Planning on moving to Georgia? Or are you curious if it’s the right state for you? In this article, we take you through everything you need to know about moving to various parts of Georgia.
Whether you’re curious about cities like Atlanta or you want to move to more suburban landscapes, we have you covered. Read on to learn everything you need to know about moving to Georgia to determine if it’s right for you.
Factors to Consider When Moving to Georgia
There are tons of factors to consider when moving to Georgia, ranging from the quality of food to the job market. We take you through the most important factors to consider below.
The Climate
If you’re coming from the North, Midwest, or anywhere else in the United States that experiences cold winters and four seasons, Georgia may surprise you.
Down in Georgia, it’s hot for most of the year, and in the summer, it’s very hot and humid. For some people, this can be too much, especially in metropolitan areas that tend to generate a lot more heat.
Cost of Living
The cost of living is another factor to consider, and one of the most important ones. While you might be lured by the low cost of living compared to the national average, this isn’t true for every area in Georgia.
For example, Atlanta and other metropolitan areas are more expensive than small cities and suburban towns. This tends to be where many of the high-paying tech jobs are, which can help you offset some of the costs.
Overall, expect to pay around $1,700 to $2,000 in rent for most metropolitan areas and around $450,000 to $500,000 for a single-family home.
Job Opportunities
If you’re moving to Georgia for work, you’ll want to know what the job market looks like. In cities like Atlanta, the technology sector is rapidly growing, so many white-collar jobs are available. However, moving outside of metropolitan areas results in fewer opportunities and more blue-collar work.
That said, 18 Fortune 500 companies operate in Georgia, and that number is expected to grow due to the low cost of doing business in the state.
Steps for Moving to Georgia
If you plan on going through with your move to Georgia, you need to prepare. We take you through the necessary steps you’ll need to take to complete your move below.
1. Finding a Place to Live
First and foremost, you need to find a place to live. Take some time to learn more about Georgia’s cities and suburbs before making a decision, and do your best to determine if you can afford to live there.
Also, make sure you account for the job market, and if you hate traffic, you may want to stay away from cities like Atlanta. If you need help, connecting with a realtor is a good way to get started, but you can also check Reddit threads or do some searching on Google.
2. Buying or Renting Your New Home
Once you’ve found a place to live, you can look into putting down a deposit for rent (first and last month usually) or close on a property. You may need a realtor to help with the process, and if you plan on renting, you’ll have to pass a credit check. This also applies to buying property, but you’ll have to get approved for a mortgage and work with a lender.
3. Planning Your Move
Once you’ve settled on a place to live, it’s time to plan your move. This includes evaluating costs, figuring out how to transport vehicles, and making sure everything goes smoothly, especially for cross-country moves.
To ensure your belongings get there safely, we recommend working with well-reviewed moving companies.
4. Establishing Your Residency
Moving to a new state isn’t like moving to a new county – you need to become a resident of the state. You’ll need to have proof that you live in Georgia, and you have to transfer your license to a Georgia license within 30 days of moving.
This also applies to vehicle registration, and once you’ve established your residency, you can vote.
When planning your move to Georgia, make sure you consider all the factors we covered in this article thoroughly. After all, you don’t want to end up several states over without a game plan, especially if you realize Georgia isn’t the best fit.
Then, when it’s time to plan your move carefully, study locations, crime rates, population trends, and additional information to ensure that you’re choosing the right city in Georgia.
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