Atlanta’s Housing Shortage: How to Find an Affordable Place Before You Move
Navigating Metro Atlanta’s Challenging Rental Market in 2026
If you’re planning to move to Atlanta in 2026, you need to understand the reality of the city’s housing crisis before you pack your first box. Metro Atlanta is experiencing one of the most
severe affordable housing shortages in the nation, with rents climbing faster than wages, limited inventory, and intense competition for available units.
At Brown Thrasher Movers, we help hundreds of families relocate to and within Metro Atlanta every year. We’ve seen firsthand how the housing shortage affects our clients’ moving timelines, budgets, and stress levels. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate Atlanta’s challenging rental market and find affordable housing before your move.
Understanding Atlanta’s Housing Crisis: The Numbers
Before you start searching for your next Atlanta apartment or home, you need to understand the scale of the housing shortage you’re facing.
The 132,000-Unit Shortage
Metro Atlanta is 132,000 units short of affordable rental units, according to estimates by the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. This massive deficit means that for every person looking for affordable housing in Atlanta, there simply aren’t enough units available.
To put this in perspective: if you lined up all the people searching for affordable housing in Metro Atlanta, you could fill the Mercedes-Benz Stadium more than twice over. This shortage creates intense competition for every available unit, driving up rents and making it harder for working families to find stable housing.
Rent Increases Outpacing Wages
Rent costs for a one-bedroom apartment have risen 50% since 2014, outpacing wage growth and leaving even less disposable income.
Atlanta Rent Trends:
- 2014 Average Rent: Approximately $1,100/month
- 2026 Average Rent: $1,650/month (projected)
- Percentage Increase: 50% over 12 years
- Wage Growth: Has NOT kept pace with rent increases
The average rent in Atlanta is currently around $1,610 according to recent data from Apartments.com, with prices ranging from $1,496 to $2,222 depending on location and apartment size. In premium areas like Midtown Atlanta, average monthly non-student apartment rents have reached $2,460.
Limited New Construction
While Atlanta is experiencing a construction boom, the majority of new apartments are priced for luxury renters, not working families.
2026 Construction Reality:
- Only approximately 8,400 new apartment units are expected to be delivered across Metro Atlanta in 2026
- This represents nearly half the number of units delivered in 2025 (when 17,512 units were added)
- The slowest apartment development pace in over a decade
- 95% of multifamily units constructed in recent years were marketed as luxury apartments
For context, nearby suburbs like Gainesville, Georgia, are seeing 6,359 new units alone, while established neighborhoods struggle with limited new development.
The Affordability Gap
The fundamental problem: Atlanta is building housing, but not the kind of housing that most people can afford.
About 4 in 10 households in Atlanta earn less than $45,000 per year. These residents need housing units that cost less than $1,000 per month to avoid significant cost burdens. Yet from 2010-2018, only 3,301 new units were priced under $1,000 per month across the entire city.
The Math Doesn’t Work:
- 40% of Atlanta households earn under $45,000/year
- To avoid rent burden, these households need rent under $1,125/month
- Average Atlanta rent: $1,650/month
- Gap: $525/month or $6,300/year shortfall
Nearly 50% of all renters were spending upwards of 30% of their income on rent as of 2018, and that percentage has only increased since then.
Why Atlanta Has a Housing Shortage
Understanding why Atlanta faces this crisis helps you strategize your housing search more effectively.
Rapid Population Growth
Atlanta’s population has grown dramatically over the past 15 years. According to the city’s Department of City Planning, Atlanta’s population has grown to more than 500,000 residents, up from roughly 420,000 in 2010.
Population Growth Drivers:
- Strong job market attracting workers from across the country
- Lower cost of living compared to cities like San Francisco, New York, and Boston
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport providing global connectivity
- Major corporations relocating headquarters to Metro Atlanta
- Universities and colleges attracting students who stay after graduation
The Atlanta Regional Commission forecasts the metro area will need to accommodate 2.5 million new residents by 2040 to meet projected growth.
