The skyline of Atlanta, GA
Local Spotlight

Moving to Atlanta, Georgia: A Guide

Get more information on Atlanta’s economy, notable suburbs, famed attractions and things to do, and more before you make the move to the ATL.

Atlanta, Georgia—sometimes called the ATL or “The Big Peach”—anchors one of the largest metros in the country, with over 6 million residents that call the area home. From its affordable cost of living to its prolific place in film production, there are a lot of reasons why someone would want to make Atlanta their new home. 

But don’t just let the glamor of this bustling metropolis sway you to move without considering where you might want to live, the local economy, the weather, and what activities you can hope to engage in once you get there. This is your guide to moving to Atlanta, Georgia, from the storage professionals near Atlanta

Weather in Atlanta

For those looking to escape snowy winters, you’ve found your solution by moving to Atlanta. That doesn’t mean, however, that you shouldn’t expect some precipitation. Georgia has a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and plenty of rain. While it does get cold in the winter months, you don’t need to worry too much about snow thanks to temperatures that tend to stay above freezing. However, be forewarned—the occasional ice storm is possible when winter temperatures drop low enough. 

Still, such occasions are rare, and Atlanta’s warm climate is certainly a draw compared to the northeast. 

The Atlanta Work Force

It can be stressful to move to a new city, especially if you don’t already have a job lined up. Luckily, moving to Atlanta means you’re moving to a city with a booming job market. In a 2021 study, Atlanta ranked third on the list of best places to jump-start your career. This, in part, has to do with the number of Fortune 500 companies headquartered in Atlanta, a list that includes Coca-Cola, UPS, Porsche, and Delta Air Lines.  

Thanks to the city incentives available to large production studios that choose to film in the ATL, the entertainment industry is a big one here in the Atlanta metro. 

Should I live in the ITP or OTP?

When it comes to choosing where you want to live it’s important to first decide if you want to live inside the perimeter, or ITP, or outside the perimeter, or OTP. If you live inside the Interstate 285 loop, you’re considered a resident of the perimeter, where there are plenty of dining and entertainment options nearby. Living ITP is perfect for young professionals or couples who are looking to acquaint themselves with Atlanta’s rich culture and the general lay of the land. 

If you live outside the Interstate 285 loop, you would be considered OTP. OTP is more suburban and housing is generally more affordable. This area is perfect for those who are either looking for more affordable housing than what’s offered in the city or want to start a family in a more suburban setting. If you live OTP, however, prepare to have a longer commute to enjoy an evening in the city or get to work if your job is inside the perimeter. 

Popular Suburbs in Atlanta 

Whether you choose to live inside the perimeter or outside the perimeter, there are plenty of great neighborhoods to put down roots. Here are just a few of our favorites:

Midtown

For those looking to be a part of the action in Atlanta, you may enjoy life in Midtown. Located between Downtown Atlanta and Buckhead, Midtown is a busy commercial center and arts hub. If you work in downtown Atlanta, Midtown is a great location for cutting down on the morning and afternoon commuter traffic—not to mention the wealth of cultural and artistic landmarks to enjoy. After a day of learning about Atlanta’s history and culture, take part in Midtown’s vibrant nightlife. When you need to get out and experience nature, go for a walk along the many trails available at Piedmont Park. 

Decatur

To get away from Atlanta traffic, consider Decatur! Decatur is just a short six miles from Midtown. Decatur is a very walkable suburb that still offers a hip, bustling-city feel with lots of character and plenty of retail shops, trendy bars, and local eateries. This part of town is perfect for recent college grads and young professionals on account of the number of students attending the nearby Agnes Scott College.  

Dunwoody

Dunwoody is a haven for the shopaholic in all of us. Just a few miles from Midtown, Dunwoody features plenty of name-brand stores and local boutiques. One of the most popular shopping malls in the area is the Permeter Mall, featuring 1.5 million square feet of mall to cover; although, there are plenty of strip malls throughout Dunwoody to explore as well. In addition to the shopping, Dunwoody hosts plenty of special events and festivals like Lemonade Days and the July 4th Parade, which are Dunwoody’s biggest events of the year.

Peachtree City 

If you have an aversion to traffic, living in Peachtree can offer an alternative: golf carts! So long as you are 15 years or older, you can easily traverse Peachtree City in a golf cart. This neighborhood offers outdoor activities like fishing, cycling, and golf. But Peachtree isn’t just for the outdoorsy type, as there are plenty of unique shopping and dining options across its five villages. 

