Welcome to Georgia!
“Living in Georgia has really been a fantastic experience. I’m so ecstatic that I was able to move down here and start over.
Georgia offers so many opportunities to explore unique things outside my comfort zone, meet new people, and just have an overall rewarding life.
Not only does Georgia offer great things for young people, but it offers economical options for the elderly as well.
I know that when I’m old and gray (hopefully not too soon), I’ll be moving back up north to live out my days in peace in my own home with family around me.
But until then, I will continue to kick butt with the peach state!” – Paul W.
You may be looking to move from Houston, Texas, to Georgia. If so, you’ve come to the right place! We have a lot of information about why it would be an excellent decision for you and your family.
In this article, we will outline to you all about why Georgia, the Peach State, would be an amazing location for your family to live and some fun things you can do when you get there. Ready? Let’s start!
Southern Hospitality
Southern hospitality in Georgia, the Peach State, is undeniable. So much so that it’s part of what makes folks move here from Houston!
Once you’ve made the move, you’ll see how Southern hospitality is not just a cliché to describe something good or pleasant.
Southern hospitality is not limited to kind words and accommodation. If you visit someone for just an evening, they will likely have their home fully stocked with your favorite foods and drinks if you’re famished after your journey.
When it comes to just being friendly, Georgians are also famous for their “hello neighbor” wave when passing on the street or in the grocery store aisle.
Most people find it surprising that given Southern hospitality, Georgians are also known for their line dancing and country music. You might be invited to a hoedown where you’ll learn how to two-step the night away!
What Is The Weather Like In Georgia?
The climate in Georgia is welcoming and perfect for those who love the outdoors. The summers will be hot and humid, while the winters are mild and short.
There is plenty of rainfall throughout the year, making the state perfect for agriculture. Do Keep in Mind: There are only two seasons in Georgia, hot and winter.
Summer
In Georgia, summertime is a beautiful time of year. It’s the ideal season to get outside and enjoy all that Georgia has to offer.
Typically, Georgia summers have high humidity levels due to the state’s proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, but the season is still great for outdoor activities!
In addition, the summer in Georgia also means evening breezes that help keep homes cool since temperatures typically reach into the 90’s during the day.
Winter
Mild winters are a trademark of Georgia. While there are occasional cold snaps, for the most part, Georgians enjoy temperate winters.
The average January temperature in the mid-40s and snow is a rarity. The average yearly snowfall is less than 3 inches.
So, if you love heavy winter snow, it might be a bit daunting to hear that Georgia only sees about 3 inches of snow per year. In fact, Atlanta’s biggest snowfall was in 1912!
Be it Athens, Atlanta, or Savannah; we treat every client as though they were family.
There are many different cities in Georgia that you can choose to live in. If you’re looking for a town with a lot of culture and history, then there are plenty to consider.
Atlanta is by far the largest city and the state capital in Georgia, and it has plenty of opportunities for work and entertainment.
If you’re looking for smaller towns with a slower pace of life, then you should consider Savannah. No matter what city you choose, we’ll be happy to help you find the perfect home!
Below you will find our top 4 list of cities to live and work in while you make Georgia a part of your new life:
1: Atlanta
Atlanta is the capital city of Georgia. It’s home to big companies like Coca-Cola, Delta Airlines, and UPS.
The city has a population of about 4 million people, and it’s consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in America because it has excellent public transportation, an excellent school system, lots of recreational activities for all ages, and plenty of jobs!
Cost of Living in Atlanta GA
The living expenses in Atlanta are relatively high compared to most other parts of the country. To maintain a comfortable lifestyle in the city, you’ll likely need to earn an income above the national median. Some of the most expensive items in Atlanta include housing, transportation, and food.
Median Income in Atlanta GA
The median income of the city of Atlanta is $66,000. This is significantly lower than Houston’s median income of $53,500. This lower median income is reflected in the average homes prices of Atlanta at approx.
