First Impressions of Atlanta (Dunwoody, Kennesaw: renting, insurance, how much)

[DennyCrane]

As someone who just moved to Atlanta from the Midwest, I thought I would offer up my initial impressions for others who are considering moving here and for the folks who've been here a long time to agree or disagree with.

Cost of living - While it's not dirt cheap, I've found that most things are pretty affordable. Fuel, groceries, and of course housing are considerably cheaper than what I had previously been paying. My auto insurance did go up though, but I think that has more to do with living in a popular, high-traffic area.

People - In general, people seem very friendly here. Sure, you'll run into people who have a lousy attitude. But for the most part, I haven't observed a lot of the crabbiness I saw in the north. The women sure do seem more attractive here. Or maybe it just seems that way because they're friendlier.

Traffic - I was lucky to end up with a job that allowed for a really short commute. But this job is only for a few months so I'm sure my next job won't have such an easy commute. But what I've observed thus far hasn't been terrible or at least any worse than what I've seen in places like DC or Chicago. It does seem like people are slow to make left turns and having freeway exit ramps that are only one lane probably wasn't such a good idea. Other contributors to traffic slowdowns are all the twists and turns and hills that make a lot of drivers slow down. But like all cities, I think the trick is just to learn the backroads and how to time things better.

Food - I've discovered too many great places to eat and have probably put on 5 pounds since arriving. But it's nice to know that you can pretty much find any kind of food you're looking for.

Public Transportation - I took the MARTA train from the airport and couldn't believe how easy, not to mention cheap, it was. In every other city I've lived in, coming home from the airport was a real pain. And it's nice not having to pay for parking or taking a shuttle. I also like the fact that a number of the MARTA stations are underground. So standing out in the rain or cold/heat waiting for your train.

Weather - I was lucky to get here after the summer ended. Except for some rainy days and a brief cold spell, I've been enjoying the weather. What's been amusing for me is seeing how little the temperature has to drop before people start wearing coats and gloves or how people have to warm their cars even though it's not even below freezing.

Attractions - I haven't had time to visit a lot of places yet. While no one will mistake Atlanta for DC or NY in terms of tourist attractions, it does seem like there's a decent amount of things to see here between downtown, Buckhead and Midtown.

Pace of Life - I heard things move a little slower down here and, so far, that's exactly what I've observed. Service at restaurants takes a little longer, which is good if you don't want to be rushed, but bad if you're hungry or need to be somewhere. Whenever I go out stores, it doesn't seem like anyone is in a particular hurry. Maybe that's why some drivers take so long to make left turns.

Job Market - As I mentioned in another thread, the jobs in my field (IT) seem to still be there. I can't comment about other fields though.

[PKCorey]

Welcome...

what area did you decide on?

[spotch]

People

- In general, people seem very friendly here. Sure, you'll run into people who have a lousy attitude. But for the most part, I haven't observed a lot of the crabbiness I saw in the north. The women sure do seem more attractive here. Or maybe it just seems that way because they're friendlier.

Not sure where in the midwest you're coming from, but this is spot-on.

[DennyCrane]

Originally Posted by PKCorey

Welcome...

what area did you decide on?

I decided to get a place in Dunwoody near Perimeter Mall. It's very convenient to the train as well as the 400 and 285. There's a nice mix of urban and suburban elements. I'm also renting so I can easily relocate to another part of the city if I find something better. I think a lot of it will depend on where I end up working.

[PKCorey]

Not a bad area and you have alot of choices. Good pick

[DennyCrane]

Originally Posted by spotch

[b]


Not sure where in the midwest you're coming from, but this is spot-on.

Chicago. The people tend to be pretty corn-fed. And I think the weather and cost of living have a way of putting people in a perpetual bad mood.

[FlyiMetro]

Originally Posted by DennyCrane

As someone who just moved to Atlanta from the Midwest, I thought I would offer up my initial impressions for others who are considering moving here and for the folks who've been here a long time to agree or disagree with.

Cost of living - While it's not dirt cheap, I've found that most things are pretty affordable. Fuel, groceries, and of course housing are considerably cheaper than what I had previously been paying. My auto insurance did go up though, but I think that has more to do with living in a popular, high-traffic area.

