An Atlanta Georgia Relocation Guide
If you’re relocating to Atlanta, here are a few facts and figures that will be useful. We’ve also got some practical tips as well— read ahead for our primer on everything from sightseeing to moving tips.
What to Know Before You Move
Atlanta is ringed by I-285, which forms a perimeter around the city. The Perimeter is so iconic that they have coined the terms “ITP” and “OTP” which stand for “inside the Perimeter” and “Outside the Perimeter.”
Relocating to Atlanta comes packaged with a cost of living that is very reasonable, especially when compared to other large cities like LA and NYC.
Things to Do and See
There aren't enough words to cover all the things to do in Atlanta. Here are some highlights:
• World of Coca-Cola
• Georgia Aquarium
• Atlanta Botanical Gardens
• Jimmy Carter Presidential Library
• Martin Luther King Jr. Historical Site
• Margaret Mitchell House
• Centennial Olympic Park
• Fernbank Museum of Natural History
• High Museum of Art
We could go on for days. There are bike, walking, and history tours, festivals, eclectic, artsy communities like Little Five Points (with some of the best burgers in the U.S. at The Vortex) — not to mention Six Flags Over Georgia/Whitewater.
Neighborhoods of Note
These are a few of Atlanta’s neighborhoods, all ITP. One of the South’s largest metropolitan areas, Atlanta, GA, is the largest major city in the state. While the city of Atlanta has a population of slightly under half a million people, the entire metro area boasts over five million residents.
Virginia Highland
This area is home to students, artists, and families. The average home costs $750,000 with an average rent of $1,700 per month. This is one of Atlanta’s most sought after neighborhoods, with 100-year old houses, Victorians, bungalows and modern townhomes.
Buckhead
This neighborhood is home to affluent athletes and celebrities with an average home price coming in at a million dollars and an average rent of $2,000 per month. Located north of Midtown, this is one of Atlanta’s most upscale neighborhoods. It’s been called the "Beverly Hills of the South," and now that Atlanta’s film industry is booming, more and more celebrities are calling this area home.
Old Fourth Ward
The Old Fourth Ward is home to artists, hipsters, and young professionals with an average home price of $350,000 and average rents of $1,500 per month. This east Atlanta neighborhood is south of Midtown. A pedestrian and bike-friendly neighborhood, Martin Luther King, Jr. grew up here and the area is going through a significant revitalization.
Midtown
This neighborhood is home to professionals and empty nesters with an average home price of $700,000 and average monthly rents of $2,000. Known for its thriving arts scene and commercial business district, this is a thriving community. This is Atlanta’s cultural epicenter, with easy access to public transportation, Piedmont Park, restaurants, and more.
Druid Hills
Affluent professionals and public officials live here in homes that have an average price of $600,000 and average monthly rents of $1,500. This area features Georgian homes, exquisite landscaping, and elegant estates. It’s located about five miles east of Downtown and has a population of about 15,000. This is a historic district overseen by the Druid Hills Civic Association.
Kirkwood
First-time homebuyers, students, and families call Kirwood home and live in houses with an average price of $300,000 and average monthly rents of $1,000. More affordable than surrounding areas, Kirkwood offers a thriving arts scene and a community garden. Located minutes east of Atlanta, it is packed with parks and trails and is conveniently located near the airport and local universities.
Decatur
This area of Atlanta is home to Emory University and Agnes Scott College, where students, singles, and young professionals live in homes with an average price tag of $500,000 and average monthly rents of $980. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) and Emory Medical Center are also located here, just north of Downtown. Decatur is a city in its own right and hosts many local festivals and events. Access to public transportation, along with bike-friendly, pedestrian walkways make getting to local craft breweries, dining, and shopping easy, even if you don’t own a car.
Adair Park
Another neighborhood in Atlanta with affordable real estate is Adair Park, with an average home price of $200,000 and average monthly rents of $800. Located just southwest of Downtown, Adair Park is an up-and-coming area that is home to students and first-time homebuyers who enjoy proximity to many local attractions like Zoo Atlanta and several museums.
Here’s How to Prepare for Your Move
• If you’re moving to Atlanta, subscribe to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution to look for a job (if necessary) and housing.
• Multitask by having a packing party. Ask your friends to come over for food, drinks, and packing boxes. You can say goodbye and be productive, all at the same time.
• Don’t move anything unnecessary. As you pack, look for things that can be donated or thrown away. The less you move, the more affordable your move will be.
• Use professional movers if you can afford them, especially for long-distance moving.