Where Is Georgia? See Its Map Location and Surrounding States

Georgia is a gorgeous state. The views in the state are incredible and breathtaking. The state is home to the Blue Ridge Mountains, but also the city of Atlanta and its vibrant history and culture. It’s also a state that has one of the most populous cities in the country, which is its capital, Atlanta.

But the question is, do people know where Georgia is? Do people know about its neighboring states? If you are wondering where Georgia is, let’s take a look at where it is on the US map. We’ll also explore Georgia’s surrounding states, when the state officially joined the union, the climate in Georgia, and other facts about The Peach State.

Where Is Georgia Located on the Map?

Georgia is located in the Southeastern United States, a region known as the Deep South. With an area of 59,425 square miles, it is one of the biggest states east of the Mississippi River. But where is Georgia on the map? Let’s take a look below.

When Did Georgia Officially Join the US?

Georgia was named after King George II of Great Britain when the colonists came to live in the land known as Georgia. One of the original thirteen colonies, Georgia was admitted to the union as the fourth state on January 2, 1788. It is important to note that upon the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States, Georgia seceded from the union and became part of the Confederate States of America. It wasn’t until after the Civil War ended, during Reconstruction, that Georgia became the last state to be admitted back.

Which States Border Georgia?

Five states border Georgia — Alabama to the west, Tennessee and North Carolina to the north, South Carolina to the northeast, and Florida to the south. Georgia sits on the Atlantic coast and thus shares a border with the ocean southeast of the state. Let’s take a look at the five states that border the Peach State.

Alabama

Known as the Heart of Dixie, Alabama is in the Deep South and has mountains and valleys in the north, but also plains and a coastline in the south. Alabama is a biodiverse state with coyotes, armadillos, and alligators found living here. With a population of 5 million, Alabama’s capital is Montgomery and it is the 22nd state admitted to the union.

Tennessee

Tennessee is known as the Volunteer State and it has a population of 7 million. Its capital is Nashville, one of the most popular cities in the state and the hometown of country music. The state is a geographically diverse state with mountainous regions, fertile swampland (which is why half of Tennessee’s land is farmland), plains, valleys, and gorges. The state’s terrain is home to black bears, mountain lions, and white-tailed deer.

North Carolina

Known as the Tarheel State, North Carolina is in the Southeastern United States, right between the Appalachian Mountains to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. The state has several geographical divisions, from a mountainous region in the west to coastal plains in the east. With a population of about 10.5 million, North Carolina’s capital is Raleigh and it is the 12th state admitted to the union.

South Carolina

South Carolina is known as the Palmetto State because of the state’s many Sabal Palmetto trees. The state’s topography is diverse with a mountainous region in the west and coastal plains toward the east by the Atlantic Ocean. South Carolina has a population of 5.2 million and its capital is Columbia.

Florida

Known as the Sunshine State, Florida is the southeasternmost state in the United States. It is the third-most populous state in the country with 21 million people and its capital is Tallahassee. Most of Florida is on a peninsula almost surrounded by water — the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. Florida is home to extremely diverse wildlife.

Is Georgia a Good Place to Live?

Georgia has it all, from a bustling metropolis to nature galore. You can pick whatever fancies you, from living in the big city, or the suburbs, or even the country. Atlanta is one of the biggest cities in the nation, so there’s a vibrant nightlife scene and always things to do there. The greatest part of Georgia is the warm weather throughout the year. Just be cognizant of the fact that in the summer, it might get muggy and humid. 

If Atlanta is your spot, you can still go out to nature in just a few hours. The Blue Ridge Mountains are located to the north and will give you gorgeous landscapes. If you want to go to the beach, just drive southeast and enjoy a few days in Savannah. 

In terms of affordability, however, Atlanta is going to be more expensive than the rest of the state. The good news, though, is that Atlanta is more affordable than other big cities like New York, Chicago, or Los Angeles.

What Is the Climate in Georgia?

Georgia’s climate is subtropical and humid, especially in the summer when it is quite hot. During the winter, the temperatures are not extreme and it never gets too cold, unless you’re in the northern part of the state where the Appalachian Mountains end. There’s even snowfall in the mountainous area here. The spring and autumn months are the most moderate, with near-perfect weather conditions. The state receives a substantial amount of rain, because of the state’s proximity to the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean. Since it’s on the coast, Georgia is also at risk for hurricanes. 

What Is Georgia Most Known For?

Georgia is called the Peach State for a reason because that’s where the US primarily grew peaches for a long time. Today, California and South Carolina are the biggest producers of peaches, but the name stuck. The city of Savannah is known for its 18th and 19th-century architecture and Southern hospitality.

The state is also known for its history — a lot of American history took place in Georgia, especially in the fight against slavery, racism, and equal rights. Dr. Martin Luther King lived in Georgia and was important to the civil rights movement in the South and throughout the US.

Lastly, if you want to check out the wildlife, you are sure to run into many animals here. Black bears, bobcats, and deer are aplenty in the state, as well as manatees and humpback whales off the state’s coast.

Fast Facts About Georgia

• Capital: Atlanta
• Population: 10.7 million
• Governor: Brian Kemp
• Lieutenant Governor: Burt Jones
• State tree: Southern Live Oak (Quercus virginiana)
• State bird: Brown Thrasher (Toxostoma rufum)
• State flower: Cherokee rose (Rosa laevigata)

Conclusion

Georgia is truly a beautiful state. Nestled between the Blue Ridge Mountains in the north and the Atlantic Ocean to the southeast, the entire state is just beauty all around. The bustling city of Atlanta has a fantastic nightlife, but also a rich culture and history like no other city. There’s no shortage of things to do if you decide to live in the state of Georgia.
Although Atlanta’s housing can be expensive, the rest of the state is more affordable. Georgia is a place full of Southern hospitality with a myriad of fun activities to do. The state is, after all, known as the Empire State of the South for a reason. And when you leave the state, it’s assured that Georgia will always be on your mind.