Average House Prices in Atlanta GA
The average 3-bedroom house in Atlanta costs around $401,000. Compared to Houston, TX, a similar-sized place will cost half that amount or around $305,000.
This higher cost of housing is probably because there are fewer homes available in Atlanta compared to Houston. However, this does not mean that the quality of life is worse in Atlanta.
Average Apartment Rentals in Atlanta GA
The average rent for a three-bedroom apartment in Atlanta, GA, is about $1600. This is much less than Houston, where the same-sized apartment will cost around $1800.
Education Standards in Atlanta GA
Atlanta is home to several excellent colleges and universities, including Georgia State University, Emory University, and Agnes Scott College. These schools provide a wide variety of programs and degrees, and many students choose to live in Atlanta while they attend school.
If you’re moving to Atlanta to attend school, there are a few things you should know about the city’s education system. First of all, Atlanta has several great public schools, which the government funds. If you’re looking for a private school, there are plenty of excellent options in Atlanta.
In addition to traditional colleges and universities, Atlanta is also home to many trade schools and vocational programs. These schools offer courses in everything from hair styling to plumbing to automotive repair. There are also several online colleges in Atlanta if you prefer online education.
Employment in Atlanta GA
Atlanta has many major employers, but the largest is the Coca-Cola Corporation. Another common employer is Delta Air Lines, with headquarters in Atlanta.
Employment prospects will vary depending on what you’re looking for. Atlanta is home to huge corporations like The Coca-Cola Company and Delta Airlines, which offer Fortune 500 jobs that might interest someone seeking an executive or managerial position.
Things to See and Do in Atlanta GA
There are many beautiful places to visit in Atlanta. Visit The Fernbank Museum of Natural History as it is a popular destination with gorgeous architecture and an assortment of exhibits. Fernbank is home to the largest IMAX theater in the world, so if you want to see IMAX movies, this is your destination!
The Atlanta Botanical Garden is also worth visiting, as it’s an oasis of greenery amidst the urban bustle. With acres upon acres of habitats, including wetlands, woodland gardens, and savannahs, your experience will be one that can’t be replicated anywhere else. You’ll need several hours to explore all the different parks and greenhouses, but it’s well worth it.
Lastly, there’s the Georgia Aquarium, which is the world’s largest aquarium. It contains more than 8 million gallons of water across ten major habitats and 100s of animal exhibits. Georgia Aquarium is also home to the world’s deepest habitat in a publicly-accessible facility.
2: Savannah
Savannah is a city that was established in 1733 by the British. It’s also the oldest city in Georgia and declared a National Historic Landmark.
The downtown area of Savannah includes many Victorian buildings, making it one of America’s most popular tourist destinations!
Often acknowledged as one of the friendliest cities in the world, Savannah is full of pleasant locals who are known for their sociable nature.
Cost of Living in Savannah GA
The cost of living in Savannah, GA, is relatively affordable compared to other major metropolitan cities in the United States. The overall cost of living is 9% lower than the national average. Rent prices are slightly higher than the average, but groceries, utilities, and transportation costs are all lower than average.
Median Income in Savannah GA
The median income in Savannah, GA, is $64,000. This is quite close to the national median income of $79,000. This means that there are many opportunities for people looking to move to Savannah, GA.
Average House Prices in Savannah GA
The average three-bedroom house in Savannah, GA, is $276,000. You can choose to live in the historic district or go for one of the gated communities. There’s also a lot of houses for sale at $100K and below.
House hunting tips: If you’re looking to purchase a house, I suggest hiring an agent first who will be able to find out if your employer is willing to pay relocation
Average Apartment Rentals in Savannah GA
According to the rental information site, Zumper, the average rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in Savannah is $1,380. If you’re looking for something slightly more economic, you can check out listings on RentHop, which shows that the average rent for a 3-bedroom apartment is only $1,100.
But if you’re looking for something luxurious, you can expect to pay upwards of $1,700 for a 3-bedroom unit.
