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Things to know before moving to Georgia

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Today, everyone seems to have Georgia on their minds! So, if you’re ready to move somewhere where sweet tea flows in streams and where trees are covered in romantic Spanish moss, feel free to join some 10 million Georgians and make this southern country your home. But before you pack your things, here’s what you need to know about the Peach State.

The job market is great

Did you know that more than 90,000 people move to Atlanta every year? Actually, this city is usually the first on the list of “Top Moving Destinations in the U.S.” But why is this state so attractive for entrepreneurs? Well, Georgia’s job market is very stable and growing, especially in the fields of leisure and hospitality, education and health and trade and transport. The federal minimum wage in the state of Georgia is $7.25 per hour and the current unemployment rate is very low—just 3.4%

Fortune 500 companies are big on Georgia

Eighteen Fortune 500 companies and 32 Fortune 1000 companies are based in Georgia, including giants like Home Depot, Delta and Coca-Cola. Big markets, great workforce training programs and low costs of running a business are just some of the reasons the biggest companies in the world choose to call Georgia their home. And it’s good to say that they manage to compete very well on a global scale!

Housing is affordable and moving is easy

While Georgia was hit hard during the housing crisis, the market is fully recovered today and ready to welcome a lot of new residents. No matter if you rent or buy, you can find an affordable home for you and your family. According to research, the average price of a home in Georgia is somewhere around $200,000. If you decide to rent, expect to pay around $1000 for a one-bedroom apartment and about $200 for another extra room. And if you need help relocating, you can always find helping hands even if you’re moving from a few states away. There are helpful moving companies out in Richmond VA that are happy to handle all your moving needs and allow you to have a stress-free relocation. You want to start your new life on the right foot.

Summers are warm and humid

If you have never experienced a Deep South summer, get ready to be shocked. Your first summer in Georgia will not be pleasant with all the heat and humidity. And even when the summer ends, don’t expect any extreme cold days in this state. So, unless you’re planning to go north for the winter holidays, feel free to donate your thick coats before your move.

Beaches are perfect

While you might miss the snow, there are other ways to keep yourself busy in Georgia, one definitely being the beach. While Georgia beaches aren’t as famous as Florida’s or Carolinas’, Tybee Island, St. Simon and Jekyll Island will take your breath away. Just make sure to check the weather before you head out (rain is frequent). And seafood is abundant in the south, so definitely get ready for some tasty fried fish, oysters and shrimp.

Traffic is not the best

The Atlanta metro area is huge and has notoriously bad traffic. So, if you’re planning to move to Atlanta, make sure to give yourself plenty of time—there’s no use rushing. This state has a relatively high number of traffic accidents that end in fatalities, so be sure to navigate the rush carefully.

If you’re planning your move, there’s no better time to start your new life in Georgia than now. The housing market recovered, political changes are happening and job activity is high. Just to be sure, make sure to do your homework concerning work, housing and education, so you can settle as soon as you arrive.

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