Moving from San Diego to Atlanta, GA

Atlanta and San Diego are both popular, well-known urban destinations, but they are also very different from each other. If you are moving from San Diego to Atlanta, you will need to understand these differences in order to prepare for a smooth and stress-free transition. To help you get ready, here are 10 of the most important things to be aware of before Moving Day.

Atlanta weather is variable

San Diego weather is known for its beauty and its consistency. Temperatures are frequently in the 60s and 70s and the rain only amounts to about 11 or 12 inches a year, on average. Plus, San Diego has about 266 sunny days a year, which is far above the national average.

When moving from San Diego to Atlanta, you can expect warm weather all year round, but you should also prepare for some variations in the weather. Summer temperatures are about 10 degrees warmer in the summer (approaching 90 degrees), and the winter temps are 10-15 degrees colder than those in San Diego.

In addition, Atlanta, while sitting at a sunny 217 bright days a year, is still cloudier than San Diego. You will also receive about 51.5 inches of rain in a year – Making this city more active weather wise than your San Diego home. Prepare accordingly with appropriate rain gear and clothing before your move.

The cost of living in Atlanta is lower

If you have become accustomed to the high prices in San Diego, moving to Atlanta will be a pleasant change. The cost of living in this city is only about 9 percent higher than the national average. Even better? The cost of living in Atlanta is much lower than the cost of living in San Diego, which is about 60 percent higher than the national average.

This significant difference in costs means that your budget will go much further in Atlanta. You can expect to save significant amounts of money on all of these essentials:

• Groceries
• Housing
• And more

If you are keeping your San Diego job (and salary), moving to Atlanta could be an even more lucrative move, as you retain more of your income to put toward fun, retirement, trips, and all the things that make life a little extra special.

Atlanta housing is much less expensive

San Diego housing is known for its extremely high housing prices, with the median price sitting at more than $800,000. Purchasing a home, or even affording monthly rent, will be easier in Atlanta. The median home price in this city is only $364,300.

If you choose to live in an Atlanta suburb, you could save even more money on your housing, while scoring a larger and nicer place to live. If moving from San Diego to Atlanta, these lower costs mean you can look forward to obtaining housing that is a step above what you could afford in your San Diego home.

Atlanta traffic is worse than San Diego’s

Atlanta and San Diego are both known for having traffic problems that cost drivers both time and money. However, Atlanta’s congestion is usually worse than San Diego’s. The city costs drivers 20 more hours per year sitting in traffic and ranks 11th in the nation, and 28th in the world, for traffic problems.

As a result, you should plan to bring a car to Atlanta in order to get around the city efficiently. However, you should also plan your trips, and your housing, around the traffic you can expect to encounter. The closer you can live to work and essentials, and the more wisely you plan your travel times, the less likely it is that traffic will inhibit your ability to enjoy your new city.

Atlanta’s diversity differs from San Diego’s

Both Atlanta and San Diego can be considered diverse cities, with neighborhoods and populations that make them welcoming to almost anyone. However, the makeup of this diversity does differ between the cities.

For example, San Diego has a large Hispanic population, while Atlanta has a large African-American population. San Diego also generally has a higher Asian population. These cultural differences give each city its own unique environment that affects everything from food to entertainment, arts and culture and more. Look forward to digging deeper into the unique ways in which culture makes Atlanta a unique and rewarding place to live.

Atlanta lacks easy beach access

San Diego’s access to the beach and to surfing are renowned. When moving to Atlanta, you will have to give up the short drive or walk to the beach that you have become accustomed to. Atlanta itself does not have any beaches that you can take advantage of once you complete your relocation. This is a serious consideration if the beach is a central part of your life in California. Are you willing to give up the regular beach visits, swimming, or surfing that are part of living in San Diego?

If you are willing to move away from the beach, rest assured that the beach is still reachable from Atlanta. A drive of 5 hours or less can bring you to any one of a number of beautiful beaches. You may just have to plan more carefully and take more time to indulge your love of the ocean.

Atlanta education requires research

As far as educational rankings, Atlanta and San Diego are fairly close (32nd in the nation vs. 28th). However, in other categories (Including educational quality), Georgia ranks lower than California.

However, when it comes to higher education, Atlanta stands out. The city has been named the leading college city and the 2nd metro area in quality of engineering programs. That makes this an educational hub to seek out if you need a higher education.

Before moving to Atlanta from San Diego, consider your educational options. With a little research, you should be able to find educational solutions that work well for your family.

Atlanta boasts a mouth-watering food scene

Food in Atlanta is unforgettable, and diverse. When you relocate here, you can indulge in fine dining, small but delicious eateries, and a plethora of dishes you may not have tried in San Diego. Here are some of the must-try foods to experience in your new city:

• Barbecue
• Fried chicken
• Bagels
• Malaysian cuisine
• Vietnam cuisine
• Craft brews
• Ice pops
• Burgers
• And more

Atlanta offers Southern hospitality

That Southern hospitality you have heard about is no myth. Atlanta is known for its friendly, welcoming people. Expect a warm greeting everywhere you go, and expect to be drawn into conversation by strangers, from the cashier at the bank to the teller at the grocery store.

This friendliness makes it easy to settle into your new life in a big city. You will likely find it relatively easy to make friends and build meaningful relationships within your community. Travel to your new city looking forward to the adventure that awaits you!

The Atlanta job market is thriving

Finally, when moving to Atlanta from San Diego, you can look forward to a rich and vibrant job market. Atlanta is home to 16 Fortune 500 companies. Discover abundant jobs in all of the following industries:

• Healthcare
• Education
• Technology
• Entertainment
• And more

That makes it easier to find employment before or even after you move, if you are not remaining in your San Diego role.

Are you ready to move from San Diego to Atlanta? A new culture awaits. Don’t start the adventure before you finish moving, though. Hire Oakley Relocation‘s premier moving services to create a move that is smooth, uneventful and perfect for your needs – No matter how far you are relocating. Our full-service, women-owned, and dedicated services are available to you. Contact us today for a quote!