For Those Considering Relocating to Georgia

This June marks exactly 30 years since I settled in Georgia. For me, life here in Georgia has become a natural home, even more so than my years in Korea. Yet, meeting a client yesterday brought back memories of the unfamiliar life I experienced here three decades ago.

Recently, I’ve noticed a growing number of people planning to move to Georgia. These are not only individuals relocating from other U.S. states but increasingly also people coming directly from Korea to start a new life in America. Many of them cite job opportunities, education for their children, and a more relaxed lifestyle as reasons for choosing Georgia.

A Story About a Client I Met Yesterday

Yesterday, I met a client who had visited Georgia from Korea over the past weekend. This client spent their middle and high school years in Georgia, then attended college in another state before returning to Korea, where they lived and worked for about 13 years and got married. Now, they are planning a fresh start in Georgia with their family.

Having parents in Georgia naturally influenced their decision to relocate here. But it made me think: for those without family ties, how might life in Georgia—or even life in the U.S.—look when starting anew?

Starting Your Life in Georgia with a Rental Home

Moving to a new area is more than just relocating your belongings. Differences in language, culture, lifestyle, and even basic housing can make settling in challenging. That’s why many people choose to rent a home first, allowing them to experience life in Georgia before deciding whether to stay long-term.

Here are some key points to consider when choosing a rental home:

1. Confirm Rental Terms in Writing Before Signing
   • Verbal agreements (e.g., rent amount, included utilities, pet allowances) are not legally binding.
   • Make sure all terms are clearly outlined in the Lease Agreement.
2. Inspect the Property Before Moving In—Yourself or with a Professional
   • Don’t rely solely on photos. Check walls, floors, kitchen, bathroom, electrical, plumbing, and appliances in person.
   • Complete a Walkthrough Checklist and take photos to prevent future deposit disputes.
3. Check Security Deposit Conditions
   • Most landlords require 1–2 months’ rent as a deposit.
   • Confirm the conditions for its return, including cleanliness, damages, and contract fulfillment.
   • Ensure the lease specifies the deposit return process and timeline (usually within 30 days).
4. Verify Pet Policies in Advance
   • Not all rentals allow pets.
   • Even if allowed, there may be a pet deposit or additional monthly fees.
   • Pet policies should be clearly stated in the lease.
5. Apartment vs. Privately-Owned Rentals: Differences in Management
   • Apartment complexes : Usually have professional management offices with quick response. Some utilities and services may be included.
   • Privately-owned homes/townhomes : Maintenance requests may take longer or require self-management.
6. Check Which Utilities Are Included
   • Verify whether electricity, gas, water, trash, and internet are included.
   • If not, research average costs to plan your budget.
7. Review Lease Term and Early Termination Clause
   • Standard leases are 12 months.
   • Early termination may involve penalties or payment of remaining rent.
   • If there’s a chance of moving unexpectedly, confirm if an early termination clause is included.
8. Check Parking Availability
   • For single-family homes, check whether driveway or street parking is permitted.
9. Assess Neighborhood and Safety
   • Local safety, schools, amenities, and commute significantly affect living satisfaction.
   • Visit multiple times, check day and night environments, and consider noise levels.
   • Online reviews (e.g., apartments.com, Zillow, Google) can also be helpful.

Settling in Starts at Home

A home is more than a place to live—it’s the foundation of your life. My greatest satisfaction as a real estate professional comes from providing reliable advice and insights to those considering relocating or curious about life in Georgia.

Through this blog, I’ll continue sharing practical housing information, everyday life stories, and real estate trends in Georgia.

If you have any questions about moving to Georgia or buying a home here, feel free to reach out at any time.