Are you moving to Atlanta soon? It’s one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., so chances are good that you’ll be making some new friends who live there. Great news! But what kind of friends will they be? Will they be the kind who will invite you to their BBQs and shopping excursions, or the kind who you can only see on occasional Saturday mornings with a very long drive in between? Whether these new friends become BFFs or just stand-by buddies, anyone who moves to Atlanta needs to know some things before they go. Here’s a quick guide to help you get settled quickly and comfortably and make sure that your new home is also your happy home.
What’s so great about Atlanta?
Atlanta has definitely seen better days, but it has a lot to offer, too. People are often surprised by how walkable the city is and how diverse its neighborhoods are. If you love the outdoors and plan to move to the city, you’ll be happy to know that Atlanta is one of the greenest cities in the U.S. You can enjoy hiking and biking in Piedmont Park or exploring the Chattahoochee River National Park. Atlanta also has an active art scene and is home to some of the country’s best museums. The Georgia Aquarium is one of the world’s largest and houses whale sharks, beluga whales, giant otters, and other aquatic life. The High Museum of Art houses a large collection of modern and contemporary art from artists like Andy Warhol and Georgia O’Keeffe.
The cost of living in Atlanta
While the cost of living in Atlanta is a bit higher than other cities in the Southeast, it is comparable to that of other major metropolitan areas in the country. Utility costs are higher than the statewide average in all but two areas: water and electricity. The monthly cost of water service ranges from $19 to $61, while the monthly cost of electricity ranges from $56 to $83. The average cost of groceries in the Atlanta area is $500-600 per month, which is higher than the state’s average of $450. The average cost of healthcare in the Atlanta area is $1,038, which is higher than the state’s average of $910. The average cost of housing in the Atlanta area is $1,500-2,000 per month, which is higher than the state’s average of $1,326.
Housing in Atlanta
Housing in Atlanta is expensive. As of 2018, the median home value in Atlanta is $250,000, which is higher than the state’s median home value of $176,200. Housing is expensive, but there are plenty of neighborhoods to choose from. You can find everything from traditional suburban neighborhoods to walkable urban areas with plenty of shops and restaurants nearby. If you’re looking to rent an apartment, you’ll find that Atlanta’s high-demand neighborhoods can be competitive. It’s best to start looking six to eight weeks before you plan to move. The more flexible you are, the better your chances of finding the right place. It’s also important to consider the neighborhoods where you’re likely to find available apartments, since crime rates vary widely throughout the city.
Where to find a place to live in Atlanta
If you’re looking to rent an apartment, you can find Atlanta’s available real estate on websites like Craigslist and Zillow, which has a “for rent” section that pulls from a variety of sites. If you’re looking to buy a house or condominium, you can search online or check out the weekend edition of the local newspaper for listings. You can also contact realtors to help you find a place to live. Many realtors offer rental assistance to help you find a place to rent. Your best bet for finding a realtor is to ask your friends and family for recommendations. You can also search for realtors online.
Transportation in Atlanta
Atlanta’s mass transit system is called MARTA, which stands for Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority. It’s a decent system, but it doesn’t cover the city completely. If you live in the suburbs, you might want to buy a car. Otherwise, you’ll want to buy a monthly pass for MARTA. The pass costs $85 per month, which works out to $9 per day. If you want to buy a car, you’ll find plenty of dealerships in and around Atlanta. If you want to avoid traffic, you can avoid driving during rush hour (weekdays, 7-9 a.m. and 4-6 p.m.). You can also try taking public transportation, carpooling, or riding a ride-share service like Uber or Lyft.
Climate and seasons
The Southeast is known for having mild winters and warm summers. While Atlanta typically has lower temperatures than the rest of the Southeast, it’s not uncommon for temperatures to dip below freezing during the winter. Atlanta has a humid subtropical climate, so you can expect warm, humid summers and mild winters. You can expect a few thunderstorms each summer, but they’re nothing like the hurricanes that strike parts of Florida.
Safety in Atlanta
Like any large city, Atlanta faces some challenges when it comes to safety. The city has a high crime rate, and its murder rate is higher than the national average. You can lower your risk of being a crime victim by taking common-sense precautions like locking your doors and windows and avoiding parking in areas that are known to be less safe. You can also get information on crime in your area by contacting your local police department. You can do this by calling the non-emergency line or by visiting their website. If you have specific concerns about crime in your neighborhood, you can also contact your city council member.
Final Words
Moving to Atlanta is a big decision, but it’s one that many people have made. With the right information, you can get settled in quickly and comfortably and make sure that your new home is also your happy home. Now, you can relax and enjoy your new life in Atlanta!