If you’re planning a move from Chicago to Atlanta, get ready for an exciting change! Atlanta has a lot to offer—live music, major sports teams, amazing food, craft beer and more. It’s a popular place for people looking for good schools and career growth too. You’ll be swapping deep dish pizza and those strong Chicago accents for sweet tea and hearing “y’all” in everyday chats. Since Atlanta is one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., you’ll be joining plenty of others who are also new to the area. Here’s a glimpse of what to expect in Atlanta and some helpful tips for your move.
Benefits of Moving from Chicago to Atlanta
When you first think of Atlanta, you might picture the heat, humidity or busy traffic—but there’s a lot more to this lively city. From its stylish architecture to its reasonable cost of living, there are tons of reasons why people in Atlanta love calling it home. Let’s take a look at just a few of those reasons!
Affordability
Even though Atlanta is the 9th biggest city in the U.S., it’s still considered very affordable. While home prices have risen in recent years, the median home in Atlanta costs around $184,000, compared to about $229,000 in Chicago. Overall, living in Atlanta is roughly 9% cheaper than in Chicago and 2% below the national average. With an average salary of around $59,000, people in Atlanta can enjoy a more comfortable lifestyle than those in many other big cities.
Mild Winters
Atlanta might be known for its hot summers but the sunny weather and mild winters make it worth it. The city gets close to 200 sunny days a year and the winters are much gentler than what you’re used to in Chicago. You won’t have to wake up early to shovel snow or walk through icy streets anymore.
Booming Economy
Atlanta’s large size and affordable rental prices have attracted many businesses to the area. Because of this, the city’s unemployment rate is lower than the national average. There are plenty of job options in Atlanta across many industries—like healthcare, tech, finance, hospitality and more. In fact, 16 Fortune 500 companies have their headquarters in Atlanta, including big names like Home Depot, UPS, Delta Air Lines, Coca-Cola and SunTrust Banks.
Fantastic Culinary Scene
The South is known for its tasty soul food and comfort dishes and Atlanta definitely delivers on that—but it also goes beyond. The city has a wide variety of award-winning restaurants. From top-notch barbecue to flavors from around the world, Atlanta has something for everyone and is quickly becoming a favorite spot for food lovers.
Excellent Education
Atlanta has some of the top colleges and universities in the South. These well-respected schools are nationally ranked and help students find good job opportunities right after graduation. Some of the best-known colleges in the city include Emory, Georgia State University and Georgia Tech.
Professional Sports Teams
If you’re into sports, Atlanta is a great place to be. The city is big on both pro and college sports, and it’s a regular part of life here. Atlanta is home to major teams like the Atlanta Braves, Atlanta Hawks and Atlanta Falcons—each with a strong fan base that shows up every season. And if you enjoy college sports, Georgia Tech has exciting basketball and football teams too.
Cost of Moving from Chicago to Atlanta
Moving from Chicago to Atlanta can be more affordable when you choose a trusted company like STI. On average, the cost of the move with STI is about $2,615.17. Of course, the final price depends on several things—like how far you’re going, how much stuff you’re moving, if anything needs special care and whether you need help with packing or unpacking. The best way to get an exact price is by using our Instaquote tool!
How to Move from Chicago to Atlanta
STI is excited to congratulate you on your move from Chicago to Atlanta! Moving to a new city can be stressful which is why having trusted professionals by your side is so important to make sure your long-distance move goes smoothly and without hassle. With over 25+ years of experience, STI has helped many customers like you. Our trained team is here to offer expert advice and top-quality service every step of the way. From packing and unpacking to carefully transporting your belongings, STI will handle the tough stuff so you can focus on starting your new life in Atlanta!
Give STI a call today to learn more about our moving services, or jumpstart your move by using our Instaquote tool!
