📦 Moving to Atlanta Checklist: Everything You Need to Know Before Relocating
Are you thinking of moving to Atlanta? Moving to Atlanta is a major life upgrade, whether you're coming for a new job, better weather, or just to live closer to the heart of Southern culture. But, like any big city, it helps to plan.
This ultimate Checklist will guide you step-by-step through what to research, pack, set up, and explore before and after you land in the A.
🏙️ 1. Choose the Right Neighborhood
Atlanta is known for its distinct neighborhoods, each with its vibe. Here's a quick breakdown to help narrow your options:
NeighborhoodBest ForVibe
Midtown Young professionals, walkability Urban, artsy, fast-paced
Buckhead Upscale living, shopping, business Chic, polished, bustling
East Atlanta Village (EAV) Creatives, affordability Quirky, music-loving, laid-back
Inman Park / Old Fourth Ward Foodies, Beltline lovers Trendy, historic, central
Decatur Families, quiet charm, Suburban-feel, local pride
West Midtown Loft lovers, warehouse vibes, Industrial-chic, growing
✅ Checklist:
Research average rent/home prices in your target area
Use Zillow, HotPads, or Apartment List to browse
Visit in person, if possible, before signing a lease
🚚 2. Plan Your Move
Moving to Atlanta requires preparation whether you're coming from across the country or the state.
✅ Checklist:
Book movers (or rent a truck) 4–6 weeks in advance
Check traffic patterns—Atlanta has major rush hours
Consider a mid-week move to avoid congestion
Plan for summer heat if moving June–August
💡 Pro Tip: Avoid I-285 and I-75/85 during peak hours. Traffic is no joke here.
🏡 3. Set Up Your New Home
Before you arrive, take care of the essentials so you're not scrambling on Day One.
✅ Checklist:
Set up electricity: Georgia Power or your local EMC
Internet/cable: Xfinity, AT&T Fiber, or Google Fiber
Water/trash: Set up through your county
Update your mailing address with the USPS
📦 Don't forget:
Shower curtain
Trash bins
Starter groceries
Toilet paper (trust us on this one)
📇 4. Handle the Admin Stuff
To officially become an Atlantan, you've got a few boxes to tick.
✅ Checklist:
Get a Georgia driver's license (within 30 days)
Register your vehicle in GA
Update voter registration
Explore local banks and credit unions
Get renter's or homeowner's insurance
📍 License Tip: Georgia DDS locations can be busy—book your appointment online.
💼 5. Find Work (or Set Up Your Business)
Atlanta is a tech, film, finance, healthcare, and startup hub. If you're moving for work, great—if not, the city has opportunities.
✅ Checklist:
Update LinkedIn with "Open to Work" in Atlanta
Search local job boards (Indeed ATL, BuiltIn ATL)
Attend networking events like Grown Techie or BNG
Consider co-working spaces like Industrious or WeWork
📣 Starting a business?
Register your LLC through the Georgia Secretary of State
Set up your business taxes (and check out Madison's Tax Guide)
Join local chambers or entrepreneur groups
📚 6. Choose Schools or Childcare (If Applicable)
Atlanta has strong public and private school options, but districts vary greatly by zip code.
✅ Checklist:
Use GreatSchools.org to check district ratings
Consider private options like Paideia or Atlanta International School
Search for local daycares or Montessori programs early—waiting lists are common
🧘 7. Build Your Community
Moving to a new city is easier when you connect with people fast.
✅ Checklist:
Attend Buckhead Networking Group events
Join Meetup groups for your interests
Try fitness classes like yoga at Highland Yoga or spin at Vibe Ride
Volunteer through Hands On Atlanta
💬 Tip: ATL is super social, so striking up conversations at coffee shops, breweries, or the Beltline is totally normal.
🌆 8. Explore Atlanta Like a Local
Now for the fun part—getting to know your new city!
✅ Checklist:
Walk or bike the Atlanta Beltline
Grab brunch at The Breakfast Boys or South City Kitchen
Visit the High Museum, Ponce City Market, and Piedmont Park
Catch a concert at The Tabernacle or Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Try everything from Korean BBQ in Duluth to soul food on Auburn Ave
🧾 9. Bonus: ATL Insider Hacks
Traffic Tip: Learn the "surface street" routes to skip highway jams
Weather Note: Expect hot, humid summers and surprise storms
Slang 101: "The A," "Perimeter," "OTP," and "trap" all have special meanings here
Parking: Use the ParkMobile app in most neighborhoods
Ready to Call Atlanta Home?
Moving to a new city can feel overwhelming, but Atlanta makes it worth it with its charm, energy, and opportunity. Use this guide as your Checklist, and you'll live like a local in no time.
🎯 Want to meet other professionals, business owners, and creatives?