Education Standards in Savannah GA
Savannah is known for its historic district, one of the largest in the United States. The Savannah-Chatham County Public School System is the most extensive in Georgia and educates over 50,000 students each year.
SCPS is also one of the most diverse school systems in the country, with students representing more than 150 countries and nationalities.
The University of Georgia, Savannah State University, Armstrong Atlantic State University, and South Georgia College are all located in Savannah, GA.
Employment in Savannah GA
Savannah is the home to a considerable number of historic and beautiful homes. This means that there’s a lot of employment in the field of construction and renovation, which often pays well due to the demand for skilled workers.
The Savannah, GA jobs market is doing quite well. Several industries are thriving in the area, including tourism, manufacturing, and healthcare.
This means that there are various job opportunities available for those who are looking to relocate. Additionally, the cost of living in Savannah is relatively low, which makes it a desirable place to live.
Things to See and Do in Savannah GA
Savannah, Georgia, has a wide variety of things to see and do. Savannah is the perfect place to enjoy nature by walking through one of Savannah’s many parks.
If you are looking for more ways to experience the great outdoors, make sure to take a walk on Tybee Island or go bird-watching at Blackbeard Island State Park.
You can also enjoy an afternoon touring the Historic District with its old homes and shops. There is also no shortage of museums in Savannah that are worth checking out!
3: Athens
Athens, Georgia, is a great place to live because of the mild climate. It’s warm but never hot and has plenty of beautiful pine forests. There are also a plethora of activities to do in Athens such as fishing, boating, hiking, and more!
People here all seem pretty conservative; they aren’t flashy or materialistic like Houstonians tend to be. They are friendly but not extroverted like Houstonians either.
Cost of Living in Athens GA
The price of living in Athens, GA, is relatively low, especially compared to Houston TX. Living expenses in Athens, GA, are also significantly lower than living in Atlanta GA. The cost of real estate, rental rates, groceries, transportation, and utilities are all cheaper in Athens than in Atlanta.
Median Income in Athens GA
Based on information sourced from the United States Census Bureau, the median income in Athens, GA, is $59,000.
This is slightly higher than Houston, where you can earn around $52,000. Living in Athens, GA, is also cheaper, so possessions are worth more money than Houston, TX.
Average House Prices in Athens GA
The average price for a house in Athens, GA, is around $290,000. The costs for a home in Atlanta are much higher, with the average price around $401,000.
Average Apartment Rentals in Athens GA
If you’re searching for a brand new home to live in, you may be wondering about average apartment rentals in Athens, GA.
Some good news to consider: the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is just $1010 per month, and the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is only $1350 per month.
Keep in mind that these are just averages, and you may find more or less expensive apartments slightly than this.
Education Standards in Athens GA
Education standards in Athens, GA, are pretty high. In the school system, students are required to take a foreign language.
They also need to take a math course that is not algebra or geometry and a science or social studies course that is not economics. The school system offers fine arts, theater, and advanced placement courses in English language and math.
There are a few universities in the Athens, GA, area. These universities include the University of Georgia, Athens Technical College, and Piedmont College.
Employment in Athens GA
Employment in Athens, GA, is primarily a service industry concentration in healthcare and technology. The University of Georgia employs a large number of the workforce. There is also a myriad of opportunities for employment in trade, hospitality, and other sectors.
Things to See and Do in Athens GA
Athens offers a variety of things for visitors to see and do, including:
- The State Botanical Garden of Georgia: This garden features plant collections from around the world, as well as a butterfly house and children’s playground.
- The Georgia Museum of Art: This museum houses a collection of over 10,000 works of art, including American paintings, European decorative arts, and African art.
- The Lyndon House Arts Center: This center offers exhibits, classes, and workshops in various arts disciplines.
- The Bear Hollow Zoo: This zoo is home to native Georgia animals, including black bears
4: Augusta
Augusta is the second-most populous city in Georgia and has a lot of similarities to Houston.
