Moving to Georgia?The Peach State has 24 of the nation's 100 fastest-growing counties, according to a U.S. Census housing unit estimate. Those counties, mostly in North Georgia, grew by nearly a quarter of a million households over the past six years. Much of the increase is in Georgia's Blue Ridge Mountain counties, figures show. In addition to Towns, those counties include Gilmer, Pickens, Dawson, Union, Lumpkin, Dawson, Fannin and Cherokee. Atlanta residents are forgetting cities like Ft. Lauderdale or Naples and replacing them with Georgia mountain retreats. They are starting to view Florida more as a vacation and the mountains as a place to relax. Floridians tired of high taxes and insurance and a continued concern for hurricanes are moving to north Georgia in record numbers. Homes in Florida that are costing $12,000 in annual taxes will cost $1,800 in the Georgia Mountains. If you're thinking of moving to a new area when you retire, then check out North Georgia, as it's fast becoming one of the most desirable retirement areas in the United States. Not only does North Georgia abound in natural beauty with mountains, lakes, and waterfalls, but it also has much to offer active seniors. Mild climate with Four Distinct Seasons Unlike western North Carolina where freezing winter temperatures force many retirees to travel south to winter homes in Florida, the North Georgia Mountains offers a milder climate with average temperature highs in the winter topping off in the 50s, dropping below the freezing mark at night. And, if it does snow, it usually melts by noon, the next day. Yet, there are four distinct seasons in North Georgia, with fall foliage about as spectacular as that of New England. What's more, the North Georgia Mountains have cooler summers (as opposed to hotter weather, just south, near the greater Atlanta area.) Much of Chattahoochee National Forest covers the North Georgia Mountains. State Parks, Conservation Areas and Historic Sites offer a wide range of activities. Hiking trails, waterfalls and scenic vistas surround you. Wildlife Management areas offer a wide range of activities that include hunting, fishing, paddling, primitive camping and horseback riding trails. Lakes around the region offer numerous boating and fishing opportunities. Outfitters and guides offer their expertise to those seeking hiking, paddling, fishing and other outdoor activities. For those that enjoy the challenge of a good round of golf with a scenic mountain view, there are over 30 courses in Northeast Georgia to take your pick from. Other activities include karting, sailing, birding, and rock climbing. Whether it's easy or strenuous, your adventure in the North Georgia Mountains is sure to lift your spirits and soothe your soul. Florida Emigration Signs of an exodus are here. Some blame the real estate slump; others aren't so sure. Departing Floridians usually have many reasons for leaving the state. Money plays a part. So do the consequences of the state's rapid and, some say, poorly controlled growth. "At what point is there so much growth that the dream turns sour? I don't know if anyone knows that answer." Florida-studies professor Mormino said.So it is across the state. Squeezed by rising property taxes and homeowners insurance rates, and frustrated by crowded roads and schools, increasing numbers of residents are moving from Florida, which since World War II has been one of America's favorite states to move to. To be sure, Florida remains a strong lure, particularly for retirees, but evidence is mounting that the migration boom it experienced in the first half of the decade is over:
Surging housing costs drove the increase in property taxes from 2001, when the average amount of state and local taxes Floridians paid ranked 36th in the nation, to 2005, when the state ranked 26th, according to TaxWatch. Inflated home prices also contributed to higher insurance premiums, which have jumped from an average of $930 in 2004, when the state was hit by four hurricanes, to $1,600 in 2006, according to the state Office of Insurance Regulation. "Many people who would have moved here in the past are now opting for Georgia and the Carolinas," said Mark Vitner, senior economist for Wachovia Bank. "Some Floridians are moving to Georgia and the Carolinas as well." "In the past, Florida was a low-tax, low-cost, low-wage state, " said Bennett, of TaxWatch, "but increasingly it is just a low-wage state and that's a serious concern." "Halfbacks" from Florida When you move to Georgia, you soon meet many "halfbacks" (Northerners who first moved to Florida to migrate halfway back.) Hurricanes, overcrowding, rising crime, and unaffordable housing in the sunshine state have made Georgia a haven for retirees who thought they wanted to spend their golden years in Florida. Why Buy Now? Ignore the news and tune out the chatter "the sky is falling" is easier said than done. If we are not in a recession, then we act like we are. We have allowed fear to become the overriding factor causing many to do nothing when it comes to investing in real estate. One should remember that real estate is a long term investment and has proven to be one of the best investments overall. Of course, there should be some skepticism and caution given the current outlook of our economy, but skepticism and caution should be tempered with reason and logic and not become out and out fear. From "Right on Your Money" by Dan Kadlec in Time Magazine, Dan writes, "There has rarely been a moment in history when you couldn't scare yourself into doing nothing. ...When prices are falling, few people have the discipline to buy a house... but those who do pull the trigger excel in the long run." It seems we are experiencing one of those rare moments where many potential home buyers have been scared into doing nothing. The Federal Reserve is cutting short-term interest rates faster than any other time in history and rate cuts tend to improve the economy in time. Yet home buyers continue to hesitate. The end of the recession, if there is one could actually be in sight. If you have good credit and plan to stay in a home for at least five years, then it's time to get serious. Now is the time to buy before interest rates start to rise and they will sooner or later. When they do, this will wipe out any gain you think you might have by a further drop in prices. Also, home prices may stabilize and sellers may become less willing to negotiate. Dan Kadlec uses this example:
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