Moving to Georgia in 2025? Last year, around 116,000 people relocated to Georgia. The state offers a booming job market, friendly tax policies, and a great climate. The state’s economy grew by 3.1%, outpacing the national growth of 1.6% in 2024.
From cities like Atlanta and Augusta to Amicalola Falls and the unique Providence Canyon, there’s plenty to explore in Georgia. If you are feeling overwhelmed with all the information out there? Don’t worry—this blog is your step-by-step guide for relocating to Georgia.
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AT A GLANCE:
- Around 116,00O people moved to Georgia last year for its booming job market, affordable living, and tax-friendly policies.
- The state is home to 19 Fortune 500 companies, and Atlanta ranks #4th in the highest concentration of Fortune 500 companies.
- Georgia plans to add new jobs across tech, logistics, and healthcare sectors through incentives like free workforce training and R&D tax credits.
- Rising inventory, affordable median home prices, and programs like Georgia Dream create favorable market conditions for buyers.
- The climate in Georgia is mild. The summers are generally hot and humid, while the winters are mild and not too cold.
5 Reasons to Move to Georgia
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1. Thriving Job Market
Georgia is home to 19 Fortune 500 companies, and Atlanta ranked 4th for the highest concentration of Fortune 500 companies. The major employers include Delta Airlines, The Coca‑Cola Company, and UPS. The state aims to create 5 million jobs in 2025.
Companies choose Georgia for strategic advantages such as the world’s busiest airport in Atlanta, the Southeast’s busiest port in Savannah, and world-class infrastructure.
2. Top-Notch Education
The state is home to several highly ranked universities like the University of Georgia, Georgia Tech, Emory, and Kennesaw State University. Plus, Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science & Technology ranks among the top 10 in the country.
Additionally, the state offers various scholarship programs, including the HOPE Scholarship, which covers full tuition fees for students with a 3.0+ GPA in high school. This makes higher education in Georgia easily accessible and highly affordable for students.
3. Business-Friendly Economy
Georgia ranks among the most business-friendly states in the country. The state offers generous incentives that include up to $4,000 in job tax credits and a 10% R&D credit. Plus, the state levies a low 5.75% corporate tax only on in-state sales.
Beyond the tax benefits, the state’s Georgia Quick Start program is ranked #1 in the country. The program is aimed at providing free workforce training to help companies speed up their operations setup.
4. Climate in Georgia
Georgia has a warm and humid climate. The temperature in summer ranges between 70-90°F, while in winter it stays between 30-60°F. It does not snow in most of the state, except for the mountain areas in the northern part.
Spring and fall are considered the best times of year, with mild weather perfect for outdoor recreation.
5. Affordable Housing
With a median housing price of $380K, housing in Georgia is cheaper than the national average. Recent trends show that around 3.8% fewer houses were sold this year. However, the inventory is up by 18.1%, making it a buyer-friendly market.
Additionally, the state offers several home buyer assistance programs, like the “Georgia Dream,” to make housing in the state even more affordable. The program offers eligible buyers 30-year fixed mortgages with up to $10,000 in down payment assistance.
Pros and Cons of Living in Georgia
Here are the key benefits and drawbacks of relocating to Georgia:
| ✔️ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Housing, healthcare, and groceries cost less than the national average, making Georgia a budget-friendly choice. | 1. Public transportation is very limited except in the big cities. |
| 2. The state has a business-friendly tax system with a Single-factor tax and job and R&D tax credits. | 2. Some areas are expanding so fast, they outpace the growth of infrastructure in the area. |
| 3. The weather is mild with hot summers and mild winters. | 3. Pollen levels get high in spring and fall, increasing the risk of allergies. |
| 4. The state has a robust job market in booming industries like tech, healthcare, and logistics. | 4. Big gap between city and country life. Rural areas have limited job opportunities. |
Things to Know Before Moving to Georgia ✅
Before entering the Georgia housing market, know the key laws affecting property ownership and transactions.
- Firearm Laws: No permits are required to carry an open or concealed firearm for adults aged 21 and above. However, certain places like schools and government buildings prohibit guns. Georgia does not require firearm registration.
