Moving to Atlanta: Everything You Need to Know

TL;DR: Moving to Atlanta means planning for traffic, hot summers, occasional winter weather, and apartment costs that vary by location and building. Compare your commute, current rents, and amenities, and use local resources or AptAmigo’s apartment-search support to make the move easier.

So, you’re thinking about moving to Atlanta. Great choice! Whatever your age and interests, Atlanta is an awesome place to live.

Famous attractions? Check.

Super shopping? Check.

Sports teams? Check.

World-class medical centers? Check.

Renowned colleges and universities? Check.

To learn all about what to expect when moving to Atlanta, keep reading this guide.

Moving to Atlanta? Let AptAmigo find your new apartment for free. You’ll also want to read about the cost of living and relocation tips.

What Makes Atlanta the Best Place to Move to?

• Economic opportunity: Metro Atlanta’s key industries include technology, healthcare, and logistics. Explore established companies and startups that match your experience.
• Atlanta winters: Mild stretches can alternate with cold spells. Snow and ice can disrupt travel, so follow forecasts and review Georgia DOT’s winter-weather guidance.
• Southern hospitality: It’s true; people are friendlier and more gracious in the South. Once Yankees recover from the terrible shock of being greeted by total strangers, they may eventually come to like it. And, even the harshest statements sound gentler when said with a proper Southern drawl. Y’all come and visit now, y’hear?
• Georgia foods: Think boiled peanuts, pecan pie, peaches, and Vidalia onions. Plus, with the mild weather, you can barbecue outside well into December.
• Nightlife: Atlanta doesn’t stop when it gets dark. You’ll choose from plenty of restaurants, bars, and theaters. If you need a place to start, Underground Atlanta is a great choice.

So, Why Doesn’t Everyone Move to Atlanta?

• Traffic: Traffic can complicate your commute. INRIX ranked Atlanta the 10th most congested urban area in the country in 2022. Plan ahead to avoid high traffic times of the day, or account for extra travel time.
• The heat: Summer in Atlanta can last from May to October. It gets hot, and it stays hot. At the height of summer, even the nights offer no relief. And, did we mention the humidity?
• Palmetto bugs: That’s a fancy name for our cockroaches. Some wander indoors, and UGA Extension notes that smoky brown cockroaches can live in attics and crawlspaces. Make sure you add “find an exterminator” to your list of move-in tasks.
• It’s not cheap: For regional context, Yardi Matrix’s August 2026 report put metro Atlanta’s average advertised apartment rent at $1,650 through June 2026. That all-unit metro figure does not represent a city-only or luxury 1-bedroom quote; compare current building prices and fees.

Things Atlanta Locals Know that You Might Not

• How to have fun for less money: Locals know the tricks and tips to pay less for Atlanta entertainment, from sports to the arts.
  • The Gwinnett Stripers play in Lawrenceville as the Atlanta Braves’ Triple-A affiliate. Check their current ticket options before planning a game.
  • Some Emory University sporting events offer free admission, while others charge. Check the event’s admission details before you go.
  • Go to Atlanta on the Cheap to find the latest deals or freebies for tickets to theaters, Zoo Atlanta, the Georgia Aquarium, and more.
  • Head outdoors to enjoy many free activities, such as festivals, pickleball, or biking The BeltLine.
• Get to the airport early: Atlantans are proud of the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, which ranked first worldwide for total passenger traffic in 2025. But, getting through it takes time. Even if you manage to avoid traffic on the way there, even if the security lines are miraculously short, it’s still a big, sprawling complex.
• Kroger is singular: For the inexperienced, Kroger is one of Atlanta’s most popular grocery chains. But, don’t call it Krogers.

Must-Haves for Moving to Atlanta

• Mosquito repellent and sunscreen: You’ll want to take advantage of Atlanta’s many, many parks, trails, and sporting events, but come prepared. Nothing will ruin your outing like becoming fodder for the next generation of mosquitoes.  
• Rain boots: It rains a lot in Atlanta, but rain boots will keep your feet dry and warm. Think of it as your next fashion accessory.
• WAZE: It’s a great navigation app that will help you avoid traffic and, just as importantly, save you from getting lost. According to Discover Atlanta, 71 streets include “Peachtree” in their names.

What Should You Know About Winter Gear and Local Preferences?

• Ice-scraper: Keep basic winter supplies in your vehicle, and prepare for occasional freezing conditions. Follow Georgia DOT’s guidance when snow or ice threatens.
• Snow shovel: Ask your building how it handles snow and ice removal before deciding what equipment to bring.
• Pepsi: This is Coca-Cola land. Yes, you can buy Pepsi here, but why would you want to?

What Should You Know About Atlanta’s Rental Market?

• Compare each building’s pool, grilling areas, and outdoor spaces rather than assuming every property offers them.
• Looking for luxury? Compare finishes, amenities, services, and total monthly costs rather than relying on a “luxury” label. (Check out the Best Luxury Apartments in Atlanta to get started.)
• Pet policies and amenities vary by property. Ask about pet fees, restrictions, dog runs, and wash stations before applying.
• In Yardi Matrix’s metro Atlanta dataset, developers completed 2,814 apartments in the first half of 2026. That regional figure does not describe Atlanta city limits alone.
• Yardi Matrix’s August 2026 report describes softer metro Atlanta asking rents. Compare availability and total costs by building rather than assuming every search takes place in a tight market.

How to Find Help Locating an Apartment

If you’re moving to Atlanta, we can help you find an apartment with zero stress. It’s the easiest way to rent an apartment, so stop searching and let us help you find your dream place. Learn more about the best way to find apartments in Atlanta.

* The original version of this article was first published on May 20, 2019.