High-Wage Job Invasion
Between 2013 and 2018, Metro Atlanta added nearly 32,000 tech jobs, second only to San Francisco. These workers earned an average of $96,050 annually and, because metro Atlanta rentals remain relatively affordable compared to Silicon Valley or New York, they spent just 15% of their salary on rent.
The Ripple Effect:
- High-wage workers can afford premium rents
- Developers focus on luxury apartments targeting these earners
- Long-time residents get priced out of their neighborhoods
- Service workers, teachers, nurses, and other essential employees struggle to find affordable housing near their jobs
Atlanta is projected to add approximately 19,000 new jobs in 2026, with office-using employment expected to grow by roughly 4,500 roles—the fourth highest among major U.S. cities.
Luxury Development Focus
Real estate developers have overwhelmingly focused on high-end, luxury apartments because they’re more profitable.
Development Trends:
- 95% of multifamily units constructed post-Great Recession were marketed as luxury
- Amenities like rooftop pools, fitness centers, and concierge services drive up rents
- Developers target high-income renters who can pay $2,000-$3,000+ per month
- Affordable housing projects face financing challenges and lower profit margins
In Midtown Atlanta alone, nearly 2,200 new residential units opened in 2024—all of them luxury apartments. Average monthly rent in these buildings: $2,460.
Investor Buying Spree
Wall Street investors have increasingly purchased single-family homes that families used to buy, converting them into rental properties.
Before the Great Recession, about 45% of homes in America were sold to medium or large-scale investors buying at least 10 homes. Post-recession, corporate investors aggressively purchased distressed properties, particularly in neighborhoods hit hardest by foreclosures.
Impact on Atlanta:
- Reduced homeownership opportunities for first-time buyers
- Conversion of owner-occupied homes to rental properties
- Corporate landlords with less community investment
- Higher rents as investors seek returns on their investments
Demolition of Affordable Units
Between 2013 and 2016, the City of Marietta (a major Atlanta suburb) demolished more than 1,100 apartment units, displacing nearly 2,000 people to attract economic development. This pattern has repeated throughout Metro Atlanta as cities pursue upscale development.
What’s Being Lost:
- Older, naturally occurring affordable housing
- Workforce housing near job centers
- Established communities and social networks
- Housing options for lower-income families
Atlanta is losing affordable units faster than it’s creating them, according to HouseATL, a coalition of Atlanta academics, nonprofits, and civic leaders studying the housing crisis.
Atlanta Neighborhoods: Where to Find Affordable Housing
Not all Atlanta neighborhoods face the same affordability challenges. Strategic neighborhood selection can significantly impact your housing costs.
Inside the Perimeter (ITP) Options
Living inside I-285 (“the Perimeter”) puts you closer to downtown jobs, entertainment, and cultural amenities, but typically comes with higher rent.
Most Affordable ITP Neighborhoods (Relatively):
East Atlanta Village
- Average rent: $1,400-$1,800/month
- Walkable neighborhood with local restaurants and bars
- Growing arts and music scene
- MARTA bus access
West End
- Average rent: $1,200-$1,600/month
- Historic African American neighborhood
- Access to Atlanta BeltLine
- West End MARTA station
Lakewood Heights
- Average rent: $1,300-$1,700/month
- Near Atlanta Motor Speedway area
- Developing neighborhood with new businesses
- Close to I-75 and I-85
Chamblee
- Average rent: $1,400-$1,900/month
- Diverse community with international restaurants
- Chamblee MARTA station
- Growing development along Buford Highway
College Park
- Average rent: $1,200-$1,600/month
- Near Hartsfield-Jackson Airport
- College Park MARTA station
- Woodward Academy area
Outside the Perimeter (OTP) Best Bets
Moving outside I-285 typically offers better value, though you’ll sacrifice some walkability and may face longer commutes.
