Atlanta, Georgia, often referred to as the “City in a Forest,” offers a unique blend of urban excitement and Southern charm. It’s also been one of the fastest growing metros in country for decades. Not sure if you’re cut out to be an ATL-ien? Read on to find out what to expect if you’re considering a move to the Atlanta area in 2024.
You know it from: Baby Driver, FX’s Atlanta, CNN
Average 1 bedroom rent: $1,754 | Atlanta apartments for rent, Atlanta houses for rent
Average home price: $434,460 | Atlanta homes for sale
Average cost of full-service moving services: $119/hr for 2 movers
Average cost to rent a moving truck: $19 – $39/day
Top industries: Logistics and advanced manufacturing, film production, technology
Move here for: Mild winters, job opportunities, the music scene
Be sure to bring: Your car, summer clothes, your resume
1. They don’t call it Hotlanta for nothing
Atlanta’s weather is characterized by hot, humid summers and mild winters. Summers often see temperatures soar into the high 90s for weeks on end, with high humidity making it feel even hotter. Winters are generally mild, with temperatures rarely dipping below freezing. However, the occasional snow or ice storm can occur, bringing the city to a standstill. It’s essential to be prepared for the intense heat and to appreciate the mild winters, which make outdoor activities enjoyable year-round.
Moving Tip: If you’re moving to Atlanta in the summertime, be prepared for the heat and keep your eye on the weather forecast on moving day. Rain and thunderstorms are common in the summertime and can come out of nowhere.
2. Traffic is a major issue
Atlanta is notorious for its traffic congestion. With a TransitScore of 44/100, Atlanta’s public transit system, MARTA, is widely considered inefficient and limited in its scope so most residents drive everywhere. The city’s rapid growth has outpaced the development of its road infrastructure, leading to significant traffic jams, especially during rush hours. Commuters can spend up to 89 hours a year stuck in traffic, making it one of the worst cities for traffic in the country. Major highways like I-85, I-20, 285, and GA 400 turn to parking lots during weekday rush hours and surface streets are rarely any better. Traffic in Atlanta is so pervasive that it should also factor into any decision about where to buy or rent if you will need to commute into an office.
Moving Tip: Locals tend to be aggressive drivers and don’t hesitate to honk. When the light turns green in Atlanta, get moving or be prepared for a chorus of honking cars behind you!
3. A great place to start your career
Atlanta boasts a robust job market, with numerous opportunities in diverse sectors such as technology, healthcare, finance, and media. Major companies like Coca-Cola, Delta Airlines, Turner Entertainment, and Home Depot are headquartered here, contributing to the city’s strong economy. Logistics is another strong point in Atlanta’s job market thanks to the proximity of Hartsfield Jackson International Airport, one of the busiest in the world. Young workers continue to flock to Atlanta to start careers and it’s a great place to do it, especially if you’re hoping to work at a larger company. The unemployment rate is typically lower than the national average, making it an attractive destination for job seekers.
Moving Tip: Networking and leveraging local job resources can help you tap into this thriving market. Locals are generally excited to introduce new-comers to the city, so get out and get to know your new neighbors!
4. The city that Martin (and his friends) built
Atlanta’s role in the struggle for civil rights is a major point of pride and its legacy permeates the city’s culture and self-image. Heroes of the civil rights movement have been prominent in the politics and civic life of the city since the 1960s; John Lewis represented Atlanta in the House of Representatives, Andrew Young served as Mayor of Atlanta, and Hosea Williams and Julian Bond both represented Georgia in the House of Representatives. But Martin Luther King, Jr is Atlanta’s most beloved native son. The neighborhood of Sweet Auburn is home to the Martin Luther King National Historic Park. The Park includes the tiny cottage where MLK was born, as well as Ebenezeer Baptist Church where he preached for 8 years until his death in 1968.
