Moving from California to Georgia
If you are considering swapping coasts, but do not want to sacrifice the weather, then moving from California to Georgia can be excellent for those looking to get to the other side of the country. Along with sunny skies, let's go over some of the top reasons why you may want to consider moving from California to Georgia.
Benefits of Moving from California to Georgia
Aside from the weather, there are some great benefits to moving from California to Georgia. Here are some of the significant benefits that are waiting for you in the peach state.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Georgia is significantly cheaper than it is in California. When comparing two hotspots of the states, Los Angeles, and Atlanta, Atlanta wins in terms of being more affordable. Overall, the cost of living in Georgia is 39% less than that of California. The average home costs $689,500 in California, whereas in Georgia, the cost is 62% less with your average home costing $259,000.
Transportation in Georgia is also cheaper than it is in Californian by 26%. This is not surprising considering that Georgia is not as congested as many cities in California are. The cost of food and groceries are also cheaper by 5.1%.
While the cost of living is generally lower in Georgia than in California, some aspects of life are more expensive in Georgia. Utilities tend to be higher at 10.6%, and the cost of health is a tad bit pricey at 2.7%. Overall, with such low housing and an overall low cost of living, it is generally a huge plus to move from California to Georgia.
Weather
Much like California, Georgia has a pretty favorable climate, with the average high temperature being around 78 degrees. Unlike California, the warmer months can be a little more humid, and that can take some getting used to. Likewise, Georgia does see some snow now and then, but overall, winters are typically mild. You won't entirely get to experience the four seasons in Georgia, but you do get a lot more variation in the weather than you would in California.
Outdoor Activities
It is no surprise that California is a hotbed of outdoor activities. Everything from great hikes to scenic national parks awaits you in California, but Georgia has its fair share of beautiful locations and outdoor activities too.
The lush greenery of Georgia makes it a great place to go out and explore the outdoors. One of the popular activities that Georgia has to offer is exploring the many rivers, especially the Chattahoochee River, via floaties, rafts, and canoes. If you are a thrill-seeker, you will love white water rafting on the Chattooga River.
There are plenty of hiking opportunities, too, with one of the most popular being the iconic Stone Mountain hike. Hiking this mountain offers incredibly scenic views of Atlanta. Lookout Mountain is another popular destination that gets you high above the state. It was also a key landmark during the American Civil War. The view from Lookout Mountain allows you to look over seven states at once.
Many of the outdoor activities in Georgia are rooted in the state's historical past. Georgia has got a good mix for outdoor lovers and history buffs from the Battlefield of the American Civil War to historic cemeteries.
Excellent Education
Georgia has an up-and-coming educational system when it comes to public and private K-12 schooling. Innovation in the school system is highly encouraged, and the state received a 400 million dollar Race to the Top grant that has allowed 26 School Districts to allow reform in the best interests of the students they serve. The grants have helped serve the school districts by giving students access to technology, resources, and preparation for the workplace and college.
One of the biggest benefits for students who attend public schools in Georgia is their exposure to career readiness at a young age. Middle schools and high schools in Georgia offer some sort of technical and career education for students who choose not to attend college after graduation. The state has a Career Pathways initiative that allows students to get real-world exposure through hands-on learning.
The Georgia educational system also does a great job of serving higher achievement students as every school system is required to offer a gifted and talented education program. There are state funds that are allocated for this program specifically.
Overall, Georgia ranks 17th in the nation's K-12 achievement, and it ranks first in the country for connecting the public school system with early learning, higher education, and preparation for the real world.
Outside of the public school system, there are a variety of private schools as well. Different private school options include religious private schools and private schools focused on science and technology. Private schools are available with K-12 education. There are also private schools dedicated to secondary level students as well.
Public Transportation
Unlike California, Georgia does not have a metro rail system. Although it lacks a subway system, commuters have plenty of other ways to get around with public transportation. Amtrak trains have several stops all around Georgia, including Atlanta, Gainesville, Jessup, Savannah, and Toccoa.
On a more local scale, there are different bus systems in specific cities. MARTA is the commuter system in Atlanta and only travels within the city. The MARTA bus system has a particular route schedule but does not always operate on the weekend. Many people who live in Atlanta use the MARTA system in conjunction with a taxi or ride-sharing app like Uber.
Cost of Moving from California to Georgia
One of the most significant disadvantages of moving from California to Georgia is the moving cost. Both locations are on the opposite side of the country, so, unsurprisingly, your moving costs will be heftier than moving to a closer state like Arizona. You can expect to pay from $6,000 to $18,000 in moving costs for a three-bedroom household. The average linehaul moving cost from California to Georgia with Allied is $4,500.
However, this number doesn’t factor in how many belongings you need to move or the exact distance you’ll be going. For a more accurate estimate, you can fill out our Instaquote form above.
Most Popular Cities in Georgia
Much like California, some popular cities in Georgia are more desirable than others. The popularity of a city is due to a variety of factors, including access to public transportation, work, attractions, and culture. The population of a city does not necessarily reflect the popularity of that city. Let's take a look at three of the most popular cities in Georgia:
Atlanta
Atlanta is the capital of Georgia and is the largest city in the state. It has a population center of over half a million with a metro area population that tips over five million people. Georgia is stunning because of its mixture of metropolitan appeal and natural beauty. The city is surrounded by rolling hills and lush green forestry, making it perfect for city lovers and nature enthusiasts.
Augusta
The next populous city in Georgia is Augusta. The city has a population of 200,000 and is right alongside the South Carolina border. Augusta is known for its industrial landscape and affordable power sources.
Savannah
This charming city is one of the state's most notable regions because of its historical roots and beautiful architecture. Savannah is home to some of the state's best restaurants and hotels. Coupled with its proximity to the ocean, Savannah is also one of the most popular tourist destinations in the state.
How to Move from California to Georgia
From the cost of living to the state's beauty, it's clear why Georgia is a desirable state for so many. If you are looking to switch up the California lifestyle, consider these reasons for moving from California to Georgia. Although the cost of moving can be high, we’d like to help you take a load off—use our Instaquote form for exact estimates, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions.