With its “Southern charm meets big city” energy, Atlanta is becoming one of the top cities in Georgia to move to. It offers the perfect blend of booming job opportunities–including lucrative healthcare and film jobs in Atlanta. Add in rich Southern history and unbeatable food and music, and you’ve got a hit moving destination.
But how do you know if you should join the ranks of those flocking to ATL? In this guide, we give you the ins and outs of moving to and living in Atlanta, Georgia, so you can decide if it’s the right match for you.
Living in Atlanta: Pros and Cons
Atlanta has a lot to offer, but it also comes with its share of challenges. Here are some key pros and cons to consider before making the move.
Pro: Booming job market
Atlanta is home to major companies, thriving startups, and a growing film industry. Big-name companies headquartered in Atlanta include Coca-Cola, The Home Depot, Delta Airlines, and Chick-fil-A.
Thanks to the Georgia Entertainment Industry Investment Act, Atlanta (and surrounding cities) is also quickly becoming a hub for the film industry — Georgia has even been dubbed the “Hollywood of the South.”
So, whether you’re in tech, healthcare, or entertainment, Atlanta offers a wealth of lucrative job opportunities.
Con: Heavy traffic
Atlanta’s strong job market and increasing popularity have made traffic one of its biggest cons. The Zebra ranked Atlanta the worst U.S. city for traffic in 2024, with an average commute time of 33.4 minutes.
However, if you snag a remote job or live close to your office, this may not be as much of a drawback.
Pro: More affordable than other cities
With a median home price of $425,000 and a median household income of $92,950, the cost of living in Atlanta is relatively affordable compared to other major U.S. cities. According to Nerd Wallet’s cost of living calculator, the COL in Atlanta is 42% lower than San Francisco, 33% lower than Seattle, and 31% lower than Queens.
Atlanta is also more affordable than some other smaller cities. For example, if you’re considering Nashville as a potential move, Atlanta’s cost of living is still 2% lower.
Con: Rising housing costs in more popular areas
You may face higher housing costs depending on where you want to live in Atlanta. Trendy neighborhoods like Midtown are experiencing rent increases, and the housing market can be highly competitive in more popular areas.
Pro: You’ll never run out of things to do
Atlanta is anything but boring with endless music, food, art, festivals, museums, and sports. As the birthplace of trap music and a hotspot for hip-hop and R&B, Atlanta offers tons of opportunities to catch live shows at venues like Tabernacle or Terminal West.
For sports fanatics, you can cheer on the Falcons (NFL), Braves (MLB), Hawks (NBA), and Atlanta United (MLS). If you prefer the quiet of a museum, stop by The National Center for Civil and Human Rights, the High Museum of Art, and the Atlanta History Center for a rich cultural experience.
One of the best parts of Atlanta is the BeltLine — a 22-mile loop of trails, parks, and future transit that connects 45 neighborhoods. Along the BeltLine, you can try new restaurants, shop local businesses, and explore cultural exhibits.
Con: You may battle crowds and urban sprawl
Atlanta has many exciting events and attractions, but popular spots can get packed — especially on weekends or during major festivals. Sprawl means it can take a while to get across town to a concert or restaurant (remember that traffic mentioned earlier?), and parking can be a headache in busy areas.
Pro: Mild winters
Say goodbye to snow shovels! During the mild winters, the temperature tends to stay in the 30s to 50s, making it perfect for people who want to avoid extreme cold. You may even experience winter temps in the 60s! While it can snow in Atlanta, it’s usually pretty rare and unlikely to accumulate. So, you don’t have to worry about swapping to snow tires or lugging boots and a heavy jacket around.
Con: Sweaty summers
Atlanta winters are enjoyable, but the summers can get hot, hot, hot. July is the hottest month, with an average high of 89, and the humidity makes that feel even hotter. However, Atlanta summers aren’t as brutal as those in other cities like Phoenix, Houston, and Miami. Many residents happily brave the hot summers to enjoy the mild winters and beautiful springs and falls.
Pro: Unique neighborhoods
Atlanta is full of vibrant neighborhoods, each with its own unique charm and character. From the historic Old Fourth Ward and Grant Park to the ultramodern Buckhead and West Midtown, there’s a neighborhood to suit every taste and lifestyle. Each community has something special to offer, so take your time to explore them before making a decision.
Cons: Picking a place to live can be tricky
Atlanta has so many incredible neighborhoods to choose from that it can be overwhelming to decide where to put down new roots. What looks close on a map may feel far due to traffic or limited public transit, and some neighborhoods might be great to visit but not match your day-to-day needs.
Moving to Atlanta: Top Neighborhoods to Check Out
Atlanta’s neighborhoods each have their own vibe, so finding a place that fits your lifestyle and priorities is essential. Here are some popular neighborhoods you can explore on your next visit to decide which might be right for your move.
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- Midtown: Artsy and energetic with tons of nearby museums, theaters, nightlife, and Piedmont Park. It’s one of the most walkable parts of the city, and you’re close to MARTA for easy commuting.
- Buckhead: Known for its luxury shopping (Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza), fine dining, and high-rise condos.
- Old Fourth Ward: Historic but trendy, this area is home to the BeltLine, Ponce City Market, and a booming restaurant scene.
- Inman Park: A charming, walkable neighborhood with Victorian homes, leafy streets, and easy access to the BeltLine. Great local eats make it a foodie haven.
- West Midtown: A hotspot for tech companies, West Midtown is known for loft-style living, breweries, and unique restaurants.
- Decatur: While not in Atlanta, Decatur is just east of the city and feels like its own small town with tons of independent shops and a relaxed pace.
- East Atlanta Village: A quirky, artsy area with dive bars, tattoo shops, and indie music venues.
- Virginia-Highland: Blends walkability, bungalow charm, cute shops and cafes, and a fitness and wellness lifestyle.
Getting Around Atlanta: Public Transportation Availability & Limitations
The good news is that public transit does exist in Atlanta; however, it can be limited depending on where you live. MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) operates both rail and bus services, connecting key areas like the airport, Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and Decatur. Bus routes help fill in some gaps, and many stations offer park-and-ride options for suburban commuters.
That said, MARTA’s coverage is limited compared to other major cities (and top rental markets) like New York or Chicago. Many neighborhoods, especially those farther from the city’s core, aren’t served by rail and rely heavily on cars. Owning a car is almost necessary if you’re outside the MARTA rail corridor.
As for walkability, areas like Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, and Virginia-Highland are great for walking or cycling. But in more spread-out neighborhoods, a car is your best bet. So, if easy access to public transit is a priority, you’ll want to choose your neighborhood carefully.
Make the Move to the Big Peach Easier with CORT Furniture Rental
Thinking about making Atlanta your new home? Whether you’re relocating for work, school, or adventure, settling into a new city is easier when you have CORT Furniture Rental on your side. Skip the hassle of buying, moving, and assembling furniture — our flexible rental options let you create a stylish, comfortable space without the commitment. With fast delivery and hassle-free pickup, we make it easy to start your next chapter in Atlanta. Visit our website or explore our furniture rental solutions today and move in with ease!
