7 Things You Should Do Before Moving to Atlanta

Atlanta has become an uber-popular city for new grads and professionals. Even though it ranks as the 9th largest metropolitan area in the nation, Atlantans still enjoy a relatively affordable cost of living in comparison with other big cities. Its boom of newly constructed apartments means you’ll discover tons of options. As you begin planning, here’s our list of 7 steps to finding the perfect new home, including several things to know before moving to Atlanta. 

Relocating to Atlanta

1. Research Neighborhoods

Atlanta’s notorious reputation for bad traffic precedes it, but don’t let this deter you! Many residents will encourage you to pick a neighborhood in close proximity to where you work and/or spend most of your time. If you prefer not to drive, Atlanta encompasses tons of walkable neighborhoods where you can often forgo a car. Inman Park, Midtown, and Virginia Highland will fit the bill. Or, if you work a bit further north in the city, Buckhead, Brookhaven, and Chastain are popular areas that give you easier access to OTP (outside the perimeter), but still offer hip and renter-friendly vibes. Check out our Ultimate Atlanta Neighborhood Guide to help you get started.

Tip: If this will be your first place on your own, learn about how to budget for an apartment after college and add that budget to your to do list.

2. Determine What Other Factors Matter to You

Choosing the right neighborhood to live in will impact your experience of this culturally rich city. If you like sports, head downtown to see Atlanta United and the Falcons as well as college football, or check out The Battery, home of the Braves. For nature lovers, lots of neighborhoods sit on or near the Chattahoochee River, such as Vinings and Roswell. Here, you’ll find recreation areas and nature preserves, perfect for hikers and dog owners. If you’re a major foodie, check out the food halls in West Midtown, Chattahoochee Food Works, and Old Fourth Ward, Ponce City Market and Krog Street Market, to be close to all the good eats.

3. Research Cost of Living by Neighborhood

Do your research on the average cost of living in Atlanta. Costs can vary wildly depending on which area you choose. How established or “up-and-coming” a neighborhood is as well as the popularity and availability of an apartment community can influence rent. Prices tend to stay higher in Midtown and Buckhead, but will generally be more affordable in West Midtown and Sandy Springs.

4. Plan a Visit

There’s always something going on in Atlanta, and planning a visit will help you get a feel for the atmosphere in your top neighborhood picks. In addition to sports, Atlanta holds some standout events throughout the year. We recommend a visit in late summer/early fall to catch DragonCon and Music Midtown, or check out the BeltLine Lantern Parade. 

Pro tip: The BeltLine, a walking path that connects multiple parts of the city, features food halls, parks, and art installations. Living on or near the BeltLine is great if you want to be super close to the action.

5. Call AptAmigo

With Atlanta’s explosion of newly constructed apartments and its abundance of distinct neighborhoods to choose from, you might need some help narrowing your search. That’s where AptAmigo comes in! A team of local experts will put together a list of apartment buildings that match your preferences, schedule all of your tours, and even pay for your Ubers or Lyfts on touring day. We can take pictures and notes, buy you coffee when you tire after the 5th tour, and walk you through the decision making process. We handle the difficult tasks so that you can focus on finding the right apartment. 

6. Choose Apartment Buildings to Tour

In addition to lots of neighborhoods, Atlanta offers tons of building styles. Whether you want an ultra-luxe high rise feel, or you prefer a cozier and quieter space, AptAmigo can find communities to tour that fit your needs. Our Atlanta apartment guide recommends some of our favorite buildings, detailing information about amenities, price, and general vibe.  

7. Move In & Explore

Once you choose your new apartment, get ready to explore the city! Take a tour of Atlanta’s funky street art scene, eat your way through Midtown and Downtown, or grab a beer at one of Atlanta’s best breweries.  

Make the Move

People keep flocking to Atlanta for both its excitement and affordability, and now you can too! Now that you know how to relocate to Atlanta, contact AptAmigo to begin your search. We pride ourselves in making the process as stress-free and seamless as possible. We’re your apartment dream team!