Firstly why Atlanta, Georgia?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Atlanta
• State: Georgia
• Population: 498,715 people
• Atlanta’s quick summary would be The bustling state capital known for its significant role in the Civil Rights Movement, the Georgia Aquarium, and the vibrant Midtown district.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 80,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 65,000 annually
• Net Migration: 15000 more people in (net) annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 15,000
• Number of Homeless people: 10,000

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it as a major city provides extensive job opportunities and cultural amenities attracting diverse populations

Perk #1: Atlanta Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 35%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 49%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is Black
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $75,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Atlanta is $85,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $10000 in positive cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Atlanta’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 110 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $2,898
• Property Tax %: 1.04%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $2,100
• Rent for an average house: $2,700
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Buckhead
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Atlanta, Decatur, Smyrna, Marietta, and probably could include Sandy-Springs
• Avg. Age of Homes in Atlanta: 68 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 4.5%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Atlanta’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Atlanta are  Technology, Transportation, and Media
• Atlanta Job Scene: strong job market in finance tech and logistics
• The General Tech Scene: major tech hub known for its diverse industries including fintech, media, and health IT
• Atlanta Resident’s pay $2,500 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Atlanta: 8%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 500 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 27

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Atlanta

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $120 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-75 and I-85 converge in Atlanta creating a major transportation hub
• Commute Time: 35 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: heavy evening congestion on 285
• Transportation Score: 56 out of 100 described as Good Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Atlanta: 600,000
• Cars registered per Person: 1.2
• No. of Car Washes: 20 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Atlanta: dor.georgia.gov/motor-vehicle-division
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 75 of 100
• Local Airport: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Atlanta’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Tornadoes
• General Weather in Atlanta is best described as experiences hot humid summers with temperatures in the 90s and mild winters with occasional snow
• Winter Weather in Atlanta i’d describe as mild and wet
• Spring Weather in Atlanta can be described as warm with frequent rain
• Summer’s in Atlanta are mostly hot and humid
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Atlanta is usually mild with sunny intervals
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 20 days in summer
• Days in a row in Atlanta below Freezing: 5
• Average Annual Rainfall: 49 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually moderate air quality frequently affected by urban pollution
• Atlanta Winter Air average air quality prone to significant traffic pollution

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Atlanta Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Atlanta 58
• While the number of trade schools inside Atlantas’s city limits are 21
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Atlanta Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 8 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Atlanta only Doctors is about 900
• Local Hospitals here is  20
• Full-time Atlanta only Police Officers is about 3,600
• Crime Rate Index: 70/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Atlanta’s Monthly utility bill average is $130
• Atlanta’s Monthly Gym Membership: $55
• Atlanta’s Water Quality Score: 65

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Atlanta

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 30 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: state capital with a mix of business culture and southern hospitality
• You might enjoy live music events at the Tabernacle
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Atlanta  offers a dynamic and diverse nightlife scene with a variety of clubs bars and entertainment options

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Atlanta

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Includes a vibrant food scene with many diverse restaurants
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 500 scattered around Atlanta
• The Popular Sports Team is Atlanta Braves
• Top Level Political Climate in Atlanta can be described as progressive urban center with a focus on social issues and diversity
• Atlanta’s Longer standing religious establishment is Peachtree Road United Methodist Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Atlanta Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Atlanta has 100 Parks?
• Grant Park is Atlanta’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Atlanta State Farmers Market normally open Monday-Saturday 8am-5pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, cycling, and cultural events

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Atlanta Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Atlanta can be described as fast-paced urban life with a vibrant arts and business scene
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Atlanta visiting historical sites exploring parks attending festivals
• The Cities people commute to from Atlanta are Lawrenceville 34 miles away Sandy-Springs 11 miles away Marietta 21 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Atlanta or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: heavy evening congestion on 285. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Atlanta’s Tornadoes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Buckhead is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Atlanta are Lawrenceville 34 miles away Sandy-Springs 11 miles away Marietta 21 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 70 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Atlanta has 5 days in a row below freezing and 20 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Atlanta people have an average (positive or negative) $10000 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   10,000 homeless people living in Atlanta. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general progressive urban center with a focus on social issues and diversity could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Atlanta.

Retiree & Senior Life in Atlanta

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can may receive financial assistance through property tax relief programs
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is Sunrise at Buckhead
• Atlanta Senior Center offers programs for older adults including arts fitness classes and social gatherings

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Atlanta, Georgia?

If Atlanta, Georgia ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Atlanta, Georgia, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!