Los Angeles or Atlanta?
As far as long-distance relocations go, moving from Los Angeles to Atlanta does not rank among the most difficult transitions. With that said, you should still expect some changes.
While we cannot say which place is better, we can definitely compare the two!
For starters, you should not be deceived by their similar latitude. You will not be seeing harsh winters in Georgia usually, but the climate feels different. It tends to be a bit cooler, and with more bugs.
Also keep in mind that Georgia is not so densely populated, which may be a benefit for some.
If you are looking for diversity, Los Angeles is hard to beat. And of course, you cannot surf in Atlanta either. On the other hand, you may enjoy better air quality in Georgia.
We should also point out that both places have similar average salary, but Atlanta is a lot less expensive to live in.
What is it like to live in Atlanta?
Atlanta can be the perfect place to experience the mix of city life and southern hospitality. If you choose to live in the city, you may find it very similar to Los Angeles.
For instance, traffic is similarly heavy, though Atlanta has it slightly better. Still, both require a car, which we will discuss in a second.
An awesome thing about Atlanta, and Georgia in general, is nature. You can explore forests, parks and lakes. The very city also has lots of trees and does not tire you out with an urban vibe.
The beautiful city of Atlanta lays nearly a country away from LA. A significant cultural and economic center, as well as a capital of Georgia, and center of the Atlanta–Sandy Springs–Alpharetta metro area, The A has a lot to offer
Urban landscape
Atlanta is the largest city in Georgia with a population of around half a million. It started as a terminus of a major state-sponsored railroad that quickly raised in population and importance. In the 1960s Atlanta gained even bigger importance as a civil rights center due to the roles of people like Martin Luther King Jr. and Ralph Abernathy.
Economy
The biggest employers in Atlanta are Delta Air Lines, Emory University & Emory Healthcare, and The Home Depot.
Atlanta has a vast economy with a GDP of 371.83 billion U.S. dollars. The headquarters of many Fortune – 500 companies call the city its home (third-highest concentration in the US), and global juggernauts like The Coca-Cola Company, The Home Depot, Delta Air Lines, AT&T Mobility, Chick-fil-A, and UPS.
Culture
One of Atlanta’s curiosities is the lack of Southern culture. The town is most-famous for the Atlanta Opera, Atlanta Ballet, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, and the Alliance Theatre.
Atlanta can also be noted for the rise of trap music, giving the way to rising stars like f T.I., Young Jeezy, 21 Savage, Gucci Mane, Future, Migos, Lil Yachty, Playboi Carti, 2 Chainz and Young Thug.
Civil rights movement
The first civil rights activists were African-American soldiers that returned home from World War II. The movement had grown in the 1950s and 1960s under the careful guidance of Martin Luther King Jr., Ralph David Abernathy, and students from Atlanta’s historically black colleges and universities. Desegregation processes began at the same time and were successfully completed in 1973, when public schools were desegregated.
Disadvantages
Atlanta might share the mild winters and the booming economy of most Southern states, but it has some disadvantages.
- The city is very wide-spread, so you’ll surely need a car.
- Needing a car leads to heavy traffic.
- You guessed it, the summer is hot.
- It rarely snows in winter, but when it does, it’s a blizzard to remember.
Moving to Atlanta with a car
When you move to Atlanta as a permanent resident, you have 30 days to register your motor vehicle and get new plates. You can do that at your local Georgia DMV.
You may notice that your car insurance is a bit cheaper than Los Angeles, but not by much in most cases.
Keep in mind that having a car in Atlanta cannot be easily avoided. Commute times can get as high as 3 hours if you depend on public transportation. A car can cut that down to an hour.