relocating affordable? (Savannah, Brunswick, St. Simons: apartment, homes, quality of life)

[kindergartenteacher]

Hi all. My family of four is considering moving from a small town in Illinois to a coastal town in Georgia. The cost of living here seems so much cheaper, I am wondering if it's even possible. We live in an older, 4 bedroom home with lots of character (which I love) that we purchased 4 years ago for $100,000. How can people afford to make this kind of move with housing prices so different? Any advice? Thanks!

[TakeAhike]

Originally Posted by kindergartenteacher

Hi all. My family of four is considering moving from a small town in Illinois to a coastal town in Georgia. The cost of living here seems so much cheaper, I am wondering if it's even possible. We live in an older, 4 bedroom home with lots of character (which I love) that we purchased 4 years ago for $100,000. How can people afford to make this kind of move with housing prices so different? Any advice? Thanks!

>'The cost of living here seems so much cheaper...How can people afford to make this kind of move with housing prices so different?'>

I am not certain I understand your question. I haven't compared the cost of living in Illinois v GA but generally those considering the SE comment that housing is less expensive in the SE.

You might be able to find housing in your price range <$100,000/4br home/older> in more rural parts of the coastal area. Which areas have you researched?
There are smaller towns in the Savannah area that might provide the quality of life you seek. It is more expensive to live closer to the water.

Savannah/Chatham County>>>
Chatham County

Brunswick and the Golden Isles>>>
Brunswick and the Golden Isles of Georgia

(*There are some very charming and expensive homes in resort areas such as St. Simons, GA and of course Sea Island /exclusive resort for turn of the century millionaires. )
Sea Island>>
The Lodge Overview

You would probably get more informed responses if you reposted this in the Savannah forum.

[LovinDecatur]

First of all, understand that direct access to the ocean is only available on three islands: Tybee, St Simons and Jekyll. The rest are 'protected'.
There are, in fact, towns in coastal GA in which you can find a home for $100M...the thing is, they will be close to the marsh and tidal rivers but not the ocean.
My suggestion would be Darien, GA...I think it's actually a pretty little town that hasn't been totally 'discovered' (yet).

[lalas2008]

put your things in a storage in georgia
go to a shelter until you find an apartment
if you go to a day shelter in atlanta ga they provide job leads, assist w finding apartment free food etc
thats what im about to do on monday im leavin nyc w my 2 kids to go to ga and i think thats the best way

[TakeAhike]

Originally Posted by lalas2008

put your things in a storage in georgia
go to a shelter until you find an apartment
if you go to a day shelter in atlanta ga they provide job leads, assist w finding apartment free food etc
thats what im about to do on monday im leavin nyc w my 2 kids to go to ga and i think thats the best way

I wish you well but the OP has other alternatives.

She can certainly find housing in her price range in several coastal towns/cities. She may not find a historic home on the beach for the price she mentioned but few can afford that sort of home.

She needs to really research Glynn, Chatham, McIntosh and the other coastal counties and then visit the area and see what is available for herself.

You can have a good life in Georgia with some planning and persistence.