Posted in Georgia April 02, 2017 by

13 Things You Quickly Learn When You Move To Georgia

Moving to Georgia can mean a lot of things for a lot of different people. Whether your aim is to be closer to family, moving for work, or moving back home after a go elsewhere in the country, Georgia is a phenomenal place to live. However, there may be a few lessons to learn, which if you aren’t already aware, you will be soon enough. Here are 13 things you quickly learn when you move to Georgia.

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life. While we continue to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, please take proper precautions or add them to your bucket list to see at a later date. If you know of a local business that could use some extra support during these times, please nominate them here: onlyinyourstate.com/nominate
1. People you don’t know will say hello to you and it’s impolite not to say hello back.
Flickr André Benedix
Saying hello to a stranger doesn't make things creepy. Southern hospitality does exist, and you're going to have to get used to it.
2. Georgians are fiercely proud of their state history, so you better bone up fast.
Flickr *w*
Georgia has a rich history within our country, and it's important to know how your new home state played such a big part.
3. If you aren’t fond of home cooking, you better learn to love it.
Flickr Eugene Kim
Southern cooking at it's finest around every corner. If you don't love it yet, you will soon enough.
4. Traffic is no joke, unless of course you’re laughing about it AFTER the fact. Otherwise, it’s not funny.
Flickr Gregor Smith
Around major cities....ahem, Atlanta....traffic is a hot mess. Avoid at all costs if you can.
5. Sometimes the only way to cool off during the summer is to jump in a river.
Flickr Jeff Gunn
Going river tubing is something you'll start looking forward to each season.
6. You will always have a Chick-Fil-A or Waffle House right around the corner.
Flickr Redi-Rock International
Ain't no shame in our chicken sandwich game.
7. It’s not always about the big cities.
Flickr Marnie Vaughn
While we do love our tried-and-true big cities in Georgia, we totally obsess over our small towns, too.
8. Our barbecue sauce is different from the rest.
Flickr UGA College of Ag & Environmental Sciences
So make sure you understand how and why. You may be tested.
9. Saying "ya’ll" doesn’t equate to a lack of intelligence—it’s friendly.
Flickr Martin Lewison
You will probably slowly start incorporating it into your vocabulary, too, until one day it just pops out mid-convo.
10. Familiarizing yourself with all the Peachtree Streets can certainly help in the long run.
Flickr Bill Rand
It can be confusing for a while. So don't get overwhelmed.
11. Wearing shorts while there is still snow on the ground isn’t totally abnormal.
Flickr Lisa Moffatt
The weather is a tricky son-of-a-gun in Georgia so get used to having a pair of flip flops and snow boots sitting by your door year round.
12. BUG SPRAY IS EVERYTHING.
Flickr Morag Riddell
Carry it in your purse. In your wallet. On a chain around your neck. Bug spray saves lives.
13. It’s called humidity. It’s real life. We won’t judge you if you shave your head.
Flickr Megan Rosenbloom
Let's all give humidity the finger and shave our heads this summer!!! Who's with me?!? Anybody?

Are you originally from Georgia? If not, feel free to share with everyone some of the things you first learned when you moved here! We’d love to hear from you. Otherwise, if you’re digging the Georgia pride, then check out 12 Things Georgians Do That Seem Insane To Everyone Else.