Will Atlanta become the 5th largest metropolitan area in the country?

[Need4Camaro]

Yeah but the problem is there really aren’t any cheaper housing metros in this country that offer the amenities of a big city, and in many cases even a mid-sized city. While you’re correct that Atlanta is getting more expensive, when you stack it up in comparison to other large or mid-sized metros, it’s still pretty difficult to beat in relationship.

Yes there are places you can go for a more affordable lifestyle, and there’s nothing wrong with this, but it won’t be near a major city by todays standards.

While you’re correct that there is a disproportion between the lower income and cost of living, this is actually more of a national inflation problem than it is a growth problem (outside of the problem of many major cities today not building enough to meet demand.) You’ll find this problem in every major city.

[the resident09]

Originally Posted by saybanana

What was driving growth in all the cities in the past decade?

Jobs and housing.

Two of the five metro areas with the most numerical growth this past decade (NYC and Washington DC) are not low cost metros or cities. They continually grow due to increased infrastructure upgrades and housing additions.

Houston and Dallas by far added the most housing so their growth percentage and numerical total stayed up. Atlanta did well too in both growth percentage, and total housing units added, and added the 4th most numerical population.

[SEAandATL]

I feel like I'm living in California again because Atlanta is not only getting more expensive but also crowded. Every time I go out somewhere, even to the outer suburbs or even the mountain towns like Blue Ridge, Dahlonega, Helen, etc. it is super packed, hard to find parking, and people everywhere.

[Need4Camaro]

Originally Posted by SEAandATL

I feel like I'm living in California again because Atlanta is not only getting more expensive but also crowded. Every time I go out somewhere, even to the outer suburbs or even the mountain towns like Blue Ridge, Dahlonega, Helen, etc. it is super packed, hard to find parking, and people everywhere.

To be fair, Helen and Dahlonega have been active cities for quite some time.

[Fly Dragon]

No, DC and Houston are pulling away faster than Atlanta is gaining.
No doubt that ATL will be 7th (overtaking Miami and Philly) in a few years.

[ParaguaneroSwag]

Originally Posted by Fly Dragon

No, DC and Houston are pulling away faster than Atlanta is gaining.
No doubt that ATL will be 7th (overtaking Miami and Philly) in a few years.

I guess yo didn’t read OP?

[Shakeesha]

Originally Posted by Fly Dragon

No, DC and Houston are pulling away faster than Atlanta is gaining.
No doubt that ATL will be 7th (overtaking Miami and Philly) in a few years.

I agree. Atlanta has faster job growth than both, so that might impact growth rates.

[R1070]

DC may be a tough one to pass up. I can easily see Atlanta Metro being in the 7th spot in the coming years.