Are you thinking about moving to Georgia and buying a house in Atlanta or renting an Alpharetta apartment? Georgia, commonly known as the Peach State, is the 24th widest state from a land standpoint in the United States.
Georgia has unique features that make it a good place to live, including incredible scenery, famous sports culture, great weather and great outdoor activities. There are also things that are so great, such as humid summers, high pollen, and a lot of traffic. If you have plans to move your life into a Georgian way of life, consider the pros and cons of living in Georgia before you do so.
Are you interested in moving to Georgia? Check out:
Homes for Sale in Georgia | Apartments for Rentals in Georgia | Homes in Georgia
Quick facts about Georgia
Population 10,711,908 Central Home Selling Price $381,300 Average Rent in Georgia $1,526 Georgia Atlanta, Columbus and Augusta Largest Cities
Is Georgia a good place to live?
Yes, Georgia is a great place to live, especially for those looking for hospitality, increased employment opportunities and diverse urban landscapes in the South. Atlanta is a thriving hub of high-tech, film and business, with cities like Savannah and Athens offering historic charm and slow pace. The cost of living is generally lower than most coastal states, and mild winters are a welcome break from harsh climates. However, hot and humid summers can be intense, and traffic congestion in major cities like Atlanta is a permanent dissatisfaction. Additionally, while Georgia’s urban areas are expanding, some rural areas still have limited amenities and lacks urban convenience.
1. Pro: Living costs across Georgia are low
Georgia’s relatively low cost of living is a major draw, especially when compared to other states in the Southeast and beyond. The median home selling price is $381,300, well below the national median $438,000, making homeownership more achievable for many. Renters can also find reasonable rates in cities like Augusta and Macon. The city is generally priced lower than metro areas like Atlanta. Beyond housing, daily expenses like groceries, healthcare and utilities tend to be budget-friendly too. However, it should be noted that in popular areas such as Atlanta and Savannah, prices can be significantly higher, especially for food and entertainment.
2. CON: Summers is very hot and humid
Georgia is one of the hottest states in the United States with the hottest summers. Georgia is humid and many people are struggling to adapt to the new weather. Some Georgia residents often flee to the beaches and mountains, while others stay indoors, while others choose to rely on air conditioners to cool off. I live in Georgia so I need to be prepared for high temperatures throughout the summer. Despite the high temperatures, over time you will learn to adapt to new environments.
3. Pro: A strong sports culture
Georgia has passionate sports fans and several professional teams, including the Atlanta Falcons (NFL), Atlanta Hawks (NBA), and Atlanta Braves (MLB). College football also plays a major role in local culture, with University of Georgia Bulldogs attracting a large crowd every season. Whether you’re catching a game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium or joining a local league, sports are a big part of your life here.
4. CON: Mosquitoes are everywhere
Mosquitoes thrive in Georgia due to their favourable humid environment. Residents jokingly call mosquitoes Peach Nation birds. Residents will either purchase repellents or install screen-in pouches to keep mosquitoes away. If you want to live in Georgia, be prepared to face a significant portion of mosquitoes.
5. Pro: The state experiences four different seasons
Living in Atlanta or other parts of Georgia gives you the opportunity to experience all four seasons. Although we can feel the differences in season, it is not an extreme change that affects our lifestyle. The best thing is that all these seasons move seamlessly between each other, and each opens the next path. Summer is always warm and the most challenging, but offers the right opportunity to enjoy numerous water sports and other recreational activities.
6. CON: Traffic jams are a constant effort
In major regions like Atlanta, the daily reality is high traffic. The city is consistently ranked the worst place in the country due to its crowds, with long commute times and frequent bottlenecks on highways such as I-285 and I-75. Even outside Atlanta, growth in suburbs and popular tourist areas can see significant traffic and avoid challenges at peak times.
7. Pro: Natural Beauty throughout the state
From Blue Ridge Mountain to the north to the sandy coast of the Golden Isles, Georgia offers a variety and stunning landscapes. Residents can explore lush forests, cascade waterfalls and picturesque lakes. Whether you’re hiking in the Chattahoo Chee National Forest or strolling along the sandy beaches of Tybee Island, there’s a lack of breathtaking views you can enjoy all year round.
8. CON: Seasonal allergies? Pollen can be intense in Georgia
Georgia’s warm climate and abundant greenery are filled with heavy pollen. Spring brings a thick yellow coating that covers cars, sidewalks and almost everything else. Allergy patients may find it particularly challenging as pollen numbers can surge dramatically.
9. Pro: Property tax is low
One of the financial benefits for homeowners in Georgia is the relatively low property tax rate. Compared to many other states, property taxes here tend to be more affordable, which could make a huge difference in overall housing costs. This is especially appealing to people looking to buy a home or settle for the long term. This is because lower property taxes mean more manageable annual expenses and increased overall value of investments.
10. Con: Limited public transport
Outside of the Malta system in Atlanta, there are few public transport options in Georgia. Most cities and towns don’t have a comprehensive transit network, making it difficult to travel without a car. This can be a drawback for those who rely on public transport or prefer to avoid driving, especially in vast suburban and rural areas where ride-sharing options are also limited.
