Here's How To Make A Move To Atlanta

Moving to Atlanta isn’t as hard as people expect. If you want to make your transition as simple as possible, real estate broker Matthew Share presents some info and a few tips that can help.

A Quick Look at the Cost of Living in Atlanta

Overall, the cost of living in Atlanta is moderate, falling relatively close to the national average. While that may be enough to leave you feeling confident about a move, particularly if you’re coming from a high-cost state, it’s still wise to look at a few details.

When it comes to housing, explore what’s currently available in-market in the various suburbs and neighborhoods first to familiarize yourself with what to expect. When buying a home, finding homeowners insurance in Atlanta is important, as it will cover you in case of disaster. Storms are nothing new in the region, and most mortgage lenders require homeowners insurance no matter where you live.

It’s always a good idea to look into a home warranty. If you want to see if a warranty is worth it, understand that a home warranty is a useful tool for keeping your home budget safe by preventing you from having to pay for major out-of-pocket expenses in the event one or more of your home systems or appliances fails. It’s worthwhile to explore what home warranty options are available and choose the best one for you and your home.

In terms of monthly expenses, Numbeo notes that you can anticipate spending around $208 for utilities and transportation costs are pretty reasonable, sitting at $5,509 annually for a single adult or $15,012 per year for a family of four. Healthcare runs $2,583 annually for a single adult, with a family of four paying closer to $7,959 per year.

Compared to many other states, childcare is affordable in Atlanta. You can expect to spend around $7,782 per year for each child. In-state college tuition is also pretty low, sitting at $4,737 per year according to College Tuition Compare.

Tips for a Successful Move to Atlanta

Start Making Connections Now

Having local connections can make your transition easier, giving you a social foundation for when you arrive. Start building relationships by tapping your network. Find out if any of your contacts have connections in Atlanta and request introductions. That gives you someone you can turn to if you have questions or need advice about the city.

Joining local social media groups can also be wise. Whether they’re social or professional, it’ll give you the inside track on your new city.

Finding a doctor is also important, as you’ll want medical treatment and prescriptions to go uninterrupted before, during and after the move. This is where telehealth is so helpful — online platforms are now designed to allow you to consult with board-certified physicians to discuss any conditions you may have, as well as get new medications or prescription refills. The benefits of an online doctor include the convenience of connecting anywhere you have an internet connection, and most major insurance providers cover the service.

Choose to Move Mid-Month and Mid-Week

If you want the best price on moving services, select a date in the middle of the month. Additionally, opt for a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday. Those are far less popular times to move, so you’ll have an easier time getting your preferred movers and a good price.

Keep Your Furnishings in Mind When Choosing a Home

While focusing on the furnishings you own when considering houses seems odd, it’s a wise move. If some of your furniture won’t fit through the doorways, around corners in hallways, or up staircases, you’ll need to either choose a different place or plan on purchasing replacement furniture.

Make sure to measure any furnishings you’d like to keep and store those metrics in a note on your phone. Then, bring a tape measure with your during property tours, allowing you to determine if your stuff fits.

As with furnishings, you’ll want to ascertain what items you’ll need in your new home to get settled in ASAP. Many people choose to leave behind larger appliances like refrigerators as part of the selling agreement to reduce the number of large items included in the move, which means you’ll need to start looking for new items before moving day.

Start Your Job Search Before You Move

Generally speaking, you want to have a plan for your career before you start the relocation process. Often, it takes weeks or months to land something new. So, if you aren’t in a remote role that can travel with you, start seeking out opportunities two or three months before you plan on heading to your new state.

If you want a new career once you move, why not launch your own business? You’ll want to start by writing a business plan. With a business plan, you can set the stage for success. In your plan, outline your company description, funding requirements, selling strategy, business structure, and financial projections. That gives you a solid roadmap, increasing your odds of making your dream a reality.

Moving to Atlanta is exciting, but make sure you have a game plan ready to go. Research the area, hook up with an online doctor, purchase good homeowners insurance and a home warranty, check out home product reviews, and find a place that suits your budget and lifestyle. Atlanta has a lot to offer — it’s up to you to make the most of it. Contact Matthew Share to begin your home search today! 678-520-3113.

Content contributed by Andrea Needham of eldersday.org