Pros and Cons of Living in Atlanta, Georgia
Have you been considering moving to a new city? Atlanta, Georgia, might be the place for you! That said, it’s essential to get a feel for the city to ensure you’re going to be happy living there. From a stable job market to traffic troubles, we’ll cover all the pros and cons of living in Atlanta.
Pros and Cons of Living in Atlanta, Georgia
As an Atlanta property management company, we recommend that before moving anywhere, it’s important to do some research to determine whether or not it’s right for you. Decide what you’re looking for in a new city (if you’re relocating to a new area), do your research, and weigh the pros and cons. After all, you wouldn’t want to make any rash decisions that you may regret later. Today, we’re reviewing the pros and cons of living in Atlanta, Georgia.
Key Insights
- Atlanta offers a relatively low cost of living compared to other major cities. Its stable job market features numerous Fortune 500 companies, making it an attractive destination for job seekers.
- The city experiences all four seasons, with generally mild weather. However, summers can be sweltering and humid, which might be challenging for some residents.
- Atlanta is known for its heavy traffic congestion and limited public transportation options. This often necessitates car ownership and can lead to longer commute times.
Pros of Living in Atlanta, Georgia
There are several benefits to living in Atlanta. The cost of living is relatively low, the job market is stable, and the weather is beautiful (most of the time). These are just a few of the reasons people love it here! Some of the major pros include the following.
- Relatively Mild Climate
- Affordable Cost of Living
- Stable Job Market
- Entertainment and Recreation
- Educational Opportunities
Relatively Mild Climate
Although the differences in seasons aren’t always that drastic, you’ll experience all four of them in Atlanta. Most of the time, the seasons transition into one another gracefully, so there’s little adjustment period. However, summers are generally hot and humid, making them a bit more difficult to get through. Luckily, there are plenty of activities to do in the summer that help make it a bit more bearable.
Affordable Cost of Living
If you’re looking to live in an area with a lower cost of living, Georgia is the place to be! Compared to other major cities, Atlanta has a relatively affordable cost of living. The prices of basic needs like housing, groceries, transportation, utilties, and more, and low compared to the national average. Property taxes are also below the national average but may be higher in certain areas.
Stable Job Market
Finding a job can be difficult when moving to a new city, but not in Atlanta. With over a dozen Fortune 500 companies in the general area, job opportunities are abundant. Large employers like Delta Air Lines, Georgia-Pacific, United Parcel Service (UPS), The Home Depot, and more provide thousands of job opportunities for Georgia residents.
Entertainment and Recreation
It’s hard to be bored while living in Atlanta. Whether you like to shop ’til you drop, site-see, visit museums, go to the zoo with the family, or try different coffee shops, Atlanta is the place to be! There’s truly something for everyone here, whether you’re a sports fanatic or live theatre enthusiast.
Educational Opportunities
Whether you’re looking for a job in higher education or want to earn a college degree, opportunities are everywhere. The Atlantic area alone has 57 colleges and universities, including big ones like Emory University, Georgia Institute of Technology, and Georgia State University. So, whether you want to explore business administration, computer science, engineering, or biology, you can get a quality education from one of Atlanta’s many universities.
Cons of Living in Atlanta, Georgia
While there are several pros to living in the city of Atlanta, there are also some disadvantages to consider. From terrible traffic to hot and humid summers, here are some reasons people may hesitate to move to this popular city.
- Terrible Traffic
- Lack of Public Transportation
- Hot and Humid Summers
- Urban Sprawl
- Lots of Bugs
Terrible Traffic
The traffic in Georgia is terrible–especially in Atlanta. With one of the busiest airports in America and tourists traveling in and out of the city, you can expect a ton of congestion and traffic. So, you’ll have to give yourself plenty of time to make it from Point A to Point B.
Lack of Public Transportation
Atlanta isn’t the most walkable place, and public transportation is also lacking. While there is MARTA, Atlanta’s public bus and rail system, it doesn’t reach much of Metro Atlanta. So, unless you live downtown where walking is feasible, you’ll likely need to have your own car for daily life here. Unfortunately, you’ll also have to deal with traffic.
Hot and Humid Summers
Atlanta’s summers can be almost unbearable. From June to August, temperatures can reach the 90s or 100s, and humidity levels are usually above 70%. So, if you cannot handle the heat, you’ll want to avoid living here during these months or find indoor activities you like to do during the summer.
Urban Sprawl
If you’re unfamiliar with the term, urban sprawl refers to the rapid expansion of cities and towns into undeveloped land near them. That said, Atlanta has three downtown cores: Buckhead, Midtown, and Downtown. However, the sprawling nature has led to a huge dependency on cars, making the traffic and congestion even worse. Additionally, the spread-out nature makes public transportation less efficient.
Lots of Bugs
If you don’t like bugs, you might not like Atlanta. Surprisingly, Atlanta ranks fourth among the top 10 cities with the most bugs. This is due to having weather that bugs thrive in. Not only do they have an abundance of mosquitoes, but you can also find ticks, cockroaches, and other bug species here. As such, if you’re looking to live in Atlanta, you’ll want to stock up on bug spray, citronella candles, and pest-resistant plants for your home.
FAQ: Living in Atlanta
What is the cost of living in Atlanta?
- The cost of living in Atlanta is relatively affordable compared to other major US cities. Housing, groceries, and transportation are reasonably priced. However, costs can vary depending on which neighborhood you live in.
How is the job market in Atlanta?
- Atlanta’s job market is strong, with opportunities in various industries such as technology, healthcare, finance, and more. Some major companies like Coca-Cola, Delta Airlines, and Home Depot have their headquarters here!
What are the most popular attractions in Atlanta?
- Some of Atlanta’s popular attractions include the Georgia Aquarium, MLK Jr. National Historical Park, the Atlanta Botanical Garden, the World of Coca-Cola, and more!
What is the crime rate in Atlanta?
- Crime rates in Atlanta vary depending on the neighborhood. Some areas have higher rates than others, so it’s crucial to research and find one that fits your safety preferences.
Best neighborhoods to live in Atlanta
- Popular neighborhoods in Atlanta include Midtown, Buckhead, Inman Park, Virginia-Highland, Decatur, Grand Park, and Ansley Park.
What is the weather like in Atlanta?
- Atlanta has a relatively mild climate with four distinct seasons. While winters are generally mild, summers can be extremely hot and humid.
Find Your Next Rental in Atlanta
Evaluating the pros and cons of living in Atlanta helps renters or homebuyers make a more informed decision on where they’d like to live next. If you’re looking for an affordable place to live with a thriving job market and plenty of weekend activities, Atlanta could be the place for you! However, it’s important to consider the sweltering summers, lack of public transportation, and abundance of bugs.
If you’re looking for your next rental property in Atlanta, Bay Property Management Group can help. Reach out to one of our helpful property managers to set up a property tour for one of our listings. On the other hand, if you’re a rental property owner in Atlanta and need help streamlining your business, give us a call today to learn more. We offer comprehensive rental management services, including tenant screening, rent collection, maintenance, inspections, and more.