A “river city,” Augusta has a strong economy and is an agricultural center for the cotton industry.
One of the biggest things that may impress Houstonians about Augusta is that it’s home to Fort Gordon, one of the most important military bases in the country.
Augusta is also home to The Masters’ golf tournament, which is played every year in April, providing an influx of tourism to the city.
Cost of Living in Augusta GA
The cost of living in Augusta, GA, is relatively low. The average gas cost per gallon is $2.07. Utilities (electric, water, trash) generally cost around $150 per month, and internet and cable can be had for as little as $50 per month.
The average cost of groceries is about 10% higher than the national average. However, housing costs are significantly lower.
Median Income in Augusta GA
Based on information sourced from the United States Census Bureau, the individual median income in Augusta is $55,283. That’s only a bit more than in Houston, where the personal median income is $52,000. However, when you consider that Augusta’s cost of living is significantly lower than in Houston, the median income reflects a significant difference.
Average House Prices in Augusta GA
As of 2018, the average three-bedroom home in Augusta, GA, costs $176,000. It can be difficult but not impossible to buy a home in Augusta, GA, depending on your budget and preferences.
You must make sure you have enough saved up for a down payment. There are also many homes available for less than the average price, so you’ll want to explore all of your options.
Average Apartment Rentals in Augusta GA
The average three-bedroom apartment starts at $1,050 per month, but some rent for as much as $1,800 per month.
Education Standards in Augusta GA
The schools in Augusta, GA, are 1 of the country’s top 100 best school districts. The schools in this district have a high representation of minorities and females.
These schools offer a bilingual program for people who don’t speak English and an ESL program for those who speak English but need to improve their skills.
While many colleges in Augusta, Georgia, the most popular is probably Augusta University. Today Augusta University has over 25,000 undergrads studying everything from business to medicine, psychology to nursing.
Employment in Augusta GA
There are a great many amazing companies to work for in Augusta, GA. Some of the best include Fort Gordon, Augusta University, and the Medical College of Georgia.
These organizations offer excellent benefits and opportunities for growth. Job seekers should start with the Augusta Chronicle’s online job search center to get a list of currently available positions in their desired profession.
Things to See and Do in Augusta GA
The city of Augusta is rich in history and offers a variety of attractions for visitors to enjoy, including:
- The Augusta Canal Interpretive Center
- The Morris Museum of Art
- Fort Gordon
- The Augusta National Golf Club
- The Leila Arboretum and Botanical Garden
- Augusta Museum of History
- Columbia County International Airport
The city offers several activities for residents and visitors alike. The Historic Downtown District provides shopping opportunities, while the Riverwalk is an enjoyable place to stroll or relax on a bench. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy exploring the many parks.
Frequently Asked Questions about Life in Georgia
We’ve taken the time to cover a few of the most popular FAQs regarding moving to Georgia. We’re not afraid to address some of the less-than-desirable topics either, as we prefer you have a transparent outlook on life in the Peach State rather than looking at everything through rose (or peach) tinted goggles!
What would be the worst aspects of living in Georgia?
- The Heat: The summers can get extremely hot and humid, reaching over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. There is also an abundance of mosquitoes, making outdoor activities difficult during the warmer months if you are not adequately protected. In addition, there are many different types of insects that can carry diseases, such as the West Nile Virus and Zika Virus. It’s essential to take precautions when spending time outdoors or to travel in the state’s interior. Again, if you don’t like heat and humidity, then this might not be for you, but so long as you know how to prepare yourself, you can arm yourself and enjoy life in Georgia!
- Urban Traffic: Traffic jams are a daily occurrence in many cities across the state, especially during rush hour when commuters make their way home after work or school. The average commute time for residents of Atlanta is 31 minutes long, while those who live in Macon spend an average of 26 minutes commuting each day. In addition to traffic congestion, drivers also need to be aware of aggressive drivers who may cut them off or tailgate them as they travel down highways and interstates throughout the state.
