Thinking of moving to Atlanta? You’re not alone. Atlanta is one of the fastest growing cities in the country. It has everything you could want — job opportunities, a great music scene, interesting history, professional sports teams, craft beer, and much, much more.
Before you take the plunge, there are some things you should know before moving to Atlanta. We’re here to help. In this guide, we’ve answered many of the biggest questions about living in Atlanta.
About Atlanta
Atlanta was founded in 1837 as the end of the Western and Atlantic Railroad line. Today, Atlanta is the capital of Georgia and the State’s largest city. It’s also one of the country’s fastest growing cities.
Atlanta proper is home to more than 500,000 people. According to the Metro Atlanta Chamber, the population of the Atlanta Metropolitan Area was almost 6 million in 2018. The combined population makes it the 9th largest metropolitan area in the United States. It ranks 10th economically with a gross domestic product (GDP) of $276 billion.
True to its roots, Atlanta is still a major transportation hub. It’s home to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport – the world’s busiest airport. Direct flights to Europe, Asia, and South America have made it easy for many international businesses to operate in the city. In fact, Atlanta is home to over 1,000 international businesses. The city is also a major banking center with the third-largest concentration of Fortune 500 companies.
Atlanta is considered the capital of the New South. Since the 1960s, Atlanta has been a hub for the Civil Rights Movement. In 1996, it hosted the Summer Olympics and, now, it’s considered the “Hollywood of the East Coast.” Atlanta is a city of the future with respect to the past and the lessons it taught us.
What are the People Like in Atlanta?
Atlanta is a growing city with a diverse population. Ask a random person on the street and they are most likely not from the city or even Georgia. Over the last few years, this has led to an increase in cultural diversity and the birth of international districts. The city is also home to the third largest LGBTQ+ community in the country and hosts the second largest gay pride parade.
Below is a table illustrating how Atlanta stacks up to the national average on key data points.
What Does the Job Market Look Like in Atlanta?
As mentioned above, Atlanta has the third highest concentration of Fortune 500 companies in the nation. Many large companies are headquartered here. Delta Airlines, United Parcel Service (UPS), The Coca-Cola Company, Home Depot, and CNN are just a few.
In addition to the opportunities these businesses provide, Atlanta was also the first city to pay its city workers a $15 livable wage.
For the past few years, Atlanta has consistently ranked among the top cities for job opportunities. These opportunities include everything from physicians to electrical line installers to sales representatives and everything in between. Read the complete list of Georgia’s Hot Careers to 2026 from the Department of Labor.
What is the Cost of Living in Atlanta?
Worried that the median household income is lower in Atlanta than the national average? Don’t be. The cost of living in Atlanta is also lower than the national average.
Here’s how it breaks down:
- Cost of housing in Atlanta is 6% below the national average
- Cost of utilities in Atlanta is 15% below the national average
- Cost of groceries in Atlanta is 5% higher than national average
- Cost of transportation in Atlanta is 1% higher than national average
The lower cost of living combined with the opportunities and culture of a growing city make Atlanta a great place to call home.
What is Transportation Like in Atlanta?
Atlanta is home to “Spaghetti Junction” and some notoriously bad traffic. That’s because Atlanta was and still is a transportation hub. It’s home to the world’s busiest airport and where major interstates and highways come together. During rush hour, traffic can slow down to a halt. Ask any local about it and you’ll likely learn it’s their least favorite part of the city.
Atlanta does have a public transportation system, MARTA, and is working to make the city more walkable and bike-friendly. Here’s a list of all the capital projects currently underway. The city is actively working to catch up to the rapid growth it’s experienced in recent years with transportation.
Despite the traffic, Atlanta truly is a great place to live with a lot to offer. Ready to make the move? PadSplit has homes all over Atlanta, offering plenty of choices when it comes to different neighborhoods. More than 75% of our homes are less than a mile from public transit, which means you don’t have to worry about the traffic. With no long-term leases, PadSplit is also a great way to explore different neighborhoods in the city before planting down roots.
Interested in learning more about PadSplit and how we can help you find an affordable room for rent in Atlanta? Apply today.
