Moving to Atlanta: Life in the South
Sep 1, 2026 / Alyssa Duranty
Moving to Atlanta means choosing from a wide range of neighborhoods, job centers, restaurants, parks and entertainment options. Because the metro area is large, your commute, preferred lifestyle and location can have a major effect on day-to-day life.
Before you move, consider where you will live and work, how you plan to get around and whether you need extra space for belongings while you settle in.
What Should You Know Before Moving to Atlanta?
Atlanta offers urban, suburban and mixed-use living options across a large metro area. Atlanta proper covers more than 130 square miles, while surrounding communities extend well beyond the city limits.
Before choosing a home, consider:
- Commute times during peak traffic
- Access to MARTA, major roads and the Atlanta BeltLine
- Parking availability
- Whether you prefer an intown neighborhood or a suburb
- Summer heat and humidity
- Space for furniture, moving boxes and seasonal belongings
What Are Some Atlanta Neighborhoods to Consider?
Atlanta has hundreds of neighborhoods with different housing types, local amenities and overall atmospheres. The best neighborhood for you will depend on your commute, budget and preferences.
- Midtown: A central area near offices, restaurants, museums, theaters and Piedmont Park. Housing options include apartments, condos and residential streets, with many destinations nearby.
- Buckhead: Known for shopping, dining, office buildings and a range of residential options, including high-rises, apartments, condos and established single-family home neighborhoods.
- Old Fourth Ward: An intown neighborhood near Ponce City Market, Krog Street Market and the Eastside Trail of the Atlanta BeltLine. It includes historic homes, newer residential development, parks and restaurants.
- Little Five Points: Known for independent shops, murals, live music, vintage stores and casual restaurants. It may appeal to people looking for a locally focused, arts-oriented neighborhood.
- Atlantic Station: A mixed-use community with apartments, offices, shops, restaurants and entertainment in one centralized area. Many everyday errands and dining options are close by.
Do You Need a Car to Get Around Atlanta?
Many Atlanta residents rely on a car, particularly when traveling between suburbs, job centers and neighborhoods. Traffic can be heavy during weekday commutes, so check typical travel times before choosing a home or apartment.
MARTA rail and bus service can be useful for some commutes, but access varies across the metro area. If public transportation is important to you, review station locations, bus routes and travel times before deciding where to live.
The Atlanta BeltLine provides trails and green space for walking and biking in several intown areas. The Eastside Trail connects neighborhoods with parks, restaurants, shops and other destinations.
What Is the Job Market Like in Atlanta?
Atlanta is a major employment center for transportation, logistics, technology, healthcare, media, retail and film production. Large employers in the area include The Home Depot, UPS, Coca-Cola and Delta Air Lines, along with universities, hospitals, startups and production companies.
When considering a job or housing location, factor commute time into your decision. A short distance can take longer during busy travel periods.
What Storage Options Are Available When Moving to Atlanta?
Storage can provide flexibility when your moving schedule, furniture delivery or new-home timeline does not line up. It can also help keep moving boxes, furniture, seasonal items and outdoor gear organized while you get settled.
Public Storage offers a range of storage unit sizes at Atlanta-area locations, so you can choose space based on what you plan to store. Available features at select locations include:
- Climate-controlled storage for belongings that may benefit from a more consistent storage environment
- Drive-Up Access for loading and unloading directly from a vehicle
- 24/7 access for added flexibility around your schedule
- Vehicle storage for cars, boats and RVs
Before choosing a unit, make an inventory of your belongings and consider how often you may need to access them. This can help you select an appropriate unit size and available features.
What Can You Do After Moving to Atlanta?
Atlanta offers a mix of history, outdoor recreation, sports, food and live entertainment. Once you are settled, popular ways to explore the city include:
- Walking or biking the Atlanta BeltLine
- Visiting Piedmont Park
- Exploring Ponce City Market and Krog Street Market
- Visiting Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park
- Attending a game, concert or event downtown
- Visiting museums, theaters and music venues
- Trying restaurants in neighborhoods throughout the city
Atlanta also has a strong connection to music, film and television, with productions regularly filming throughout the region.
Need Storage During Your Move to Atlanta?
Moving to Atlanta is easier when you plan for the details beyond move-in day—from commute times to the boxes and furniture that may not fit right away. Find a nearby Public Storage location to reserve the storage space you need and settle into your new Atlanta home on your schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should I Consider Before Moving to Atlanta?
Before moving to Atlanta, consider your commute, preferred neighborhood, transportation options, parking needs, weather, and available space for furniture, moving boxes, and seasonal belongings. Atlanta’s large metro area includes urban, suburban, and mixed-use communities, so location plays a major role in daily routines.
Which Atlanta Neighborhood Is Right for Me?
The right Atlanta neighborhood for you depends on your budget, commute limitations, housing preferences and needs, and preferred lifestyle. Midtown offers central access to offices, restaurants, museums, theaters, and Piedmont Park; Buckhead features shopping, dining, offices, and varied housing; and Old Fourth Ward sits near Ponce City Market, Krog Street Market, and the Atlanta BeltLine.
How Can Self-Storage Help Me During My Move to Atlanta?
Self-storage helps during a move to Atlanta by allowing you to organize moving boxes, furniture, seasonal items, and outdoor gear while your move-in date, furniture delivery, or new-home timeline takes shape. Since all Public Storage rentals are month-to-month, when you’ve finished your move, you can end your storage lease.
What Self-Storage Features Are Available in Atlanta?
Public Storage offers climate-controlled storage at 87 Atlanta-area facilities, Drive-Up Access at 138, 24/7 Access at 95, and vehicle storage at 114 Atlanta-area locations. Climate-controlled units provide a more consistent storage environment, while Drive-Up Access streamlines loading and unloading from a vehicle. Features, unit types, and availability vary by location.
Visit the Atlanta landing page for full details and availability. https://www.publicstorage.com/self-storage-ga-atlanta
How Do I Choose the Right Self-Storage Unit Size for My Move?
You choose the right self-storage unit size for a move by making an inventory, measuring larger furniture, counting boxes, and deciding if you would prefer extra space for walkways in your unit. A 5′ x 5′ unit offers space similar to a large closet, while a 5′ x 10′ unit fits items from one room. Start with the Public Storage Size Guide, then compare nearby options.
Visit the Atlanta landing page for full details and availability. https://www.publicstorage.com/self-storage-ga-atlanta
Where Can You Find Public Storage Near Atlanta?
Public Storage assists with local storage needs in the Atlanta area with 152 area locations conveniently located along major transportation corridor I-85, around Downtown, Midtown and Buckhead, and many other Atlanta neighborhoods and surrounding cities.
You can find Public Storage near Atlanta by using the Public Storage location finder to search nearby facilities, available unit sizes, and storage features. Public Storage operates more than 4,600 facilities across 42 states.
