Georgia’s landscape is as diverse as its culture, stretching from the rugged peaks of the North Georgia mountains to the sandy shores of the Atlantic. The state’s major cities, including Atlanta with its fast-paced energy and Athens with its deep-rooted musical and academic traditions, provide a mix of modern convenience and Southern charm. But life here isn’t without its challenges. From the sweltering summers to relentless traffic, there are factors to consider before making Georgia home. In this ApartmentGuide article, we’ll break down the pros and cons of living in Georgia, giving you a clearer picture if Georgia is a good place to live.
Renting in Georgia snapshot
| Population | 11,180,878 |
| Avg. studio rent | $1,211 per month |
| Avg. one-bedroom rent | $1,165 per month |
| Avg. two-bedroom rent | $1,427 per month |
| Most affordable cities to rent in Georgia | Albany, Warner Robins, Valdosta |
| Most walkable cities in Georgia | Decatur, Atlanta, North Atlanta |
1. Pro: Living in a history book
Georgia is like a living museum, where nearly every city and town carries pieces of America’s past. Strolling through Savannah’s centuries-old oak-lined streets, you’ll find yourself surrounded by grand mansions and cobblestone pathways that have stood the test of time. In Atlanta, history is embedded in every corner, from the birth home of Martin Luther King Jr. to the civil rights landmarks that shaped the nation. If you’re fascinated by the Civil War, a visit to Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park provides a deeper understanding of the state’s role in the conflict.
2. Con: Springtime struggles with pollen
If you have allergies, springtime in Georgia can feel like a personal challenge. The warm climate fuels an explosion of pollen, coating cars, sidewalks, and front porches in a thick yellow dust that seems impossible to escape. Cities like Atlanta and Macon often rank among the worst in the country for seasonal allergies, with tree pollen levels reaching their peak between March and May. Even if you don’t typically suffer from allergies, the sheer volume of airborne irritants can lead to watery eyes and sneezing fits.
3. Pro: Mountains rivers and coastline
No matter what kind of outdoor scenery you love, Georgia delivers. The northern region is a playground for hikers and nature lovers, with the Blue Ridge Mountains providing trails that wind through waterfalls, deep forests, and scenic overlooks. Amicalola Falls State Park is a prime destination for those looking to experience one of the tallest waterfalls in the Southeast. Further south, the Chattahoochee River offers kayaking, fishing, and tubing opportunities for a refreshing escape from the summer heat. And for those who prefer sandy shores, the Atlantic coastline is home to peaceful beach towns like Tybee Island and Jekyll Island, where you can enjoy laid-back days by the water.
4. Con: Traffic jams and long commute times
Georgia’s roads are often clogged with cars, especially in and around larger cities like Atlanta. The city’s population boom has far outpaced infrastructure improvements, leading to frustrating gridlock that can turn a 20-minute drive into an hour-long ordeal. The infamous “Downtown Connector,” where Interstates 75 and 85 merge, is a nightmare during rush hour, with stop-and-go traffic stretching for miles. Even outside the metro area, popular commuter routes like Georgia 400 and I-285 see daily congestion.
5. Pro: Mild winters and overall climate
Snow shovels and heavy winter coats are rarely needed in Georgia, where winters are brief and relatively mild. Even in the coldest months, temperatures often stay above freezing, making it easy to enjoy outdoor activities year-round. Coastal areas, like Savannah, benefit from ocean breezes that keep winters even more comfortable. The state’s climate also contributes to a long growing season, making it an agricultural powerhouse known for peaches, pecans, and peanuts. While summers can be intense, the trade-off is avoiding harsh winters and icy roads that plague much of the country.
6. Con: Sticky air and sweltering days
If you’re not a fan of heat and humidity, Georgia summers will test your patience. From June through September, temperatures frequently reach the upper 90s, with humidity levels that make it feel even hotter. Coastal cities like Brunswick and Savannah experience particularly thick, muggy air, while urban centers like Atlanta suffer from the “heat island” effect, where concrete and asphalt trap warmth. The combination of heat and humidity makes stepping outside feel like walking into a sauna.
7. Pro: Prestigious colleges and universities
Education in Georgia isn’t just about hitting the books—it’s about being part of institutions that shape industries and inspire innovation. The University of Georgia in Athens is one of the nation’s oldest public universities, offering top-tier programs in business, journalism, and law. In Atlanta, the Georgia Institute of Technology, known for its cutting-edge engineering and technology programs, attracts students from around the world.
8. Con: Severe storms and hurricane risks
Georgia’s weather isn’t always gentle. While the state avoids direct hits from most hurricanes, coastal areas like Savannah and Tybee Island remain vulnerable to storm surges and flooding. Inland, strong thunderstorms can pop up unexpectedly, bringing intense lightning, heavy rain, and occasional tornadoes. The risk of severe weather means residents must stay prepared, especially during hurricane season, when even a glancing blow from a tropical storm can result in downed trees, power outages, and property damage.
9. Pro: Affordable homes and lower costs
Georgia provides an attractive cost of living, particularly when it comes to housing. While cities like Atlanta have seen rising home prices, many areas remain affordable compared to other parts of the country. In Columbus, for instance, homebuyers can find properties with a median price of $210,000, while renters can secure a one-bedroom apartment for around $1,015 per month. Even in larger metro areas, homeownership is within reach for many residents, allowing them to enjoy suburban amenities without the sky-high prices found in other states.
10. Con: Mosquitoes roaches and pesky invaders
Georgia’s warm, humid climate is the perfect breeding ground for insects—and they make their presence known. Mosquitoes thrive in areas with standing water, leading to itchy bites and the occasional risk of mosquito-borne illnesses. Fire ants, cockroaches, and palmetto bugs (which are essentially giant flying roaches) are common nuisances, especially in the summer months.
11. Pro: Passionate fans and legendary games
Few places take sports as seriously as Georgia. College football is practically a religion, with towns like Athens coming alive every fall as fans pack Sanford Stadium to cheer on the Georgia Bulldogs. The state’s sports culture extends beyond football, too—Atlanta is home to professional teams like the Braves, Falcons, and Hawks, drawing die-hard fans who stick with their teams through highs and lows. Every April, golf fans from around the world turn their attention to Augusta for the prestigious Masters Tournament.
12. Con: Scorching heat and blistering summers
Methodology : The population data is from the United States Census Bureau, walkable cities are from Walk Score, and rental data is from ApartmentGuide.
