Hi Piruka! Great to see you here!!

South of Atlanta are towns like Griffin, Macon, Peachtree City... check a map for others.

There aren't too many lizards, you'd have to search for them near creeks and dead trees in wooded areas. Winters are very mild, so there are bugs to contend with (roaches, mosquitoes). You are an hour or so from the ATL Airport (a major hub = cheaper fares to more places). Cost of living is OK. Housing to buy: Cheap would be $150K, Hi would be $300K+. Apt/House/Trailer Rentals can go from $450-700+ per mo. Food is not as cheap as in Florida, but less than most places in the country. Lots of green space! You'd need a car to get around. No/little public Transport outside ATL. Best of all... SOME OF THE CHEAPEST GAS IN THE COUNTRY!

North of Atlanta and you get freezing rain in the winter and occasional 0 degree weather, but rare.

And we could visit!
PM me if you need more details or some photos.

Anne