Moving to Atlanta: Everything You Need to Know

What Makes Atlanta the Best Place to Move to?

Economic opportunity: Atlanta boasts one of the fastest-growing economies in the nation. You’ll find job opportunities with established companies and startups in all industries.

Atlanta winters: Once the summer ends, the beautiful weather begins. Even cold mornings in January can turn into balmy afternoons. The city shuts down at the mere threat of snow, so you’ll enjoy your extra days off without being snowed in.

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: Remember all the growth we mentioned? The downside is the traffic because the highway infrastructure hasn’t kept up. Atlanta earned the unfortunate distinction of 10th most congested city 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. They don’t nest in your house, but they do wander in from outside, and they’re BIG. Make sure you add “find an exterminator” to your list of move-in tasks.

It’s not cheap: Atlanta is a big city, and the prices reflect that. Expect the average cost of an apartment to be around $1,800 per month. Food, attractions, and sporting events come in a bit higher, too.

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 are Atlanta’s AAA baseball team. You can get tickets for $10 and watch the Braves’ top prospect baseball players.
Emory University teams don’t charge for most games.
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, the busiest airport in the world. 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. At last count, over 71 streets in Atlanta had some version of “Peachtree” in their name!

The Atlanta Housing Landscape

With Atlanta’s warm weather, most apartment buildings offer rooftop or courtyard pools, community grilling stations, and patios.

Looking for luxury? Nine out of ten new Atlanta rentals qualify as “luxury,” so if you want high-end living, you’ll have your pick of the best in amenities and services. (Check out the Best Luxury Apartments in Atlanta to get started.)

Pet families are welcome. Many, many Atlanta apartments will welcome your furry friend. Your pet may get amenities all their own, like pet sitting, dog runs, or a pet spa.

Due to demand, rental prices remain high despite the 6,900 new units built in 2018 and even more each year since then.

Demand for rentals continues to grow as increasing numbers of Atlantans choose to rent rather than buy. You may need help finding the best deal available in a tight market.