People are flocking to Georgia every year for its thriving commerce scene and charming Southern culture—but with unbearable summer temps and a lack of quality healthcare, it’s not always as peachy as it seems.

Georgia on your mind? If you’re thinking about moving down to the Empire State of the South, you don’t want to jump in without carefully considering all the pros and cons. Some relocators think Georgia is the perfect place to start fresh, but a handful of factors may make you reconsider.

Having trouble deciding what to prioritize? We’re here to help. We’ve created this handy guide to the best and worst that Georgia has to offer so that you can determine the best move. Let’s get started.

MORE: How to find cheap Georgia car insurance

Pro: Flourishing economy

With dozens of massive corporations like Coca-Cola, Delta Airlines, Home Depot, UPS, and Chick-fil-A making their home in Georgia, the state has grown to be one of the top 10 economies in the country. On top of that, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world for both passengers and commerce. These factors make Georgia a major hub for international business and trade.

With a healthy economy also comes a lower unemployment rate. As of November 2022, the unemployment rate in the state was just 3%—lower than the national average. Thanks to those big businesses, it’s relatively easy to find a job in Georgia, especially in larger cities like Atlanta or tourism-heavy areas like Savannah.

Pro: Short and mild winters

For the majority of the state, the temperature rarely drops to below freezing, so say goodbye to snow tires and shoveling your driveway. On average, the winter temperatures hover around the 40s, with January being the coldest month of the year—and even then, the average low is just 35 degrees. You’ll probably have to deal with one or two icy events per year, but overall the winters in the Peach State don’t last more than a couple of months.

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Con: Sweaty summers

Those mild winters come with a price, though. Not only can the summer temperatures get downright oppressive in Georgia, but combined with the high humidity, you’ll be sweaty the second you step outside during the muggier months. Georgians know to expect to be sticky and warm for at least a third of the year, with the heat index regularly surpassing 100 degrees.

That much heat and humidity also make Georgia one of the top states for experiencing tornadoes—so make sure to brush up on your tornado safety and update your Georgia home insurance ASAP. You may want to add comprehensive coverage to your car insurance policy, too, to make sure any weather-related damage is covered!

MORE: Which natural disasters does homeowners insurance cover in Georgia?

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Pro: Stunning natural scenery

When most folks think of Georgia, Atlanta gets all the buzz—but outside of city life, there’s a world of gorgeous natural beauty to explore. From beautiful beaches like

Tybee Island

and

Jekyll Island

to majestic mountain scenes of the Appalachian and

Blue Ridge Mountains

, Georgia has a little bit of everything.

Georgia also has 63

state parks

to camp, hike, or fish in. Plus, with the beaches, over 30 lakes, 700 waterfalls, and dozens of rivers at your fingertips, Georgia is a water recreation paradise.

MORE: Check out this haunted road trip in Georgia

Con: Pollen and pests galore

Even uif you don’t have a pollen allergy, you may discover you have one when you move to Georgia. The state has some of the highest pollen levels in the country, making it a springtime nightmare for those with allergies.

On top of that, you’ll also have to worry about pests of all kinds. Georgia is notorious for having tons of mosquitos, and sand gnats are a big issue near the coast. Termites, roaches, ticks, and fleas are also a threat across the state, so invest in some heavy duty bug spray and exterminator services if you’re considering a move.

A less-common—but still possible—risk is encountering snakes and alligators, which is especially pertinent if you live in certain parts of the state. If you’re moving to South Georgia, you’ll want to be aware of where these creatures are likely to live so you can take extra precautions when hiking, kayaking, swimming, or even walking your dog!

MORE:

How to recognize (and survive) roaches in Georgia

Pro: Southern charm

If you’re familiar with the South, Georgia’s deeply-Southern culture may not be as shocking—but if you’re moving from anywhere else, you may have to adjust some. Georgians embody that beloved cliché of Southern hospitality like nobody’s business, but they also take their time a bit more than you’re used to.

