Your Comprehensive Guide to Your Move to Georgia
A move to Georgia is a major decision. This guide covers the essentials for a smooth transition.
Key Considerations for Your Georgia Move:
- Legal: Transfer your driver’s license and register your vehicle within 30 days. Register to vote 29 days before an election.
- Finances: Georgia’s cost of living is 5-9% below the national average. Property taxes are also lower, and there are tax benefits for retirees.
- Location: Popular cities include Atlanta for jobs and Savannah for historic charm. Family-friendly suburbs like Alpharetta and Roswell are also top choices.
- Lifestyle: Prepare for hot, humid summers and mild winters. Enjoy Southern hospitality and year-round outdoor activities.
- Challenges: Be aware of intense summer heat, Atlanta traffic, high pollen counts, and limited public transit outside major cities.
Georgia boasts a strong job market in film, tech, and healthcare, with a median home value around $221,000. As the leader of Bernard Movers for nearly 30 years, I’m Mina Georgalas, and I’ve helped many families move from Illinois to Georgia. This guide shares our expertise to make your relocation stress-free.
Your Comprehensive Guide to Your Move to Georgia
Making the decision to move to Georgia from Illinois is a big step. At Bernard Movers, we’ve helped countless families from Chicago, Melrose Park, and across Illinois transition to the Peach State for nearly three decades. This guide covers what you need to know, based on the real experiences of families we’ve moved.
Why People are Moving from Illinois to Georgia
Many families are trading Illinois for Georgia, and the reasons are compelling. The most significant factor is the cost of living. Georgia ranks as the 6th lowest in the U.S., with a median home value around $221,471 and median rent near $1,455 per month—substantial savings compared to Illinois. Property taxes are also a major draw, with a median payment of $1,448 per year, which is $650 below the national average.
Beyond finances, the weather is a huge plus. Georgia’s mild winters, with highs in the 50s, are a welcome change from harsh Chicago winters. With 218 sunny days annually, you can enjoy the outdoors year-round. Finally, our clients consistently praise the genuine Southern hospitality, noting how welcomed they feel by friendly neighbors and a warm community spirit.
To learn more about relocating from Illinois, see our guide on moving from illinois. For relocation cost insights, see our page on the cost to relocate to another state.
Georgia’s Job Market and Economy
When you move to Georgia, you enter a dynamic job market. The state’s diverse economy is powered by major industries including film production (the largest in the U.S.), technology, healthcare, aerospace, and logistics. Major employers like The Coca-Cola Company, Lockheed Martin, and Gulfstream have a strong presence.
With 18 Fortune 500 headquarters and over 450 Fortune 500 companies operating here, career opportunities are abundant. Job growth is projected at 43.9% over the next decade, far outpacing the national average. The unemployment rate is a low 3.9%, with top career paths for Registered Nurses, Software Developers, and Financial Managers. The median household income of around $63,751, combined with a lower cost of living, provides a strong financial foundation. Our chicago long distance moving services can be timed with your new job.
Best Places to Live in Georgia
Georgia offers a wide variety of communities, from busy cities to quiet suburbs.
Atlanta is the economic heart of the Southeast, offering a diverse culture and endless job opportunities, particularly in tech and film. For those seeking historic charm, Savannah offers a slower pace with its beautiful squares and coastal scenery.
Families often choose suburbs like Alpharetta, Johns Creek, and Roswell for their excellent schools, parks, and safe neighborhoods, all while maintaining access to Atlanta. Other notable cities include Augusta, known for golf and affordability; Athens, a vibrant college town; and Macon, rich in Southern hospitality and musical history. From the Blue Ridge Mountains in the north to coastal islands like Tybee and St. Simons, Georgia’s geography provides diverse living options.
Top 5 Cities to Consider in Georgia:
- Atlanta – For careers, culture, and city life.
- Savannah – For historic charm and a relaxed coast.
- Alpharetta – For family-friendly living and great schools.
- Augusta – For affordability and a strong community.
- Macon – For Southern hospitality and a growing job market.
Explore more at Learn about Georgia’s region and cities.
Navigating the Pros and Cons of Life in Georgia
Every move to Georgia involves adjustments. Here’s an honest look at what to expect.
What You’ll Love About Georgia
- Mild Winters & Sunshine: With 218 sunny days a year and winter highs in the 50s, you can say goodbye to brutal Midwestern winters.
- Outdoor Recreation: Enjoy nearly a million acres of national forest, 53 state parks, and 100 miles of coastline, including the Appalachian Trail.