North Atlanta Suburbs (Best Value + Quality):
Alpharetta
- Average rent: $1,600-$2,200/month
- Excellent schools (top-rated in Georgia)
- Major employers: AT&T, Verizon, ADP
- Avalon mixed-use development
- Learn more about moving to Alpharetta
Roswell
- Average rent: $1,500-$2,100/month
- Historic downtown area
- Strong school system
- Family-friendly community
- Explore Roswell moving services
Cumming (Forsyth County)
- Average rent: $1,400-$1,900/month
- Rapidly growing area
- More affordable than closer-in suburbs
- Lake Lanier access
- Cumming movers information
Canton (Cherokee County)
- Average rent: $1,300-$1,800/month
- Small-town feel with big-city access
- Lower cost of living
- Good schools
- Canton moving services
Lawrenceville (Gwinnett County)
- Average rent: $1,400-$1,800/month
- Diverse community
- Growing job market
- Downtown Lawrenceville entertainment
- Lawrenceville movers
East/Northeast Atlanta Suburbs:
Decatur
- Average rent: $1,600-$2,200/month
- Walkable downtown square
- Excellent schools
- MARTA access
- Higher prices but strong value
Brookhaven
- Average rent: $1,700-$2,400/month
- Town Center development
- MARTA access
- Mix of apartments and homes
- Brookhaven moving services
Dunwoody
- Average rent: $1,600-$2,300/month
- Perimeter Center employment hub
- MARTA access
- Strong schools
- Dunwoody movers
West/Northwest Atlanta Suburbs:
Smyrna
- Average rent: $1,500-$2,000/month
- Near The Battery Atlanta and Truist Park
- Market Village development
- Access to Silver Comet Trail
Marietta
- Average rent: $1,400-$1,900/month
- Historic square
- Varied neighborhoods
- Strong school options
Kennesaw
- Average rent: $1,300-$1,800/month
- Kennesaw State University area
- Town Center at Cobb mall
- More affordable options
Emerging Neighborhoods to Watch
These neighborhoods are seeing development and revitalization, which can mean opportunity—or rapid rent increases.
1. Pittsburgh (Summerhill Area)
- Proximity to Mercedes-Benz Stadium
- Atlanta BeltLine access
- New development underway
- Rent increasing but still relatively affordable
Kirkwood
- East Atlanta neighborhood
- Affordable housing projects in development
- Growing commercial district
- Controversy over new development impact on affordability
Sylvan Hills (Southwest Atlanta)
- New 233-unit affordable housing development breaking ground
- Following the successful 184-unit senior community
- Fully affordable apartments
- Community transformation underway
English Avenue/Vine City
- Mercedes-Benz Stadium area
- New affordable housing units are opening
- Historic African American neighborhood
- Significant development planned
Smart Strategies to Find Affordable Atlanta Housing
Finding affordable housing in Atlanta requires strategy, persistence, and flexibility. Here’s your action plan.
Strategy #1: Start Your Search Early
- Long-distance moves: Start searching 2-3 months before your move date
- Local moves: Start searching 4-6 weeks before your lease ends
- Competitive neighborhoods: Add an extra month to your search timeline
Why Early Searching Matters:
- Best apartments get leased quickly (often within 48-72 hours of listing)
- Gives you time to tour multiple properties
- Allows for background check and application processing
- Reduces stress and rushed decisions
- May catch off-season deals
Early Search Action Steps:
- Set up apartment search alerts on multiple platforms
- Follow property management companies on social media
- Call leasing offices directly to ask about upcoming availability
- Join neighborhood Facebook groups where landlords post rentals
- Consider signing a lease 30-60 days before you actually need it (if financially feasible)
Strategy #2: Expand Your Geographic Search
Don’t limit yourself to one neighborhood, especially if you’re being priced out of your target area.
Expand Your Search Radius:
- Start with your ideal neighborhood
- Add adjacent neighborhoods to your search
- Consider neighborhoods one MARTA stop further out
- Look at suburbs along your commute route
- Explore neighborhoods you haven’t considered before
Distance vs. Cost Analysis: Calculate the true cost difference:
- Buckhead apartment: $2,200/month + $50/month gas = $2,250 total
- Roswell apartment: $1,600/month + $150/month gas = $1,750 total
- Savings: $500/month or $6,000/year
Even with a longer commute, living further out may save significant money.
Strategy #3: Consider Roommates or Co-Living
Sharing housing costs is one of the most effective ways to afford Atlanta.
