Why Floridians are Moving to Georgia – Part 1

Recently, a trend has emerged in the Southeast, particularly among individuals seeking a change of scenery and lifestyle. Floridians are moving to Georgia, with almost 50,000 relocating to the “Peach State” in 2021 – more than any other state. Why the departure from a place renowned for its sunny weather and beautiful beaches? We discovered 10 compelling reasons. In this blog post, we share the first five factors motivating the migration. Stay tuned for part two, highlighting five more noteworthy motives for moving. 

Cost of living

One of the biggest reasons people are relocating from Florida to Georgia is the cost of living. Georgia offers a more affordable lifestyle than many areas in Florida, especially when it comes to housing, utilities, and overall expenses. Sperling’s Best Places is the standard for measuring the cost of living, with 100 as the national average. Any scores above 100 show that an area is more expensive, while anything below means the cost of living is less. Georgia has an overall score of 94.5, about 10% less than Florida’s 103.1. This financial advantage is enticing for those seeking to save on everyday expenditures and achieve greater financial stability.

Housing affordability

The real estate market in Florida, especially in the more popular cities, experienced significant spikes in property prices. The sharp increases make housing less affordable for many residents. According to the Motley Fool, the average home value for Florida was $407,219, and for Georgia it was $320,091. Georgia offers a more reasonable housing market, making it an attractive option for those who want a bigger bang for their buck. 

Job opportunities and economy

Georgia has seen substantial growth in its job market and economy in recent years. Cities like Atlanta are now major hubs for various industries. More than 20 Fortune 500 companies reside in the state, including Delta Air Lines, Home Depot, Coca-Cola, UPS, NCR, and Aflac. Georgia’s tax incentives have also captured the film industry. It’s now known as the “Hollywood of the South.” Overall, the number of jobs in Georgia has increased more than 17% since the pandemic and boasts 248,000 more jobs than before COVID hit. With such a favorable business environment and diverse job opportunities, Georgia is an appealing choice for professionals seeking career advancement and stability.

Abundant School Choices

For families with children, education plays a significant role in relocating. Georgia boasts a robust educational system, with many public and private schools, as well as renowned universities and colleges. Many families have moved to this area to provide their children with an education at one of the primary and secondary schools in Georgia’s Lake Country. When it comes to higher education, nearby Athens is where you’ll find our state’s flagship public university, the University of Georgia (UGA). Of course, nearby Atlanta is also home to renowned institutions like the Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia State University, and Emory University.

Seasonal weather

While Florida is known for its warm and tropical climate, some prefer a more varied seasonal experience. Georgia offers a diverse climate with four distinct seasons, allowing residents to enjoy both mild winters and warm summers without the extreme heat often experienced in Florida. Both states experience hurricanes, but Florida is more vulnerable to hurricanes than Georgia. Since it’s surrounded by water, Florida is also more prone to tropical events and flooding, even if the storm doesn’t make landfall. 

Stay tuned for part two of this blog post as we explore more reasons why people are moving from Florida to Georgia. Or go ahead and schedule a visit to Harbor Club. Here, you’ll quickly discover why our award-winning golf and lake community has become a top destination for relocating Floridians. We’re excited that so many of them have made Harbor Club home in pursuing a better quality of life. We’d love to welcome you, too. Schedule your exclusive Discovery Experience or contact us so we can start planning your visit today.