10 Pros and Cons of Living in Georgia
Want to learn more about Georgia? Here are 10 pros and cons of living in Georgia and what to expect when moving there. The post 10 Pros and Cons of Living in Georgia appeared first on Redfin | Real Estate Tips for Home Buying, Selling & More.
Are you considering moving to Georgia and possibly buying a house in Atlanta or renting an apartment in Alpharetta? Georgia, popularly known as the Peach State, is the 24th most extensive state in terms of the landmass in the U.S. The state is densely populated and is considered the 8th most populous state in the U.S.
Georgia has unique characteristics that make it a good place to live, including incredible landscape, celebrated sports culture, great weather, and great outdoor activities. It’s also home to some not-so-great things like humid summers, high pollen count, and lots of traffic. If you have plans to shift your life to the Georgian way of living, consider the pros and cons of living in Georgia before you do.
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Quick Facts about Georgia
| Population | 10,711,908 |
| Median home sale price | $381,300 |
| Average rent in Georgia | $1,526 |
| Largest cities in Georgia | Atlanta, Columbus, Augusta |
Is Georgia a good place to live?
Yes, Georgia can be a great place to live, especially for those seeking Southern hospitality, growing job opportunities, and diverse cityscapes. Atlanta is a thriving hub for tech, film, and business, while cities like Savannah and Athens offer historic charm and a slower pace. The cost of living is generally lower than in many coastal states, and the mild winters are a welcome break from harsher climates. However, the hot, humid summers can be intense, and traffic congestion in major cities like Atlanta is a persistent frustration. Additionally, while Georgia’s urban areas are expanding, some rural areas still have limited amenities and lack urban conveniences.
1. Pro: The cost of living across Georgia is 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 sale price sits at $381,300, well below the national median of $438,000, making homeownership more attainable for many. Renters can also find reasonable rates in cities like Augusta and Macon, where prices are generally lower than in metro areas like Atlanta. Beyond housing, everyday expenses like groceries, healthcare, and utilities tend to be more budget-friendly, too. However, keep in mind that in popular areas like Atlanta and Savannah, prices can be significantly higher, particularly for dining out and entertainment.
2. Con: Summers are very hot and humid
Georgia is one of the states with the hottest summers in the U.S. The humidity in Georgia is high, and many people struggle to adapt to the new weather. Some Georgia residents often escape to beaches and mountains, while others stay indoors and opt to rely on air conditioners to cool off. Living in Georgia, you’ll need to prepare yourself for high temperatures throughout the summer. Even though the temperatures are high, you’ll learn to adapt to the new environment with time.
3. Pro: Strong sports culture
Georgia is home to passionate sports fans and several professional teams, including the Atlanta Falcons (NFL), Atlanta Hawks (NBA), and Atlanta Braves (MLB). College football also plays a big role in local culture, with the University of Georgia Bulldogs drawing huge crowds each season. Whether you’re catching a game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium or joining local leagues, sports are a big part of life here.
4. Con: Mosquitos are everywhere
Mosquitos flourish in Georgia due to the favorable humid environment. Residents jokingly refer to mosquitos as the state bird of the peach state. Residents buy repellants or install a screened-in porch to keep the mosquitoes away. If you want to live in Georgia, be prepared to face your fair share of mosquitoes.
5. Pro: The state experiences four distinct seasons
Living in Atlanta or other parts of Georgia will grant you a chance to experience all four seasons. Although you’ll feel the difference in seasons, it’s not an extreme change that will affect your lifestyle. The best thing is that all these seasons seamlessly transition into one another, each paving the way for the next. Summer is always the warmest and most challenging to get through, but it offers the right opportunity to enjoy numerous watersports and other recreation activities.
6. Con: Traffic congestion is a constant hassle
In major metro areas like Atlanta, heavy traffic is a daily reality. The city consistently ranks among the worst in the nation for congestion, with long commute times and frequent bottlenecks on highways like I-285 and I-75. Even outside of Atlanta, growing suburbs and popular tourist areas can see significant traffic, making getting around a challenge during peak hours.
7. Pro: Natural beauty throughout the state
From the Blue Ridge Mountains in the north to the sandy shores of the Golden Isles, Georgia offers diverse and stunning landscapes. Residents can explore lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and picturesque lakes, all within a few hours’ drive. Whether you’re hiking in the Chattahoochee National Forest or strolling along the sandy shores of Tybee Island, there’s no shortage of breathtaking views to enjoy year-round.
8. Con: Seasonal allergies? Pollen can be intense in Georgia
Georgia’s warm climate and abundant greenery come with a downside — heavy pollen. Springtime brings a thick yellow coating that covers cars, sidewalks, and just about everything else. Allergy sufferers may find it especially challenging, as pollen counts can spike dramatically, making it tough to enjoy the outdoors without sneezing, itchy eyes, and other allergy symptoms.
9. Pro: Property taxes are low
One of Georgia’s financial advantages for homeowners is its relatively low property tax rates. Compared to many other states, property taxes here tend to be more affordable, which can make a significant difference in overall housing costs. This is especially appealing for people looking to buy a home or settle down long-term, as lower property taxes mean more manageable annual expenses and better overall value for your investment.
10. Con: Limited public transportation
Outside of Atlanta’s MARTA system, public transportation options in Georgia are scarce. Most cities and towns lack comprehensive transit networks, making it difficult to get around without a car. This can be a drawback for those who rely on public transit or prefer to avoid driving, especially in sprawling suburban and rural areas where rideshare options are also limited.
Methodology: The population data is from the United States Census Bureau and the median home sale price and average rental data is from the Redfin Data Center.
The post 10 Pros and Cons of Living in Georgia appeared first on Redfin | Real Estate Tips for Home Buying, Selling & More.
