7 Reasons Why California Residents Are Moving to This Southern City
Written by
G. Brian Davis
Edited by
Zuri Anderson
Commitment to Our Readers
GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services - our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our products and services review methodology.
20 Years
Helping You Live Richer
Reviewed
by Experts
Trusted by
Millions of Readers
Atlanta real estate agent Marisa Hammett said that roughly a fifth of her clients come from California each year. She gets it: She herself transplanted from California to the Peach State 15 years ago.
Hammett spoke with GOBankingRates and points to the following seven reasons why so many Californians are now following suit.
Housing Costs
According to Zillow, the average Los Angeles home sells for $951,368. It gets even worse in San Diego ($998,184), San Francisco ($1,270,648) and San Jose ($1,414,393).
In Atlanta, the average home sells for less than half that at $396,813. Enough said.
Big City Vibes
Atlanta is hardly a backwater place. With a metro population of 6.3 million per American Census Survey data, Atlanta buzzes with excellent dining, art galleries, museums, major league sports teams, and more.
“Cultural vibrancy is another huge draw, whether you’re into music, art, food scene, festivals, there’s always something going on to get into,” added Hammett.
Lower Taxes
California ranks fourth highest in the nation for taxes, based on WalletHub‘s study comparing the total tax burden of each state. Georgia ranks 31st.
In fact, California charges a top marginal income tax rate of 13.3%. Sales taxes aren’t trivial either: in Los Angeles County, the combined sales tax is 10.5%.
Easy Access to the East Coast
As the nation’s top airline hub, Atlanta’s airport sees the highest flight volume in the world. That means easy access to anywhere on the East Coast and Midwest — and many other countries besides.
That adds enormous appeal for people who want to be within a two-hour direct flight from their children or other family members.
Mild Weather With Four Seasons
The average high temperature in Atlanta winters reaches 53, according to Weather Spark. Sure, Atlanta can get warm in the summer, but even in July the average high remains in the 80s.
Residents enjoy the full range of seasons, including fall foliage and spring blooms, without the bite of northern winters.
Diverse Job Market
Atlanta’s economy doesn’t rely on one single industry.
“Atlanta’s economy is quite diverse, with many Fortune 500 companies and corporate headquarters ranging from tech to finance, logistics, healthcare and education,” noted Hammett.
Entertainment Hub
Southern California residents might feel reluctant to give up the perceived glamour of the entertainment industry. But over the last 15 years, Atlanta has emerged as a major entertainment hub.
“Major celebrities like Tyler Perry, Steve Harvey, Josh Brolin and Kathryn Boyd Brolin have made the move to Atlanta, as entertainment firms have opened studios here,” Hammett said.
More From GOBankingRates
