Atlanta Is Calling — Here's Everything You Need to Know Before You Move

Hi there! I am Brandie, from Georgia, and I am your local Atlanta expert for the ApartmentHomeLiving.com team. I hear you are contemplating a move to Atlanta and want to know the ins and outs, giving you the insider track to getting settled in the ATL after choosing just the right neighborhood. Have no fear, you will love this city as it's practically overflowing with entertainment, sports teams, restaurants, outdoor spots and culture. There is something for everything to love! Read below for your insider guide to moving to Atlanta, curated for you from a local’s perspective, mine:

Current Rental Pricing for Apartments in Atlanta

Know Your Atlanta Acronyms

Before delving into the more detailed information you will need to move here, like public and general transportation, utilities, housing, moving companies, where to go for medical care and other tidbits, I want to take a minute to fill you in on something you will have to understand quickly when residing in Atlanta, the acronyms that go with virtually everything in this city! You want to know this first, to find the right area to move to and to understand what each abbreviation means. For example, ITP and OTP are common acronyms that stand for “inside the perimeter” and “outside the perimeter” respectively. The perimeter, in this instance, refers to the loop that Interstate 285 makes around the city.

While there are exceptions to the rule, obviously, generally, ITP neighborhoods are considered urban, and more hip when compared to OTP areas. ITP also tends to have a bit more of an upscale feel and boasts many cultural events, shopping spots, and trendy restaurants. It also has some amazing private schools. OTP neighborhoods boast an overall more family-friendly vibe and are more laid-back in general. In addition, some of the nation’s very best public schools happen to be located in the OTP area, and the OTP is considered the city’s suburb areas. While I am on nicknames, Atlanta is known as the ATL, not Hotlanta!

Practical Knowledge: Atlanta Utilities

Obviously, once you find your ideal neighborhood and your perfect housing setup, buying or renting, the next thing you will likely need to know to set up a house properly is what utilities companies service the area. Garnering this knowledge ahead of time will allow you to contact the right services asap and prevent a lapse in services. The following is a breakdown of some key utility companies that service the Atlanta area:

• Electricity: When it comes to power, you have two main choices in the Atlanta area: Georgia Electric Membership Corporation (EMC) or Georgia Power.

• Internet and Cable: While the internet isn’t technically a “need”, it is practically required for modern life today. Therefore, more than likely you will want to know about the local internet and cable options. While you can still opt for as many streaming options as you want for general entertainment, you need the internet hookup to make that work. GFiber (formally Google Fiber), Xfinity, and AT&T are the most common providers in this area of Georgia.

• Sewage and Water: There isn’t a citywide company to know for this one as water services and sewer are usually handled by the local municipalities. So, when you know where you are moving, contact that local municipal organization to find out this information.

• Trash and Recycling: Again, this is location specific. Check with your local public works department to find out about trash collection and recycling collection schedules.

Surviving Atlanta Traffic, Getting Around the ATL

While there are so many positive aspects of the city of Atlanta, I must admit that there is one blaring drawback. That is the traffic! It’s not the worst in the nation, as it comes in as the 8th worst city for traffic, with an average commute time of 31.2 minutes within the metro area. Thankfully, though, there are other ways of getting around the city outside of just driving to and from, especially if you reside close to your workplace or near outdoor parks. You can reduce the amount of time you are on the roadways by taking toll roads and express lanes, and setting up the Peach Pass makes this easier.

As another way to avoid driving on the crowded freeways yourself and dealing with the headache that entails, you can instead opt to travel with the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority, known as MARTA (see another acronym, what can I say? we love this in the ATL). MARTA consists of both buses and trains or rail transportation. It is designed around the Interstate 285 loop, and you can purchase passes when using this service regularly. Honestly, even if you want to drive most days, using MARTA to get to extremely busy areas like Mercedes-Benz Stadium, where parking can become challenging, makes a lot of sense.

Many residents also opt to use ridesharing services like Lyft or Uber when trying to avoid parking challenges. In addition, as a large city with a well-designed layout, Atlanta also offers bike and scooter rentals, including electric bikes and bike shares. So, if you are so inclined, this can be a great way to get around when the weather is nice. You can also just opt to use the two feet you have to get around a great deal of downtown and midtown areas where plenty of restaurants and attractions are clustered together. Of course, for much longer commutes, Atlanta is also home to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, which is the world’s busiest airport and has over 150 domestic and 75 international destinations.

Choose the Right Moving Company

While I will not endorse one particular company over another, I will outline some key tips for finding a good moving company. Obviously, choosing the right moving company is key to a successful move and making the wrong choice can actually get you started on the wrong foot, which I most certainly don’t want to happen when you move to Atlanta. So, keep these general tips in mind when choosing your moving company:

• Research Local Movers: Whether you are moving from far away or relocating from fairly close by, it’s a good idea to find a mover that knows the city well. Look at a particular moving company's reviews, and if you know someone in the city personally, get some actual real-life recommendations.

