Don’t worry, zombies won’t attack you, but moving to Atlanta will feel like living on a movie set because it is a popular filming location of shows like The Walking Dead and Zombieland. More importantly, the Georgia capital is one of the most prosperous cities in the US and the world with a GDP of nearly $400 billion, and home to the busiest airport on the globe, the Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. Add to it a pleasant climate, affordable housing, and a lively restaurant scene, and you’ll begin to understand the appeal of the so-called City in the Forest.
As a symbol of civil rights and revival, this is the spot with a diverse and accepting crowd that embodies the famous Southern hospitality. A business-friendly environment attracts Fortune 500 companies such as Coca Cola and career chasers, making the area one of the fastest-growing in the US with 1.19% growth. Pack up your bags and relocate to the hometown of famous people like Kanye West, CeeLo Green, Kelly Rowland, and, of course, Martin Luther King Jr.
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Cost of Living in Atlanta Is Slightly Below the National Average
Before you begin packing and getting ready for relocation, go over the basic cost of living in your new location. Knowing how much money you will need in the first few weeks will help you come up with a realistic and viable budget. Luckily, as the data suggests, the everyday costs of living in the Georgia capital are slightly below the national average and way below other major American cities such as NYC or LA.
According to Numbeo data, monthly utility bills are around $150, with an additional expense of $60 for the internet. Also, if you want to cook on your own, know that Atlantans spend around $315 a month for groceries, which is also less than the national average.
You might save up on bills and food, but the most significant contributor to the cost of living in Atlanta will be housing. That’s why you should do your research and find the spot that fits your budget as well as your needs and wishes.
How to Find the Best Apartments to Rent
When you figure out what you need to rent an apartment, it is time to pick the right location. ATL is divided into 242 neighborhoods. Depending on your desires, budget, and lifestyle, you can choose whichever you deem appropriate to call home.
According to data from Niche, 57% of residents rent their homes, and depending on the location and the square footage of your flat, you will have to pay a different price: a one-bedroom apartment in the center costs around $1,600, while the same one in other areas can be found for $1,100. If you want to rent a three-bedroom flat in the center, the average price will be $2,750, and in other, more peripheral areas, the rent is $2,000.
If you want to own a property, you will need at least $2,800 for a square foot of a place in the center or $1,200 for the same footage in other areas.
No matter where you choose to live, you will be in the vicinity of some of the most affordable and efficient healthcare institutions in the country. The metro area includes around 100 hospitals, and 140,000 medical workers and technicians.
Also, the residents of Atlanta neighborhoods have access to 1,100 elementary, middle, and high public schools and 350 private ones. That’s why you don’t have to worry; your kids will have a proper education without you having to drive them from one part of the city to another.
Ship Your Car or Pay for Public Transit
If the expenses of living in ATL are a little too high for you, you might want to save up by using public transport. However, you will see that even though public transportation is clean and cheap, it just doesn’t cover all the places around the metropolis. That’s why, when relocating your household belongings, consider shipping your car to your new house, as well.
A car is a must for Atlantan folks, as you will see it for yourself once you settle down. A comprehensive network of freeways connects even the farthest areas of the metropolis. Three major interstate highways pass through the metropolis: I-20, I-75, and I-85. Also, there are Interstates 575, 675, and 985, as well as US 78 and Georgia 400, 141, and 316.
If you need to travel long distances, the world’s busiest airport measured by passenger and aircraft traffic Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is located 10 miles south of Downtown. You can reach it via interstates and rapid transit (MARTA).
You might want to hop on the bandwagon and join the growing population of cyclers. Improving the cycling infrastructure has persuaded many Atlantan folks to leave their four-wheelers at home, and start biking around.
If, however, you have no other options but to use public transit, a one-way ticket will cost you around $2.50. For a monthly pass, you’ll have to set aside $95. On the other hand, drivers will have to pay between $2.50 and $3 for a gallon of gas.
Highways and freeways will take you anywhere you want to go.
Several National and International Companies Are Located in ATL
Are you moving for a job? Landing employment in a prominent company shouldn’t be hard here. With a little bit of research and networking, you will find the right way to approach recruiters. Atlanta metropolitan is the tenth largest economy in the US, with the third-largest concentration of Fortune 500 companies, with over 75% of the Fortune 1000 companies that have a presence in the area.
ATL is known for its robust information technology sector, movie and TV production, media, and logistics. If you are pursuing a career in some of those fields, check out the biggest employers. With almost 32,000 employees, Delta Air Lines tops the list of the biggest employers. Right behind it is Emory Healthcare, and then Wal-Mart. Other national and international companies based in ATL are Coca Cola, UPS, Home Depot, CNN, Pinewood Studios, and AT&T Mobility.
Career chasers will love being here in 2020.
Entertainment – Different Options and Costs
While you are packing and getting ready to start a new chapter of your life in ATL, know that there are plenty of places that will keep you entertained when you finally settle down. You should make time for: clubs, pubs, restaurants, but also for many parks and vast outdoor activities that the city takes great pride in.
Are you relocating with kids? Gain some major cool-parent points by taking them to Georgia Aquarium, home to thousands of animals. Within ten million gallons of fresh and saltwater, you can see whale sharks, California sea lions, manta rays, beluga whales, and many other sea creatures. The cost of tickets varies, but the starting price is $26.95.
