Locals Reveal 11 Insider Suggestions for Shifting to Atlanta, GA

Welcome to the colourful metropolis of Atlanta, Georgia – a spot the place historical past meets modernity, and Southern hospitality intertwines with city power. Whether or not you’re contemplating a transfer to Atlanta or have lately grow to be a resident, you’ll shortly discover there’s a lot extra to this metropolis than the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola. Town is filled with vibrant tradition, worldwide flavors, and historic neighborhoods to discover.

Nevertheless, making the transition to a brand new metropolis will be each exhilarating and difficult. If you happen to’re trying to purchase a home in Atlanta or lease an condo within the metropolis, you’re most definitely fascinated with listening to what Atlanta residents need to say concerning the metropolis.  On this Redfin article, we’ll present ideas and recommendation backed by ATL locals to make sure a clean transition so you possibly can stay your finest life in Atlanta, GA.

1. Dwell close to the MARTA

MARTA, quick for Metropolitan Atlanta Speedy Transit Authority, is the town’s main public transportation system. It encompasses buses and a speedy transit community, together with heavy and light-weight rail providers. MARTA presents handy connectivity all through Atlanta, decreasing site visitors congestion and offering an eco-friendly transport choice for residents and guests.

“If you happen to’re an avid traveler or need to be on the airport quite a bit for work, you’ll positively need to stay close to MARTA,” suggests Jessica Camerata, Proprietor of An Indigo Day, an Atlanta-based life-style weblog. “Whereas Atlanta sadly lacks an incredible public transportation system, attending to and from the airport is a breeze when you’re close to a Marta cease. It’s top-of-the-line methods to keep away from our notorious rush hour site visitors when that you must jet off.”

2. Neighboring cities are definitely worth the day journey

The Duluth group is exceptionally numerous with actions, occasions, and companies that meet all ranges of curiosity. Town has some distinctive thrifting experiences corresponding to Wellspring Living Treasures, an upscale resale retailer with high-end clothes, high quality furnishings, and items. It’s additionally a hub for communities to have interaction with their work and be part of the answer to assist restore lives of survivors of exploitation and coercion.

Different close by cities price exploring embody Decatur, Sandy Springs, Marietta, Alpharetta, and Roswell.

3. Perceive the price of dwelling

“Whereas the town offers a spread of housing choices catering to numerous budgets, the value of dwelling in Atlanta can differ considerably from one space to a different,” explains digital content material creator, Arkeedah McCormick. “Analysis turns into a vital instrument in navigating this spectrum. By understanding neighborhood-specific prices and facilities, you possibly can higher tailor your price range, making knowledgeable choices that align together with your monetary targets. Whether or not you’re drawn to the guts of the town’s pulse or in search of a quieter suburban haven, a well-researched price range ensures you possibly can totally take pleasure in all that Atlanta has to supply with out sacrificing your monetary consolation.”

Whereas the median sale value for properties in Atlanta reached $439,650 in June 2023, virtually 3.5% greater than the nationwide median sale value, Atlanta dwelling costs are nonetheless a lot decrease than different main cities. For instance, Seattle and Boston each have a median sale value over $800,000. Or, there are many inexpensive suburbs in Atlanta when you’d quite stay on the outskirts of the town.

4. Discover Atlanta’s neighborhoods

“Atlanta’s tapestry is woven with a wealthy variety of neighborhoods, every boasting its personal distinct character,” explains digital content material creator, Arkeedah McCormick. “From the historic allure of Inman Park to the creative attract of Little 5 Factors, the town caters to an array of life. It’s a canvas the place trendy high-rises stand alongside quaint bungalows, and bustling industrial districts coexist with serene residential pockets. Researching the totally different neighborhoods turns into pivotal in discovering your best match. Whether or not you search a vibrant city scene, a family-friendly setting, or a tranquil retreat, diving into the character, facilities, and native points of interest of every neighborhood can information you towards a spot that resonates together with your preferences and life-style. Every nook of Atlanta is a world of its personal, ready to welcome you into its distinctive embrace.”

5. Atlanta loves native

“Atlanta has an extremely wealthy group round good, clear, and truthful meals,” shares Lisa Nguyen, Communications Co-Chair for Sluggish Meals Atlanta, a nonprofit group that promotes native meals and conventional cooking. “There are such a lot of methods to faucet into native agriculture and help the area’s farmers and producers. Replenish on native produce at one of many many group farmers markets in Atlanta’s circuit, or observe the path of snail-approved meals and beverage companies.”

6. Be ready for the site visitors and the subtropical local weather

“Put together to embrace Atlanta’s scorching summers, as the town’s local weather infuses its vibrant character into each day life,” states Armanko Photography Studio, specializing in enterprise branding. “The extraordinary heat turns into greater than climate; it’s the backdrop to outside festivals, picnics, and al fresco eating. Whereas exploring Atlanta’s neighborhoods and points of interest, brace for infrequent site visitors congestion. As a bustling city heart, the town experiences notably excessive site visitors ranges throughout rush hours and occasions. Adapt by planning routes, utilizing public transport, or exploring on foot.”

7. Familiarize your self with the Beltline

“If you happen to haven’t but determined the place in Atlanta you need to put down roots, I’d advocate someplace close to the Atlanta Beltline,” says Malika Bowling, blogger at Atlanta Restaurant Blog. “It’s tremendous distinctive to Atlanta. It’s a 33-mile paved path of strolling and bike paths that connects on the town neighborhoods in a loop across the metropolis with parks, road artwork, meals halls and neighborhood structure to glimpse alongside the way in which. I like to park and stroll to my favourite brunch spot after which stroll off brunch afterwards.”

