5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Moving to Warner Robins, Georgia

Moving to a new city can be an exciting yet daunting experience. There's so much to learn about the local area, from housing options and job opportunities to the best gyms and community resources. When I made the decision to move from Ohio to Warner Robins, Georgia a few years ago, I quickly realized there were several key things I wish I had known beforehand.

In this in-depth blog post, I'll share the top 5 insights I've gained from my personal experience of relocating to Warner Robins. Whether you're considering a move to this charming Middle Georgia city or are simply curious about life here, this article will provide you with valuable information to make the transition as smooth as possible. Let's dive in!

1. Housing Options Beyond Just Warner Robins

The first and most important thing I wish I had known before moving to Warner Robins is the wide range of housing options available in the surrounding areas, not just within the city limits of Warner Robins itself. When I started my search, I naturally gravitated towards properties listed in Warner Robins, as that's the city I had heard the most about.

However, I quickly realized I was missing out on some incredible opportunities in nearby communities like Bonaire, Kathleen, Perry, and Byron. These areas offer beautiful homes, thriving neighborhoods, and a more rural, country-like atmosphere - all while still being just a short drive from the heart of Warner Robins.

For example, the town of Byron is where I ultimately ended up purchasing my home. It's about a 10-minute drive from the main shopping and dining district of Warner Robins, yet I get to enjoy the peace and quiet of a more rural setting, with no homeowners association fees. My backyard even borders a peach orchard! If I had known about these surrounding communities from the start, I likely would have bought a home much sooner and started building equity rather than renting for several years.

• Don't limit your housing search to just the city of Warner Robins - explore the nearby towns and communities as well.

• Consider the benefits of a more rural or suburban location, like lower costs, more land, and a quieter lifestyle, while still being close to the action.

• Leverage your VA home loan benefits if you're a veteran to get into a home with $0 down and potentially have the builder cover your closing costs.

2. Robust Career Opportunities on Robins Air Force Base

The second key thing I wish I had known before moving to Warner Robins is the abundance of career opportunities available, particularly on Robins Air Force Base. As a former member of the Army's Special Operations forces, I had a wide range of skills and experience that I was eager to put to use in my next career. However, when I first arrived in the area, I struggled to find the right fit.

What I didn't realize at the time was that Robins Air Force Base, which is the largest employer in the region, offers both civilian and government jobs that could have been a perfect match for my background. From contracting work to GS-scale government positions, there are so many options for those with military experience or specialized skillsets.

If I had known about these opportunities upfront, I likely would have pursued a career path on the base rather than taking a job in car sales, which wasn't the best fit for my talents and interests. The base also offers incredible benefits like tuition assistance, allowing employees to earn college degrees for free. My wife, for example, was able to get her bachelor's degree paid for through the Palace Chase program.

• Explore civilian and government job opportunities on Robins Air Force Base, which is the largest employer in the region.

• Leverage your military experience and skills to find a fulfilling career path, potentially in a contracting or GS-scale government role.

• Take advantage of the tuition assistance and other educational benefits available to Robins Air Force Base employees.

3. Diverse Gym and Fitness Options

Another aspect of life in Warner Robins that I wish I had known more about from the start is the wide variety of gym and fitness options available. As someone who values health and wellness, finding the right gym was an important consideration for me when moving to the area.

What I quickly realized is that the best gyms in the region are actually located right on Robins Air Force Base. These facilities offer top-notch equipment, indoor tracks, tennis courts, and even golf courses - all available to base personnel and their families. If I had known about these amazing on-base gyms from the beginning, I likely would have saved myself the hassle of trying out multiple off-base options before finding my current gym home, Tim's Total Fitness in Byron.

Of course, there are plenty of other great gym choices in the Warner Robins area as well, such as Max Fitness and Crunch Fitness. Each one caters to different fitness preferences and budgets. The key is to do your research upfront to find the gym that best fits your needs and lifestyle.

• The best gyms in the Warner Robins area are located right on Robins Air Force Base, offering top-notch facilities and amenities.

• Explore other popular gym options in the region, like Max Fitness and Crunch Fitness, to find the right fit for your fitness goals and budget.

• Reach out in the comments below if you'd like specific gym recommendations for your needs and location within the Warner Robins area.

4. The Power of the "Robins to Go" Facebook Group

One of the most valuable resources I wish I had discovered sooner when moving to Warner Robins is the local Facebook group called "Robins to Go." This group, with over 54,000 members as of the time of this writing, has become an invaluable community hub for anyone living in or considering a move to the area.

Within this group, you'll find a wealth of information and recommendations on just about every aspect of life in Warner Robins. From job opportunities and housing options to the best local restaurants and events, this group has it all. It's the perfect place to tap into the local knowledge and connect with others who can provide insider tips and advice.

For example, if you're a business owner or professional looking to network and build relationships in the Warner Robins area, the "Robins to Go" group is a goldmine. You can search for specific industries or services and connect directly with key players in the local business community. This type of targeted networking can be a game-changer when it comes to growing your business or advancing your career.

• Join the "Robins to Go" Facebook group to access a wealth of local knowledge and recommendations from the Warner Robins community.

• Use the group's search function to find and connect with professionals and businesses in your industry or area of interest.

• Post your own questions or needs, and tap into the collective wisdom of the group to get the information you're looking for.

5. Exploring the National Guard and Reserves

The final key thing I wish I had known before moving to Warner Robins is the opportunity to continue serving in the military through the National Guard or Air Force Reserves. As a former Army soldier, I initially joined the Army Reserves when I left active duty. However, I quickly realized that this wasn't the best fit for me, as the unit I was assigned to was over an hour and a half away from my new home in Warner Robins.

What I didn't know at the time was that I could have explored joining the Air National Guard or Air Force Reserves instead, which would have allowed me to serve closer to home - potentially even at Robins Air Force Base itself. Not only would this have been more convenient, but it also could have provided me with additional career opportunities and benefits.

Members of the Air National Guard or Air Force Reserves who are stationed at Robins Air Force Base can often work full-time on the base, earning active-duty pay and benefits. This includes things like housing allowance, specialty pay, and even tuition assistance to further your education. It's a fantastic way to continue serving your country while also building a rewarding civilian career.

• Consider joining the Air National Guard or Air Force Reserves if you're a former military member living in the Warner Robins area.

• You may be able to work full-time at Robins Air Force Base, earning active-duty pay and benefits while serving part-time.

• Reach out to me directly if you'd like help navigating the process of joining the National Guard or Reserves in the Warner Robins region.

In conclusion, my experience of moving to Warner Robins, Georgia has been filled with both challenges and incredible opportunities. By sharing these 5 key insights, I hope I've provided you with a valuable roadmap to make your own transition to this vibrant Middle Georgia community as smooth and successful as possible.

Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, a seasoned real estate investor, or simply curious about life in Warner Robins, I'm here to help. Feel free to book a free strategy call with me to discuss your specific needs and goals. I'd be honored to share my expertise and connect you with the resources you need to thrive in this amazing city.

And don't forget to check out my YouTube channel for more in-depth content and insights on living, working, and investing in Middle Georgia. I'm excited to be your guide as you explore all that this region has to offer.