Get some inspiration during a visit to the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. Explore and learn about fundamental rights. Plan a visit and check out permanent and current exhibitions. The ticket prices vary depending on the packet you choose, and they go from $15 to $60.
Krog Street Tunnel takes street art to a whole new level. Take a walk through it and snap a photo or two – it is entirely free. You can even bike around because the area is used as a part of BeltLine for bicyclists and pedestrians who want to cross Hulsey Yard.
When you are done wandering around the city, you should take a break. Grab some snacks or coffee and relax. Luckily, there are all kinds of establishments you can do that in – all you have to do is pick the right one.
You’ll Like the Variety of Food Options That Moving to Atlanta Will Bring
Atlantan folks are used to fine dining. If you are a foodie, settling down here will make your life that much more interesting. Look up some of the best restaurants in Atlanta, and you will see that they have a wide variety of food options in their offer.
If you crave Jersey-style pizza, check out O4W Pizza. For a more local vibe, stop at Mo’s Pizza, and if you are a vegan, Plant Based Pizzeria is for you.
For more Asian oriented cuisine, try Pijiu Belly, a spot that serves Korean-Chinese dishes, great beer, and cocktails. Food Terminal is another restaurant that features Asian, with an emphasis on Malaysian cuisine.
If you are relocating for love, you’ll have somebody to have a date night with. Plan a low-key evening at Agave and enjoy an impressive list of margaritas. For more high-class dates, you can make a reservation at Bistro Niko, a ritzy-glam French sport that serves killer oysters, salmon, and escargots.
Making friends in the new city can be scary at first, and if having dinner with them is too formal, invite them over for a drink. Gamers will love having a glass of Pie in Battle & Brew, a bar that mashes food programs with video games. Are you looking for a dystopian and moody atmosphere in a bar? Little Trouble plays into a sci-fi vibe with its neon lights and industrial elements. Try some super crafty cocktails and see for yourself why this is a hotspot of 2020.
When you’re feeling playful, and you want to dance the night away, you can put on some nice clothes and check out ATL’s nightclub scene, from MJQ Concourse, a long-lasting venue, to the best-kept secret – El Bar. You can enjoy live music and DJs spinning popular songs every day of the week.
Drink Your Weight of Coca-Cola
One of the ways to cope with anxiety about relocating is to hold on to something you like. A favorite sweater, blanket, snacks, or a drink can help you lower your stress levels and relax while you are still getting used to a new environment.
Coca-Cola, as a world-famous drink, might be that sweet escape for you. If that’s the case, it’s a good thing you’re relocating to Atlanta. The city is home to a huge factory of this caramelized drink. From bars to cafe shops, if you are a fan of Coca-Cola, this is where you can drink your weight in it, and nobody will judge you for it.
More than 10,000 Coca-Cola drinks are consumed every second.
Embrace the Uniqueness of Atlanta
Every fast-growing and prosperous city has something that makes it unique and attractive to residents. If you’re planning to put down some roots in ATL, you should embrace all its quirkiness. It will make the adjustment process much faster.
With 343 parks, nature preserves, and gardens that cover more than 3,600 acres, you can stroll through green spaces all day long. Discover pools, ponds, running, and cycling paths. If you are relocating with a dog, your furry friends will love running around vast open spaces.
If you are ordering moving services, remind the movers to pack your rackets because tennis is a big deal. The local Lawn Tennis Association (ALTA) has kids, beginners, and competitive leagues you can participate in.
With a humid subtropical climate, warm summers, and mild winters, ATL is a perfect spot for all kinds of outdoor festivals. From Sweetwater 420 Fest, Decatur Arts, and National Black Arts Festival to Music Midtown, Sweet Auburn Springfest, and Dogwood Festival, you will get to drink, eat, and have fun with other locals all year long. Also, they attract a lot of folks from different cities, making celebrations even more festive.
Being geeky is in, and Atlantians know that very well. That’s why there are many annual sci-fi and gaming festivals and conventions where you get to play, no matter how old you are. Get yourself a costume of Dr. Who, Spiderman, or Iron Man, and fit in perfectly with the rest of the crowd.
Furthermore, the Atlanta metro area has around 5.9 million people, and that crowd is diverse in ethnicity and age, so be ready to embrace diversity as a part of everyday life.
This Is a Diversity Hub
When you settle down in a place with many minorities, you will have the opportunity to learn about their lives, customs, and cultures. ATL is shaped by its diverse residents, and almost 35% of them are African Americans, 11% are Hispanic or Latino, while 6% are Asian.
With one of the highest LGBT population per capita, right behind big cities such as Seattle and San Francisco, this spot is very accepting and open-minded to people regardless of their backgrounds and lifestyles.
A mix of ethnicities and cultures creates a quirky location.
Explore the City, Be Your Own Guide
Your Atlanta movers did their job perfectly, and you’ve finally unpacked – now is the time to get to learn everything you can about the city. Be your own guide. Take a long walk, explore all the nooks and crannies only locals are familiar with. Check out shopping centers, beloved landmarks, and stop by the world’s largest drive-in restaurant, The Varsity, to grab a snack. The long history and diversity of residents make Atlanta a memorable location, and we’re sure it’ll serve as a perfect home for you, as well.