- Pollen: Georgia is known as the Peach State, but it’s also home to some of the worst pollen in America. If you suffer routinely from allergies or asthma, this can be particularly difficult.
Is moving to Georgia a good idea?
There are many reasons why moving to and living in Georgia is still a good choice. Georgia has the best of both worlds – big city life and small-town charm.
You can enjoy all the amenities of an urban area but still, live in a place where people actually take the time to know their neighbors and look out for one another. Also, the cost of living is lower than most major cities across the country like Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles.
Oh, did we fail to mention there are over 300 days of sunshine every year? That means more time spent outside enjoying yourself with friends and family – which is just what Georgians love to do!
What do I need to know before moving to Atlanta?
Moving to any new city can be daunting. We will be available to help you make the transition as smooth as possible. You should start by looking up neighborhoods in Atlanta that fit your needs and lifestyle preferences.
Once you’ve secured an area that works for you, check out local schools and find out about their ratings on Niche – they rank schools based on test scores, parent reviews, college readiness data, etc., which makes it easy to compare different schools side-by-side.
Next up is finding a home! Use Zillow’s home value estimator tool or Trulia’s rent vs. buy calculator to figure out how much house you can afford and whether buying or renting will save more money over the long term.
Finally, make sure your new job has everything covered with great benefits like health insurance coverage.
How much money do you require to live comfortably in Georgia?
The median household income for Georgia is approx. $54,000. That means half of all households make more than that and half make less. If you’re looking to buy a house or rent an apartment, this number can help guide your decision-making process.
It also helps to determine how much money you need to save before moving here. For example, if the average home price in your city is $200,000 and it takes a 20% down payment on a mortgage loan (that’s $40,000), then you would need to have saved up about $20,000 before moving here – which could take anywhere from 2-4 years depending on how much money you already have saved up!
So let’s say we want our hypothetical person who wants to move here with no savings but still wants a decent place right away.
They would probably be better off living somewhere like Athens, where the average home price is closer to around $150,000 and requires only 10% down ($15,000). In that case, they could get started saving now and move within six months!
What is the best area to live in Georgia?
Holly Springs, GA, is one of the best places to live. It’s located just south of Atlanta and has all the amenities that make it an ideal location for families, retirees, and business professionals alike.
You’ll find plenty of shopping centers, restaurants, parks, and recreation areas here as well as easy access to major highways including I-285 and I-20. If you’re looking for a safe community with low crime rates, then look no further than Holly Springs, GA!
Holly Springs has one of the lowest crime rates in Georgia, so you can rest assured knowing your family will be safe while living there.
What are the pros and cons of living in Atlanta, Georgia?
Living in Atlanta has many benefits and drawbacks. For example, the cost of living is lower than in other major cities like New York or San Francisco, which means you can afford more houses for your money. the city also has plenty of activities for families with kids to enjoy.
For example, several museums are perfect for family outings, such as the Center for Civil and Human Rights or the Fernbank Museum of Natural History.
There are also many parks where your children can play sports or just run around freely while you watch them from a bench nearby. If you’re looking for an active nightlife scene, then Atlanta might be right up your alley too!
On the other hand, traffic congestion in Atlanta makes commuting difficult and time-consuming. Real estate prices are at their highest in the Atlanta area, which can push many prospective buyers on lower incomes out of the market.
The weather varies from hot summers to draughty winters with little transition between seasons.
Overall though, it’s an excellent place to live if you’re looking for an affordable city that still offers plenty of entertainment options and opportunities for career advancement!
So what are you waiting for?
If you consider moving from Houston to Georgia, Delta Moving Systems is the company for you! We have experience working with people who want to move items like pianos and antiques.
Our team of experts will work hard to ensure that your belongings arrive safely at their destination, no matter how big or small they may be. Call us today at (800) 484-0085 or fill out our online form if you would like more information about our rates and moving services!
