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Will You Like Living in Atlanta? | 🏆 ULTIMATE Moving to Atlanta Guide
Are you considering moving to Atlanta, Georgia? Atlanta sits at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, with a high elevation that makes it unique in the Southeast. Originally the terminus for a large state-sponsored railroad, Atlanta’s name comes from the Western and Atlantic Railroad’s local depot. This beautiful city was once almost completely destroyed during Sherman’s March to the Sea during the Civil War. Here, you can see Atlanta’s historic Marietta Street in 1864 compared to today!
After it was rebuilt, the city became the unofficial capital of the New South, then an important leader in the civil rights movement in the 20th century. Today, Atlanta is known for its dense forests, southern hospitality, sports, history, and top-rated universities. Nicknamed ATL, The Big Peach, or The City in a Forest, Atlanta is a great place to live with a low cost of living and endless things to do.
Atlanta has a unique culture, a fairly young population, a bustling city center packed with urban parks and amenities, and famously walkable neighborhoods. Here’s what you’ll love about living in Atlanta and the many things awaiting you.
Atlanta is a good place to live. Living in Atlanta is great for many reasons. Atlanta's food scene, outdoor recreation, live music, and professional sports teams are just a few reasons why living in Atlanta is a great choice.
Before moving to Atlanta, it is important to know where the city is located. Atlanta is in Fulton and DeKalb Counties and is situated along the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Atlanta's close proximity to outdoor recreation and green spaces at places like the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Chattahoochee River makes it a nature lover's paradise.
When living in Atlanta, you can enjoy quick trips to other cities. A few major cities close to Atlanta include Marietta (21 miles away), Alpharetta (27 miles away), and Greenville, South Carolina (146 miles away).
If living in Atlanta is on your radar, then get in touch with our Atlanta movers. Our trusted Atlanta moving company is ready to make your move a great one!
Atlanta Population & Demographics
If you’re considering living in Atlanta, GA, a good place to start is learning more about the city and the people who live there. The population of Atlanta is 507,00, which makes it the largest city in Georgia. The entire city is also associated with the ATL metro area. The Atlanta metropolitan area has a population of 6 million residents, which makes it the ninth-largest metropolitan area in the U.S. The median age in Atlanta is 33, slightly younger than the national average.
The racial and ethnic composition of Atlanta is 54% Black or African American, 38% White, 4% Asian, and 5% Hispanic of any race. At the 2010 Census, Atlanta was the 4th largest majority-black city in the United States. Atlanta’s historically black-majority population has led to it being called a black mecca thanks to its excellent economic opportunities, historically black colleges, entrepreneurship, and black entertainment industry. Atlanta became the first large Southern city to elect an African American mayor in 1974, and since then, every Atlanta mayor has been African American. Additionally, Martin Luther King Jr. was born and raised in Atlanta.
Atlanta has growing immigrant populations within the city limits as well. Over the last decade, there has been strong growth with immigrants from Jamaica, China, South Korea, and India, as well as sizable growth from other countries such as Poland, Vietnam, Nigeria, and Ukraine. However, just 7.3% of people living in Atlanta were born outside the U.S.
Atlanta is also known for its large LGBTQ population which is the 3rd largest among major U.S. cities after San Francisco and Seattle. Almost 13% of the vibrant community identifies as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender. The city’s Cheshire Bridge and Midtown neighborhoods have historically been the center of Atlanta’s LGBT culture.
The median household income in Atlanta is $65,345, up more than 13% over the last year. Almost 22% of the population lives below the poverty level.
How to Get Around Atlanta – Public Transportation & Average Commute
How is living in Atlanta as a commuter? Atlanta has one of the country’s best public transportation systems, which makes getting around the city's sprawling layout easy. The MARTA public transit system has 38 rail stations and 48 miles of track, plus 100 bus lines and a streetcar. There are also free shuttles that serve popular destinations such as East Atlanta, East Atlanta Village, Ponce City Market, and Piedmont Park. Additionally, the downtown area is full of walkable streets and biking trails. So, when living in Atlanta, getting around is not usually an issue.
