What to Expect When Moving to Atlanta From the UK

If you’re thinking of moving to Atlanta, you’re not alone! Around 52,000 British expats live in Georgia, with many drawn to the friendly locals, excellent career opportunities, and world-class cuisine in Atlanta. The “Empire City of the South” perfectly blends modern living with classic Southern charm and hospitality, not ignoring its deep-rooted history. 

Home to major companies like Coca-Cola and Delta Air Lines, Atlanta’s economy and job market are booming. Whether you want to move to Atlanta for career progression, experience Southern hospitality or want to enjoy unique outdoor activities like the Atlanta BeltLine, 1st Move International can get you there safely and quickly.

This detailed blog will cover everything you need to know about your upcoming removals to Atlanta, from the infamous traffic congestion to endless green space and outdoor activities like Piedmont Park and Stone Mountain. 

Is it a Good Idea to Move to Atlanta?

Like most cities, there are pros and cons of living in Atlanta. We’ve listed the main advantages and disadvantages of making the move to Atlanta so you are aware of everything.

Pros of Moving to Atlanta:

Thriving Economy – Atlanta is recognised as a technology hub, ranking third in the U.S. as the best tech city for careers. The film industry is also thriving in Atlanta, with major studios like Pinewood Atlanta Studios and Tyler Perry Studios being big employers.

Southern Hospitality – Atlantans are renowned for their Southern hospitality, marked by their friendly and welcoming nature. You’ll be greeted with Southern charm in most places, like restaurants, cafes, and parks. 

Lively Cultural Scene – Atlanta has a rich history and lively culture, which is reflected in its love for live music and Southern BBQ food. These are ways families and friends come together to embrace culture and history. 

Cons of Moving to Atlanta: 

Bad Traffic – A lack of walkability, limited public transport, and a sprawling city mean Atlanta’s residents rely on their cars. This has led to notoriously bad traffic, especially during peak times. 

Hot and Humid Summers – The humid subtropical climate of Atlanta means summers are uncomfortably hot, with temperatures often exceeding 32°C. Humidity makes it feel much warmer than it is, too. You can slowly adjust to this weather if you are not used to it, but the city is well-prepared with air conditioning.

Education Quality Varies – There are some excellent schools in Atlanta, but the quality across schools is inconsistent in the public school district. Certain areas struggle with underfunded schools, which affects the resources and quality of teaching.

Cost of Living in Atlanta 

Atlanta is more affordable than many major cities like New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, especially when it comes to housing, dining, and transportation. However, as the city grows and more people move in, many costs, particularly in popular neighbourhoods, are on the rise. 

Compared to other Southern cities like Dallas or Houston, Atlanta remains relatively affordable, though it can be a bit pricier in certain areas, such as housing and rent. The average house price in Atlanta is around the $400,000 mark at $388,548, which is more expensive than in surrounding states like Alabama, Tennessee, and South Carolina. Housing is also 35% higher in Atlanta than in the UK,

Grocery prices in Atlanta are 29% higher than in the city of Savannah, Georgia, reflecting rising costs throughout the city. They are also slightly higher than the national average and the UK. A loaf of bread in Atlanta costs £3.08 ($3.98), compared to £1.24 ($1.60) in the UK, and 1kg of chicken fillets averages £11.37 ($14.68) in Atlanta and £6.61 ($8.54) in the UK. 

The cost of living in Atlanta is approximately 23.1% higher than in the UK, with a family of four needing around £3,647.7 ($4,714.2) per month in living costs (before rent), compared to £2,796.1 ($3,608.68) in the UK.

Housing in Atlanta

Atlanta has been dubbed one of the top 10 housing markets to watch in 2025, with an expected strong demand, price growth, and new construction opportunities coming. 

House Prices

The average house price in Atlanta is $388,548, reflecting a 2.4% decrease in price from the previous year. Homes typically go pending in around 65 days, with those in-demand properties taking around 29 days to sell. You can buy a single-family home for around $438,735, and condos typically sell for $303,531 on average. 

Market Outlook 

63.9% of homes sell for under the listing price, marking a moderate market that’s not too competitive. By the end of 2024, the metro Atlanta area saw a 42% surge in listings compared to the previous year, going from 14,561 available homes to 20,710.

Despite a moderately priced housing market compared to other big cities, residents spend around 31.1% of their income on housing costs, higher than the national average of 29.2%.

Rental Market

The rental market in Atlanta remains affordable compared to many major U.S. cities, with the average monthly rental bill around $1,802. Studio apartments cost renters in Atlanta around $1,726, which is up by 7% from last year, one-bedroom apartments around $1,603, and two-bedroom homes average at $2,223, a 10% decrease from last year. 