- Voter Registration: You need to register at least 30 days before an election to vote. A valid photo ID, like a Georgia driver’s license or U.S. passport, is required for voting in person. You can register easily through the Georgia Secretary of State’s website.
- Driver’s License & Vehicle Registration: New residents are required to register their vehicle and obtain a new Georgia driver’s license within 30 days of establishing their residence in Georgia.
- Flood Insurance: If you’re buying property in a flood-prone area, especially near the coast or along rivers, you may need flood insurance. Standard homeowner’s insurance usually does not cover flood damage.
Cost of Living in Georgia
The price of living in Georgia is 4% higher, which is largely due to higher goods and service costs. However, daily expenses like utilities, food, and healthcare cost less than the national average. making it an attractive option for people planning to save big.
How to Move to Georgia?
If you are already thinking there is a lot to consider, don’t worry! Here is the step-by-step guide to make your relocation to Georgia seamless:
1. How to Plan Your Logistics?
Just remember, moving your belongings isn’t free. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- If you are not in for heavy lifting and want to hire a professional mover to do it for you, a typical Georgia mover costs around $101[3] per hour. However, this depends on the size of your belongings and the distance you are traveling.
- On the other hand, if you want to do it yourself, renting a truck is a better option. The rent for a mid-sized truck with a load-carrying capacity of 4,000–6,000 pounds costs around $40–$80[4] per day.
2. How to Set Up Electricity, Water, and Internet?
It is recommended to start your utility setup in advance, as setting up these can take 3-4 weeks. Here is how to set up your utilities before moving to Georgia:
- Electricity and Gas: In Georgia, most of the electricity is provided by Georgia Power, and distribution is managed by local EMCs. For natural gas, the major service providers include Gas South, SCANA Energy, and Constellation.
- Water & Sewer: Water services are usually managed by the local municipalities. To apply for the service online, visit your city’s utility department website. For the application, you will need a government-issued ID, proof of residency, and possibly a setup or deposit fee.
- Internet and Cable: The top internet providers in Georgia include Xfinity, AT&T Fiber, and Spectrum. Book your installation 2–3 weeks before moving in.
3. How to Enroll Your Kids in School?
Most of the schools offer online registration for your kids. Just visit your local school district’s website to get started. Here is how it works for kids in kindergarten through high school:
- For Kindergarten or First Grade: the child must be at least 5 years old before September 1st, 6 years old for the first grade. You will need proof of residency, the child’s immunization records, and a birth certificate.
- For Older Students: If you have older children, you will need the documents mentioned above, plus transcripts from the previous school and a withdrawal form.
- Transfer & Special Cases: Transfers between schools or districts are handled by the local school district and usually require approval from the school you’re transferring into.
4. How to Transfer Your Job or Find a New One?
- For a Work From Home Job: If you are someone working from home and moving to Georgia, just check if your employer has any location-specific tax and employment tax and employment rules.
- Find a New Job: To find a new job in Georgia, use platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, or Georgia’s official job site, EmployGeorgia.com. Top job markets in the state include Atlanta, Savannah, and Augusta.
5. How to Find a Perfect House?
- Average rent in popular cities like Atlanta, Savannah, and Augusta ranges from $100 – $175,000[2] a month, depending on location and nearby amenities.
- If you’re planning to buy a house, expect to pay around $439K[2] in major cities like Atlanta and Savannah. On the other hand, in smaller cities like Macon and Columbus, it is about $175K and $225K, respectively.
Should I Move to Georgia?
Yes, you should definitely move to Georgia. The state combines new opportunities, a good quality of life, and friendly communities. However, relocating to Georgia isn’t easy. It takes time, careful planning, and effort to find the perfect place to call your home.
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Data Sources
To help you make a smart move to Georgia, we analyzed key data points that impact relocation costs, lifestyle, and employment prospects. We’ve sourced reliable, up-to-date data across the following categories:
- StatisticalAtlas: Major employers
- Zillow: Average rent prices
- MoveBuddha: Estimated moving costs
- Thisoldhouse: DIY truck rental rates
By backing our insights with real numbers, we give you a clear picture of what it really takes to relocate to Georgia, long before the moving boxes are packed.