6. ITP vs OTP
If you’re moving to Atlanta, you should get familiar with two terms: OTP and ITP. The acronyms stand for “Outside the Perimeter” and “Inside the Perimeter.” What is the Perimeter you ask? It’s what Atlantans call I-285, the highway that forms a loop around the city and connects it to the major interstates that run through Atlanta. It also serves as the unofficial boundary between the city proper and the suburbs that surround it. Thus, OTP refers to anything “outside the Perimeter” and ITP translates to anything within the circle formed by the interstate. Most ITPers harbor a slight superiority complex and must be coaxed to visit friends or family who live OTP, claiming it is “just too far away.”
Moving Tip: To understand how ITP residents view OTP-ers think of it like this: ITP is the blue text bubble on your iPhone and OTP is most definitely green – nothing to get seriously snobby about but it’s noticed just the same.
7. From Outcast to the Orchestra
Atlanta’s arts and music scene is thriving. The Fox Theatre, High Museum of Art, and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra are just a few of the longstanding cultural institutions that enrich the city. Music lovers will appreciate the diverse genres represented, from hip-hop and R&B to indie and classical. Atlanta is widely considered to be one of the country’s meccas for black culture, education, and music. Atlanta natives T.I. and Killer Mike (formerly of Outcast) are active in the city’s cultural scene and their local communities. Atlanta is the epicenter of Trap Music, even boasting a museum dedicated to it. commitment to the arts ensures there’s always something exciting to experience.
5. The park that serves as Atlanta’s social and athletic club
Ah, the BeltLine. If you’ve lived in Atlanta at any time in the past 20 years or so, you have been to the BeltLine or heard of the BeltLine or live near the BeltLine. The park consists of 22 miles of railroad corridor that have been converted to paths for walking or biking. The BeltLine forms a circle that passes through neighborhoods around the city, connecting a series of parks to form an “emerald necklace.” The first phase of the park, a walking/bike path, has been under construction for 19 years and is still not complete. In spite of this, Atlantans and developers have embraced it with open arms. Much of the trail is lined with stylish bars, restaurants, and new apartment buildings. On sunny weekends, residents crowd the trail. Eventually it will link up to local PATH trails that extend throughout the metro area and the state. When complete, the interconnected trail systems will extend over 300 miles to form the largest paved trail surface in the country.
Moving Tip: BeltLine events such as the Lantern Festival have become cultural touchstones in the city and the park truly serves as the social heart of intown Atlanta.
8. Sports are a big deal
Atlanta residents are passionate about their sports teams. The city is home to major league teams like the Atlanta Falcons (NFL) and the Atlanta Hawks (NBA). Be sure to check out the Battery, a deluxe stadium and entertainment district where locals do the tomahawk chop in support of the Atlanta Braves baseball team. Additionally, Atlanta United FC (MLS) has a dedicated following. You’ll see flags flying all over town with the maroon and black stripes of the Terminus Legion. Like most southerners, Atlantans are passionate about college football. Many residents pledge their allegiance to either the University of Georgia (the Dawgs) or Georgia Tech (the Yellow Jackets) and they’re not afraid to show it. The enthusiasm for sports is palpable, and attending a game is a great way to experience the city’s energetic spirit.
9. Higher ed and HBCUs
Atlanta is home to several renowned colleges and universities. Institutions like Georgia Tech and Emory University are among the most competitive universities in the region, drawing a large population of students and academics from all over the world. The city is also home to two of the most legendary HBCUs in the nation. Morehouse College and its sister Spelman boast alumni lists that read like a who’s who in black America and draw students from around the country. The presence of these elite educational institutions contributes to an intellectually stimulating environment that extends throughout the city.
10. The cost of living is reasonable
Compared to other major U.S. cities, Atlanta’s cost of living is relatively affordable. Housing costs, while rising, are still more reasonable than in cities of comparable size. Utilities, transportation, and lifestyle costs also tend to be lower than the national average. This affordability makes Atlanta an appealing option for those looking to enjoy city life without breaking the bank.
Moving Tip: Utility rates for gas and power are reasonable, but be prepared for high electric bills in the summer!
Methodology: Average rent prices sourced from Rent.com July 2024. Home prices sourced from Redfin July 2024. Average moving costs sourced from MoveBuddha. Employment data sourced from Metro Atlanta Chamber.