month. Of course, this exact number will fluctuate based on where you’re living in Georgia. For instance, rural towns like Thomaston offer low monthly rent ($872), while urban centers like Atlanta cost more ($1,802). Likewise, renting in the more affluent cities of Dacula, Alpharetta, or Powder Springs will set you back $2,584, $2,083, and $2,021 per month.
5) You’ll find numerous exciting career opportunities in Georgia
Whether you’re moving to Georgia in search of a new career path altogether, or you want to find a role in your current industry, Georgia’s robust economy is full of opportunities. Nearly 46,000 new jobs were created here within the past 12 months, and the unemployment rate of 3.7 is below the national average of 4.1 percent.
The state’s top industries are healthcare, food services, manufacturing, education, finance, technology, and entertainment.
A recent analysis of more than 180 best U.S. cities to land a job in 2025 includes three Georgia business hubs—Atlanta, Columbus, and Augusta. Atlanta leads the charge in job opportunities with over a dozen Fortune 500 companies such as Delta, Coca-Cola, The Home Depot, and Intercontinental Exchange.
Georgia’s median annual salary of $54,759 ($26 per hour) is lower than the national average of $79,083. But you’ll have more earning potential in Atlanta, where the annual salary increases to $71,620. Not to mention, with the cheap cost of living in Georgia, you can still afford to maintain a comfortable lifestyle, compared to more expensive areas of the country.
6) The best places to live in Georgia are full of Southern charm
Georgia has 535 municipalities across 159 counties — that’s a ton of ground to cover as you look for a spot to call home.
Before moving to Georgia, first consider your main priorities: Are you in the market for an urban neighborhood with access to a wide variety of restaurants, shopping, and nightlife hotspots? Or do you prefer a more suburban environment with tree-lined streets, outdoor activities, and highly rated public schools to raise your kids?
Here are three of the best places to live in Georgia to help you make an informed decision:
Decatur: Urban amenities in a small-town community
Decatur is a charming enclave about 20 minutes away from Atlanta’s urban core. Its walkable downtown square features trendy gastropubs, locally owned shops, indie music venues, and globally-inspired eateries.
The excellent schools, community festivals, and quiet neighborhoods make Decatur a prime choice for families, while the diverse entertainment and close proximity to Atlanta will score points with singles and young professionals.
Whether you’re in the mood for an espresso at Dancing Goats Coffee, a live acoustic show at Eddie’s Attic, or a pint and burger at the Brick Store Beer Garden, there’s so much to love about Decatur.
Peachtree City: Perfect for families and nature enthusiasts
Peachtree City is located nearly 40 minutes outside of the metro-Atlanta perimeter, which lends it a more suburban vibe. This master-planned community is built around a 100-mile network of golf cart paths that connect various neighborhoods, green spaces, and retail centers.
Given the access to world-class golf courses, Peachtree City is an attractive destination for retirees, but its low crime rates and plentiful outdoor activities create a family-centric ambiance, too.
Check out the upscale boutiques, wellness services, and restaurants at The Avenue. Or explore the area’s nature trails and preserves, then head to Elliott’s for a Southern feast.
Savannah: Enchanting coastal views with deep historic roots
Savannah is the oldest part of Georgia, established in 1733. Often referred to as the “Hostess City of the South,” this vibrant locale is steeped in fascinating history, stunning architecture, and an exhilarating arts and culinary scene.
Whether you’re single, retired, or raising a family, this coastal oasis will appeal to just about anyone. Take a stroll along those cobblestone paths lined with Victorian-era houses under Spanish moss canopies, and you’ll feel at home amidst Savannah’s stately character. Wander through parks, museums, restaurants, and shops in the Historic Landmark District. Enjoy a fun night out on River Street, complete with a scenic waterfront view. Or drive 25 minutes to Tybee Island for a relaxing beachside escape.
7) Living in Georgia means entertainment right on your doorstep
With numerous fun activities to enjoy in all corners of this state, there’s no question about it: Georgia is a fantastic place to live. Whether you’re a foodie, an art lover, a sports fan, an adventurer, or a history buff, there’s something for everyone around here.
