Cher

I may have to consider a job transfer to Atlanta. I've gone through this forum and there's lots of mixed information regarding living in Atlanta ... most of it is rather negative. So I would like to hear what people like about the area. So if this becomes a reality, I will probably also consider relocated somewhere else (in the Northeast due to where I could go for a job), or move with my company to Atlanta. BTW - I live in Upstate NY now.

magsdave

I want to move to Atlanta also.

Pros:
affordable homes
Mountains
Lakes
Lots to do
four seasons
people are nice

Cons:
Traffic

Beacuse everyone is moving there!

Samsaf

I live in a suburb outside of Atlanta. The pros are the weather, housing prices (as long as you are outside of the city), and the people. The cons are definitely the traffic! But if you live fairly close to where you work, the traffic is not as big of an issue

sk84fungirl

I am from the midwest and have lived in ATL for 19 years. Traffic is heavy, but coming from the Chicago area manageable. It's not as fast-paced as a NY or Chicago, but not as slow as the back hills.

Diversity is OK. When I mention diversity, I mean on a cultural basis. There is no Greek town, China town, etc. Did not realize how much I like living here until I was asked to consider re-location to a city in North Carolina. I am freaking out!!!

Plenty of festivals, theatre, etc. It's not called HotLanta for nothing!!!

I really have nothing bad to say about the city, traffic is manageable. Coming from the north, you're likely more open to public transportation such a rail system. Know that Atlantans are not known for car pooling or doing anything to help the traffic besides complain about it...(=:

Good luck in your search. I don't believe you would be unhappy in the
A-T-L!!!

bgabriel

I've lived in Atlanta for 20+ years now and can't imagine anything else. Yes the traffic can be a pain, but like anything else you grow used to it and find alternates. The weather is fabulous and there is nothing like spring time with the dogwoods and azaleas in bloom. The city also has numerous events, activities, nightlife etc. Opinions about Atlanta will depend on a persons age and where you choose to live. Some areas are VERY southern, but much of the Metro area is a blend of transferees much like you might be. One last thing ...you can't beat southern hospitality.

Mollie

We lived in Atlanta for five years and left 25 years ago when "we" were transferred. I used to tell my family that winter lasted for two months, Dec.- Feb but I seldom wore a heavy coat.
We lived in suburban Atlanta, (Marietta) which was considered 'far out' in those days, but close-in now, I'm sure. The tremendous growth was just beginning then.
It seemed as though the homes were nestled under the pines and that the city was carved out of the woods. It's really a lovely place and the North Georgia mountains are close by for weekend getaways. Although it can be hot and humid in the summer it's tolerable.
Yes the traffic is bad, but just try to live closer to work, or park and take MARTA.
Go for it and enjoy that new chapter in your life.

ccolor

I'm probably going to get beat to death for this one but it's what I've seen - our kids moved there three years ago and say they really like it....but when I watch "Cops" most of the shows seem to originate from Atlanta. And I can't say my husband and I have seen much we like about the city, suburbs and especially the airport. JUST A PERSONAL OBSERVATION.

sk84fungirl

you're absolutely right...bout being beaten to death.

You must not watch COPS often. You will find that Atlanta is not the city that is most often highlighted. Reality is that there is crime everywhere...JUST MY OBSERVATION!!!

There's over 4 million plus people in metro ATL. I'm still amazed when I get to areas I have not been before. Simply beautiful.

Also note, that some of the best flight deals originate out of ATL. I am so dreading having to relocate because I will lose the option for a quick drive to the N Georgia mountains, East coast, or Florida. 5 1/2 hours from New Orleans, less than $500 for a non-stop flight to Honolulu on Delta...need I go on?

ccolor, hope I didn't hurt you too bad (=:

abram

Given the heat and humidity, I would have to put the weather in the con, rather than pro, column.

Mollie

Yes Abram but remember, it's just a couple of months of heat and humidity not 3-4 of ice and snow! So you go from your air conditioned house to your air conditioned car, etc. It's nothing like the humidity in Florida, plus Atlanta's altitude is around 800 ft., as I recall, so that helps.

Besides, it's all relative! ;-)

hmmm

We get 2 inches of snow per year, not per hour. There is still genuine southern hospitality. One can buy a nice house in the burbs for $500k, the public schools outside the city are fair to very, very good and suburban neighborhoods, by and large, are safe from violent crime. Intown, there are vibrant neighborhoods, such as Virginia-Highland, with plenty of opportunities to dine, experience the arts, and to mingle and tangle. There's a professional sports team for every bent. It's a great place to be young and upwardly mobile, or middle class and stationary.
Downside: the politicians are hopelessly corrupt and inept and [other] crime close in is very real. The "Relocation Crime Lab Index" is 5.7 times the normal rate per 100,000 residents. Property taxes in the city, Fulton and Dekalb counties are very high and the public services offered provide an audible bang for the buck only if one doesn't pay taxes. Our property taxes have risen 30% in three years and our water bills are set to rise three hundred percent over the next three years (think a luxury car payment every two months you water your lawn). If you rent, those charges will, of course, pass through.

