Moving to Augusta, Georgia: A Comprehensive Relocation Guide
Considering moving to Augusta, Georgia? This historic river city offers Masters Tournament heritage, military presence, and affordable living. With approximately 200,000 residents in 2025, Augusta combines golf tradition with Fort Eisenhower (formerly Fort Gordon) and Georgia’s second-largest metro area.
Demographic Profile to Consider If Moving to Augusta:
Augusta’s 2025 population is approximately 200,000 residents in the consolidated Augusta-Richmond County along the Savannah River bordering South Carolina. The median age is around 36 years, with military families, healthcare workers, diverse working residents, and retirees. The population is approximately 56% Black or African American, 37% White, 5% Hispanic. Augusta features historic neighborhoods, the National Golf Club (host of The Masters), riverfront development, and Fort Eisenhower’s massive military presence defining the community. The city attracts military families, healthcare professionals, and those seeking affordable river city living. The community balances historic character with military influence and economic development.
Cost of Living to Consider If Moving to Augusta:
Augusta offers exceptional affordability for a mid-sized metro. Median home values range from $180,000 to $260,000 in 2025, significantly lower than Georgia metros while providing employment opportunities. The median household income is approximately $48,000. Rental properties average $1,100 to $1,600 monthly. Georgia’s state income tax is 5.75%. Overall cost of living is very low for a metro area, making Augusta highly attractive for military families, first-time buyers, and those seeking affordable Georgia living. The city provides tremendous value with regional employment and amenities. Housing costs create exceptional accessibility for diverse income levels.
Economy and Job Market:
Augusta’s economy centers on military, healthcare, manufacturing, and cybersecurity. Fort Eisenhower (formerly Fort Gordon) is a massive employer as the Army’s cyber center of excellence with extensive military and civilian employment. Augusta University Health System and AU Medical Center provide major healthcare employment and serve as a regional medical hub. The Savannah River Site supports nuclear-related employment. Manufacturing facilities operate throughout the area. The cybersecurity sector grows with military connections. Major employers include military, healthcare, education, and technology. Typical industries include military, healthcare, cybersecurity, and manufacturing. The stable military presence provides economic foundation.
Education:
Richmond County School System and Columbia County School District (suburban) serve Augusta-area students with numerous schools. School quality varies significantly, with Columbia County schools generally rating higher and attracting families. Augusta University offers comprehensive programs including the Medical College of Georgia. Augusta Technical College provides workforce training. The educational infrastructure serves the diverse population with varied quality requiring school research.
Recreation and Lifestyle:
Augusta’s defining feature is Augusta National Golf Club hosting The Masters Tournament annually, bringing international attention each April. While the club is private and exclusive, the tournament’s prestige defines the city’s identity. The Savannah River provides recreation with the Augusta Canal National Heritage Area offering kayaking, trails, and history. The revitalized riverfront features restaurants and events. Residents enjoy Phinizy Swamp Nature Park, Augusta Museum of History, and Morris Museum of Art. The city hosts minor league baseball (Augusta GreenJackets). Lake Thurmond nearby provides boating and fishing. The lifestyle emphasizes affordable living, military community, and Masters heritage. The four-season climate enables varied outdoor activities. The community values military service, golf tradition, and riverfront development. Living in Augusta means experiencing Masters week energy annually.
Healthcare and Services:
Augusta residents access comprehensive healthcare through Augusta University Medical Center, AU Health System facilities, and Doctors Hospital providing extensive medical services. The regional medical center serves the CSRA (Central Savannah River Area) with specialized care. The healthcare infrastructure is robust given the medical school presence.
Transportation:
Augusta is accessed via Interstate 20, Interstate 520 (Bobby Jones Expressway/perimeter), U.S. Highway 1, and various corridors. Augusta Regional Airport provides limited commercial service with connections. Augusta Public Transit operates bus routes throughout the area. Most residents use personal vehicles. Typical commute times within Augusta are reasonable. The city’s layout makes walkability limited outside downtown.
Conclusion:
Moving to Augusta in 2025 offers affordable river city living with Masters golf heritage, military community, and regional healthcare hub. The city’s combination of low housing costs, Fort Eisenhower presence, and Augusta National prestige makes it ideal for military families, healthcare workers, and budget-conscious residents seeking Georgia’s Garden City where golf tradition meets military pride and affordability defines the CSRA’s largest metro.