Moving to Atlanta: A Complete Guide
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Sunbelt sensation is sweeping the country, and Atlanta is at the forefront of a national migration shift. If you’re moving to Atlanta, prepare for Michelin star restaurants, state-of-the-art stadiums, and one of the liveliest cities in the country.
At U-Haul, our expertise in moving stretches beyond just a moving truck, and whatever you need, we have you covered. Whether it’s moving tips, supplies, portable moving containers, or a trailer, let us take care of you.
In this guide, we’ll go over everything a future Atlantan needs.
Cost of Living Overview
Like many sunbelt states growing in popularity, housing is booming in Atlanta. Suburbs are ever expanding, and high-rise apartments are becoming a staple all over the city. With this comes an increase over the last 10 years in housing cost, but thankfully Atlanta is still relatively affordable.
Housing: Atlanta’s rental market, despite being one of the largest metros in the nation, is relatively affordable. One-bedroom apartments start around $1,100 to $1,350 and two-three bedrooms hover between $1,200 to $1,550. The housing market is also cost effective with the average home ranging from $175,000 to $375,000.
Transportation: In a report done by Lance Surety Bonds, Atlanta ranked number three in the entire country for the most challenging cities to drive in, so expect to sit in traffic for a while if you plan on commuting by car. Atlanta does have MARTA, their public transit system, and several park and ride locations. The biggest cost for Atlantans is gas and car maintenance. Being in the sun belt and enduring more than 50 inches of rain a year, rust runs rampant on vehicle frames.
Utilities: Most are moving to sun belt states because of the mild winters, and Atlanta is no different. From September to April, Atlanta’s temperature hovers between 50-70 degrees. Between June and August, heat and humidity run rampant throughout Atlanta, so be sure to run the A/C constantly. Utilities should cost between $150-$200 in the summer and around $100 in the winter.
Where to Live
The city of Atlanta has 242 individual neighborhoods and choosing the right one can seem like a daunting task. Some neighborhoods are more suited for a lifestyle full of the Hotlanta spirit, while others lean towards a more laid-back lifestyle. With the Atlanta Housing Down Payment Assistance Program and new homes popping up all over A-Town, you’re sure to find a place.
Young Professionals: For young professionals working in Downtown Atlanta, Midtown is where you want to be. In the past 10-20 years, Midtown has evolved into a place full of nightlife, food, and great attractions. MARTA goes right through Midtown, saving you money on transportation without sacrificing excitement.
The New Kid in Town: Midtown not your vibe? Look at the Old Fourth Ward. This up-and-coming neighborhood is home to the Ponce City Market. This old converted historic Sears building is now home to local businesses, a food court, and residential areas. Just south of the market are safe and walkable areas.
Families/Long-term residents: Families and long-term residents should consider Virginia-Highland. This area is east of Midtown and Downtown and away from the traffic of both of those areas while being close to public transportation. Some of the best schools are also located in this neighborhood.
The Atlanta Housing Market
Since 2020, homes in Atlanta are being constructed at a historic rate. Just in May of 2023 alone, the average home being built was 74 for every 100,000 residents. All these new homes mean different styles to choose from, and unlike the rest of the country that prefers Traditional styles, Atlanta loves Cape Cod and Colonial style homes.
Rent or Buy: Like mentioned earlier, Atlanta provides residents with a down payment assistance program that aids new hopeful homeowners. This program provides an eight-hour course for new homeowners to ensure that they receive all the right information to make them successful homeowners.
The Bugs: Atlanta gets humid, and trees are everywhere, while there are pros to greenery and humidity. It also means bugs will try to enter every corner of your home. Most Atlantans have a dedicated pest service that comes every couple of months to work out potential solutions.
Atlanta is WIDE: A common saying in Atlanta is “Atlanta is only an hour away from Atlanta.” Suburban sprawl leads growing metros to become more car-centric, and Atlanta is no different. If you are moving to Atlanta and don’t want to spend an hour just in traffic, consider living as close as you can to your new employer.
Planning the Move
A long or short distance move of any capacity can be unnerving due to the sheer amount of logistics that need to be taken care of. Questions like: “Where should I live?” “How am I going to get there?” “Can I get anyone to help me?” are all common when moving. Following these steps will smooth out the kinks in your move.