Roommate Benefits:
- Split rent cuts your housing cost by 50% or more
- Share utilities, internet, and household expenses
- Qualify for larger, nicer apartments with combined income
- Build social connections in a new city
Finding Roommates:
- Roommate matching services (Roommates.com, SpareRoom)
- Company relocation groups
- University alumni networks
- Neighborhood Facebook groups
- Workplace connections
Co-Living Options:
- Purpose-built co-living communities offering private rooms with shared common spaces
- All-inclusive pricing (rent, utilities, internet, cleaning)
- Social programming and community events
- Month-to-month flexibility at some properties
Strategy #4: Look for Newly Built Units
Counterintuitively, newly constructed apartments sometimes offer better deals than you’d expect.
Why New Construction Can Be Affordable:
- Developers offer concessions to fill buildings quickly
- “Lease-up specials” with reduced rents for early tenants
- Competition among new buildings in the same area
- Modern amenities and energy efficiency lower utility costs
2026 New Construction Areas:
According to recent data, Atlanta is projected to add units inareas like:
- Gainesville (6,359 units leading the metro)
- Lawrenceville (900+ units)
- Sugar Hill (900+ units)
- Midtown Atlanta (487 units at 1081 Juniper, 361 units at Modera Parkside)
New Construction Negotiation Tips:
- Ask about lease-up specials (1-2 months free rent)
- Request reduced security deposits
- Negotiate move-in fees
- Ask for upgraded finishes at standard pricing
Strategy #5: Negotiate Rent and Lease Terms
Many renters don’t realize that rent is negotiable, especially in Atlanta’s current market.
What You Can Negotiate:
- Monthly rent – Especially if you’re willing to sign a longer lease
- Security deposit – Request reduction or payment plan
- Move-in date – Flexibility can save you money
- Lease length – Longer leases sometimes get better rates
- Amenities – Ask for parking spot, storage unit, or upgraded unit
- Pet fees – Reduce or eliminate pet rent/deposits
When You Have Negotiating Power:
- Off-peak moving season (November-February)
- Building has high vacancy rate
- You have excellent credit (700+)
- You can pay several months upfront
- You’re willing to sign a longer lease
Negotiation Script: “I love this apartment and want to move forward with an application. My budget is $X per month. Is there any flexibility on the rent, especially if I sign a [12/18/24]-month lease?”
Strategy #6: Understand Income Requirements
Most Atlanta landlords require tenants to earn 2.5-3 times the monthly rent.
Income Requirement Example:
- Apartment rent: $1,500/month
- Minimum required income: $3,750-$4,500/month ($45,000-$54,000/year)
If You Don’t Meet Income Requirements:
- Get a co-signer – Parent, family member, or trusted friend
- Provide proof of savings – Show 6-12 months rent in the bank
- Offer larger security deposit – 2-3 months rent upfront
- Show additional income – Side hustles, freelance work, investment income
- Provide employment offer letter – For new job relocations
- Look for individual landlords – Often more flexible than corporate property managers
Strategy #7: Explore Housing Assistance Programs
Multiple programs exist to help Atlanta renters find and afford housing.
Atlanta Housing Help Center Opened in 2024, this “one-stop shop” for low-income Atlantans’ housing needs works with over 200 government agencies and nonprofits.
Services Offered:
- Housing search assistance
- Rental assistance programs
- Legal aid for housing issues
- Case management
- Connection to support services
Location: Two Peachtree Tower, Downtown Atlanta
Georgia Dream Homeownership Program
- Down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers
- Competitive interest rates
- Income limits apply
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program
- Rental assistance for eligible low-income families
- Long waitlists in Atlanta (often closed)
- Contact Atlanta Housing Authority
Nonprofit Housing Resources:
- Enterprise Community Partners – Advocates for affordable housing
- Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation (AVLF) – Legal assistance for eviction prevention
- Atlanta Legal Aid – Free legal services for housing issues
- Partners For Home – Homeless services provider
Employer Relocation Assistance
Many employers offer relocation packages that include:
- Temporary housing
- Housing search assistance
- Deposit and moving cost reimbursement
- Real estate agent fees
Ask your HR department about available benefits.
