Georgia On Your Mind? On Housing Costs, Cannabis Law And Why Life In The Peach State Isn't As Sweet As You Think

Per a census.gov article, the South experienced a surge in population growth, specifically between 2017 and 2018.  From the outside, it would seem the Southern states are bursting at the seams with jobs, housing and culture.  But if Georgia is an indicator, this assumption would be seriously groundless. 

Granted, it’s hard to make an objective claim about the lack of opportunity given I’ve not lived anywhere else.  Though, it’s equally as hard to see Georgia as this “promised land” as portrayed by the media.  Ironically, for a place that’s not New York or California, it’s surprisingly hard to get a decent job here without some overkill degree.  And of course, there’s all the propaganda about GA being the “new Hollywood.”  Though honestly, I’ve seen little evidence that the media jobs created in recent years are anything but grunt work (i.e., lighting, rigging and make-up techs); while the more “right-brain” roles (e.g., writer, director) are still reserved for fat cats on the Northeastern and West coasts.

Similarly, the idea that Ga is a haven of cheap real estate is just that: an idea and nothing more.  That belief may have held some credence five years ago, but the days of finding an FHA-eligible property for under $100k that's not in the middle of Bumfuck, Nowhere are over.  In an article from ATTN, Zillow economist Dr. Svenja Gudell explains how this problem isn't limited to the stereotypically world-class cities, insisting "We’re seeing rapidly appreciating home values in places like Nashville, Provo, Charlotte, Orlando."

Further, Ga’s draconian drug laws are enough to make any recreational user think twice before moving here.  Medicinal was permitted in 2015 but the threshold for who qualifies and how much is legal is so narrow at any given time that advocates can hardly call it a “win.”  Though it may not seem like a dealbreaker initially, the realization that growing one cannabis plant for personal use could result in a felony can make even a Ga native consider relocation.  

The weather in GA also detracts from whatever appeal it may have.  Truly, we don’t experience the death blizzards like those that shut New England cities down.  However, the extreme humidity in the Summer, coupled with gnats and flies, will make any sun lover wonder if Winter is really all that bad.  Moreover, my disdain for Georgia heat first began about a decade ago; when I, and a dozen other folks, were standing outside a courtroom and I noticed that we were all sweating profusely.  The plot twist: it was like 8:00 am in the morning!

Indeed, what anti-state rant would be complete without a critique of its nightlife, or lack thereof.  Granted, my experience is mainly limited to Atlanta, but let’s be honest: if a state’s most populous city is weak in the life & entertainment department, the probability that its rural areas are any better is low.  This review isn’t merely based on my observations.  A former co-worker would occasionally describe how dead Atlanta streets were compared to Vegas.  And while there are pockets of life here and there, most Atlanta sidewalks and porches are devoid of activity, even on Friday nights in the Summer.

All in all, Georgia gets way too much credit for its cost of living, weather and culture.  However, if you want the worst parts of living in New York, (competitive job and housing market, traffic, ambiguous cannabis laws) minus the efficient public transit and booming city life, then Georgia may be for you! With that said, thanks for reading and stay pissed.