Looking to Move to GA from CA

[Joyful One]

We would also caution you about the culture shock.

We spent most of our lives living in Northern California (near or in the SF Bay Area) and we found the transition to be very bumpy at times for this reason. There is still a great deal of suspicion among native Georgians about "Yankees" (defined by many as any non-Southerner) particularly in the smaller towns. We live on the outskirts of Atlanta (which is more multi-geographical i.e. people from all over the US) and have found the people to be more open-minded. Plus, we have access to the benefits of a large city. Think Walnut Creek or San Rafael.

Don't misunderstand...Georgia is beautiful and a great place to live. Just be prepared. Best wishes in your relocation!!

[pickleswanson]

If snow is really important then follow the suggestions given and go to the mountains however if close to the GA/FL line is more important then I would recommend Thomasville. You could compare it to Thousand Oaks but flat. Many of the properties here are well maintained and large tree or quail plantations. The rest of the properties there are horse farms. It is close to Tallahassee, FL and only about an hour and a half from the gulf coast beaches. Property is cheaper here than any of surrounding ATL areas plus you can find the same kind of communities spoken of around ATL there a little easier. Snow; the last time I know of it snowing there was in the 1993 storm but snow doesn't stick around for more than one night maybe 2 if you are lucky anywhere in GA. We had 7 ft drifts at my house in Tyrone, GA on Friday night and it was all gone and back to the 70's the following Monday. You will love GA it is very diverse and could split into about 6 cultures: coastal, Southeastern, Southwestern, MidGA, Atlanta and mountains. Even still Atlanta is separated often into many smaller areas of culture most often by realestate agents of North of I20 and South of I20. Good luck and just be willing to talk and take everything as a compliment, we georgians have a wierd sense of humor and poking fun is one thing we love to do even when we do not have a clue who you are. It just to test you and see where you'll fit in. That is the culture shock all speak of. I found it very easy to adapt to every location I have been by doing so.

[recognize229]

I relocated from California/Seattle to Albany Georgia and this is a great city for retirement. The cost of living is great. We have only been here a year so I don't know much about activities. We have lots of golf courses and hunting facilities. Good Luck on your location.

[dian1045]

Hi, I read your post, and I am looking for the same thing, only not quite so much land, and in surfing the web, I am looking at Thomasville,GA., which is close for me to relatives in Tallahassee. I live in southern Ca. right now, but don't look for a move until I'm really fed up with the rapid growth of my town.
So keep in touch with me, if you want, and let me know how you do.
Removed

[dian1045]

I read you reply to this is also the town I am interested in. Just from their web page, I think its a great place.

[vgudermuth]

Originally Posted by CABayarea

My wife and I are looking to move to GA from CA in a few years for retirement. We would like to have at least a 3/2 house with a little acerage. 5 to 10 would be perfect and zoned for horses. We have relatives on FL, Daytona Beach area. We do not want to move to FL because of taxes and insurance. Can anyone make some suggestions on an area near the FL/GA that would be a fit? We would like to be out of an area that snows and is moderate (I am aware of the humidity).

Thanks for your time.

My husband and I just retired to Rome Ga. There is a small farm for sale next to us. It's a bit over 5 acres and has a 3/3 home. there's no barn but there is a riding ring and plenty of room to ride around here. Rome is 1 hour from perimeter mall in the Metro area. This property is offered under $220K I think We spend a week each summer in Daytona. It's about 7 hours away.

Rome is a nice town with low taxes and good weather.

[IREWIRE]

Georgia is a beautiful state. I've been on several occasions both driving from California and flying. My wife like Georgia so much that she wants to move even though when I first met her she swore she would never leave California and live anywhere else (native Californian). The prices of real estate is my motivator for leaving California. I am trying to find an area where to move to that would be a great fit for myself and my contracting business. I currently reside in the south bay. What part of the Bay area do you live in?

[deja-zebbie]

Hi There,

In terms of property taxes. Don't forget to include a homestead exemption which (in our area) takes a couple of thou of the assessed value.

And, also (in our area) you can do something (not sure what this is called) but it's where you agree not to develop some acerage and it's taxed at a different rate. I think you agree not to develop it for 10 years. Someone on this list might know more about this.

zebbie

[bgnzsavnh]

Originally Posted by deja-zebbie

Hi There,
In terms of property taxes. Don't forget to include a homestead exemption which (in our area) takes a couple of thou of the assessed value.
And, also (in our area) you can do something (not sure what this is called) but it's where you agree not to develop some acerage and it's taxed at a different rate. I think you agree not to develop it for 10 years. Someone on this list might know more about this.

zebbie

Current (Conservation) Use Valuation

Saves us about $15,000 a year and has penalties if broken

Georgia Department of Revenue

Historic Property

Rehabilitated Historic Property

Landmark Historic Property

Special Assessment Programs
There are other special assessment programs available to property owners. These special programs include:

Preferential Agricultural Property
Bona fide agricultural property can be assessed at 75 percent of the assessment of other property. This means that this type of property is assessed at 30 percent of fair market value rather than 40 percent. Property that qualifies for this special assessment must be maintained in its current use for a period of ten years.
Conservation Use Property
Bona fide agricultural property can be assessed at its current use value rather than the fair market value. Property that qualifies for this special assessment must be maintained in a current use for a period of ten years.
Environmentally Sensitive Property
Property can be assessed at its current use value rather than the fair market value when the property is maintained in its natural condition and meets the requirements set by the Department of Natural Resources. Property that qualifies for this special assessment must be maintained in a current use for a period of ten years.
Residential Transitional Property
Property can be assessed at its current use value, rather than fair market value, when it is used for residential purposes but located in an area that is changing to, or being developed for, a use other than residential.