Electrical Engineering student considering a future move to Atlanta (apartment, house)

[bhr1990]

Hello,

I am an Electrical Engineering student at The University of Alabama in Huntsville and I am looking for information on the engineering job opportunities in Atlanta.

Huntsville, AL (where I live currently) is a great place for engineers to live and work, but my wife and I have a lot of family in the Atlanta area and are considering moving there in the next few years to explore a life in a Major city.

There are a lot of things to factor in when it comes to my family's moving to ATL (such as a good school district for our new baby boy!, safe place to raise a family, etc.)
but let's say that cost of living, and the type of work does not matter.
Let us also factor in that we aren't really open to living anywhere else besides Atlanta or Huntsville (because of Family).

1) Will I be able to find a job in my field?
2) Are salaries decent for engineers?
3) If you are an engineer, are you happy with the work/life balance?
4) Will I be able to find a safe and family friendly area to live in?

If you can't tell, I'm a newbie to this site. This question is probably way too broad.

Thanks in advance

[andy1324]

I graduated with a degree in EE and have a job in Atlanta, so hopefully I can help.

1. There are jobs, yes. You'll need good academic performance and hopefully internships, although the that can be said for anywhere, not just atlanta.

2. Yes, pretty much median (~60k starting) and the cost of living here is low.

3. Depends on your company and aspirations. If your looking to advance quickly your going to spend a lot of time in the office. If your more of a 9-5 guy you likely won't advance as quickly. Work life balance is all up to you generally, and again, has nothing to do with atlanta.

4. Yes, but you might have a long commute, especially if you work downtown. Still, an engineering salary goes a long way here. You have options... A small apartment in midtown with a great commute or a house in the suburbs with a long commute, it's up to you.

Hope that helps.

[bhr1990]

Thank you, andy1324. Much appreciated!