25,blk,gay,NYC to ATL (Atlanta: real estate, apartments, find a job)

[Manhatlanta]

Okay so here's the deal.. I'm a 24 yr old New Yorker. Currently a working student. I'm at the time in my life where I'd like to branch out from family. Becoming fully independent and even explore a new city. After two weeks in Atlanta with friends a part of me would love to move there. Cheap real estate, slower pace and honestly... a new environment. More than anything else NYC is a touch city. Too tough ... there's a huge lack of afforable apartments ( unless u don't mind bad neighborhoods.)
So Im considering saving a little more and preparing for a move in about a year. I currently work in the airlines and figured I'd switch to an Atlanta based company like AirTran or Delta/NWA. Unfortunately my parents ar deceased so theres not much family.
If anyone can please tell me what I may expect. As a new resident of Atlanta ... Good neighborhoods, art and nightlife scence

[US-Traveller]

Find a job first. Delta is the main employer and is going through a restructuring process to complete its merger with Northwest, which generally means more layoffs and transfers than new hiring. Atlanta's economy isn't in the greatest shape, but I do imagine it is better than New York's.

[DeaconJ]

Can you keep your airline job and transfer to Atlanta or commute from Atlanta? That would be a good option...

It's easy to acclimate to Atlanta if you're gay. People are very friendly here and there is a decent nightlife that is concentrated around Midtown/Downtown. You're right, life is tough in NYC, and you'll enjoy the change of scenery Atlanta has to offer.

[rcsteiner]

Originally Posted by US-Traveller

Find a job first. Delta is the main employer and is going through a restructuring process to complete its merger with Northwest, which generally means more layoffs and transfers than new hiring. Atlanta's economy isn't in the greatest shape, but I do imagine it is better than New York's.

Unemployment was 10.3% in New York City in September 2009 and 10.5% in the Atlanta metro. The two are pretty similar, actually.

The airline industry as a whole is fairly tough to break into (or transfer around in) right now, but of course that depends on what you know and who you know as well, and on your specific job function and skillset. Get a job first before moving, though. You'll hear that over and over again, and there's a reason for it ... temporary "holdover" jobs in the Atlanta metro are quite saturated, and there are a lot of local people looking for work, so you probably won't be able to find much to tide you over until Delta or Airtran decide to hire you.

[bizchick86]

After securing a job, #1 piece of advice is tapping into some sort of network. I cannot say that enough for potential newcomers. It will make your transition MUCH easier. That is common advice I would give anyone moving into any new city, but this is just as important, if not moreso, in Atlanta.

The majority of our metro population lives in the suburbs and people are a bit more isolated. You might become friends with co-workers but they are more likely to live miles and miles away from you than be close enough to regularly hang out. With that, it would be helpful to save up for a car. If you decide to live in the city but have acquaintances with people outside the city, our public transpo will not easily get you there. You can make do without a car if you live in an urban neighborhood, but it is highly suggested you have one.

Atlanta is a hotspot for the LGBT community, and uniquely, especially for black LGBT folks. It seems there's a PRIDE weekend all the time, so LGBTers definitely represent hard in Atlanta. Midtown would be the best hood for what you're looking for. It's the center of LGBT life, and has the most bars, restaurants, culture, and art scene than any other nabe in the city.

It's always important to just know what you're dealing with. And if you plan accordingly, your life will be swell down here :-) Good luck to you!

[Manhatlanta]

Thanks so far and in advance. Will surely secure the career and vehicle first. Thanks for advice ....... Honest advice