8. Discover Georgia’s meals scene

Exploring the meals scene is a can’t-miss Atlanta bucket record merchandise for brand new residents. “Georgia’s attract owes a lot to its wealthy and numerous culinary panorama,” says Danny Kim, Proprietor of Local Expedition Wood Fired Grill. “It rivals any massive metropolis, providing an array of ethnic cuisines. The times of being restricted to hen wings and visits to the enduring Waffle House are lengthy gone. As a substitute, newcomers will discover themselves entering into Michelin-starred eating institutions that seamlessly coexist with hidden gems tucked away in unassuming corners. From upscale venues to the common-or-garden but mouthwatering delights served at native “gap within the wall” institutions, Georgia’s meals scene guarantees a journey that caters to each palate and sense of culinary exploration.”

“One of many issues I really like most about being right here is the meals,” explains Cristy Lenz, proprietor of Food Tours Atlanta. “I at all times say you will discover good meals at any value level within the metropolis and burbs. From tacos and pho, to Korean BBQ and Persian, Atlanta has all of it. What’s more durable to seek out is conventional southern meals like fried hen and mac n cheese. For that that you must go to The Colonnade, South City Kitchen, Busy Bee Cafe,or Matthews Cafeteria. A few of my favourite locations to eat within the metropolis are close to my very own neighborhood. I head to Krog Street Market for Little Tart, Jai Ho, and Ticonderoga Club. Ponce City Market is dwelling to El Superpan, H&F Burger, Atrium, and Bottiwalla. Lyla Lia is my go-to for the quick rib ravioli, Kimball House for the oysters, and Lodge Clermont for Tiny Lou’s and the spectacular rooftop views.”

“After shifting to an Atlanta suburb 15 years in the past from the Northeast, we shortly turned infatuated with Southern delicacies,” says Adam, founding father of Ramble Atlanta, a useful resource for all issues Atlanta. “A lot of our favourite eating places are situated in historic buildings, nestled within the many walkable metropolis facilities scattered across the suburbs of Atlanta. To call a couple of, Milton’s Cuisine and Cocktails in Milton, Table and Main in Roswell, South Main Kitchen in Alpharetta, and Century House in Woodstock. These eating places mix historic allure and easy, but scrumptious flavors that preserve us coming again repeatedly. After all, the fried hen too.”

9. Town caters to automotive lovers

“For automotive lovers, Atlanta ranks as one of many best in America,” states Rod Worley, writer and editor at Vettes of Atlanta Journal. “The colourful automotive group showcases the complete vary from purists to customized designers, racers to informal meetups. From the SAVOY automobile museum, Road Atlanta, NASCAR’s Atlanta Motor Speedway, and Atlanta Motorsports Park, there’s something right here for everybody. Additionally, for individuals who take pleasure in spirited driving, the world-famous “Tail of the Dragon” mountain go and the breathtaking North Georgia mountains are to not be missed.”

10. Don’t miss Amalfi Cucina & Mercato

Amalfi Cucina & Mercato is a conventional Italian restaurant with areas in Downtown Atlanta ‍and Buckhead. House owners Stephen de Haan and Greg Grant educated with Italian Pizzaiolo Maestros in Naples and studied within the Associazione Verace Pizza Napolentana. They launched refined Italian road meals to Atlanta by way of Amalfi Cucina & Mercato, providing basic Italian dishes like Rooster Parmigiano and conventional pastas, alongside shareable appetizers, salads, and authentic desserts. Their restaurant features a full bar, craft cocktails, and wines chosen by a sommelier. 

Identified for Neapolitan-style pizzas, their signature, Pizza Amalfi, is a standout. These pizzas start with dough made out of D.O.P. elements and are cooked in wood-burning brick ovens imported from Italy. Amalfi Cucina & Mercato’s pizzas earned recognition from the Meals Community and a spot in Affiliation Vera Pizza Napoletana. The Italian menu was reimagined by Government Chef Santiago Echavarria, a 25-year veteran.

11. Be prepared for the unbelievable arts and music scene

“If you happen to’re considering a transfer to Atlanta, you’re in for a dynamic city expertise with a wealthy cultural scene and numerous communities,” shares Grant Eshback, founding father of Open Home Mortgage, Inc. “Atlanta’s arts and music scene vibrantly thrives with numerous galleries, theaters, and venues. From the High Museum of Art to iconic phases just like the Fox Theatre, the town presents a wealthy tapestry of cultural experiences. The music scene, spanning genres from hip-hop to classical, finds its dwelling in venues just like the Tabernacle and Selection Playhouse. Atlanta’s artistic pulse ensures each artwork lovers and music aficionados can immerse themselves in an inspiring journey.”

Shifting to Atlanta: remaining ideas

“This metropolis is a melting pot the place totally different cultures intersect, making a wealthy tapestry of traditions, languages, and views that make Atlanta a superb place to stay. Its cultural scene pulsates with power, inviting residents and newcomers alike to immerse themselves in a world of prospects,” shares Arkeedah McCormick. “From the soulful rhythms of its music to the charming strokes of its artwork, Atlanta’s artistic expressions replicate its cosmopolitan essence. Culinary lovers can savor world flavors in each nook, as the town’s numerous neighborhoods provide a pleasant array of worldwide cuisines. Embrace this melting pot of cultures, and permit your self to discover the rhythm of life in Atlanta by way of its thriving music venues, charming galleries, and a culinary scene that celebrates the world’s palate.”