Atlanta is a beautiful destination in Georgia that has all the benefits of a big city. This place is known for its greenness, long and interesting history, exceptional nightlife, and being a professional sports paradise.

It also has its cons. Namely, the traffic here is pretty heavy, and the warm climate with high humidity often turns the city into uncomfortably-hot concrete jungles. However, despite the disadvantages, Atlanta attracts plenty of people who relocate here to fulfill their American dreams.

Depending on your needs and objectives, Atlanta may be a perfect destination. But before making such a big and life-changing decision, read this guide to ensure it is the right move for you.

Is Moving to Atlanta, GA Right for You?

Education

Atlanta may not be the most popular destination for students, but it still boasts a great variety of opportunities.

This area is home to nearly 300,000 students. There are 60+ colleges and universities located in the city and nearby areas, including some of America’s best recognized schools. So, if you are a future student looking to relocate to continue your studies, this destination can offer you a diversity of options.

Some of the best schools here include

  • Georgia State University
  • Savannah College of Art and Design
  • Georgia Institute of Technology
  • Spelman College
  • Mercer University
  • Morehouse College
  • Emory University

According to official data, the average tuition for schools in Atlanta is $6,505 for in-state students and $20,155 for out-of-state students. The average cost for out-of-state students is higher than the national one, which is $17,871.

One more thing to note if you are a student is that the colleges and universities in this area are known to have pretty high suspension and expulsion rates. That is, to keep your place at one of the local schools, you will have to study to the best of your abilities.

Or, if you plan to work while studying, you will have to consider extra expenditures, such as academic help services like essayservice.com, tutors, additional training, or in-depth courses. Keep this in mind before you make a decision.

Work

If you are thinking about relocating to Atlanta for work purposes, here are a few things you need to know.

  • According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of 2016 the unemployment rate in this city was 5.8%, which put it in 41st place among the 50 biggest cities in the US.
  • In April 2020, there was a significant drop in the overall employment rate due to COVID-19, but the rate started going back up almost immediately.

Based on these numbers, we can conclude that the unemployment rate in this area is significantly higher than other big American cities. However, it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t move. You should consider the employment demand in your specialty or business niche.

According to WorkSource Atlanta, the occupations that have the highest projected number of annual openings in the next five years include:

Public Services

  • Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officer
  • Correctional Officer and Jailer
  • Preschool Teacher
  • Teacher – STEM subject matter only
  • Firefighter

Transportation, Distribution, & Logistics

  • Flight Attendant
  • Automotive Service Technician and Mechanic
  • Maintenance and Repair Worker
  • Business Operations Specialist
  • Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Driver
  • Aircraft Mechanic and Service Technician
  • Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerk

Hospitality and Tourism

  • Retail Store Assistant Manager
  • Cook, Restaurant/Institution/Fast Food
  • Food Service Manager
  • Chef

Information Technology

  • Web Developer
  • Computer User Support Specialist
  • Computer Network Support Specialist

Health Sciences

  • Emergency Medical Technician and Paramedic
  • Dental Hygienist
  • Dental Assistant
  • Medical Assistant
  • Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse
  • Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technician
  • Pharmacy Technician
  • Medical Secretary
  • Medical Records and Health Information Technician
  • Registered Nurse
  • Nursing Assistant
  • Respiratory Therapist
  • Surgical Technologist
  • Radiologic Technologist

Construction

  • Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic
  • Carpenter
  • Industrial Machinery Mechanic
  • Electrician

Business Services

  • Bill and Account Collector
  • Insurance Sales Agent
  • Audio and Video Equipment Technician
  • Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerk
  • Advertising Sales Agent
  • Tax Preparer
  • Office Manager
  • Claims Adjuster, Examiner, and Investigator
  • Telecommunications Equipment Installer
  • Project Manager
  • Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerk
  • Secretary and Administrative Assistant
  • Property and Real Estate Manager
  • Paralegal and Legal Assistant

Cost of Living

Whether you are planning to relocate to Atlanta to work or study, you need to make sure that you can afford it. So, is Atlanta an expensive city to live in?

According to Numbeo, currently, the overall Cost of Living Index of this city is 76.42. That is, among 119 American cities, Atlanta currently holds 29th place in living expense or the 116th place out of 597 destinations globally.

On average, a single person’s monthly expenses will be around $1,025.19 excluding rent. Or, if you are moving with a family, monthly expenses for a family of four are nearly $3,661.52 without rent.

Eventually, it all gets down to what you compare it to. For example, choosing between New York and Atlanta, the latter will be a more favorable option in terms of prices. But, if you compare it with smaller cities, let’s say, La Crosse (WI), it will be much more expensive, especially in terms of rent.

Neighborhoods

There are two types of neighborhoods in Atlanta:

  • ITP – located “inside the perimeter”;
  • OTP – located “outside the perimeter”.

Interstate 285 loops the city and is a significant boundary. Those inside the loop are living in town, while those outside the loop are in the suburbs.

In a nutshell, the main differences include the cost of living and mobility.

As you can guess from the deciphering of these abbreviations, ITP includes neighborhoods that are located right in the heart of the city. Inside the loop, there are more of the top dining and entertainment venues that attract younger professionals, but properties are higher in price and more competitive to get.

Unsurprisingly, the rent here is more expensive. But the benefit is that the ITP area has a better infrastructure, letting you get to work or school faster and easier.

The OTP area is located on the outskirts of the city. The suburbs are considered more family-friendly. Houses are larger and less pricey, and school districts are better.

Like any suburban area, it offers more manageable rental expenses. It is also generally quieter. However, if you need to drive to the city every day for work or study, it can be extremely inconvenient, especially considering the terrible traffic here.

Culture

Although it’s a big city, Atlanta is known for its southern hospitality. The people are generally friendly, laid-back, and non-judgmental. The relaxed and friendly environment is what makes Atlanta attractive to many newcomers. This might be a jarring change if you’re relocating from a place where people aren’t so friendly. Most of your neighbors will make you feel welcome.

There Is a Lot of Outdoor Recreation

Atlantans love the outdoors and natural scenery. Despite the heat and humidity, residents take full advantage of the numerous parks, playgrounds, and trails. 

The Beltline is a trail that encircles the city. It’s popular for walking, jogging, and biking, and many shops and restaurants have opened along the way. 

Stone Mountain is east of Atlanta and offers great views of the city from its summit.

The Bottom Line

Moving to Atlanta can become a pivotal moment in your life. Whether this relocation works out for the best depends on the goals that you are pursuing in this city. So, you should identify your priorities and make a wise decision that contributes to your future well-being.

We hope you found this blog post Is Moving to Atlanta, GA Right for You? A 2022 Guide useful. Be sure to check out our post Seven Things to Know Before Moving to Atlanta, Georgia for more great tips!


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