Moving From Chicago to Atlanta

Moving to a new city can be a scary process. You’ve probably heard a lot about the crime rate, the weather, and how it’s going to change your life. Maybe you’re considering doing it for a job, a relationship, or just to try something completely new.

Regardless of the reason, there’s plenty to learn before making a move. In this guide, we'll walk you through what you need to know before moving from Chicago to Atlanta.

Moving from Chicago to Atlanta

Benefits of Moving From Chicago to Atlanta

In the era of globalization, there are many advantages of moving to Atlanta from any part of the country or the world. Living in a great city with several facilities makes a lifestyle comfortable and demands fewer efforts from its residents.

The simple truth is that you’re going to like it here. The city is young and vibrant, offering a wide variety of activities and events for those who want to make Atlanta their home. With that in mind, here are the top 7 reasons why Atlanta is a great place to live:

Reasonable Cost of Living

There are plenty of reasons to move to Atlanta, but affordability is near the top. According to Payscale, the cost of living in Atlanta is currently 1% lower compared to the national average. Here, housing expenses are 6% lower than the national average while utility prices are 15% lower.

To give you an idea of what to expect, here are some of the numbers:

Energy Bill - $143.01
Median Rent - $1,026
Gas - $2.64/gallon

Booming Economy

If you're on the hunt for a city with a stable job market, Atlanta should be your top pick. Over the years, this city has maintained its spot as one of the country's most thriving cities. With 16 Fortune 500 companies, great infrastructure, and low-cost entry for new businesses, there are many opportunities for entrepreneurs and job seekers alike.

Plenty of Entertainment

Residents in Atlanta love to stay active. While Atlanta has plenty to explore downtown, Midtown and Buckhead offer loads of fun. For example, the Atlanta Beltline is a 22-mile loop of streetcars and trails that showcases the city’s public art and history. If you’re looking to catch a game at Turner Field, home of the Atlanta Braves, or watch the Hawks take on the Suns, head to the Phillips Arena. There are also plenty of museums, like the High Museum of Art and the Fernbank Museum of Natural History.

Easy Access to Nature

If you're picturing a skyline, palm trees, and plenty of sunshine, you've got it right. Atlanta is a great place to move to from Chicago if you love nature. The Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area is only a forty-minute drive from downtown Atlanta. The park has many hiking trails and overlooks.

Cycling or running on the many trails throughout the city, taking a hike through the woods at Stone Mountain Park, or visiting one of Atlanta's theme parks are just some of the many outdoor adventures available. And it's not just nature that is nearby. Atlantans enjoy art museums, symphony concerts, professional sports games, and more.

Home of Sports

Atlanta is the only city that is home to all four major sports. The Atlanta Falcons are football. The Hawks are basketball. The Braves are baseball. And the Thrashers are hockey. Add to it the teams of MLS, college sports, and semi-professional sports, and there are games every single day--even on holidays.

Milder Winters Than Other Areas of the US

Atlanta winters aren't as harsh as in other US areas. The weather is generally mild, with daytime temperatures in the 50s and 60s, while nights dip into the 20s and 30s. This range is much warmer than other areas in the nation such as the Northeast and Midwest, where temperatures can get below freezing.

Food

The Atlantan culture is one to be experienced. Here, local artwork adorns restaurant walls while the latest work of soon-to-be-famous artists decorates the sides of avenues. The cuisine is an ode to the homeland, offering classics like soul food and also bringing in new ethnicities, like Ethiopian or Vietnamese. Beaches beckon surfers and sun worshipers alike. And the nightlife is never short on energy or activity. Those looking at apartments in Atlanta will find it hard not to feel at home in this diverse city.

Cost of Moving from Chicago to Atlanta

The average line haul cost of moving from Chicago to Atlanta with North American is $3,000. However, the price varies depending on the distance, special items being transported, packing, and unpacking among other factors.

To determine the exact cost of your move and the most up-to-date pricing information for all additional services, use our Quote on Demand tool above.

Average cost to move: $3,000

Most Popular Areas in Atlanta

Whether it’s residential real estate, leasing an apartment, or purchasing a home in Atlanta, there are plenty of ways for you to live comfortably. The average sale value of houses sold in the area is $221K. At the median listing price of $189K, this is a fair price for what you can expect.

Atlantic Station

Atlantic Station is a neighborhood in Atlanta, the state capital of Georgia, United States. The community contains 21,000 residents within its 2.1-square-mile (5.4 km2), dense, walkable area that includes public spaces and major retail attractions.

Lenox Park

Morningside/Lenox Park is a wonderful area. The homes are very comfortable, upscale, and well secured. Many of the homes are custom built with different plans available for any taste or budget. There are many single-family homes, duplexes, condos, large lot homes, townhomes, and lofts. Morningside/Lenox Park is close to major employers, shopping malls, restaurants, medical facilities, recreation centers, and more.

Buckhead

Buckhead offers the pinnacle of luxury and sophistication in an urban setting. Only minutes from major highways, Buckhead boasts a convenient location that’s still removed enough to provide an intimate and upscale atmosphere. The lavish neighborhood is dotted with designer shopping, luxury resorts, and historic mansions. Considered the “Beverly Hills of the South,” Buckhead is a prestigious place to live in Atlanta.

Summerhill

Imagine a diverse and walkable community, one that is packed with character but has a low cost of living. Located west of Downtown Atlanta and east of H.E. Holmes, you'll be close to major employers including the Georgia State Stadium, the CDC, and Kaiser Permanente's headquarters. In addition to all of these amenities, you'll also be a hop away from the upcoming historic Grant Park and an easy commute route to the west side MARTA station.

Westview

A quick ride down Mitchell Street, and you'll find the perfect house in Westview. In this charming neighborhood, you'll find a variety of Tudor-style cottages and charming bungalows. Full of older residents, Westview has a large number of active-adult communities. With a reputation for being a great place to purchase a fixer-upper, this neighborhood is one of the city's hidden gems.

How to Move From Chicago to Atlanta

Every time you make a change, it can feel like a big risk. When you move from Chicago to Atlanta, it’s likely going to mean moving everything you own across town or the country. It’s going to mean meeting new people, making new friends, and learning a lot more about certain things. It can be scary – but it doesn’t have to be!

You can make this process smoother by involving the services of professional movers.

Why NorthAmerican Van Lines?

With North American Moving Services, you're getting the best in the business. Our expert moving company has been around since 1945 and now serves more than 20 million customers nationwide each year by getting it right the first time.

We have an extensive network of offices across the U.S., so whether you choose us for your local move or out-of-state move, you'll be served by experienced movers who are trained specifically to handle all aspects of the job. To learn more about what makes North American one of the most trusted names in packing, shipping, storage, and moving services, contact us today.