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17 Things to Know Before Moving to the Golden Isles

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Things to Know Before Moving to the Golden Isles
Moving to the Golden Isles? Whether you're settling down on St. Simons Island, moving to Brunswick, or spending a few months here for a FLETC assignment, there are a few things you'll want to know before you arrive.We've rounded up the random tips and noteworthy information we wish everyone knew before moving to the Golden Isles. This list is based on our experiences and advice from friends, neighbors, and family members who call the Golden Isles home (and know a thing or two about navigating life here).From finding childcare and making new friends to dealing with our infamous sand gnats, here's the local scoop!

Table of Contents

1. Find Your Tribe

Moving somewhere new can be exciting, but finding your people makes all the difference!

Luckily, the Golden Isles has some wonderful parent groups and local communities where you can connect with other families, ask questions, and get recommendations.

Even if you're only here temporarily for a FLETC assignment, you'll find other families in the same boat who are looking to make friends.

Start with our Resources for Parents in the Golden Isles guide, or join the St. Simons Island Moms Facebook group.

Local tip: Don't be shy about introducing yourself in a local Facebook group. It's a great way to find playdates, get recommendations, and learn about upcoming activities.

2. Vaccines and Healthcare for TDY Families

Coming to the Golden Isles on a temporary duty (TDY) assignment for the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC)? If your children need routine vaccinations while you're here, the Glynn County Health Department is worth contacting.

Local pediatric offices may have limited availability for new patients, especially when you're only staying temporarily. Call the health department to ask about immunization appointments, vaccine availability, insurance, and required documentation.

If your family needs pediatricians, dentists, urgent care, or other providers, browse our Golden Isles Healthcare Guide.

3. Kids and Baby Equipment for TDY Families

Traveling to FLETC with babies or young children? Packing strollers, high chairs, cribs, and all the other gear little ones need can be a challenge.

Before purchasing everything new, ask around! The St. Simons Island Moms Facebook group is a helpful place to ask about borrowing or purchasing gently used children's items.

Another resource worth checking is Rhea Lana's of the Golden Isles, a children's consignment event where families can look for clothing, toys, and baby equipment when sales are scheduled.

Local tip: If you're only staying for a few months, ask other FLETC families about borrowing items rather than buying everything new. You may find someone finishing their assignment who no longer needs their baby gear.

Safety tip: If you're borrowing or buying a used crib, car seat, or other safety equipment, check current safety standards, expiration dates where applicable, and product recalls first.

4. Get on Childcare Waitlists ASAP

If you'll need childcare after moving to the Golden Isles, don't wait until you arrive to start looking.

Some childcare centers have lengthy waitlists, especially for infants and toddlers. Contact multiple providers early, ask about enrollment requirements, and find out whether you can join a waitlist before your move.

Our Guide to Childcare in the Golden Isles is a great place to start.

Local tip: Ask about registration fees, deposits, operating hours, holiday closures, and summer availability before committing to a provider.

5. Summer Camps Fill Up Fast

Just like childcare, popular Golden Isles summer camps can fill up quickly!

Many programs begin announcing registration information months before summer starts. If you need full-day care or have a particular camp in mind, check registration timelines early.

Our Guide to Golden Isles Summer Camps includes options around St. Simons Island, Brunswick, Jekyll Island, and nearby communities.

Local tip: Pay attention to camp hours. Some programs are only half-day activities, while others offer extended care for working parents.

6. Your Dog May Need a Different Flea Prevention Plan

Bringing your furry family members to the Golden Isles? Welcome to coastal Georgia, where warm weather and outdoor adventures can also mean plenty of opportunities for flea and tick exposure.

Some local pet owners have found that their previous flea prevention routine wasn't as effective after moving here. If you've been using Frontline or another product, ask your veterinarian whether it's still the best choice for your pet.

Don't assume a product will or won't work based solely on someone else's experience. Your veterinarian can recommend appropriate protection based on your dog's age, health, lifestyle, and exposure risks.

7. Heartworm Prevention Is Important

If you're moving from a cooler climate, you might be surprised by how important mosquito protection is for pets in coastal Georgia.

Mosquitoes transmit heartworm disease, which can cause serious health problems for dogs.

Talk with your veterinarian about year-round heartworm prevention and appropriate testing. Some prescription products, such as Simparica TRIO, combine protection against several parasites, including heartworms, fleas, and certain ticks.

Your veterinarian can help you decide whether a combination product or separate preventives are appropriate for your dog.

8. Be Patient When Hiring Local Contractors

Need work done on your house, a repair completed, or someone to help with your yard?

One thing we've learned is that getting callbacks and scheduling certain home services can sometimes take longer than expected.

That doesn't necessarily mean someone is ignoring you. Availability can vary based on the type of work, seasonal demand, and how busy local service providers are.

Our advice? Start looking early, contact several providers, ask for written estimates, and get recommendations from neighbors or local community groups.

Local tip: If you're moving into a home that needs immediate work, try to arrange estimates before your move-in date rather than waiting until the last minute.

9. Stock Up on Bug Spray (You'll Thank Us Later!)

Let's talk about one of the less glamorous parts of living in the Golden Isles: the bugs.

Our infamous biting gnats, sometimes called sand gnats, no-see-ums, or even "flying teeth," can make spending time outdoors pretty miserable during certain times of the year.

Whether you're sitting at your child's soccer game, spending an afternoon outside, or enjoying a backyard barbecue, you'll quickly learn why locals keep bug spray handy.

Some products local families like include:

For reliable protection, choose an EPA-registered repellent labeled for the insects you're trying to avoid and follow the product directions. Not all mosquito-repellent devices work equally well against biting midges.

