Top LOOKS for Georgia
Moving to Georgia: What It’s Like to Live in the Peach State
Georgia attracts movers who want career opportunities and lower costs than most coastal states in a warm package. It’s one of the few places in the country where you can live in a fast-growing metro and still find space and affordability nearby.
Atlanta remains the state’s economic heart, but the appeal goes beyond the city — mid-sized metros like Savannah, Macon, and Augusta offer charm and a slower pace. Georgia is a truly unique combination of Southern culture with modern growth, making it a destination for families and young professionals.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Georgia added more than 115,000 new residents in 2023, keeping it among the top five states for population growth. The biggest influx came from Florida, California, and Texas, people drawn by affordability and economic opportunity.
Cost of Living in Georgia
Georgia’s cost of living is well below the national average in most areas. The Atlanta region has become pricier but still compares favorably to other major metros.
- Home prices: The median statewide home price is about $325,000, compared to around $420,000 in the Atlanta metro and $250,000–$275,000 in cities like Macon, Augusta, and Columbus.
- Rent: A typical one-bedroom averages $1,400 statewide, or around $1,800 in central Atlanta.
- Taxes: State income tax starts at 5.49%, with relatively low property taxes.
- Utilities: Moderate year-round, with low heating costs but high summer cooling bills.
- Groceries and transportation: Remain slightly below national averages.
The state’s affordability and expanding job base have made it especially appealing for first-time buyers and relocating professionals.
TL;DR: Georgia Regions at a Glance
Region------------------------What Works----------------------Good Fit For
Atlanta Metro------------------Jobs, culture, diversity--------------Professionals, families
North Georgia Mountains--------Scenic, quiet, affordable------------Retirees, remote workers
Savannah & Coast--------------History, charm, coastal lifestyle-----Creatives, retirees
Central Georgia-----------------Low cost, small-city pace----------Families, first-time buyers
(Macon, Warner Robins)
Augusta & East Georgia---------Medical hub, historic feel-----------Military, healthcare workers
South Georgia------------------Agriculture, space, affordability-----Remote workers, rural seekers
Where in Georgia Should You Live?
Atlanta Metro
Atlanta anchors Georgia’s economy with jobs in film, tech, healthcare, and finance. Its mix of urban neighborhoods and suburban cities, such as Alpharetta, Marietta, and Sandy Springs, offers a wide range of choices.
What Works: Strong job market, diversity, and major airport access.
Watch Out For: Traffic and rising housing demand in popular suburbs.
North Georgia Mountains
Towns like Blue Ridge, Dahlonega, and Ellijay attract those wanting mountain scenery and a slower rhythm. The region has grown into a remote-work haven.
What Works: Four mild seasons, space, and affordability.
Watch Out For: Limited public services and longer drives to metro jobs.
Savannah & the Coast
Savannah blends history, art, and coastal living. Smaller coastal towns like St. Simons Island and Tybee Island add beach access without Florida crowds.
What Works: Architecture, walkability, and coastal culture.
Watch Out For: Summer humidity and flood zones.
Central Georgia
Macon and Warner Robins offer a relaxed pace with easy access to Atlanta. The cost of living is among the lowest in the state.
What Works: Affordable housing, strong sense of community.
Watch Out For: Smaller job markets and limited nightlife.
Augusta & East Georgia
Augusta is best known for healthcare and the Masters Tournament, but it’s also a stable regional economy with affordable homes and steady employment.
What Works: Cost of living, culture, and a reliable job base.
Watch Out For: Humid summers and limited industry diversity.
South Georgia
Stretching from Valdosta to Bainbridge, South Georgia offers rural space and low costs. Agriculture drives the economy, and small towns maintain strong community ties.
What Works: Affordability, land, and quiet living.
Watch Out For: Limited job options and summer heat.
Best Cities in Georgia to Consider
Atlanta
Diverse, creative, and an economic powerhouse.
Alpharetta
Suburban business hub with excellent schools.
Savannah
Historic, coastal, and full of charm.
Marietta
Close to Atlanta with strong schools and a strong community vibe.
Augusta
Affordable, stable, and culturally active.
Roswell
Family-oriented with beautiful historic districts.
Athens
College town energy with strong arts and music.
Macon
Affordable, historic, and community-focused.
Is Georgia Right for You?
Georgia fits people who want access to opportunity with a lower barrier to entry. The Atlanta region works for ambitious professionals; Savannah and the mountains draw those seeking creative or scenic lifestyles; and smaller cities offer affordability with strong community ties.
You’ll trade some humidity for mild winters, and you’ll need a car almost everywhere, but the trade-off is space and a lifestyle that’s easier to sustain.
FAQs About Living in Georgia
Q: Is Georgia affordable?
A: Yes. Outside the Atlanta metro, housing and utilities sit well below the national average.
Q: What are the safest cities in Georgia?
A: Johns Creek, Milton, and Peachtree City consistently rank among the safest.
Q: Do I need a car?
A: Yes, especially outside of central Atlanta. MARTA covers limited routes in the core metro.
Q: How’s the job market?
A: Strong — major employers include Delta, Coca-Cola, UPS, Home Depot, and a booming film industry.
Q: What’s the weather like?
A: Hot, humid summers and mild winters. Snow is rare except in the far north.
Q: Are schools good?
A: Yes, in top districts like Fulton, Cobb, and Forsyth counties. Smaller cities vary, so school zoning matters.
Ready to Find Your Georgia Fit?
From Atlanta’s big-city energy to Savannah’s coastal calm, Georgia offers more range than most states.
- Take the LookyLOO Quiz to find your best-fit Georgia cities and save them in your Movebook.