Marietta

Marietta is a community that is 60,000+ residents strong with plenty of restaurants, local shops, other services, and cultural landmarks to keep you busy. When you aren’t exploring attractions like the Marietta Cobb Museum of Art or the Gone with the Wind Museum, take some time to hike through one of the many parks and trails throughout Marietta. On Saturdays you can enjoy the local Farmer’s Market and every year, Marietta Square hosts the Taste of Marietta festival, a large food festival with live concerts.

Fun Things to Do in Atlanta 

It will likely take a few years for you to explore all of the major sites and to put together your own list of favorites, but for now, you can take a few from our list to get you started: 

Centennial Olympic Park

Olympic Ring Fountain at Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta

Centennial Olympic Park is a 22-acre park that was originally built by the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games for the 1996 Summer Olympics. The park features the interactive Fountain of Rings, a nearby splash pad for children, and SkyView Atlanta Ferris Wheel that includes 42 air-conditioned cars. When you’re done walking through Olympic Park, you can easily walk over to one of the nearby attractions such as the World of Coca-Cola. This park has been a huge catalyst for Downtown Atlanta’s development and is visited by tourists who stay at the surrounding hotels throughout the year. 

See a Show at Fox Theatre

If you’re looking to get out of the Atlanta heat, check out a show at the historic Fox Theatre. Part of the Fox Theatre Historic District in Midtown, Atlanta, the Fox Theatre was originally built to be a Yaarab Shrine Temple. Today, the theatre hosts ballets, off-Broadway performances, weddings, private corporate events, and more. Before your show starts, be sure to take a look at the Moorish design of this historic building. 

Catch a Few Thrills at Six Flags Over Georgia

Goliath at Six Flags Over Georgia

If you’re a coaster junkie, you’ll love Six Flags Over Georgia, home of top-ranked coasters like Goliath, Twisted Cyclone, and Batman: The Ride. Located just outside Atlanta in Austell, GA, this amusement park has a little bit of everything for the thrill-seekers and the little ones, too! Six Flags over Georgia also features two children’s areas for the little ones to enjoy. When you need to take a break from twisting and turning, check out a live show or take an antique photo with the family. 

Take a Stroll Through Sweetwater Creek State Park

Just 15 miles from Downtown Atlanta, Sweetwater Creek is a great place to experience nature and history at the same time. Formerly Cherokee land, this 2,549-acre state park eventually became home of the New Manchester Manufacturing Company and accompanying mill town of New Manchester. Both the town and manufacturing mill were later burned down by the Union Army during the Civil War, but you can still explore the protected ruins that were left behind. While you’re taking in the historic ruins, take a moment to enjoy the rich biodiversity and geological formations in the area. 

Learn About Civil Rights and Coca-Cola in Pemberton Place

Coca-Cola World in Atlanta

Named after John Pemberton, the inventor of Coca-Cola, Pemberton Place is a vibrant district just north of the Centennial Olympic Park featuring several unique attractions such as the Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola, and the Center for Civil and Human Rights. If you’re looking to live as the locals do, spend a little time attending the live music and events taking place around Pemberton Place. 

Prepping for a Georgia Move

If you’re fully convinced that you’re ready to put down roots in Atlanta, you need to begin planning for your move. You’ll first want to look for a job if you don’t already have one lined up. Alternatively, if you plan to continue your current job remotely, you only need to worry about choosing which Atlanta neighborhood or suburb best accommodates your lifestyle. Once all of that has been ironed out, it’s time to plan the nitty-gritty details of your move

Start by setting a budget for your move and determining whether you’ll need a moving truck or not. If you plan to look for a new home when you arrive, you might want to consider renting a storage unit to store the contents of your previous home. A storage unit is recommended if you’re moving into a home that’s smaller than your previous one. 
Having enough packing supplies is also crucial to a successful move. Thankfully, storage facilities like Prime Storage offer moving supplies from boxes to tape, bubble wrap, and beyond!  

When Your Atlanta Move Demands Space Choose Prime Storage

Whether you’re planning to move your life to the ATL or attending school at one of the many Colleges and Universities in the area, Prime Storage offers storage units, across multiple Atlanta suburbs, in a variety of sizes. Choose a small 5×5 unit for your dorm items while you’re at home for the summer or a 15×30 unit to store the contents of your home while you hunt for your forever home. 

Our convenient, affordable units are also equipped with month-to-month leases so you won’t get locked into a long-term rental contract. In addition to our flexible units, our facilities also have boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and other moving supplies available for purchase. With our help, you’re sure to have a successful, less stressful move to the ATL. Get answers to your storage questions from our FAQ page or find an Atlanta location near you to rent your unit today!

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