Outline the Essentials: When moving to a new state, county, or neighborhood, it’s important to know how your taxes will change, what new laws you must follow, and local knowledge that could benefit you. When budgeting for your move, it’s important to have a good idea about how much you’re spending on the move, but also how much you’re going to make after the move.
Set it and DON’T Forget it: Your move-in-and-move-out dates are something you should never forget. When it comes to starting new contracts with phone/power/water companies, getting the wrong dates could cost you more and put you in dangerous situations. It is also crucial to set out a schedule for when to pack, so your move isn’t filled with last-minute changes.
Know Your Limits: Any move can seem like a breeze from the outside but think about how many boxes you had to pack the first time you moved and how tired you were after everything was said and done. Think about every dresser, nightstand, TV, hutch, dining table, and mattress needing to be wrapped, loaded, unloaded, and unwrapped. This is where Moving Help can make your move easier as you can find local moving companies that offer a wide range of services.
Life After the Move
Atlanta is often known for being a perfect storm of things to fill your to do list with. This is a city that welcomes any kind of lifestyle and delivers on that promise. The city also is home to unique quirks you can dive into.
Chicken Bones and Waffle House: This is still an Atlanta mystery that confuses nearly everyone because there is one thing you’ll find that isn’t on most city sidewalks in the country: Chicken bones. Some have theorized why fowl remains decorating A-Town, but other than saying “it’s a city on the go” no one has a solid answer. Also take a visit to the Waffle House Museum, the state of Georgia also has more than 400 locations.
Hillier than Most: Atlanta is full of ups and downs, literally. This can also present some moving challenges, so be careful when choosing where to live.
Putting the “A” in Aquarium and Athletes: Atlanta is home to the largest aquarium in the U.S. and the sixth largest in the world. This oceanic animal sanctuary houses hundreds of species, including whale sharks! Atlanta is also a sports haven, with the Atlanta Falcons, Hawks, Braves, United FC, Dream, Golf and NASCAR, there are sports year-round to go to with family and friends.
Ridin’ Down the Highway: Like mentioned above, Atlanta has some of the worst traffic in the country. It’s best to avoid I-285, SR 400, and SR 78 if you can for rush hour traffic. These highways are all major state connectors that tend to bottle up and cause traffic. It is best to get an app on your phone that informs you of accidents and traffic.
The Cuisine and Nightlife: Atlanta is home to nine Michelin star restaurants, so don’t worry about finding a great place to eat. The nightlife industry also generates more than $5.1 billion of annual revenue and is the fifth largest industry in Atlanta.
Make Moving Easier to Atlanta with U-Haul
Take it Easy: With what the traffic Atlanta is known for, consider shipping your items in a U-Box Containers! You can load them in one location and have your items delivered right to your new home.
More Stress-Free Space: With U-Haul Storage, moving to Atlanta doesn’t have to be so stressful. With any one-way reservation, you get a free month of storage at a U-Haul facility. This makes moving during the summer months easier with climate-controlled storage to keep away the harsh humidity.
Avoid Hill and Humidity: With Moving Help, you have the ability to move where you want, and when you want. Choose what moving service best fits your needs with local recommended movers.
A Truck Tailored to you: U-Haul Trucks come in a wide range of shapes and sizes to fit your needs. However much you’re moving, our moving trucks can transport it. Need to transport a vehicle to Atlanta? U-Haul trucks are equipped to tow U-Haul Vehicle Towing Equipment to move your car.
Protect your Items: With any long-distance move, you want your items to be protected. U-Haul Moving Supplies has mover’s wrap, enviro bubble, and moving boxes to protect your clothes, TV, picture frames, and fragile items.
Moving Made Easier®
U-Haul has the largest selection of trucks for your move.
How reliable and safe is MARTA?
MARTA is extremely reliable and safe; more than 500,000 people ride MARTA every single weekday in Atlanta, and it has its own dedicated police force.
What is the cost of living in Atlanta?
The cost of living in Atlanta is around the national average with housing on the cheaper side and transportation on the expensive side.
Is it hard to find a job in Atlanta?
Atlanta ranks 23rd in the U.S. for its overall rank in the job market. Being a hub of music, news and entertainment, Atlanta is known for sending stars into the spotlight.