Cher

Thanks for all the replies. I glad to see so much positive information ... makes me feel a bit better in case this becomes a reality.

hmmm: Why are the water bills set to rise so much?

padams421

water bills are set to rise because the city of Atlanta hasn't upgraded the water/sewer system in years...deferred maintenance is long overdue.

erousseau11

As an Atlantan for the last 14 years and someone who has traveled all over the USA (and lived at other places 4 nights a week) for business, I can tell you that Atlanta is a very nice city. One thing that you just cannot ever get over is how green and lush this city of 4,000,000 to 5,000,000 people is. It is truly beautiful.

Traffic is only a real problem if you choose to live in the suburbs and your work is downtown or on the other side of the city in a different suburb. Quite frankly, even then it is no worse than Houston, Dallas, Chicago, LA, NY and probably another 5 or 10 cities. After all, it is a dominant city in the region and very large. Its only real downside is that from a tourist standpoint (when people visit you) there is not as many really good tourist attractions compared to Chicago, LA, NYC, DC or Boston, but that only is an issue for tourists. Come on down and become an honorary southerner - - we will treat you real nice, but prepare for road warrior driving tactics on the interstates. Good luck.

GolfBall

As I have said before Atlanta is a great place to live, but not to visit. As long as you live close to work, it's not a problem but traffic can be horrible. There are certainly areas to avoid as in any city, but I have never once felt unsafe here and I'll bet you won't either. We have great restaurants, great shopping (so I'm told), and an absolutely gorgeous springtime. Many people complain about the airport, but for those of us who live here and don't have to make connections it's great. It's a little hot for me here in the summer, but we have great airconditioning! Atlanta is still a very big "small" town. You really might like it!

erousseau11

Golfball is on target. Atlanta has great shopping, drinking and eating (just a notch below San Fran, NYC, NO and Chicago - but catching up fast). I live in Buckhead (intown) and, although there is crime, I do not live in fear of it whatsoever. It is mostly break-in theft and things like that.

gracieb

City of trees. Traffic is bad. Virtually no snow (an ice or snow storm once or twice a year, but everything has melted in a couple of days. Affordable housing. Lots of things to see and do in the city. Nice neighborhoods in the 'burbs.
The # 1 thing to consider - your commute. Give it a trial run before you make a final decision on purchasing anything. Traffic is the #1 complaint.
But, you hear more often than not, folks that were transferred down to Atlanta refuse the next transfer elsewhere. Don't want to go anywhere less urban. Don't want to go back to the NE or Midwest.
Mountains and beaches just a drive away.

CindyinAtl

Someone hear mentioned that you could buy a nice house in the 'burbs for $500K. I would call that a VERY nice house. If you are middle income, $250K gets you a very decent home in nice neighborhoods with good schools as long as you stay 15 - 20 miles outside of town. Don't even think about getting that kind of deal downtown. You would pay that for a 1 bedroom condo. I agree with everyone about how nice the people are in Atlanta. I've lived here for 20 years (moved from Central Florida) and it would take a lot to get me to move.

I don't think anyone has mentioned Lake Lanier as a positive either. Lots of Atlantans have boats and head north to the lake in the summer. Its very large and lots of fun if you like to water ski. Its only an hour maximum from downtown.

Lots of trees, 2 or 3 days that qualify as winter (from a northern perspective), great culture and really great small theater. All this and you fly direct almost everywhere you go!

Cher

Thanks for the info ... still waiting to see what happens with my company. It may be a couple months before I find out more specific info.

I'd like to hear more about the cost of housing. This is a real concern for me coming from Upstate NY where although the taxes are high, the cost of housing is very low.

Samsaf

What sort of housing would you be interested in? I live in Gwinnett County, and for $200,000 to $250,000 you could get a nice 4-bedroom, 2.5 bath, daylight basement home in a swim/tennis neighborhood. We moved here from Tennessee 8 years ago. We live about 35 miles away from downtown; the houses inside I-285 are much more expensive. We chose where to live based on the schools. But to drive into downtown during rush hour would take 1 to 1.5 hours, and the same amount of time to return during rush hour. Fortunately, we don't have to do that very often. Feel free to e-mail me with any more questions.
Sherry at [email protected]