The Cost of Living Diaries: Warner Robins, GA
How much does it cost to live in Warner Robins, GA? We asked a local to give us ALL the details.
Welcome to The Cost of Living Diaries. How much does it cost to live in Warner Robins, GA? What’s an average mortgage, a cocktail, or a week’s worth of childcare? Keep reading because we asked a local to the Robins Region to tell us all about the cost of living in this thriving city!
Home to Robins Air Force Base, Warner Robins’ growing population of more than 80,300 people is made up of “lifers,” temporary residents and those who have relocated to and grown roots in the area. But, no matter how they ended up here, the locals can’t get enough of all this city offers, from its Historic Depot Row, which houses four historic buildings, to its unique, thriving cuisine scene and outdoor recreation options. To find out more about all Warner Robins has to offer residents, we sat down with Matthew Boarts, a pastor, an entrepreneur and a soon-to-be-retired airman, whose job in the Air Force brought him and his wife to the region two years ago. While he is retiring this summer, he and his wife have decided to stay in Warner Robins.
Matthew Boarts
Pastor, Entrepreneur and Soon-to-be-retired Airman
Q: Why have you decided to stay in the region?
A: It’s an area full of potential, and I really just see it as a growing, happening place. So much building is going on everywhere, and I think the base is a good anchor for the economy around. Also, the people have a progressive attitude, just really looking to the future and building and moving up. That, to me, is really exciting. And I look around as I get to know people — (there’s) such a positive attitude.
Q: How would you describe Warner Robins’ atmosphere?
A: Optimistic and looking toward the future. And I think the question that really gets people talking is, “What’s coming? What’s next?” But there’s also a pretty strong history because we have one on the largest air museums right outside the base here. And then also, it’s somewhat cosmopolitan. They call it the International City.
Q: What do you love about living in Warner Robins?
A: One of the things I really like about Warner Robins is it’s a very growing town, but it’s still kind of a small town, and it’s very easy to get out of town and get into some of the country opportunities that are around, like farmers markets. And it didn’t take me long to learn my way around.
I like to hike — that’s one of my big hobbies. They have some (hiking opportunities) right here, but all around us, there are amazing state parks in all directions that give a lot of opportunities that are really close by. For like a year pass for unlimited entry to any park in the state, I think it is less than $50.
Q: What was the housing market like when you moved to Warner Robins?
A: It was a weird time because it was near the beginning of the pandemic…but when we looked around and saw how much building was going on, we were like, “If there’s a lot of building happening, that tells me that it’s a stable place.” We felt that we got a value price for the house. We lived just north of Montgomery, AL, prior to coming here, and it was less expensive here.
Q: What’s the restaurant scene like in Warner Robins, and about how much would dinner for two cost at your favorite restaurant?
A: I think the easy answer for people is, “We’ll go to Macon for all the good restaurants and stuff,” but here’s the thing, we’ve got gems all around us here.
(One of our favorites is) Curry Mantra. It’s right about $25 for dinner.
If you’d like to learn more about the Robins Region, check out the latest edition of Livability Robins Region.