In recent years, there has been an influx of new rental units and strong competition among renters. This has led to a 16% decrease in available rental units in 2025. However, it’s expected that the market will return to a positive trajectory and will see an annual rental increase of almost 2% by the end of the year.

Buying a House as a UK Expat

There are no restrictions for British expats buying property in Atlanta or the U.S., but there may be slightly stricter requirements from mortgage providers. You will typically need a higher down payment of between 30% and 50%, and you’ll be subject to a higher interest rate than domestic buyers. 

If you are a permanent resident of the U.S., then you will have the same benefits as U.S. citizens. Your ability to secure a mortgage depends primarily on your credit score, income, and debt-to-income ratio rather than your immigration status. You will also need to pay property taxes, homeowners’ insurance, and potential HOA fees when buying a home in the U.S.

Atlanta’s Neighbourhoods 

Deciding where to live in Atlanta will depend on your budget and circumstances. Atlanta is home to some diverse neighbourhoods, offering a range of historic properties and modern units. 

Kirkwood 

Located in East Atlanta, Kirkwood is a charming neighbourhood offering a mix of historic homes, a strong community vibe, and more affordable housing. The neighbourhood is family-friendly, with a relaxed feel, but also close to the city for the best of both worlds. The average house price in Kirkwood is $575,000, which is more expensive than Atlanta’s average but reflects the increasing demand to live in the neighbourhood, especially among families and young professionals. 

The area is thriving with plenty of activities and facilities to enjoy. The main strip along Hosea Williams Drive has a mix of local shops, cafes, and restaurants and is easily walkable. Popular spots include Kirkwood’s Coffee Shop, The Pullman, and The James Room. Kirkwood is served by some excellent schools, including Toomer Elementary and Maynard H. Jackson High School. 

The Kirkwood Urban Forest is ideal for nature lovers, offering green space for running, walking, and picnics. Kirkwood’s community spirit shines through during the annual Kirkwood Spring Fling and Tour of Homes, where resident open up their homes for locals and businesses to explore. 

Midtown 

For those wanting to be near the nightlife and corporate side of Atlanta, Midtown is an ideal place to live. It’s classed as the heart of Atlanta, being an incredibly desirable place to live for young professionals. The area is made up of high-rise condos, luxury apartments, and some historic homes, with the average house price being $370,416. One-bed apartments and condos sell for around $351,630.

Midtown is one of Atlanta’s most walkable neighbourhoods and is also well connected with the MARTA rail station. It’s an ideal place to live for students, those in the corporate world, or those working in the education sector, as Midtown is home to Georgia Tech University and major companies like Google, Microsoft, Norfolk Southern, and Coca-Cola.

Piedmont Park is a great outdoor space that often holds festivals and is catered for runners and bikers. Midtown also boasts many restaurants, coffee shops, and rooftop bars, with some popular spots including The Lawrence, 5Church, and South City Kitchen.

East Atlanta Village

One of the more affordable areas to live in Atlanta, East Atlanta Village is known for its indie vibe, arts scene, and vibrant nightlife. The neighbourhood is made up of bungalows, craftsman-style homes, and townhouses, with some new build homes and apartments. The average house price in East Atlanta Village is $489,886, with Zillow reporting no change in price from last year. The area is going through some gentrification, so house prices are predicted to rise throughout the year.

East Atlanta Village is not directly covered by the MARTA rail, but there are bus routes and easy access to the I-20 and I-285 for commuting. The area also provides easy access to Downtown Atlanta, which is just a 10-15 minute drive away. The neighbourhood has lots to offer, including the East Atlanta Village Farmers Market every week and a thriving bar scene, boasting hidden gems like Gaja Korean Bar.

Public schools available to residents in East Atlanta Village include the elementary school, Burgess-Peterson Academy and Maynard H. Jackson High School. There are plenty of jobs on offer in the retail, service industry, creative fields, and tech sectors, and a short commute to  Downtown and Midtown for those seeking corporate and tech roles.

West End

West End Atlanta offers the perfect blend of historic charm and modern amenities. The area boasts affordable homes, with major development projects ongoing. The average house price is $295,469, which is 31% cheaper than Atlanta’s average. One of Atlanta’s oldest neighbourhoods, West End boasts Victorian-era homes and historic bungalows as well as new constructions of modern units to help with demand.

Home to the Atlanta BeltLine’s Westside Trail for easy access to other parts of the city, as well as offering connections to restaurants, breweries, and parks. The neighbourhood also has deep African American cultural roots, which is reflected in some of the best Black-owned eateries in Atlanta like famous Slutty Vegan as well as museums like the Black fine arts museum, Hammonds House Museum.

