Jefferson is named after President Thomas Jefferson. It's a 207-year-old community, and has kept its small city charm over the years. The city is well-known for its family-centered values and its great economic opportunities. Jefferson is exactly how you'd imagine a nice peaceful small town - it has picturesque rolling hills, and everyone in the community seems to know each other. If you're looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Jefferson may be a great place for you.
The city has a little over 9,000 people living in it. It is currently the county seat of Jackson County, and the majority of people in the city live in medium-sized homes. The environment in Jefferson is pretty typical for a small, southern town and has its fair share of quiet, tree-lined streets lined with single-family homes. The Jefferson City Park is a great place to relax over a picnic or play a game of catch. Though the town is mostly residential, you'll find there are a few great restaurants clustered in the center of town, like the Jefferson House Restaurant, Chili Dogs and The Savory Spoon. It's located right off I-85, so you can hop on and get to Atlanta in no time if you need to head there for work or just for fun!
Moving to Jefferson
Before you move to Jefferson, GA, there are a few things that you will want to keep in mind. First off, Jefferson is a small, quaint town. If you have never lived in a small town before, it is something that you will want to consider before making the decision to move into Jefferson. Living in a small town definitely has its perks but its also a far stretch from city life so just be aware of what you'll be gaining and losing if you're coming from a more urban environment.
Jefferson is also constantly expanding. The economy in the city has attracted a lot more home buyers and, because of this, newer houses are being built in Jefferson. There are also many older houses available, as Jefferson has been around for a while. If you decide to buy an older house, make sure you properly inspect it before buying. Old houses can look good on the outside, but many times they will have a lot of internal problems. If you are not sure if a house is in good condition, it is advisable to have a professional inspect it. The last thing you want to do is move into a house only to find out that it will cost thousands of extra dollars to repair and maintain it.
Buying a home in Jefferson
The laws for buying a home in Jefferson are pretty similar to the rest of the country. A few things are needed before you can purchase a home. The first thing you will need to do is check to make sure your credit is good. Bad credit can lead to higher interest rates on your mortgage and can cost thousands of dollars. In fact, if your credit score is too low, you may not qualify for a house at all. On the opposite note, having a good credit score can save you thousands of dollars and it can help you get a bigger loan for a better house, as well. Check on your credit before you go out to buy a house so you know what you're in for.
You will also need a deposit to put down on the house. The last thing you want to do is find a house, only to have to wait to get it. If it's a nice enough house, someone else could swoop in and purchase it while you are trying to get the deposit. You will also need proof that you can continue paying for the house; proof of an income is generally required by any bank before they give you a mortgage. Make sure you bring some records of your previous housing or rental payments. This will show the bank that you pay on time and that you can handle making house payments.
Renting an apartment
If you are looking for an apartment, Jefferson is a great place to find one. Because of the expansions, there are many new apartments available. If you are moving into an older apartment, be sure to check that everything is in order. Just as with buying a house, you will want to have your credit in good order. Having bad credit may leave you paying a lot more for an apartment than you should be paying. Once you are sure everything is in order, you can go out and start looking for apartments to rent.
Before you sign
Before signing anything, make sure that you understand exactly what you are getting yourself into. Do not sign anything if you don't understand it, or if you don't feel comfortable with it. The last thing you want is to be trapped in a contract that you don't like or agree with. If you have questions about anything be sure to ask! Signing a contract is serious business and should be treated as such. This is especially true if you are renting. Make sure you take pictures of all of the damage you see in the house or apartment; this way, later on, no one can claim that you caused the damage.
Living in Jefferson
Jefferson is a small enough city that it is considered just one giant neighbourhood. The average income in Jefferson is slightly higher than the U.S. average, which is a sign of a great economy! Living in Jefferson is definitely a unique experience. There is a lot of economic opportunity to be found here and it's close enough to commute to Atlanta for work, as well. There are plenty of great places to eat, like Beef O'Brady's and El Centinela, and some historical sites, too, like the Crawford W. Long Museum. If you are looking to settle in someplace pretty and want to move into a city with a good economy, Jefferson should definitely be one of the cities that you investigate. The housing is just starting to expand and now is a perfect time to enter into the market, just as everything is starting to grow.