• Get a Few Quotes: While you might end up going with the first moving quote you got, don’t stop at the first quote. Instead, get a few quotes from a few moving companies so you can compare rates and services and figure out exactly what you want to pay for and what isn’t worth the expense, in your opinion. A good rule of thumb is to get at least three quotes.

• Make Sure They are Adequately Insured: Any moving company you are considering should be properly ensured. This is imperative in terms of getting your belongings safely from point A to point B. If something happens, you want to know that you are protected.

• Consider the Cost: Even if you don’t choose to hire a moving company, you will likely have to rent a moving truck, trailer, or some sort of vehicle as well as purchase boxes and tape. Therefore, consider the costs behind moving when selecting a moving company. In other words, even doing the work completely on your own, moving isn’t free, and it might cost you your back!

Get Your Finances and To-Do List Done

Let’s face it, there are many costs associated with moving. Getting your finances ready is a good idea no matter your eventual destination. Also, there are so many little incidentals that can really sneak up on you if you don’t prepare ahead of time in terms of moving and setting up a life in another location. The following is a checklist to keep in mind to ensure you don’t overlook any necessary tasks:

• Update Your Address: Change your address with your bank, your credit card companies, subscription services and the USPS.

• Update Your Bank, Change Banks: If you were banking locally, you will need to update all this to a new bank. If you are using an online-only service, then it’s really up to you, but your address does need to be updated on everything.

• Update Your Driver’s License: In Georgia, you have 30 days to obtain a new license after moving from another state. Visit the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) to learn more.

• Register Your Vehicle: If you brought along a vehicle, you will need to register your vehicle with the Georgia Department of Revenue (DOR). You have a 30-day grace period to get this done.

• Register to Vote: If ensuring your voice is heard through your vote is important to you, you need to register to vote in your new location asap. Georgia residents should register with the Secretary of State’s office. You can register by mail, online, or in person.

• Don’t Forget About Your Pet: Don’t forget your beloved pet in terms of getting ready for a successful move. Thankfully, Atlanta is very pet-friendly in general. However, you want to make sure your pet’s ID now reflects your new location address and more. It’s also a good idea to take your pet to their established vet one more time for a general check-up and to make sure they are up-to-date on vaccinations and in good shape to travel and adapt to a new location.

• Transfer Prescriptions: One task that sometimes gets lost in the many items on your do-list is to transfer prescriptions to local stores. You will obviously need to find a new doctor too, but in the meantime, you want to make sure that your prescriptions don’t lapse, and you are left without refills. So, plan ahead for your meds to be transferred locally.

Get to Know Hospital Locations and Medical Care Options

Atlanta boasts top-tier medical care options anchored by major health care systems. While you hope to not have to require the use of such facilities, it’s always wise to learn where to go in the case of an emergency or sickness in a new place. The premier options for the city of Atlanta and even the surrounding areas are Emory Healthcare and Northside Hospital. Emory Healthcare is ranked #1 in the state and boasts the renowned Emory Brain Health Center and Winship Cancer Institute. Northside Hospital is also renowned and praised in particular for its cancer care, maternity and women’s health services.

Another Atlanta area option for medical care is Piedmont Atlanta, which is a tertiary care hospital, well known for its organ transplant programs and heart programs. Grady Health System is another option for community-wide emergency needs and specialty care. It is known as Atlanta’s Hospital. For primary or urgent care options, consider the following choices:

• Buckhead Primary and Urgent Care Clinic: This location offers same-day and walk-in services with self-pay options. This is a well-liked local option.

• Piedmont Physicians: This group of urgent and primary care options is spaced throughout the metro area, and is ideal for family medicine.

• Mercy Care: This is a nonprofit option that offers support services that make medical care accessible for even those who are uninsured.

• One Medical: This primary care option offers app-based booking and also includes several clinic locations across the Atlanta area.

Get to Know Your New Community, I Welcome You!

If you are moving to Atlanta from another state or city, you are far from alone. In fact, my beloved Atlanta is a melting pot city with roughly 37% of all residents being transplanted, accounting for 2.2 million people. So you are not alone in being new. Don’t let that keep you from getting to know your area. Jump in with both feet and see what your new community is all about. Check out the local favorite, which is comically known as a rite of passage the Clermont Lounge, visit the famous Piedmont Park and explore one of the city’s premier outdoor locations. This is the location for many seasonal events, walking trails, and more. Also, get to know the local culture by learning the history of this city when visiting the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Park and the King Center. I want to be the very first to welcome you to this fabulous city. I have no doubt you will quickly fall in love with this amazing location!