There’s always a get-together happening somewhere, and no matter what the event, you’re sure to be met with a fresh glass of sweet tea when you get there. While you’ll probably have to acclimate to the Southern drawls and quirky slang terms, the charm of Georgians will have you feeling right at home in no time.

Georgia’s culture is also a diverse one, evidenced in its people, food, and music, making sure anyone can find a welcome home in the state.

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What you need to know about termites in Georgia

Con: Lower healthcare quality

Georgia is consistently ranked as one of the worst states when it comes to healthcare. This is due to a wide range of factors, from low numbers of hospital beds and doctors per capita to uninsured residents. Georgia also ranks poorly for senior healthcare, infant mortality, and maternal mortality on top of medical conditions correlated with Georgia’s high rate of poverty, like diabetes and heart disease.

Not only is healthcare access a problem in the state, but quality is lower than most states as well, despite having about average healthcare costs.

MORE: The ultimate guide to moving to Atlanta

Pro: Bye-bye, boredom

From the beaches on the coast and

Six Flags Over Georgia

to hiking

Hurricane Falls Trail

and the

Atlanta Food and Wine Festival

, there’s never a shortage of fun to be had in Georgia. Georgia is also home to several professional and college sports teams, so you can stay entertained year-round. Golf fans can head to Augusta for the annual Masters Golf Tournament, too!

Of course, Atlanta alone has more than enough to keep you busy for years. With 40+ museums, 447 parks,

Zoo Atlanta

, the

Atlanta Botanical Garden

, and the

Georgia Aquarium

, there’s entertainment for all ages.

Pro: Fantastic food

Whether you’re looking for those soul food classics like fried chicken or a “meat and three” or you’re seeking a culinary experience that’s entirely unique, you’ll find it in the Peach State. From boiled peanuts and fried okra to chicken and dumplings and fried green tomatoes, Georgia cuisine won’t leave you hungry. And don’t forget about the pie and barbecue!

MORE: Foodie road trip Georgia

Con: Transportation woes

Atlanta traffic is infamous for being some of the worst traffic in the country, but that’s not the only transportation issue you’ll have to worry about if you live in Georgia. Only bigger cities in the state have any type of public transportation, and their bus systems leave a lot to be desired.

Georgians also have to pay more in transportation costs, averaging about $459 per month. It’s basically impossible to get around without a car in the state, so making car payments, paying for repairs and gas, plus Georgia’s higher car insurance costs doesn’t bode well for Georgia drivers.

MORE:

What is the cost of living in Georgia?

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Is Georgia a good state to live in?

Georgia is a great state to live in, with a booming economy with plenty of jobs available, endless activities for the whole family, and more Southern food than you can hold. Georgia’s culture and atmosphere is welcoming and warm—both figuratively and literally.

City life in Georgia comes with more access to amenities, like entertainment, jobs, and healthcare, but you’ll also have to deal with aggravating traffic and higher living costs. On the other hand, suburban and rural areas will offer a slower pace of life with cheaper living expenses, but access to quality healthcare and might be a hindrance.

"
Jerry
is a great product with great customer service! The quote comparison found me lots of options being in Georgia.” —Gregory K.

FAQs

Is Georgia in Tornado Alley?

No, but it is part of what’s known as “Dixie Alley,” which is the Southern area that experiences frequent and severe tornadoes.

What are the winters like in Georgia?

Unless you’re nestled in the mountains, Georgia’s winter temperatures rarely get lower than than the mid-30s with average highs in the 50s or even the lower 60s. You aren’t likely to get much snow, but you can expect a decent amount of rain in the winter months.

Is Georgia racially diverse?

Yes, but it depends on where you live. Atlanta will offer the most diverse population, but Georgia’s population is quickly increasing, leading to an increase in diversity, too. According to the 2020 census,

61.6% of Georgians identified as white alone

, though the state’s diversity index is growing by the year.

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