- The Food Scene: From classic Southern comfort food to globally recognized fine dining, Georgia’s culinary landscape is a major highlight.
- Southern Hospitality: Experience a genuinely friendly culture where neighbors introduce themselves and strangers offer a smile.
- Diversity: Georgia is the ninth most diverse state in the U.S., creating a rich cultural mix.
What Requires Adjustment
- Summer Heat & Humidity: Summers are hot, with temperatures in the 90s and high humidity that can feel oppressive. Air conditioning is a must.
- Atlanta Traffic: The Atlanta metro area is known for severe traffic congestion, which can lead to long and frustrating commutes.
- Seasonal Allergies: High pollen counts, especially from pine in the spring, cause significant allergy issues for many residents.
- Bugs: The warm, humid climate supports a large bug population, including mosquitoes and gnats. Regular pest control is common.
- Public School Variation: While some districts are excellent, the state’s public school system has overall challenges. Research specific school districts carefully.
For a full relocation checklist, see our moving out of state checklist.
Essential First Steps After Your Move to Georgia
After your move to Georgia from Illinois, you must complete several time-sensitive tasks to establish residency.
- Transfer Your Driver’s License: You have 30 days to get a Georgia license at a Department of Driver Services (DDS) center. You’ll need to pass a vision test and surrender your Illinois license. You can also register to vote at the same time.
- Register Your Vehicle: Also within 30 days, you must register your vehicle with the Department of Revenue (DOR). This involves completing a Title/Tag Application, showing proof of Georgia insurance, and paying the Title Ad Valorem Tax (TAVT).
- Register to Vote: If you don’t register at the DDS, you must do so at least 29 days before an election to be eligible to vote. Georgia requires a photo ID for voting.
- Enroll in Schools: If you have children, enrolling them in school is a top priority. Research school districts in counties like Cobb, Forsyth, and Gwinnett, which are known for high performance.
- Set Up Utilities: Contact providers for electricity (Georgia Power or an EMC), water, internet (AT&T, Xfinity), and trash service. Be prepared for security deposits.
For official guidance, consult the Official state moving guide.
Planning Your Long-Distance Move from Chicago
A successful move to Georgia from Illinois communities like Chicago or Melrose Park requires careful planning.
- Find Reliable Movers: Research companies with a proven track record in cross-country moves. Get at least three quotes, and verify their insurance coverage. Bernard Movers has nearly 30 years of experience with this exact route. See our pages for chicago cross country movers and reliable long distance movers.
- Create a Realistic Budget: Professional long-distance moves can cost from $1,000 to over $10,000. Factor in security deposits for your new home and utilities, and keep an emergency fund for unexpected costs.
- Pack Strategically: Start packing non-essentials weeks in advance. Label every box with its contents and destination room. Pack an “essentials box” with items you’ll need immediately upon arrival (toiletries, documents, chargers) and keep it with you.
- Follow a Timeline:
- 6-8 Weeks Out: Research neighborhoods and get moving quotes.
- 4-6 Weeks Out: Secure housing and notify your landlord or list your home.
- 2-4 Weeks Out: Arrange utility transfers and start packing.
- 1 Week Out: Confirm details with your mover and pack your essentials box.
- Moving Day: Do a final walkthrough and travel with important documents.
- Within 30 Days: Transfer your license and register your vehicle.
For more detailed guidance, review our guide on planning to move out of state.
Finalizing Your Relocation to the Peach State
Your move to Georgia is the start of an exciting new chapter. A successful transition from Illinois depends on thoughtful planning, from understanding the cost of living benefits to meeting post-move deadlines. With preparation, you can approach your relocation with confidence.
Having a trusted partner makes all the difference. At Bernard Movers, we have nearly 30 years of experience helping families relocate from Illinois communities like Chicago, Melrose Park, and Northfield to Georgia. We handle the complexities of long-distance moving so you can focus on your new beginning.
We’re here to help you from start to finish. Our experienced team serves the entire Chicago area and its suburbs, managing every detail of your cross-country move.
Right now, we’re offering a 20% additional discount on moves to Georgia booked for delivery by March 15, 2025. This special offer is designed to help make your transition to the Peach State even more affordable.
If you’re in the Northfield area, our local team is ready to assist. Learn more about our Northfield moving company and let us make your relocation seamless.
Your new life in Georgia awaits, and we would be honored to be part of your journey.