West End is also home to some excellent schools, including the charter middle school KIPP STRIVE Academy, and public schools Brown Middle School and Booker T. Washington High School.

Overview of Atlanta’s Job Market  

Atlanta’s job market is diverse and is growing, with the increasing presence of large companies opening up in the city. The unemployment rate is currently 3.90%, which is lower than the national average, which reflects the growing job market, specifically in the technology, healthcare, and film sectors. 

Popular Industries 

• Technology: Big tech names like Microsoft, Google, and NCR are growing their presence in Atlanta, helping to turn the city into a tech hub. In-demand roles throughout the industry include Software Developers, Data Scientists, and Cybersecurity Analysts.
• Healthcare: Major employers in the healthcare sector include Emory Healthcare, Piedmont Healthcare, and Grady Health System. Remote roles are on the rise in the industry, with roles such as Patient Care Coordinator, Utilization Review Nurse, and Executive Assistant available as remote.
• Film and Entertainment: Dubbed the “Hollywood of the South,” major film studios like Tyler Perry Studios are based in Atlanta. A range of roles are on offer, including Production Assistant at Warner Bros and Stagehand at Live Nation.
• Finance: Atlanta is a financial hub and home to well-known finance companies such as Truist, Global Payments, and Equifax. The employment of Financial Analysts, Financial Managers, and Assistant Controllers is expected to grow by around 10% in the coming years.

Top Employers 

• Delta Air Lines – Delta Air Lines is a major employer in the aviation sector in Atlanta, employing roles in corporate as well as flight attendants and ground support.
• Coca-Cola – Coca-Cola’s headquarters are in Atlanta, and they offer a wide range of roles from marketing to software engineers. 
• Home Depot – Another company with headquarters in the city, Home Depot employs a range of people in roles including retail, logistics, corporate, IT, and customer service.
• UPS  – Atlanta is one of UPS’ key hubs with current openings such as Package Handlers, HR Specialists, and Data Analysts.
• Georgia Power – There is a range of roles on offer at Georgia Power, from customer service positions to those in designing and maintaining electrical systems roles. 

Average Salaries 

The average salary in Atlanta is $80,000 per year, according to PayScale. Salaries vary across sectors, with in-demand and skill-specific roles typically paying more competitively. The company and your experience will also play a part in the salary you can negotiate. Here are some average salaries for some in-demand roles, as well as some popular UK jobs like registered nurse and high school teacher, to offer a comparison. 

• Software Developer – $85,000
• Patient Care Coordinator – $40,940
• Film Production Assistant – $49,000
• Financial Manager – $130,000
• Registered Nurse – $75,000
• High School Teacher – $60,000 

How Does Healthcare Work in Atlanta

Healthcare in Atlanta is well-established, boasting world-class hospitals and offering a diverse range of health services.

Major Healthcare Providers 

Emory Healthcare offers advanced medical care in cardiology and heart surgery, specialised stroke and brain care, and organ transplant, to name a few. The hospital has also been a major contributor to the medical research field. Piedmont Healthcare provides a range of services but is particularly known for its work in women’s health and a strong community focus.

Insurance Options 

Employer-sponsored Health Insurance – The majority of workers in Atlanta will get health insurance through their employer. The employer typically contributes between 50% and 80% of the premium cost, and the employee will pay some. Through employer schemes, employees typically pay $300–$600 per month to contribute to a family plan. There is a range of cover types, including Health Maintenance Organisations, Preferred Provider Organisations, Exclusive Provider Organisations, and High Deductible Health Plans. The latter means employees pay lower premiums but have to pay higher deductibles when they use a service. 

Private Health Insurance – Many residents who can’t get insurance through work or choose to insure their whole family opt for private health insurance. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia, Cigna, Aetna, Humana, and UnitedHealthcare are among the top providers in Atlanta. Health insurance premiums typically cost between $1,000 to $1,500 per month for a family of four through the Affordable Care Act Marketplace, but vary by plan, income, and level of coverage.

Government Programs – Eligibility is limited to people on extremely low incomes for Medicaid in Atlanta. If you do quality for this scheme, Medicaid will cover the cost of doctor visits, hospital care, and prescription medications. There is also Medicare for those over 65 or those under 65 with disabilities. You can find out more about Atlanta’s coverage through the Medicare website and the Georgia Medicaid website.

Accessing Healthcare in Atlanta as a UK Expat

As the healthcare system differs from the UK, you will need healthcare insurance or one of the above options to access healthcare in Atlanta. You will need to register with your local Primary Care Physician. You can find a local doctor via your health insurance provider’s network directory or by checking on websites like Zocdoc or Healthgrades. If you do not yet have legal residency in the U.S., you won’t qualify for government programmes like Medicaid or Medicare. 