Are you moving to Atlanta with a car? As a driver living in Atlanta, the entire city is accessible via Interstates 85, 75, and 20 and Georgia 400, with I-285 forming a beltway around Atlanta. How bad is Atlanta traffic? Pretty bad! It’s one of the biggest downsides of living in Atlanta. As a driver, you’ll spend 17% of your time on the road stuck in traffic. A recent report found Atlanta has some of the worst traffic in the world. The average commute in Atlanta is 35 minutes by car and an astounding 53 minutes by train or bus – the second-worst in the U.S. after L.A.
The Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is the main Atlanta airport. Located 7 miles outside downtown Atlanta, it’s the world’s busiest airport and the main hub of Delta Air Lines.
You can learn more about Atlanta public transportation and getting around when living in Atlanta with this complete guide to Atlanta transportation.
How expensive is living in Atlanta? There are many ways to answer this question, beginning with the Atlanta cost of living index, which is 102.4. That means the Georgia capital is just 2.4% more expensive than the national average. Housing, groceries, transportation, and health care are all slightly above the national average. Utilities are very affordable in Atlanta: 15% below the national average. The average monthly utility bill is $123.80. Therefore, living in Atlanta is actually quite affordable!
Click here for an in-depth look at the cost of living in Atlanta, including the cost of renting versus buying, utilities, transportation, and food.
Atlanta Typical Living Expenses
According to Numbeo, this is what you’ll pay for common expenses when living in Atlanta:
Milk, 1 gallon: $3.09
Loaf of white bread: $2.38
Dozen eggs: $2.37
1 pound of apples: $2.21
Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: $50
If you use public transportation, Atlanta offers a 30-day MARTA pass for $95 with discounted passes for students and faculty.
Atlanta Tax Rates
Another important aspect of the cost of living in Atlanta is taxes. It’s easy to overlook taxes if you’re considering living in Atlanta, but they may vary dramatically from what you pay now, and reduce your take-home pay, and increase the cost of goods and services.
Georgia has a progressive income tax rate. When living in Atlanta, you can expect to pay income taxes of 1% to 5.75%, depending on your tax bracket. However, this top rate of 5.75% kicks in at just $7,000 in taxable income for single filers. In 2020, the Georgia House of Representatives passed legislation to introduce a new flat tax rate of 5.375%.
The combined sales tax rate in Atlanta is 8.9%. This includes a Georgia sales tax of 4% and a county sales tax of 3%.
The effective property tax rate when living in Atlanta is 0.94%. The per capita property tax amount is $1,124 per person. You can learn more about property taxes in Atlanta, how the taxes are used, and how to understand a tax bill from the City of Atlanta.
Atlanta, GA Real Estate | Average Rent & Home Prices
Will you buy or rent when living in Atlanta? Overall, Atlanta has a hot real estate market. Record-low mortgage rates and low housing inventory have increased demand, but Atlanta’s excellent and thriving job market is one of the biggest factors driving home prices and competition higher in the city.
According to Redfin, the median sale price in Atlanta is $394,362 compared to the U.S. median price of $433,000. Homes spend an average of 54 days on the market. About 23% of homes sell for above list price. Check Atlanta, GA homes for sale online to get an idea of which neighborhoods are within your budget and what you can afford.
If you’re planning to rent while living in Atlanta, you aren’t alone. Atlanta has a homeownership rate of just 45%, well below the U.S. average of 64%. The average rent in Atlanta is $1,795, according to RentCafe. Atlanta life is fairly affordable, with many popular neighborhoods offering fair rent prices.
Average rent in Atlanta depends a great deal on where you choose to live. One of the most expensive neighborhoods you'll encounter when living in Atlanta is Sherwood Forest, with an average rent of $2,279. Living in downtown Atlanta, you’ll pay about $2,040 per month – right under the city’s average.
Popular neighborhoods among residents living in Atlanta include Morningside-Lenox Park (average rent of $1,810) and Wescott (average rent of $1,800). The neighborhoods of Silverwood Estates and Amhurst are two of the most affordable places to live in Atlanta, with an average rent of $1,220 without a high crime rate.
Best Neighborhoods in Atlanta
There are tons of neighborhoods to consider as you plan for living in Atlanta. Where is the best place to live in Atlanta? It depends on your budget and lifestyle when moving to the new city.