People - In general, people seem very friendly here. Sure, you'll run into people who have a lousy attitude. But for the most part, I haven't observed a lot of the crabbiness I saw in the north. The women sure do seem more attractive here. Or maybe it just seems that way because they're friendlier.

Traffic - I was lucky to end up with a job that allowed for a really short commute. But this job is only for a few months so I'm sure my next job won't have such an easy commute. But what I've observed thus far hasn't been terrible or at least any worse than what I've seen in places like DC or Chicago. It does seem like people are slow to make left turns and having freeway exit ramps that are only one lane probably wasn't such a good idea. Other contributors to traffic slowdowns are all the twists and turns and hills that make a lot of drivers slow down. But like all cities, I think the trick is just to learn the backroads and how to time things better.

Food - I've discovered too many great places to eat and have probably put on 5 pounds since arriving. But it's nice to know that you can pretty much find any kind of food you're looking for.

Public Transportation - I took the MARTA train from the airport and couldn't believe how easy, not to mention cheap, it was. In every other city I've lived in, coming home from the airport was a real pain. And it's nice not having to pay for parking or taking a shuttle. I also like the fact that a number of the MARTA stations are underground. So standing out in the rain or cold/heat waiting for your train.

Weather - I was lucky to get here after the summer ended. Except for some rainy days and a brief cold spell, I've been enjoying the weather. What's been amusing for me is seeing how little the temperature has to drop before people start wearing coats and gloves or how people have to warm their cars even though it's not even below freezing.

Attractions - I haven't had time to visit a lot of places yet. While no one will mistake Atlanta for DC or NY in terms of tourist attractions, it does seem like there's a decent amount of things to see here between downtown, Buckhead and Midtown.

Pace of Life - I heard things move a little slower down here and, so far, that's exactly what I've observed. Service at restaurants takes a little longer, which is good if you don't want to be rushed, but bad if you're hungry or need to be somewhere. Whenever I go out stores, it doesn't seem like anyone is in a particular hurry. Maybe that's why some drivers take so long to make left turns.

Job Market - As I mentioned in another thread, the jobs in my field (IT) seem to still be there. I can't comment about other fields though.

Sounds good! Sounds Honest...where you from man?

[RandyWatson13]

Nice write up and welcome!

[Minkie]

We moved here from the Midwest in 2009 - from MO - and I have to agree with most of that. I do think the cost of living is a bit higher here than MO. I don't work, DH is fortunate to work here in Woodstock, so he has a 13 minute commute. Love the little Woodstock area so far, we've made a lot of friends and really enjoying the South. The heat here, from what I have observed, is almost identical to MO. Sometimes it's more humid in MO, LOL. My only complaint so far is that the winters are colder than I had anticipated!

[DennyCrane]

Originally Posted by Minkie

We moved here from the Midwest in 2009 - from MO - and I have to agree with most of that. I do think the cost of living is a bit higher here than MO. I don't work, DH is fortunate to work here in Woodstock, so he has a 13 minute commute. Love the little Woodstock area so far, we've made a lot of friends and really enjoying the South. The heat here, from what I have observed, is almost identical to MO. Sometimes it's more humid in MO, LOL. My only complaint so far is that the winters are colder than I had anticipated!

I've spent time in MO as well and I agree that the cost of living is a bit higher. But I also see that the salaries, at least in my field, make up for that. Your husband is lucky to have found work in Woodstock. I can only imagine how much you would hate it if you lived out there and worked in the city. I've run into a number of people who live out in places like Cumming or Kennesaw and work in the city. Yikes! As for the weather, I haven't experienced summer or winter here yet. But I know what summer is like in MO. People tell me the humidity here is awful, but I don't remember it being so great in MO either. But even if it's worse, I'll take that over brutal Great Lakes winters. Unlike a lot of people who come from the north, I'm keeping realistic expectations about the winter here. I know it gets cold and there will be ice storms. But unless you get 30 below wind chills, buckets of snow, and days and days of no sun, I can't imagine it being worse than what I just left behind.