Just like any big city, living in Atlanta has pros and cons. If you’re thinking about moving to this vibrant and diverse city, you’ll want to consider both the good things about it and the not-so-good things. This will ensure that you make the right move for you, and you’re not stuck living in some place you loathe. While everyone has a different picture in their mind of what the perfect place to live looks like, there are some things that we can all agree are fantastic and those that we could definitely live without.
In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of living in Atlanta to help you decide whether it’s the right city for you.
The pros of moving to Atlanta
You’ll find a lot of great things about living in Atlanta, and these are some pros to consider:
1. Short, mild winters
January, February, and December are the coldest months in Atlanta. However, temperatures rarely dip into freezing, with lows only reaching 35 degrees on average. Highs are typically in the 50s on average during these months, but it can rain a lot in the winter. If you prefer warmer weather most of the year, then Atlanta may be for you.
2. Close to tons of places
Atlanta’s proximity to places like the Great Smoky Mountains and Savannah make it easy to get out of town for a quick getaway. The Atlanta airport is a Delta hub, which means you can get direct flights to places all over the country, and you can also get to other countries quickly right from Atlanta. Florida isn’t far either, so a beach trip during the colder winter months isn’t out of the question. The city is near the border of Alabama, and Tennessee, South Carolina, and Mississippi are all within driving distance.
3. Huge on sports
If you like to cheer on your favorite football, basketball, or baseball team, then a move to Atlanta might be just the thing. It’s home to the Falcons, the Hawks, and the Braves along with teams for rugby and lacrosse. You can catch games at Mercedes-Benz Stadium or Truist Park when these teams play at home. You can also support college football teams from GSU and Georgia Tech.
4. Exciting entertainment
In addition to watching sports, you’ll find that live music is big in Atlanta. Mercedes-Benz Stadium hosts lots of concerts throughout the year, and local parks all over the city have live bands playing for a variety of events and special occasions. You can often find a festival to attend on the weekend, but for those who like a laugh, comedy clubs are also popular in the city.
5. Reasonable housing costs
Atlanta definitely isn’t the cheapest place to live, but compared to other cities of similar size, you can easily find an affordable apartment here. A two-bedroom apartment rents for between $900 and $5,000, so there’s really something for every budget. It just depends on where in the city you want to live and what you can afford.
6. Variety of job opportunities
The job market in Atlanta is strong, with companies like Coca-Cola, Delta Air Lines Inc., and UPS offering a variety of positions in many fields. You can also find jobs in health care, entertainment, and hospitality and leisure, as these are growing industries in Atlanta.
The cons of moving to Atlanta
Although Atlanta has a lot of positive reasons for calling it home, you should think about these cons of living here:
1. Hot, humid summers
We mentioned the short, mild winters, but you need to be aware Atlanta also experiences some hot, humid summers. While the temperature is rarely over 95 degrees, the humidity can make it feel much hotter, as it’s oppressive. The hottest months are from May to September, with average temperatures ranging from 80 degrees to 89 degrees.
2. Terrible traffic
One thing Atlanta is known for is its terrible traffic. You need your own car to get around, which means everyone is out driving wherever they need to go. This can make commute times long, especially for those who live far from downtown but have to work there.
3. Limited public transportation
You’ll need your own car to get around because the public transportation system in Atlanta is limited. If you do happen to live somewhere that makes using public transportation convenient, you’ll want to add at least an hour to your travel time, as that’s about how much longer it takes to get from point A to point B using the bus or rail system.
4. Big on bugs
Being that Atlanta stays warm most of the year, there are a lot of bugs. From mosquitos to ants and everything in between, you’ll have to deal with bugs when you live here. There may be times when you avoid going outside because the bugs are just unbearable. Keep screens on your windows to help with this.
5. Sprawling cityscape
Atlanta has a lot going for it, including great culture and tons of restaurants. But this makes the city really spread out. And with the traffic, it can make it take a long time to get from one side of the city to the other.
Frequently asked questions
If you’re still not sure about moving to Atlanta, here are some answers to FAQs that might help:
Atlanta can be a great place to live, with a growing job market, affordable cost of living, and plenty of cultural attractions. However, it’s important to consider the city’s downsides, such as traffic congestion and humid summers, before deciding to move.
The cost of living in Atlanta is relatively affordable compared to other major cities in the United States. Housing costs can vary depending on the neighborhood, but you can find reasonably priced apartments and homes in the city and its suburbs. In addition, the state income tax rate is relatively low.
The best neighborhoods in Atlanta can vary depending on your lifestyle and needs. Some popular neighborhoods include Midtown, Buckhead, and Virginia-Highland, which offer a mix of amenities and cultural attractions.
Atlanta is a hub for several major industries, including finance, healthcare, and technology. The city is home to several Fortune 500 companies, such as Coca-Cola, Delta Airlines, and UPS. With a growing job market, it can be a great place to start or advance your career.
Atlanta has several highly rated schools, both public and private. The city is also home to several universities and colleges, including Georgia Tech and Emory University.
Atlanta has plenty of cultural attractions, including museums, music festivals, and professional sports teams. Some popular attractions include the High Museum of Art, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, and the Atlanta History Center. The city is also known for its Southern cuisine, so be sure to check out some local restaurants!
Final thoughts
Before you make a big move, weigh the good with the bad of anywhere you’re considering. Living in Atlanta has pros and cons, so be aware of them if you’re thinking about moving to this city.
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