Buckhead — Most Affluent Neighborhood in Atlanta
One of the most affluent neighborhoods to consider when living in Atlanta is Buckhead. Just outside downtown Buckhead, Atlanta has some of the best schools in Atlanta and is home to over 40 subdivisions. Chastain Park in Buckhead is known for its high number of professionals and families who appreciate staying an active lifestyle and amenities. The area is also home to plenty of biking trails, amazing food, and cultural events.
Morningside/Lenox Park — Atlanta’s Most Walkable Neighborhood
This Atlanta neighborhood is known for its active residents who walk to the farmer’s market, community garden, and the neighborhood’s parks. Morningside is mostly home to young professionals without children. While living in Morningside, you’ll have a short 4-mile commute to downtown! You can also enjoy plenty of fine dining and craft beer in this area.
Midtown — Best Neighborhood in Atlanta for Cultural Attractions
Living in Atlanta is incredible in the Midtown neighborhood. Midtown is known for its historic buildings, art galleries, museums, and theaters, all of which have earned it the name Heart of the Arts. More than six million people visit Midtown every year for festivals and some of the city’s best attractions at your fingertips.
Atlantic Station — Atlanta’s Top Neighborhood for Families
Atlantic Station is a great choice if you’re looking for a conveniently located neighborhood for families in Atlanta. This neighborhood is home to very affordable housing, and residents living in Atlanta can get a property on Atlantic Station's tree-lined streets for under $300,000. It’s home to some of the city’s best schools, like Grady High School and Georgia State University!
Brookhaven — Atlanta’s Safest Neighborhood
Located in northern Atlanta, Brookhaven is popular with retirees and families. The Southern charm in this neighborhood can't be beaten, and you can always expect friendly neighbors and a sense of Southern hospitality. It also has the lowest crime rate in Atlanta!
Virginia Highland — Top Atlanta Neighborhood for Parks and Green Spaces
Virginia Highland is located northeast of downtown. Once a streetcar suburb, today it’s one of Atlanta’s safest areas with historic homes and everything from museums and shopping to top-rated restaurants at your fingertips. Additionally, Virginia Highland has plenty of green spaces and fun outdoor activities for you to enjoy.
Atlanta Weather & Climate
When living in Atlanta, you'll live comfortably with a humid subtropical climate with short, mild winters and hot, humid summers. Rainfall in Atlanta is pretty high: 52 inches on average per year, well above the U.S. average. While living in Atlanta, you can expect rain throughout the year. The wettest month is July with 12 days of rain on average.
Can you expect snow when living in Atlanta? Snowfall in Atlanta is rare but does happen about half a day a year on average. The winter low is about 33 degrees in January. There are about 47 days per year in which the temperature gets below freezing at night, but it never goes below zero.
Make sure to pack the sunscreen when moving to Atlanta. Summers in Atlanta average around 88 degrees. There are about 32 days a year in which the temperature goes above 90 degrees. The relative humidity during the summer is usually around 75%.
The best time to visit Atlanta is May, October, and September for the most pleasant weather. This is Atlanta’s peak tourism season, and most festivals and outdoor recreation events occur in September, like the Yellow Daisy Festival.
Atlanta Restaurants
One of the best perks of living in Atlanta is the thriving food scene. Atlanta is known for its traditional Southern cuisine and sweet tea, but there are many broader influences in this international city. Here are some of the best restaurants in Atlanta, including an ATL hallmark.
The Varsity is a landmark offering some of the most delicious food in the Atlanta beltline. You aren’t a real Atlantan until you try one of the long-running drive-in’s famous hot dogs with a shake. This location in downtown Atlanta is the chain’s original. Opened in 1928, it covers two city blocks and can serve up to 800 people inside!
Located right next to the Atlanta Georgia Aquarium is Atlanta Breakfast Club, the best place to eat in Atlanta when you’re craving home-cooked Southern breakfast and American classics. You’ll love the salmon croquettes and the fried chicken and waffles.
When living in Atlanta, you can't skip out on Mary Mac's Tea Room. A popular Atlanta restaurant for locals and tourists alike, Mary Mac’s is an institution with a history going back to 1945. Enjoy traditional Southern comfort food in a homey environment with classics like fried green tomatoes and fried chicken.
What is there to do when living in Atlanta? Atlanta is famous for its rich history, culture, nightlife, and attractions. It’s one of the only American cities with permanent, professional companies in all areas of performing arts like ballet, opera, and theater. With a large population of residents who have come from other areas or outside the U.S., Atlanta has become a multicultural metro area without the Southern culture that one may expect.
