Moving to Georgia: Pros and Cons in 2025

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: Aug 7, 2025
9 min read

Thinking of moving to Georgia? You’re not alone. The Peach State draws folks from everywhere—whether you’re after the excitement of Atlanta or the charm of quiet small towns, there’s a perfect spot waiting for you.

Georgia has plenty to offer, but before making the move and buying a home, take a moment to weigh the pros and cons.

We’ll break down everything you should know about moving to Georgia so you can easily decide if it’s the right place for you.

Jump to the Georgia information you are looking for:

Pros & cons
Attractions
Fun facts
Population & demographics
Weather
Income & cost of living
Top schools
Top movers to GA
Top car shippers to GA
FAQs

Pros & cons of living in Georgia

Like any big move, relocating to Georgia comes with its own upsides and potential downsides that are important to consider.

Here’s a look at some of the biggest pros and cons of living in the Peach State to help you make an informed decision.

Pros of living in Georgia

✓Ample economic opportunity
✓Beautiful landscapes
✓Bountiful recreational opportunities
✓Pleasant weather
✓Home of atlanta

Cons of living in Georgia

✖Hot humid summers
✖Pollen
✖Insects
✖High crime rate
✖Poor healthcare

Things to do in Georgia

No matter why you’re heading to Georgia—for a job, family, or just a change of scenery—you’ll want to dive into everything your new home has to offer. The great thing is, Georgia is packed with exciting activities and places to discover, no matter what you’re into.

These places are perfect for family outings or for meeting new people if you’re exploring on your own. With so many choices, you’re sure to find a spot that matches your style and makes you feel at home.

Popular Attractions in Georgia

Georgia Aquarium
Forsyth Park
National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center
Stone Mountain Park
Jekyll Island
Okefenokee Swamp
Sea Island Golf Course
Chattahoochee Oconee National Forests
Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site
Atlanta Botanical Garden

Museums in Georgia

Tybee Island Light Station And Museum
Augusta Canal Discovery Center
National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center
St. Simons Lighthouse Museum
Hay House
Southeastern Railway Museum
Augusta Museum of History
Biblical History Center
The Allman Brothers Band Museum at the Big House
National Center for Civil and Human Rights

Parks in Georgia

Amicalola Falls State Park
Chattahoochee Bend State Park
Cloudland Canyon State Park
F.D. Roosevelt State Park
Fort Yargo State Park
Vogel State Park
Red Top Mountain State Park
Panola Mountain State Park
Black Rock Mountain State Park
High Falls State Park

Fun facts about Georgia

Each state has its own distinct flavor, influenced by its history, culture, and residents. Exploring local traditions and quirks lets you really experience what life is like there.

Learning these fun facts about Georgia reveals what makes the state unique—and might even spark your interest in making it your new home.

Cordele claims to be the watermelon capital of the world.
The annual Masters Golf Tournament is played at the Augusta National in Augusta every first week of April.
Georgia is often called the Empire State of the South and is also known as the Peach State and Cracker State.
In 1828 Auraria, near the city of Dahlongea, was the site of the first Gold Rush in America.
Coca-Cola was invented in May 1886 by Dr. John S. Pemberton in Atlanta, Georgia. The name “Coca-Cola” was suggested by Dr. Pemberton’s bookkeeper, Frank Robinson. He penned the name Coca-Cola in the flowing script that is famous today. Coca-Cola was first sold at a soda fountain in Jacob’s Pharmacy in Atlanta by Willis Venable.
Berry College in Rome has the world’s largest college campus.
The Little White House in Warm Springs was the recuperative home of Franklin D. Roosevelt.
In 1942 Jekyll Island was a private resort sold to the state by the owners, a group of millionaires.
Providence Canyon State Park, near Lumpkin, is known as the Little Grand Canyon of Georgia.
The Cherokee rose is the official state flower, the live oak the official tree; and the brown thrasher the official bird.
United States Highway 27 runs the length of Georgia and is known as Martha Berry Highway, named after a pioneer educator.
Marshall Forest in Rome is the only natural forest within a city limits in the United States.

Georgia population and demographics

Planning a move to Georgia? Get the inside scoop on what living in the Peach State is truly all about—not just the stats.

Choosing a more populous state often brings you more job options, a lively entertainment scene, and better infrastructure. In contrast, moving to a less crowded state usually means a quieter life and a closer-knit community.

Checking out average education levels gives you a sense of local job opportunities and how easy it is to find schools or colleges nearby. Meanwhile, a state’s political landscape reveals what values and priorities matter most to people living there.

Learning about the people, daily life, and values in Georgia can help you decide if it’s the right place for you to feel at home.

Metric	Georgia
Population	11,029,227
Female	51.3%
Male	48.7%
College graduation rate	34.63%
Political leaning	Democrat 51-49
Crime index	20.58

Georgia weather

Weather plays a major role in daily life, so it’s smart to consider it when deciding if Georgia is right for you. Looking at seasonal temperatures and rainfall will help you plan outdoor activities, pick the right clothing, and stay prepared for whatever the forecast brings.

Scorching summer days can send your energy bills soaring and leave you cranking the AC around the clock. When winter rolls in, you’ll want a warm wardrobe and reliable heating to stay comfortable. And when snow falls, you might get anything from a gentle flurry to a heavy storm that throws your daily routine into chaos.

Curious about endless sunshine, refreshing cool breezes, or escaping snowy winters? Understanding Georgia’s climate is key to figuring out if it matches your vibe.

