I also live in Georgia and do a lot of cycling on hills. I have a compact double cassette with a lower gear than the one the bike came with. I find that the lowest gear is as low as I ever need, even on steep hills, and I'm not strong-legged. As my bike person explained it to me, my lowest gear is only a tiny bit higher than I'd have on a triple; the replacement provides more range. I find the compact double to be easier to use (less shifting around) and more problem-free than a triple.