1. Think You’re Getting Away From The Crowds? Think Again.

Some people might feed the stereotype that Georgia is filled with uneducated rednecks, but don’t buy it. Georgia is growing more every day with 100,000 people moving here every year for its great cities, close communities, job opportunities, Southern values, and much more.

2. Georgia Keeps Your Money Where It Belongs

Living in Georgia won’t drain your bank account like it will in other states. On a national index of 100, Georgia’s overall cost of living comes in at 92. And depending on where you choose to live, you could see an even cheaper price tag.

3. Buying A Home Isn’t A Dream In Georgia

It’s a reality. And an easy one, at that. On a national index of 100, the cost of homes in Georgia sits at 75. The median cost of a home overall in Georgia is around $140,00. Compared to the national average of $181,400, that’s a lot of extra money in your pocket.

4. Atlanta Will Cost You More

Like almost all big cities, Atlanta is one of the spots in Georgia where it will cost you more than the Georgia average. But Atlanta’s cost of living 3.20 percent lower than the national average.

5. But If A Big City Is What You Want, It’s Worth It

Atlanta is Georgia’s major city where you’ll find all of the pro sports teams, some great careers and opportunities, and lots of entertainment and amenities. If you want to move to the South but still want to live in a major city, Atlanta is the place to do it. The income per capita in Atlanta is 41.1 percent higher than the Georgia average and 27.3 percent higher than the national average.

6. But There Are Many More Desirable Areas

City living isn’t for everyone and some of the most desirable spots to live are outside of the city anyway. Places like Buckhead, Avondale Estates, Sandy Springs, Druid Hills, Berkeley Lake, Sandy Springs, and Decatur are great places to look for stable housing markets, high graduation rates, low crimes, and great communities.

7. The Job Market Has Stabilized And Improves Every Day

Need a job? Georgia is a great place to look. Georgia currently has a 6.8 percent unemployment rate, which is on par with the national average and future jobs are estimated to grow by 35.40 percent.

8. If You Want A Good Job, Head For The Paper

Did you know that Georgia leads the U.S. in timber production? It’s also the state’s highest agricultural product. Today, the timber industry provides 177,000 jobs to Georgians.

9. The Earlier In Spring Summer You Move In, The Better

Spoiler alert: Georgia is hot. The spring highs average around 75 degrees, fall hovers around 62, and winters are in the 50s. Summers, though, average a daily high of 90 degrees but can soar well past 100 when a heat wave strikes. The humidity can also be oppressive, so if you can avoid moving in the summer, do so.

10. Spring Is Also House Hunting Season

Because summer season gets a head start in Georgia, schools get out a lot earlier down here and go back in session earlier, too. You’ll find the selling boom hit every spring as families are generally trying to sell during the months when school is out, so it’s the prime time of year to look.

11. You Know Georgia For The Peaches

Believe the hype. Georgia peaches are the best peaches you’ll ever try. But, believe it or not, Georgia is ranked third in peach production. Get excited for what they rank first and second in, though.

12. But You’ll Soon Know It For Pecans And Peanuts

Peanuts are Georgia’s number one production and pecans are a close second. And if you’ve never had them for the area, just know that boiled peanuts from a paper bag will change your life. You’re in for a great surprise.

13. You’ll Never Think Of Kentucky For Fried Chicken Ever Again

Other Southern staple foods Georgia is known for include their unbeatable corn on the cob, Brunswick stew, and chicken and dumplings, and cornbread. But there’s nothing that can quite compare to the fried chicken in Georgia. Get to Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room and prepare to stand in line to get your hands on some of the best drumsticks of your life.

14. Georgia Is A Picture-Perfect Place To Raise A Family

No matter where you choose to live in Georgia, you’ll love how family-friendly the state is. And not just because of the wealth of nature and fun entertainment you’ll find. But the close-knit communities and famous Southern values still run very strong down here. Kids are raised to say “please” and “thank you” and respect their elders.

15. You Don’t Have To Be Afraid In Georgia

Just like any state, there are towns and cities that you’ll probably want to avoid if possible. But Georgia is overall a very safe place to live. If crime is a big factor in your decision making, look at areas like Avondale Estates which has a crime rate that is 82 percent less than Georgia’s average.

16. Religious Beliefs Run Strong In Georgia

This is the South, after all. Georgia has a religious population of 50.83 percent, which is 2 percent higher than the national average. The overwhelming majority practices here are Protestant, with 22 percent of people affiliated as Baptist.

17. Smile Back And Say Hello

Southern hospitality isn’t a rumor. It’s the lifestyle down in Georgia. Strangers will talk to you and your neighbors will want to get to know you. If you’re coming from up North where it’s much less common, try to keep in mind that there’s no reason to be anything but friendly down here.

18. Georgia Has Some Awesome Pro Sports Teams To Cheer For

Georgians love their sports. The Atlanta Braves make them proud every spring, summer, and fall (when all goes right) as the MLB team of the state and the Atlanta Falcons bring the NFL love alive. Prepare to add lots of red to your wardrobe.

19. And The College Sports Are Pretty Great, Too

Pro sports might be popular nationwide but in the South, college football might as well be a second religion. This is where college football gets its official start, with the Chick-Fil-A Kickoff Game, otherwise known as The Big Game. The University of Georgia Bulldogs are one of the most popular along with the Atlanta Georgia Yellow Jackets, but whichever team you choose to cheer for, you must pick one side and stick to it.

20. You’ll Love Tybee Island

Not only do you get the benefits and beauty of Georgia’s nature, but you get one of the country’s best-kept secrets in beaches. Tybee Island is a favorite spot for everyone from surgers to families to catch some waves.

21. Georgia Is A World Class Destination

Georgia is one of the most underappreciated states in the U.S. but that is starting to change. BuzzFeed named Savannah as one of the top 10 U.S. cities for a weekend getaway and Business Insider listed Atlanta among the top 25 travel destinations in the world. Find out why Georgia keeps topping lists for yourself and you’ll soon understand why Ray Charles sang about having Georgia on his mind. Like This Post? You’ll Definitely Love These: