Moving to Atlanta, GA? There should be something special there! With many years of history, increasing employment rates as well as nice neighborhoods, there are more reasons why thousands of people are relocating to Atlanta, GA.
It is a cosmopolitan hub located in the south as well as the capital of Peach State, so it is not a surprise that Atlanta, GA attracts a lot of newcomers every year.
Atlanta, GA is originally the final stop for the Western and Atlantic Railroad but is today an energetic hub of business, history, culture, art, and so on.
The diverse Population in Atlanta, GA comprises Georgians and people from all parts of the country and different walks of life.
Those moving to Atlanta, GA often have a reason, whether to live closer to family, to attend school, or to move for work.
As you look closer to your options, we compiled all you should know about a move to Atlanta, GA. Continue reading if you are keen to know more!
Things to Know About Living in Atlanta, GA
Before we proceed into our guide on the move to Atlanta, GA below are some important facts to know before moving to Atlanta, GA:
What’s the Overall Population of Atlanta, GA?
Atlanta, GA population is 524,067 residents. The huge Atlanta, GA metro area in general is one of the rapidly-growing in the country. The city experienced a 1.25% growth from 2018 to 2020, increasing to 6,020,364 people.
The average age in Atlanta, GA is 33 years old. There is a high population of single people in Atlanta, GA at 69%, with an evenly distributed gender. You won’t be lonely if you are a young professional living in ATL.
What is the Economic Situation in Atlanta, GA?
Atlanta, GA is one of the hottest destinations for young professionals to start their careers. This is even truer for entrepreneurs, artists, tech industry professionals, creative, as well as African-American young professionals.
Atlanta, GA is one of the widely known destinations for career-minded people and the state will see a 1.5 million increase in jobs as projected for 2040.
The cost of living in Atlanta, GA is much reasonable, especially when compared to other major cities in the country, such as New York City and Los Angeles.
Homes in ATL can be found in large quantities and the cost of the building is relatively lower. Renting is also a common choice for housing among residents.
The average rental of an apartment is $1,500 per month. The numerous green spaces in ATL also promote natural living even though it is an urban area.
The 3rd most Fortune 500 company in the country are located in Atlanta, GA. 16 of the 18 Fortune 500 Companies have their headquarters in Georgia but are also located in metro Atlanta, GA. These include Home Depot, Delta Airlines, Aflac, UPS, Mercedes-Benz, and Coca-Cola.
What is the Weather Situation in Atlanta, GA?
Atlanta, GA is well known for its muggy and hot summers and those are the reasons behind the nickname ‘Hot-lanta’. If you don’t like cold at all, then Atlanta, GA is the best place for you.
The metro area experiences short and mild winters for an average of two snow days in a year. Atlanta, GA has an average of about 117 days of sunshine annually, and almost the same number of rainy days too.
July is typically the hottest month of the year when average temperatures climb to 860F. December is often the coldest month when the temperature falls to an average of 350F.
Overall, the climate in Atlanta, GA is reasonably mild, with an annual high temperature at 720F on average, and an average low temperature of 530F.
What’s the Cost of Living in Atlanta, GA?
If you are moving to Atlanta, GA you’ll be will please you to hear that cost of living in Atlanta, GA is relatively affordable and is 2.3% of the national average.
Residents of Atlanta, GA get an average income of $54,374 and income state tax is 5.75%.
Housing for those hunting for it is 6% lower in Atlanta, GA. The average home price in the metro area is $365,442.
Renters should prepare an average of $1,207 per month.
Groceries in Atlanta, GA are more expensive than in other parts of the country. For example, groceries in Atlanta, GA are 3.86% costly compare to Charlotte, NC.
If you are shopping for essentials, prepare $4.15 to get a loaf of bread, $1.19 to get a carton of eggs, and $1.59 to get a half-gallon of milk.
What are the Safest Neighborhoods in Atlanta, GA?
Even though it is reputed as a dangerous place to live, Atlanta, GA has a lot of safe neighborhoods. As there has been an improvement to the city’s public safety, the safety of its residents has also experienced the same.
Generally, Atlanta, GA public transportation system of trains and buses called MARTA (Metro Atlanta, GA Rapid Transit Authority) is so clean and safe.
The overall total number of annual crimes in Atlanta, GA is also reducing. Other large city areas like Detroit, Oakland, and Memphis all have very high crime rates.
List of Fastest-Growing Neighborhoods in Atlanta, GA
The fastest expanding metro population in Atlanta, GA is projected to reach over 56% by 2050, rising to a population of over 8.6 million people with more people relocating to ATL.
Most of the growth is to be experienced in the city, northern suburbs, as well as closer to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta, GA International Airport.
Below is a peep into the neighborhoods that are already experiencing growth in Atlanta, GA:
1. Virginia Highland
This place is occasionally called VaHi and it presents a mix of a vibrant city with a small-town area feel. The neighborhood is located in the east of Ansley Park and is not far from Downtown.
It has four different villages linked by walkable blocks. VaHi offers a lot of attractions such as Ponce City Market, Beltline, and Piedmont Park.
- The median home price is $750,000.
- The median rent is $1,801
- Known for: family-friendly community, charming, comfortable nightlife scene, eclectic, walkable area.
2. Old Fourth Ward
This is among the hippest new communities in Atlanta, GA. It is a young and affordable neighborhood that is ideal for students, young professionals as well as first-time home buyers.
Old Fourth Ward is located south of Midtown and east of Downtown and is experiencing great growth. Thanks to new dining and retail brought by Beltline and Ponce City Market.
- Neighbors: Young professionals, students, and artists.
- The median home price is $350,000
- The median rent is $1,740
- Known for: Hip neighborhood, public parks, and spaces, recent revitalization
3. Kirkwood:
This neighborhood is the perfect representation of a family-friendly neighborhood that offers affordable, quality housing close to Downtown, ATL.
It is also where thriving arts scene like Kirkwood Urban Forest Community Garden, Gilliam Park, and Pb&J Gallery are located.
Kirkwood is located east of Atlanta, GA and it offers great parks and trails, thus making it a perfect place for outdoor lovers.
- Neighbors: First-time homebuyers, students, families
- The median home price is $300,000
- Median rent is $1,379
- Known for: Small-town charm, outdoor activities, diverse neighborhood
4. Midtown:
This neighborhood is an energetic commercial and residential hub located north of Downtown and east of I-85. It is one of the most bustling parts of Atlanta, GA, with many popular boutiques, green spaces, music venues, and coffee shops.
Housing options include lofts, apartments, and single-family homes. The Midtown population is about 16,659 people. The average home value is around $355,944, and rent on the average is $1,444 per month.
- Neighbors: Professionals, empty nesters
- The median home price is $700,000
- Median rent is $1,930
- Known for: booming arts scene, commercial business district, bustling community
5. Decatur:
Decatur is an expansive neighborhood with a wide appearance where the campuses of Agnes Scott College and Emory University together with the Centers for Disease Control are located.
There are many things in the walkable Downtown Decatur, such as craft breweries, ice cream, and distilleries. Decatur is also a pedestrian-and-bike-friendly area and also served by 3 rail lines from MARTA and the highway.
Residents can walk up to common shops and restaurants. There are different types of homes, such as modern ranches, cozy bungalows as well as apartments.
- Neighbors: Students, young professionals, Singles
- The median home price is $500,000
- Median rent is $1,138
- Known for: Business district, hip, walkable neighborhood
Pros and Cons of Living in Atlanta, GA
Similar to every city, there are pros and cons to living in Atlanta, GA, too. Below are some things to think of before moving to Atlanta, GA:
Pros
- The weather: The weather in Atlanta, GA is great all through the year, which makes outdoor exploration great in the city. The percentage of tree coverage in ATL is higher than the national average, also called ‘The city in the forest’. There are many parks, nature preserves, and trails in ATL, and the weather enables exploration on any day of the year.
- Family-friendly atmosphere: Atlanta, GA is one of the greatest places to raise a family. From nature trails, restaurants, historic sites, and shopping districts, there will always be something to do. There are aquariums, parks, zoos, gardens, and numerous attractions for kids.
A lot of suburban public schools, like Gwinnerr School of Mathematics, Science and Technology, Columbus High School, Northview High School, Walton High School, and many other highly acclaimed schools are found here.
- Booming economy: Georgia is ranked severally as one of the best destinations for business. There are so many offers for different stages of life in Atlanta, gA. The city has many young, diverse workforce and companies know they can easily find the workers they need. Social activities, as well as networking events, ensure people can easily meet. The cost of living is also one of the most affordable.
Cons
- The crime: Even though crime rates are on the decline, Atlanta, GA is still seen as a dangerous city. However, crime rates are particular to each neighborhood, which implies that there are many safe neighborhoods. The city has different layers of law enforcement protecting it. The majority of the crimes are low-level burglary and robberies.
- The traffic: Similar to other large metro areas, the traffic situation in Atlanta, GA is common and unpredictable – thus being the city’s first complaint. If you go out by 4:00 pm, prepare to get stuck in traffic for an hour on any route. It gets worse at the intersection of I-285 and I-85. Those are the two major highways that start on the connector and the source of congestion.
- Limited transportation routes: If you choose Atlanta, GA as your next home, get ready to travel much by car. That is what other city’s driver does too. There are only 84 miles of bike lanes in Atlanta, GA and the drivers there are not known for sharing the road.
And as train system in the city is common for moving to and from downtown, the routes are not many and not often available.
This is the case for people who move from outside ATL or the neighborhoods outside I-285. Transportation is restricted to cars in this area.
Things to See and Do in Atlanta, GA
There are many things to do in and around the city of Atlanta, GA that even deserve its guide. For now, you can visit these few places and do things here, and there is something for everyone:
1. Centennial Olympic Park
Constructed as a gathering place when Atlanta, GA hosted the Summer Olympic Games in 1996. The park is a nice base to explore many of the city’s common downtown attractions, such as the College Football Hall of Fame, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, as well as the World of Coca-Cola.
2. The Georgia Aquarium
Even though it is closer to Centennial Olympic Park, the aquarium deserves its spot on this list. Ten Million gallons of water with tens of thousands of different animals that you can observe closely across the facility.
If you have to stand in line for the dolphin and the sea lion presentation, then do it. You can even pay additional money to get a tour known as behind the seas to a look at the most popular exhibits of the aquarium.
3. The Atlanta, GA Botanical Garden
The garden as of 2019 can boast its spot on the List of Eight Most Beautifully Designed Botanical Gardens in the Country by Architectural Digests.
The garden is situated in the heart of midtown and it offers exhibitions, events, as well as classes, or you can just take a stroll across its 30 acres of different plant collections and displays. If you have kids of 4 – 10 years of age, check into the Garden Summer Camp programs.
4. The King Center
There are many important archives stored in the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change which was founded by Mrs. Coretta Scott King. The place also hosts conference series, as well as produces programs that continue Dr. King’s work.
5. Stone Mountain Park
This beautiful park is the state’s most visited attraction. Over 3,200 acres are where different great activities like special events, such as the Independence Day Celebration, farmyard, fall festival, museum, a railroad, 4-D Theater, and so on are located.
6. Zoo Atlanta, GA
You have close access to over 1,000 animals, such as one of the country’s largest populations of great apes. The zoo is popular across the globe for its care as well as the study of extinct amphibians and reptiles. Make sure you ride with your family on the Zoo Train and the Carousel of the Endangered Species.
7. Six Flags Amusement Park
The largest and popularly known amusement parks in the region and the state at large are located in Atlanta, GA. You will come in contact with Batman or Wonder Woman while going through the park that covers about 300 acres because the theme in the park is all things Warner Bros. There are over 40 rides as well as attractions to explore, such as twelve dozen roller coasters.
Have you made up your Mind to Move to Atlanta, GA?
Whether you are moving local or across the country, the moving process can turn out stressful. Moving APT is here to provide professional moving solutions in Atlanta, GA and also moving trucks to help with your move.
If you want to know the different moving services costs, try out our moving cost calculator.
You may also want to check out our guide on moving to another state with further information and moving tips to help you move to Atlanta, GA, and other things to keep in mind when hiring long distances moving companies.
FAQ's
How much salary is good in Atlanta, GA?
The yearly pay as of 22nd of March 2021 for the Do Good jobs section in Atlanta, GA is $82,363 per annum. However, if you need a simple earning calculation, that equals $1,584 per week or $6,864 per month.
Which is better for retirees between Florida and Georgia?
On Adrian Garcia’s list of best and worst states for retirement, Florida sits on the 5th and Georgia on 28th. This ranking is determined based on crime, wellness, affordability, culture, and weather, and that is majorly the difference between both states.
Are seniors charged property taxes in Georgia?
If you are a senior (62 or older), and your yearly family income is $10,000 or less, the value of your Georgia home may be exempt from school tax up to $10,000. And if you are within that age cap and the total income of your family is below $30,000, there may be exemption of a portion of your home from country tax.
Is moving to Georgia safe?
If you don’t find that enough, we have many reasons you should relocate to Georgia as soon as you can. There are many cities in Georgia to live in, according to a report by Safewise on the list of safest cities in Georgia. If you plan to raise a family in a safe neighborhood with an excellent school system, then choose Georgia as your next home.
What amount of money do you need to comfortably live in Georgia?
The amount is also dependent on 20-year retirement by Go Banking Rates. After running the numbers, they discovered that $56,477.88 per year is necessary for a comfortable retirement in Georgia. That ranks Georgia as the 11th most affordable state that allows comfortable retirement in the United States.
How cold does Atlanta, GA get?
The summers in Atlanta, GA are hot and muggy; the winters are cold, wet, and not long; and it is a bit cloudy all through the year. Day by day and all through the year, the temperature normally differs from 25 degrees F and is unusually under 22 degrees F or more than 95 degrees F.
Is income tax mandatory if I live in Florida?
If you reside in Florida and work in Georgia, you will often have Georgia tax removed from your paycheck and file a tax return in Georgia, including a federal tax return at the end of each year. Florida will not tax you because the state doesn’t charge income tax.
Conclusion
Still, proceeding with the Atlanta move? If yes, our local movers in Atlanta are ready to help you. With the entire tips in your pocket, moving to Atlanta, Georgia will be seamless. Your landing apartment will provide you all the closeness, flexibility, and convenience necessary in a location to call home.
Choose a neighborhood and allow us to perform the rest so you can start to go around your new city and discover all it has to offer. Our movers don’t only have expertise in the Atlanta areas, but we also provide you with pieces of information to help you live safely in the city.