Metric	Georgia
Summer high	90ºF
Winter low	33ºF
Annual rain	50″
Annual snow	1″

Income and cost of living in Georgia

A look at major industries, average income, housing costs, and the overall cost of living gives you a clearer picture of how affordable and sustainable life will likely be in Georgia.

For example, knowing which industries drive the economy can help you gauge job opportunities in your field or predict the stability of the job market. Whether you’re planning to rent or buy, housing costs are likely one of the biggest pieces of the financial puzzle for you when deciding if you should move.

The cost of living index ties it all together by showing how far your dollar will stretch compared to the national average. A lower index typically means everyday expenses like groceries, transportation, and housing are more affordable.

These numbers are more than just statistics. They’re practical tools that help you compare your current lifestyle to what’s possible in Georgia and make a confident, informed decision about your move.

The main economic industries in the state include:

Manufacturing ($37.6 billion)
Real estate and rental and leasing ($23.6 billion)
Professional and business services ($22 billion)
Educational services, health care, and social assistance ($17.7 billion)
Retail trade ($15.3 billion)
Finance and insurance ($13.2 billion)
Wholesale trade ($12.4 billion)
Construction ($7.8 billion)
Arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation, and food services ($7.2 billion
Utilities ($6.5 billion)

Metric	Georgia
Average rent cost	$1,221
Average home cost	$326,617
Average income (per capita)	$71,355
Cost of living index*	91
Unemployment rate	3.6%
Average sales tax	Not available
State income tax	5.49%

*To figure out the cost of living in each state, there’s a 100-point index, known as the cost of living index. This metric starts with a baseline number of 100. States with a number below that are less expensive to live in while states with numbers higher than 100 are more expensive to live in.

Top schools in Georgia

If education ranks high on your moving checklist, a state’s schools and universities can reveal a lot about local career opportunities and the overall community vibe.

If you’re thinking about heading back to school, have kids nearing graduation, or simply want to live somewhere with great educational opportunities, Georgia is definitely worth a look.

Here are some of the top schools in Georgia:

Georgia Institute of Technology
University of Georgia
Georgia State University
Emory University
Kennesaw State University
Savannah College of Art and Design
Georgia Southern University
Augusta University
Mercer University
University of West Georgia
Agnes Scott College
Valdosta State University
Morehouse College

Finding the best moving company for your relocation to Georgia

We sifted through 2,756 moving companies across the country, including 80 right here in Georgia, and teamed up with actual movers and people like you to find the very best in the business.

Planning a move to the Peach State? Take a look at the best moving companies that’ll make sure your belongings arrive safely, wherever you’re coming from.

Cost of moving to Georgia

Before making your move to Georgia, it’s smart to plan for the costs involved. On average, expect to spend around $136 per hour for professional movers. Your final price will vary based on the amount you’re moving and the distance—cross-state treks cost more than local relocations.

The way you move can have a major impact on your overall costs.

If you want to cut moving costs, check out one of the top moving container companies. You’ll get to pack and load your belongings whenever it works for you, while the company takes care of all the driving. It’s the perfect way to combine flexibility and savings—no need to go fully DIY or pay for an expensive full-service move.

Looking to cut costs? A moving truck rental is the cheapest route. You handle all the packing, loading, driving, and unloading yourself.

Want to skip the stress of moving on your own? Professional interstate movers can handle everything for you. But remember, this level of convenience usually comes with a bigger price tag—so be sure to shop around and compare quotes to find the best fit for your budget and your move.

Company	Quote	Rating
Safeway Moving	Get A Quote	4.9 / 5
Mayzlin Relocation	Get A Quote	4.9 / 5
BLVD Moving	Get A Quote	4.3 / 5
PODS	Get A Quote	4.8 / 5
American Van Lines	Get A Quote	4.5 / 5

Cost to bring your car to Georgia

Bringing a car with you? Use our car shipping calculator below to estimate how much it’ll cost to transport your vehicle to Georgia.

Georgia car insurance requirements

In Georgia, drivers must have bodily injury liability insurance of at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident, plus $25,000 per accident for property damage liability. Uninsured motorist coverage is also required, with a minimum of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage, with deductible options.

Georgia drivers license requirements

New Georgia residents need to get a Georgia Driver’s License within 30 days. They can do this by going to a Customer Service Center and transferring their out-of-state license.

FAQ

Is it worth it to move to Georgia?

Moving to Georgia is worth it if you’re interested in popular attractions the state has to offer, enjoy the local weather, and the cost of living fits your budget. You should spend some time weighing all the pros and cons to determine if Georgia is a good fit for you and your lifestyle.

How much money should I have to move to Georgia?

On the cost of living index, Georgia has a score of 91. You can use the cost of living index, based on a 100-point scale, to determine a state’s relative affordability. This cost of living index uses 100 as the baseline, so states with a number under 100 are less expensive, and states scoring over 100 are more expensive.

What salary do I need to live comfortably in Georgia?

The average income in GA is $71,355, and the an unemployment rate is 3.6. Home prices are $326,617, on average, and monthly rent is typically around $1,221.

What is the downside of living in Georgia?

Like any place, Georgia has its drawbacks to consider before moving there.

The most common downsides of living in Peach State include:

Hot humid summers
Pollen
Insects
High crime rate
Poor healthcare

Georgia Moving Resources

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