Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Atlanta, GA
Thinking of moving to Atlanta, GA? With a population nearing 500,000, Atlanta offers vibrant urban living, a diverse community, and access to top-tier colleges like Georgia Tech and Georgia State. The median home price is about $395,000 and rents average $1,525, reflecting a moderate cost of living for a major city. While violent and property crime rates are higher than average, Atlanta boasts a thriving job market, reasonable commute times, and a mild, sunny climate with over 60% sunny days each year. Explore housing, schools, and local amenities below to decide if Atlanta is your next home.
Demographics - Atlanta, GA
Demographics - Atlanta, GA
Atlanta is home to nearly 500,000 residents, featuring a youthful median age of 34.2 and a vibrant mix of cultures with about 49% Black and 39% White population. The city is moderately dense, and about 15% of residents speak a language other than English at home, contributing to a diverse and dynamic community.
Population:
499,127
Density:
3,800 per sq mi
Median Age:
34.2
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
15.1%
Ethnic Composition
White:
39.0%
Black:
49.0%
Asian:
4.6%
Others:
7.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Atlanta, GA?
Living in Atlanta comes with a moderate cost of living index of 110.3, with the median home value at $395,000 and typical rents around $1,525 per month. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are slightly above the national average, but state income taxes remain competitive, making Atlanta attractive for both renters and homeowners.
Median House Value:
$395,000
Gross Rent:
$1,525
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$145
Auto Insurance:
$2,000
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$620
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
5.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
110.3
Grocery:
104.5
Housing:
118.6
Utilities:
103.2
Transportation:
108.7
Health Care:
104.1
Miscellaneous:
107.5
Crime
Is Atlanta, GA a safe place to live?
Atlanta has higher-than-average crime rates, with roughly 1,006 violent crimes and 4,303 property crimes per 100,000 residents. The chance of experiencing a violent crime is about 1 in 99, so it's important for newcomers to research neighborhoods carefully and take standard safety precautions.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
1,006
Property Crimes Per 100k:
4,303
Crime Index:
5,309
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 99
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 23
Weather
What is the weather like in Atlanta, GA year-round?
Atlanta enjoys a mild climate with short winters averaging lows of 34°F and long, warm summers peaking at 89°F. Rainfall is plentiful at over 52 inches annually, and residents benefit from sunshine about 62% of the year, making outdoor activities appealing nearly year-round.
Winter
Min:
34°F
Max:
53°F
Spring
Min:
50°F
Max:
75°F
Summer
Min:
70°F
Max:
89°F
Fall
Min:
52°F
Max:
76°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
52.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Households in Atlanta typically earn $69,000, with a median income of $41,000 and a poverty rate of 18.5%. The area is highly educated—over half the population holds a bachelor’s degree or higher—and commutes average under 30 minutes, reflecting solid access to jobs and public transit options.
Median Income:
$41,000
Household Income:
$69,000
Family Income:
$83,500
Per Capita Income:
$48,000
Income Male:
$53,000
Income Female:
$45,000
Poverty Rate:
18.5%
Non English Speakers:
15.1%
Rent:
$1,525
Unemployment Rate:
4.2%
Public Transport Usage:
9.1%
Commute Time:
28.6 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
91.5%
Bachelors or More:
51.2%
Education
How are the schools in Atlanta, GA?
Atlanta features a strong educational landscape, including well-regarded public schools like North Atlanta High and access to prestigious universities such as Georgia Tech and Georgia State University. Families also benefit from a range of private schools, making the city a hub for lifelong learning.
Public Schools
Name:
North Atlanta High School
Street:
4111 Northside Pkwy NW
Phone:
404-802-4700
Students:
2,300
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.5
Name:
Inman Middle School
Street:
774 Virginia Ave NE
Phone:
404-802-3200
Students:
1,100
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.8
Private Schools
Name:
The Westminster Schools
Street:
1424 West Paces Ferry Rd NW
Phone:
404-355-8673
Students:
1,860
Colleges
Name:
Georgia Institute of Technology
City:
Atlanta
State:
GA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
44,000
Name:
Georgia State University
City:
Atlanta
State:
GA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
52,000
Healthcare
Atlanta offers robust healthcare options with major hospitals like Emory University Hospital and Piedmont Atlanta Hospital providing comprehensive services. With 3.1 physicians per 1,000 residents and nearly 90% health insurance coverage, locals have ready access to quality medical care.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Emory University Hospital
Address:
1364 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30322
Phone:
(404) 712-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Piedmont Atlanta Hospital
Address:
1968 Peachtree Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30309
Phone:
(404) 605-5000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.8%
Health Care Index:
78.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Atlanta, GA?
The city's housing market is moderately priced, with median home values at $395,000 and average two-bedroom rents at $1,525. About 44% of homes are owner-occupied and the market has seen steady appreciation, making Atlanta appealing for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$395,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,525
Owner Occupied Rate:
44.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
2.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Driver services in Atlanta are managed by the Georgia Department of Driver Services, located in Conyers and reachable at 678-413-8400 or online at dds.georgia.gov. Residents can easily access licensing, vehicle registration, and other DMV services through this statewide agency.
State:
Georgia
Department:
Georgia Department of Driver Services
Address:
2206 East View Parkway, Conyers, GA 30013
Phone:
678-413-8400
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.