What You Need to Know When You’re Moving to Atlanta

Relocating to Atlanta

Because it is the unofficial capital of the South, Atlanta has more than enough to recommend it to anyone considering a move to the area. There is a diverse range of housing available in the area, including condos, apartments and larger family dwellings, so you can find your dream home, no matter what that might be.

About the City

Located to the north of Georgia, Atlanta benefits from its proximity to neighboring states Alabama and Tennessee as well as enjoying easy access to the rest of the state. As the capital of Georgia, Atlanta is the most populous city in the state and one of the largest metropolitan areas in the whole of the United States, with a population of nearly half a million inhabitants and a wider community of over 5 million in the surrounding area. In fact, Atlanta is the 40th-largest city in the whole US.

During the last census in 2010, around 8% of the population of Atlanta were foreign-born. While this is fairly low in comparison to other large cities in the United States, this is relatively high when compared to nearby cities in the South. The figure in the metro area is also significantly higher, at around 14%. This area is increasingly international, with many foreign-born residents also living in the suburbs. Expats moving to the city will find a welcoming and vibrant international community.

Visas for the US

If you’re looking to relocate to Atlanta from outside of the United States, you will need a visa. There are about 140,000 visas a year available for those looking to move into the country permanently due to work, and these require you to have the necessary skills, education and work experience to apply. There are five categories of this type of visa, and which one you are eligible for will depend on your profession.

You can apply online or at the United States embassy in your country. You’ll need to have a valid passport and other supporting documents ready, as well as having to pay a visa fee. You’ll also be asked to appear at the embassy for an interview. You can find a full list of US embassies around the world online.

The Climate in Atlanta

Atlanta’s location means that residents enjoy the subtropical climate associated with the Southern States of the US, including summers which tend to be long, hot and fairly humid, with warm breezes which originate in the Gulf of Mexico seeing plenty of days exceeding 90ᵒF annually.

The elevation of the city means that the winters are less harsh than those seen in some lower-lying areas, with extended periods of freezing temperatures occurring fairly rarely. Although the city experiences copious rainfall throughout the year, snow is relatively uncommon and usually fairly light when it does fall.