Local tip: Lightweight long sleeves and pants can help when the gnats are particularly bad. And sometimes the best strategy is simply heading indoors until conditions improve!

10. Prepare a Hurricane Kit Before You Need It

Hurricane season is part of life along the Georgia coast.

While the Golden Isles doesn't experience a direct hurricane landfall every year, tropical storms and nearby hurricanes can still bring strong winds, heavy rain, flooding, power outages, and evacuation concerns.

Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, so it's important to prepare before a storm is approaching.

Your family's preparations should include:

  • Drinking water and nonperishable food.
  • Flashlights, batteries, and portable chargers.
  • Prescription medications and first-aid supplies.
  • Pet food and supplies.
  • Important documents stored safely.
  • An evacuation plan and a way to receive official alerts.

Read our Golden Isles Hurricane Preparedness Guide for more information.

You can also follow the National Hurricane Center for official storm information.

11. Don't Forget Your Driver's License and Vehicle Registration

If you're making a permanent move to Georgia from another state, remember to update your driver's license and vehicle registration.

Georgia generally requires new residents to apply for a Georgia driver's license and register their vehicles within 30 days of establishing residency.

Visit the Georgia Department of Driver Services for license requirements and the Georgia Department of Revenue for vehicle registration information.

TDY families: Temporary assignments may be treated differently from establishing permanent residency. Check the requirements that apply to your situation before making changes.

12. The St. Simons Causeway Can Affect Your Commute

If you're planning to live on St. Simons Island but work in Brunswick or at FLETC, you'll become very familiar with the F.J. Torras Causeway.

The causeway is the main road connecting St. Simons Island to the mainland. It's a beautiful drive, but traffic can build during busy travel periods, and accidents or road closures can create significant delays.

Before choosing where to live, test your commute during the hours you'll actually be traveling.

Local tip: If you're considering a home on St. Simons but will commute to FLETC daily, don't rely solely on the mileage shown in your navigation app. Factor in school drop-offs, seasonal traffic, and unexpected delays.

For more information about areas popular with federal employees and their families, read our FLETC Housing Options Guide.

13. Set Up Utilities and Internet Before Moving

There's nothing quite like moving into a new home and realizing you don't have internet or electricity set up!

Before moving day, confirm which utility providers serve your address and schedule any necessary installations or account transfers.

Internet availability can vary by neighborhood, even within the same ZIP code. If you work remotely or rely on a strong connection for school or streaming, check which providers and speeds are actually available at your specific home.

Local tip: Ask your landlord, seller, or property manager about electricity, water, sewer, trash collection, and internet providers before move-in day. If you're renting temporarily, find out which services are included.

14. Research Schools and Enrollment Requirements Early

Moving with school-age kids? Add school enrollment to your moving checklist early.

School assignments, registration requirements, transportation, and available programs may depend on your address and your child's grade level.

Start with the Glynn County Schools website for information about registration, school calendars, enrollment documents, and attendance zones.

Families interested in homeschooling can also explore our Golden Isles Homeschool Resources.

Local tip: Before signing a lease or buying a home, confirm the assigned school directly with the district. Don't rely solely on real estate listing information.

15. Learn a Little About Beach and Water Safety

One of the best things about living in the Golden Isles is having the beach practically in your backyard!

But if you're new to coastal Georgia, it's worth learning about local tides, currents, weather conditions, and beach access before heading out with the kids.

One thing that surprises many newcomers is just how dramatically the tides can change throughout the day. Sandbars that look like inviting places to explore at low tide can quickly become surrounded by water as the tide rises.

Before your first beach day, we highly recommend reading our Golden Isles Guide to the Tides. It covers everything from high and low tides to rip currents, sandbars, and helpful tide-tracking resources.

Not every beach has lifeguard supervision, so always keep children closely supervised around the water, check local conditions, and head indoors when thunderstorms approach.

For weather forecasts and coastal advisories, visit the National Weather Service Jacksonville, which serves the Golden Isles region.

Local tip: Always check the tide schedule before planning a beach outing. The amount of available beach can change significantly between low and high tide!

16. Find Your Local Service Providers Before You Need Them

Once you've found a place to live, start making a list of the local professionals your family might need.

That includes pediatricians, dentists, veterinarians, hair salons, home maintenance providers, and anyone else you rely on regularly.

Some offices and service providers may have limited availability for new clients, so getting established early can save you time later.

Our Golden Isles Local Business Directory is a helpful starting point for finding businesses and services in the area.

Local tip: Ask your neighbors and parent groups for recommendations. Personal referrals can be especially helpful when you're unfamiliar with the area.

17. Get Familiar with Coastal Weather and Flood Risk

Life along the Georgia coast comes with plenty of sunshine, but also heat, humidity, sudden rainstorms, and occasional flooding concerns.

During warmer months, an afternoon that starts out sunny can quickly turn into a thunderstorm. Keeping a rain jacket or umbrella in the car is never a bad idea.

If you're purchasing or renting a home, it's also worth learning about the property's flood risk and insurance needs. Flooding can happen outside designated high-risk flood zones, and standard homeowners insurance generally doesn't cover flood damage.

Start with the FEMA Flood Map Service Center and speak with an insurance professional about your specific property.

For a more lighthearted look at local life, check out our What to Expect When Visiting or Moving to the Golden Isles article.

More Resources for Moving to the Golden Isles

Whether you're relocating permanently or staying temporarily, we've put together plenty of resources to help your family settle in.

Moving somewhere new always comes with a learning curve, but the Golden Isles is a wonderful place to call home. We hope these little tips make settling in a bit easier!

Have a tip we missed? We'd love to hear it! Share your favorite advice for newcomers with St. SiMoms so we can keep this guide helpful for the next family moving to the Golden Isles.

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