Georgia is a wonderful state to call home, and it’s apparent that people love it because it’s one of the fastest-growing states in the country.
The warm weather, southern hospitality, and thriving business climate have people relocating in droves.
There are a few things you should know, though, before packing your bags and moving to the Peach State.
Do NOT call it HOTlanta.
That nickname became all too popular from a number of rap songs, but no one actually calls it that. If a local hears you say it, you will probably get the side-eye.
ITP vs. OTP — Learn it, love it.
Metro Atlanta is divided into two parts by I-285 a.k.a. “The Perimeter” — an interstate highway loop encircling the city. Once you know that, it’s easy enough to figure out that ITP stands for “inside the perimeter” and OTP stands for “outside the perimeter.” If you’re talking to a local about where something is, they will more than likely mention if it’s ITP or OTP. Best get acquainted.
It’s pronounced duh-CAB.
The recent election coverage in Georgia has brought to light that the word “DeKalb” is a challenge to pronounce for many. We need to clear this one up — it’s pronounced “duh-CAB.” Not “dee-caulb” or “duh-caulb.” Say it with me — “duh-CAB.”
Yes, it is very hot & humid.
If you think the humidity is bad in Florida, welcome to Georgia. The humidity, particularly during the summer, is absolutely merciless. Combine that with 90+ temps and you’ll be sweating off your makeup in minutes.
You will find discarded chicken bones all over the streets of Atlanta.
Atlantans love their chicken wings and you can rarely walk down the street without coming across a discarded chicken bone. It’s actually an epidemic that has become a full-blown meme. Dog owners beware, though, you don’t want your pooch to pick one up.
Georgia is the Peach State, but we’re actually better at pecans.
The state is known for its sweet, juicy peaches and dozens of fresh peach stands lining rural roads. We even have a peach on our ID cards. But, it isn’t technically the number one source of peaches in the country, it’s actually the top producer of pecans.
Georgians do not handle snow well.
It snows less than 2 inches per year in Georgia, but when it does, all hell breaks loose. Locals go into full panic mode and run to the stores to stock their pantries with bread, milk, and non-perishables. Never forget Atlanta’s “Snowmageddon” of 2014, which shut down the city after just 2 inches of snowfall.
The second ‘t’ in Atlanta is silent.
Locals pronounce it “Atlannuh” and skip the second ‘t’ altogether. If you pronounce it “properly,” it’s a dead giveaway that you’re not from around here.
There’s more to Georgia than the ATL.
The state is home to a bunch of really cool cities like Savannah, which is a historic harbor town, and Augusta, where the PGA Masters Tournament is held every year. Small town Georgia has a lot to offer as well, and taking a drive down rural roads is absolutely beautiful. There are also several islands and beach towns along the coast, like Tybee Island and Jekyll Island, that make for perfect getaway weekends in the summer months.
“Bless your heart” has multiple meanings.
If someone says, “Bless your heart,” it can be interpreted in many different ways, and a lot of it depends on tone. A sincere “bless your heart” shows true concern or sympathy for a person. Used in a different context, “bless your heart” can be a precursor to an insult and usually means that the person can’t say what they’re really thinking.
Georgians don’t have an accent.
Please don’t visit and start pointing out to locals that their accent is “cute” or that they pronounce some words “funny.” As far as we’re concerned, we’re not the ones with the accent, you are. Plus, you’ll probably start to pick it up the longer you stay here.