Education Options in Atlanta 

Atlanta Public Schools serves around 50,000 students. Georgia ranks average for its education, but there are some excellent schools in Atlanta if you know where to look. Fulton County, Cobb County, Gwinnett County, Decatur City, and Forsyth County are highly ranked areas for education in Atlanta. 

Best Public Schools in Atlanta

Suburban areas tend to have better-rated schools in Atlanta, so if this is important to you, consider looking at suburbs like Alpharetta, Decatur, or Johns Creek. Public schools are free to attend in Atlanta, but you have to live in the correct district to apply and be accepted. Some of the best-rated public schools in Atlanta are:

Morningside Elementary School – Located in Midtown, elementary school Morningside Elementary School covers kindergarten to grade 5. The school scores 7 out of 10 on GreatSchools website and ranks 47th out of all Georgia elementary schools.

Springdale Park Elementary – Another highly-rated elementary school, Springdale Park Elementary is in the Virginia-Highland area. It has a GreatSchools rating of 8 out of 10 and a 15:1 student-to-teacher ratio to allow for personalised teaching.

David T. Howard Middle School – Teaching grades 6 to 8, David T. Howard Middle School is one of the few Atlanta schools to receive a 9 out of 10 rating.

Midtown High School – Serving students in grades 9 and 10, Midtown High School ranks 30th out of Georgia schools.

University Options

There are several prestigious universities and higher education facilities in Atlanta, including:

Emory University – Ranked as one of the best research universities in the U.S., Emory University is known for its schools of business, law, and medicine, and strong liberal arts courses.

Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) – Praised for its engineering, computing, and business programmes, Georgia Tech offers an excellent student life with its main campus in Atlanta. Its College of Engineering is ranked as one of the best in the U.S.

Georgia State University – With its main campus in downtown Atlanta, Georgia State University has multiple campuses across the city. It is renowned for its excellent health sciences, and its Robinson College of Business and College of Law is highly praised.

International Schools For Expats

There are no longer any schools in Atlanta that teach the British curriculum. Most schools in Atlanta are taught through the English language and offer similar subjects to the UK. There are some schools that offer an international curriculum for those moving to Atlanta:

• Atlanta International School – A popular choice for expat families, Atlanta International School offers the International Baccalaureate curriculum from pre-school to grade 12. Tuition can be high because it is a private school, with the average tuition for day students costing $33,000 per year, and doubling for boarding students.
• Midtown International School – One of the few international schools in Atlanta, Midtown International School serves children from kindergarten to grade 12. It boasts small classes with an impressive 4:1 student-to-teacher ratio. Average tuition fees are $23,500, with around 34% of students using financial aid.

Transport Around Atlanta 

Atlanta suffers from infamous bad traffic, as public transport doesn’t cover all areas, especially in the suburbs. Many people rely on their cars as the city isn’t walkable either.

Car

Most Atlanta residents own cars and use them to get around daily. The I-75, I-85, and I-285 roads can get extremely busy during rush hour, but driving remains the most flexible option for most due to the sprawling nature of the city. 

MARTA Rail 

Popular with commuters, the MARTA Rail subway connects residents in central Atlanta to some suburbs and key areas like the airport, Midtown, and Buckhead. It costs $2.50 per ride or $95 for a monthly pass. You can pay via a Breeze Card or the Breeze Mobile App.

MARTA Bus

The bus system is also run by MARTA, so prices are the same at $2.50 per ride or $95 monthly. You can use the same methods as the MARTA rail to pay, but the bus also allows you to pay in exact cash change. 

Xpress Commuter Bus

For those living in the suburbs, such as Kennesaw, Lawrenceville, and Alpharetta, often rely on the Xpress Bus for their commute to the city centre. Buses run every 20-30 minutes and cost $5 for one way. While more expensive than the subway and MARTA bus, it’s a lifeline for those in areas these don’t reach, and it is cheaper than parking in the city. 

Getting a Driver’s License and Car Shipping to Atlanta

You will need a Georgia driver’s license once you have become a resident. The Georgia Department of Driver Services will need to see proof of your identity, U.S. residency, Social Security Number, and visa documents. Fortunately for Georgia residents, you may be able to exchange your UK license without taking the tests if you hold a valid UK driver’s license, have proof of lawful presence in the U.S., and apply within 90 days of becoming a Georgia resident.

