With a population of more than 6 million people, Metro Atlanta is the ninth-largest metropolitan area in the U.S. The city is home to 16 Fortune 500 companies, including Home Depot, UPS, Delta Airlines, and the Coca-Cola Company. The city is also known as “A-Town” or “the ATL.” Just don’t call it “Hotlanta.” The folks here *really* hate that.
Relocation
Relocating to Atlanta? Here’s What You Need to Know!
Thinking of relocating to Atlanta, Georgia? Good move! Atlanta is ranked in the top twenty among world cities and now boasts a booming economy and an ever-expanding job market. Atlanta has gained a reputation as the “city in a forest” thanks to its uncommon level of greenery for a major city, and its public spaces have undergone considerable revitalization since hosting the 1996 Summer Olympics.
Atlanta at a Glance
Best Places to Live in Atlanta
The most difficult choice you’re going to face when relocating to Atlanta is choosing where you want to live. For a quick rundown of some of the best-known neighborhoods/boroughs, check out our Atlanta Neighborhoods page. And if you need some help finding the perfect apartment in Atlanta, Smart City Locating is here to help.
Start your free search!
Get connected with an agent
What do I do if I have to move in and start work by a certain date, but I’m not able to visit Atlanta beforehand?
No worries! Leasing a unit sight unseen can be stressful — photos don’t always do apartments justice. Our agents are happy to do a detailed video walkthrough or FaceTime tour so you feel 100% confident about where you’ll be living.
I need to move to Atlanta 5 months from now, are you guys able to help?
While you can narrow down potential neighborhoods and apartment complexes ahead of time, properties typically don’t provide updated availability until 60 days out from your move-in date.
What if I am coming to Atlanta for only one or two days to look at apartments?
This is our full-time job, and all of our agents work pretty much all the time. If you’re coming in on a Saturday, just let your agent know and we can have updated availability and pricing for you to look over before you come. We love touring out-of-towners because we get to show off how much we love this city. We can show you the different neighborhoods, the best bars to meet new people, and all of our favorite restaurants — we’re foodies around here!
What neighborhood should I live in?
This one is actually tough because there are so many different neighborhoods that we love! But ultimately, there are a lot of other factors that determine which neighborhood is best for you including your budget, work location, what you like to do for fun, and more! Don’t worry, we’ll be sure to ask you all the right questions to ensure you choose an area you’re confident in.
How do I set up electricity/utilities?
All Atlanta properties require Georgia Power. However, our Connect Team is here to help with everything else on your move-in checklist, including internet and renters insurance. This is just another free service to thank you for choosing Smart City!
What movers should I use?
We recommend (and can get you discounts with) a number of both national and local movers! Check out our partners and get access to our discount codes right here.
What are my transportation options?
Atlanta’s public transit system MARTA is ranked in the top 10 transportation agencies in the United States. With over 330 rapid transit rail cars and 550 buses, MARTA can take you pretty much anywhere. We know of plenty of Atlanta apartments that are within walking distance of a MARTA station in case you’re not planning to bring a car!
Q : Are pets allowed?
Austin is very dog friendly. Almost all properties allow non-aggressive dogs as roommates (with a deposit), and some come with amenities like dog parks and grooming stations.
If you have an “aggressive” breed (we use quotations because we know your pit bull is sweet) then your options will be more limited, but they still exist. Contact us and we can give you the details on what to expect!
Q : What do deposits and upfront costs look like for renting in Atlanta?
Deposits usually range anywhere from $0-400, sometimes higher if there are credit issues; but no apartment requires first and last months rent, which is awesome! You can also expect to pay an application fee of $25 -$100 and an admin fee of $200-$300. We’re pretty good at finding deals though, so you shouldn’t expect to pay more than $500 for move-in costs with good credit.
Fridge, Microwave, Parking?
Luckily, refrigerators and microwaves are almost always a sure thing here in Atlanta! Parking is more case by case and relies heavily on location. For example, some apartments on the Beltline or in popular places with limited space, like Midtown, may charge an additional fee for parking. It depends entirely on the property and its policies, so be sure to ask your agent about it.
Do you offer furnished and/or short term leases?
We’ve partnered with CORT to provide our clients the option to rent furniture instead of outright purchasing everything. Get 50% off your first month when you use the code SMARTCITY50!
As for short-term leases, the minimum lease term we work with is 6 months, but pricing is usually MUCH higher for short-term leases — sometimes double the price. We always tell people that if they’re planning on moving here for at least a year, it’s well worth it to sign on for a 12-month lease to save money.