When living in the Atlanta area, you can enjoy sprawling nature at places like Stone Mountain as well as urban attractions in the downtown area.
Here are some of the best things to do when living in Atlanta.
Top Attractions in Atlanta
Georgia Aquarium – The Georgia Aquarium is the best aquarium in the Southeast and is one of the top tourist attractions in Atlanta.
Atlanta Botanical Garden – This 30-acre botanical garden is next to Piedmont Park in Midtown. It hosts frequent events like Alice’s Wonderland Reimagined.
Zoo Atlanta – The zoo is home to more than 1,500 animals and 220 species like pandas, gorillas, and African elephants.
Atlanta BeltLine – A former railroad corridor, the BeltLine is a circular multi-use trail being developed with parks and attractions. It’s one of the best things to do outside in Atlanta!
Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park – One of the best family-friendly attractions in Atlanta, Martin Luther King Jr National Historical Park covers several buildings, including the original Ebenezer Baptist Church and MLK's childhood home.
Ponce City Market – This large, mixed-use facility features a food hall, boutiques, apartments, office space, and more. It’s also a popular event space.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium – Atlanta’s top stadium is home to the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United FC.
Fox Theatre – The historic Fox Theatre, originally planned as a Shrine Temple, is the heart of Atlanta’s Fox Theatre Historic District. Today, it’s the best destination for concerts, Broadway performances, and comedy shows.
Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre – This performance venue is home to two resident companies: the Atlanta Opera, one of the region’s best opera companies, and the Atlanta Ballet.
Main Event Atlanta – Main Event is one of the best things for families to do in Atlanta, including bowling, video games, laser tag, billiards, gravity ropes, and more!
LEGOLAND Discovery Center Atlanta – Explore a massive indoor LEGO playground with a 4D cinema, rides, and build and play zones for all ages.
Atlanta Museums
High Museum of Art – This is one of the 100 most-visited art museums in the world, with over 17,000 pieces of African, European, and American art.
Children’s Museum of Atlanta – Visit one of the best things to do after moving to Atlanta with kids between 2 and 8, which has an indoor playground and interactive exhibits.
Fernbank Museum of Natural History – Explore amazing permanent exhibits with unique outdoor experiences like Fernbank Forest and the Rain Garden and an exciting collection of dinosaur fossils.
National Center for Civil and Human Rights - The National Center for Civil and Human Rights is a museum dedicated to the achievements of the civil rights movement in the United States.
Piedmont Park – This historic urban park is just outside downtown Atlanta and next to the Atlanta Botanical Garden.
Stone Mountain Park – One of the top family destinations near Atlanta! Enjoy cable car rides, golf, a scenic railroad, and more!
Centennial Olympic Park – Built for the Olympic Games, Centennial Olympic Park is the centerpiece of downtown Atlanta, with playgrounds and iconic attractions.
Oakland Cemetery – This is the oldest public park in Atlanta and is known for its magnolia and oak trees, art gallery, and beautiful architecture.
Shopping in Atlanta
Lenox Square – Atlanta’s best mall with high-end department stores, boutiques, and restaurants.
Phipps Plaza – Located in Buckhead, this shopping mall is the sister property of Lenox Square with upscale brands and an AMC.
Atlantic Station – This mall has everything you'll need when living in Atlanta, with specialty shops, department stores, a large multiplex, and restaurants with an open-air design and green space.
Are you moving to Atlanta as a sports lover? Sports are huge in Atlanta, with several professional league teams, professional franchises, and sporting events.
Most universities in Atlanta also participate in collegiate sports. Atlanta is known for its college football and hosts the SEC Championship Game every year. Other major Atlanta sporting events include the Celebration Bowl and the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game.
Crime in Atlanta – Is Atlanta a Safe Place to Live?
As you plan for moving to Atlanta, you’ll definitely want to know the Atlanta crime rate. Atlanta has a crime rate about 97.4% higher than the U.S. average. Per 100,000 residents, Atlanta has:
841 violent crimes
3,131 aggravated assaults
711 robberies
1,839 burglaries
3,303 vehicle thefts
The Atlanta crime rate varies a great deal by neighborhood, however! There are many safe neighborhoods in Atlanta with low crime rates. Keep in mind a great deal of Atlanta’s crimes involve gang members and tend to be clustered in specific areas. As such, living in Atlanta is very safe. You can use this Atlanta crime map to see reported crimes by neighborhood.