If you want to ship your car to Atlanta, we can sort this via our sister company, Autoshippers. They can get your car moved safely and swiftly to Atlanta from all across the UK. It’ll cost roughly £1,377 to ship a standard saloon car from the UK, and we will need a few important documents to do this, such as the vehicle’s V5 and your passport. You can find the full list of documents for car shipping to the U.S. in this handy guide. 

Atlanta’s Climate and Weather

Atlanta’s climate can be described as a humid subtropical climate, meaning summers are hot and humid and winters are mild.

Temperatures rise to around 35°C during the summer months of June to August, with daily averages between 29°C and 35°C. The humidity makes the temperature feel much hotter and often brings on intense but quick thunderstorms. September to November sees some of the best temperatures in Atlanta as they drop to around 15°C to 27°C, making it more comfortable for outdoor activities and work.

Temperatures drop rapidly from December to February, ranging between 4°C to 10°C during the day and 1°C to 5°C during the night. Snow is rare in Atlanta, and winters are often unpredictable. You can expect ice storms, though, from time to time. Springtime in Atlanta sees temperatures range from 10°C to 24°C, with rain and thunderstorms likely in April and May.

Atlanta sees around 50 inches of rain per year, which is more than in Seattle. There are also tornado threats, sometimes effects from Gulf Coast hurricanes, especially in summer and early fall.

Top Tips for Preparing for Atlanta’s Weather:

• Always carry an umbrella 
• Stay hydrated and wear sunscreen during the summer 
• Prepare for ice storms instead of snow 
• Avoid travelling during rush hour in the heat if you can 
• Sign up for weather alerts to be informed of any tornado threats 

Activities and Lifestyle in Atlanta

There is something for everyone in Atlanta, from historical attractions like the The Atlanta History Center to indulging in local cuisine at the Ponce City Market.

Outdoor Spots

Atlanta’s famous Beltline is a must-visit. It spans 22 miles of the city and hosts restaurants, bike trails, and parks on what used to be old railway corridors. Located in Midtown, Piedmont Park is the largest in Atlanta, featuring a scenic lake, open fields, and biking trails. It also hosts the Atlanta Jazz Festival and the Atlanta Pride Festival. Just 30 minutes out of Atlanta is the Stone Mountain Park, which is the perfect family day out. You can hike 1 mile to the summit or take the cable car, watch the Lasershow Spectacular, or take the 5-mile train ride around the mountain.

Food and Drink

Atlanta’s cuisine can be described as homemade southern comfort foods. Indulge in Southern fried chicken, BBQ food like brisket and ribs, or Southern comfort food like collard greens and cornbread. The Ponce City Market has lots of food stalls to take your pick as well as a rooftop bar with scenic views. Try Busy Bee Café for some of the best authentic fried chicken and soul food in the city. Located on the Beltline’s Eastside trail,  New Realm Brewing offers excellent craft beers, skyline views, and live music.

Sports Culture

Atlanta is home to many professional sports teams from a range of leagues, including the NFL team Atlanta Falcons, the MLB team Atlanta Braves, the NBA team Atlanta Hawks, and the MLS team Atlanta United FC. The iconic Mercedes-Benz Stadium hosts the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United FC and is known for its affordable prices for fans. If running is more your thing, then Atlanta hosts the largest 10K race, the Peachtree Road Race, every Independence Day.

Historical and Landmark Attractions

Atlanta played a big role in the civil rights movement, which is reflected in today’s historical attractions like the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, the Atlanta History Center, and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. You can visit Martin Luther King’s childhood home and learn about the movement through the various centers and museums. Other attractions include the Georgia Aquarium, one of the largest in the world, and the SkyView Atlanta, a Ferris wheel offering excellent skyline views of the city. 

How Much Will It Cost to Move My Personal Belongings to Atlanta?

To ship your household goods and personal effects to Atlanta, your final bill will depend on the size of your move and final destination.

Here are the average costs for moving from UK to Atlanta:

• Small Move: £1,123
• 1 bed flat: £1,215
• 2 bed flat: £2,1387
• 3 bed house (20 ft container): £5,649
• 4+ bed house (40 ft container): £7,442

About our international moving services to Atlanta

At 1st Move International, we safely ship your household and personal belongings from the UK with our international removals to Atlanta service. We offer a guaranteed weekly shipping service that ships directly to multiple ports in the U.S. Our safe packing and shipping techniques provide full protection for your items. 

Visit our International Removals page and find out more about our great range of packing, shipping, and insurance options, or you can get a moving overseas quote, tailored to your individual moving requirements.

You can also check out our online international moving costs calculator here.

For more details on our packing process and the benefits of shipping with commercial co-loaders, see our Faster Shipping, Safer Packing and Smarter Billing pages. We can get you moving to Atlanta in no time!