So, if you are moving to Georgia, put these unique attractions on your to-do list.
Stock up on fresh Georgia peaches from a local farmer’s market.
Explore Savannah’s cobblestone streets and centuries-old architecture.
Attend the Master’s Golf Tournament held in Augusta each April.
Sample the world-famous Southern BBQ and other Soul Food cuisine.
Immerse yourself in vibrant marine exhibits at The Georgia Aquarium.
Plan a beach weekend at Tybee Island, St. Simons Island, or Jekyll Island.
Taste international soda flavors at the World of Coca-Cola Museum.
Jam to live music at the Shaky Knees Festival held in Atlanta each September.
Enjoy an afternoon in Piedmont Park’s 200-plus acres of green space.
Hike a portion of the Appalachian Trail in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Catch a touring concert or Broadway musical at The Fox Theater.
Stroll or ride your bike along the 22-mile Atlanta BeltLine urban pathway.
Have a thrilling whitewater raft adventure on the Chattahoochee River.
Wander through the lush Rock City Gardens at Lookout Mountain.
Learn about Black Georgians’ contributions to history, culture, and artwork at the Tubman African American Museum in Macon.
Discover the natural beauty of Amicalola Falls State Park, Cumberland Island National Seashore, or Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge.
Cheer on the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park, the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena, or the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
What to Know About Moving from Florida to Georgia
In 2024, 36,289 households left the Sunshine State and migrated up to the Peach State. There are many desirable reasons for moving from Florida to Georgia, such as cheaper home values, a more affordable cost of living, and exposure to all four seasons.
To offer some context, hiring professional movers to relocate you from Tampa to Atlanta will cost about $1,670 in a one-bedroom house and $4,305 in a two-bedroom house. Of course, this is a rough estimate, so contact moving companies for more exact quotes.
Cost of living in Georgia vs. Florida
Of course, what you'll pay in moving costs, you'll most likely eventually make up for with Georgia's cost of living which is 3.8% cheaper than Florida.
Here's how it breaks down:
Restaurants: 11% cheaper in Georgia
Groceries: 9.1% cheaper in Georgia
Transportation 1.5% cheaper in Georgia
Housing: 5.8% cheaper in Georgia
Childcare: 5.5% more expensive in Georgia
Sports & Entertainment: 1.7% cheaper in George
Clothing; 3.2% cheaper in Georgia
Pros and Cons of Living in Georgia
As with any destination, there are some pros and cons of living in Georgia you’ll want to take into account. These factors might not necessarily be deal-breakers, but it helps to know what to expect before making a big move, whether it’s an interstate move or a cross-country relocation.
Consider the following benefits and pitfalls as you determine whether living in Georgia is the best option for you:
Pros of living in Georgia
Extremely affordable cost of living
Outdoor recreation and stunning nature views
Reasonably priced housing market
Diverse cultural and entertainment scene
Lower crime rate than elsewhere in the South
Booming job opportunities and economic forecast
Southern cooking and hospitality
Cons of living in Georgia
Humid summers and risk of hurricanes
Lack of accessible public transit outside of Atlanta
Mosquitos in the summer and pollen in the spring
Lower annual salaries than other states
Some areas face challenges with rapid population growth
Notorious traffic in Atlanta and heavy congestion in Savannah and Augusta,
Moving to Georgia with Colonial Van Lines
Are you into world-class entertainment, hearty Soul Food cuisine, a cheap cost of living, and a house that won’t break your budget? If so, then moving to Georgia is definitely worth it — especially if you come from a state with cold weather or high expenses.
Streamline your move to Georgia with the help of Colonial Van Lines. With our 50-plus years of experience, Colonial has fine tuned each step of long-distance moving — from packing your old house to transporting, unloading, and unpacking it all upon arrival. So, if you’re set on making Georgia your next home, contact us for a free quote and we’ll help you embark on your new adventure!