Atlanta, GA Economy & Jobs in Atlanta
Will you be looking for a job when living in Atlanta? Atlanta has the 10th largest economy in the United States and the world’s 18th largest. Atlanta has a thriving business district and the Atlanta GDP is more than $324 billion. It’s also one of the top 4 cities in the U.S. for Fortune 500 headquarters such as Delta Air Lines, Coca-Cola Company, Home Depot, UPS, Newell Rubbermaid, Equifax, and Waffle House. Major industries in Atlanta include finance, healthcare, biomedical, media, film and TV production, and logistics.
In 2020, Metro Atlanta reached an all-time low for unemployment. Atlanta enjoys an incredibly strong economy that continues to draw in people and major employers. Since 2010, Metro Atlanta has gained 650,000 jobs (up 29%), mostly including high-paying healthcare, logistics, and corporate jobs.
The average salary in Atlanta is $79,000 or $21.69 for an hourly rate, according to Payscale. While wages have trended downward 0.7%, the cost of living in Atlanta is close to the national average.
Over 75% of Fortune 1000 companies have some presence in Atlanta. The top employers in Atlanta include:
Ready to start exploring job opportunities while living in Atlanta? If you are looking for a job in Atlanta, you can start with Indeed as well as the City of Atlanta jobs board.
Healthcare in Atlanta, GA
Before moving to Atlanta, you will want to make sure the city can accommodate your healthcare needs. Luckily, you'll have plenty of options when living in Atlanta. Healthcare is an important part of Atlanta’s economy, and the city is known for its outstanding hospitals and treatment facilities. Renowned Emory University operates Emory Healthcare, Georgia’s largest healthcare system, out of Atlanta. Emory University Hospital is ranked as the best hospital in Atlanta and nationally ranked in eight specialties including oncology, neurology, and cardiology. Emory St. Joseph’s Hospital is high-performing in 7 specialties and procedures.
All 10 of the state’s top-ranked hospitals are in Atlanta.
The highly-rated Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta is one of the region’s best children’s hospitals and ranks nationally in 10 children’s specialties with one of the nation’s largest transition of care programs for children with congenital cardiac diseases.
Atlanta Public Schools & Colleges
While living in Atlanta, you’ll be served by Atlanta Public Schools (APS) with 21 high schools alone. You’ll find some of the best schools in Atlanta in the surrounding suburbs of the metro area, like the Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science and Technology in Lawrenceville which ranks 12th nationwide. Some Atlanta schools have earned awards, like Grady High School, which has won two recent awards from GreatSchools.org for college readiness.
Considering higher education after moving to Atlanta, GA? Metro Atlanta is one of the country’s best hubs for higher education, with 15 universities and colleges.
Georgia Institute of Technology, a public research university with highly rated degree programs in science, design, and engineering
Setting up Atlanta Utilities & Getting a Georgia Driver’s License
One of the first things you’ll need to do after moving to Atlanta is get your Georgia driver’s license and set up utilities in your new Atlanta home. Here’s who you need to contact for water, trash service, gas, and electric service when living in Atlanta. Just note that Atlanta Gas Light owns all natural gas in the region but you can choose a supplier, each with their own rates.
Getting your Georgia driver’s license when living in Atlanta is also easy. Within 30 days of moving to Atlanta, you must visit the Department of Driver Services (DDS) to transfer your license. After moving to Atlanta, you will need to bring your current license, proof of Social Security number, two documents proving residency (such as a utility bill or signed lease), and proof of identity like your birth certificate or passport.
Sold on living in Atlanta? With the award-winningAtlanta movers at Wirks Moving & Storage, you can rest easy knowing your belongings will make the trip in one piece and without the stress. Give us a call today at (404) 635-6683 to request your free Atlanta moving estimate!
Eric Wirks
Eric Wirks started out in the moving industry over 16 years ago and after gaining in depth expertise in all industry related areas, went on to found Wirks Moving & Storage in 2009. Under Eric’s expert tutelage Wirks Moving & Storage has since serviced over 10,000 moves and kept their customers very happy, proven by a 98% customer referral rate.