What Renters Need to Know in 2026
Understanding the rental application process and tenant rights helps you navigate Atlanta’s competitive market.
Application Competition
In desirable neighborhoods, multiple applicants compete for the same apartment.
Competitive Application Tips:
- Apply immediately when you find a unit you like
- Have all documents ready: pay stubs, bank statements, ID, references
- Offer to increase security deposit or pay first month + last month upfront
- Write a brief cover letter introducing yourself
- Provide excellent references from previous landlords
Documents to Prepare in Advance:
- Photo ID or driver’s license
- Social Security number
- Last 2-3 pay stubs or employment verification letter
- Last 2 months of bank statements
- Previous landlord contact information
- Personal and professional references
- Pet documentation (vet records, pet resume, photos)
Credit and Background Checks
Most Atlanta landlords run credit and background checks.
Credit Score Requirements:
- 650+: Should qualify for most apartments
- 620-649: May need co-signer or larger deposit
- Below 620: Challenges qualifying; consider individual landlords Background Check Concerns:
- Criminal history may disqualify you from some properties
- Eviction history is particularly problematic in Georgia
- Georgia’s laws allow landlords to use eviction notices (even if dismissed) in screening
If You Have Credit/Background Issues:
- Be upfront with landlords
- Provide context and explanation
- Show proof of rehabilitation or payment plans
- Offer a larger security deposit
- Seek individual landlords vs. corporate properties
Georgia’s Eviction Laws
Georgia has one of the fastest eviction processes in the country, which creates vulnerability for renters.
Georgia Eviction Process:
- Miss one rent payment → immediate eviction notice possible
- Quick eviction timeline (can be completed in 30 days)
- Eviction record stays on your record and impacts future housing applications
From 2015 to 2017, Atlanta’s eviction rate was 5.7%—the third worst rate in the nation. In some predominantly Black neighborhoods in Southwest Atlanta, nearly 40% of renters had received eviction notices in recent years.
Eviction Prevention Resources:
- Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation (AVLF)
- Atlanta Legal Aid
- Emergency rental assistance programs
- Housing Help Center at Two Peachtree Tower
If Facing Eviction:
- Seek legal counsel immediately (AVLF provides free representation
- Apply for emergency rental assistance
- Communicate with your landlord about payment plans
- Understand your legal rights and deadlines
Tenant Rights and Protections
Your Rights as a Georgia Tenant:
- Habitable housing (working heat, water, electricity)
- Privacy (landlord must give notice before entering)
- Return of security deposit (with itemized deductions)
- Protection from discrimination (Fair Housing Act)
- Written lease agreement
Note: Georgia has limited tenant protections compared to other states:
- No rent control laws
- No mandatory grace period for late rent
- Limited requirements for security deposit returns
- No requirement for landlords to make repairs beyond habitability standards
Protect ourself:
- Get everything in writing
- Document the condition of your apartment with photos/videos at move-in
- Keep copies of all rent payments
- Understand your lease fully before signing
- Report maintenance issues in writing
Buying vs. Renting in Atlanta’s 2026 Market
For many Atlanta residents, the rent vs. buy calculation has shifted dramatically.
The $1,000+ Monthly Gap
From 2017 to 2019, owning a starter home cost about $100 to $200 more per month than renting an apartment. Today, that premium has ballooned to over $1,000 per month, keeping many renters from making the leap into homeownership.
Why uying Is More Expensive Now:
- Home prices increased significantly (median sales price: $411,000 in Metro Atlanta)
- Mortgage interest rates in high-5% to 6% range
- Higher down payment requirements
- Property taxes, insurance, and HOA fees
- Maintenance and repair costs
The Calculation:
- Renting: $1,650/month (average) + renters insurance ($20) = $1,670/month
- Buying: $411,000 home at 6% = $2,465 mortgage + $400 taxes/insurance + $200 maintenance = $3,065/month
- Difference: $1,395 more per month to own vs. rent
When Buying Makes Sense
Despite the higher monthly cost, homeownership can still make sense in certain situations:
Buy if:
- You plan to stay in Atlanta 5+ years
- You have stable employment and emergency savings
- You can afford the higher monthly payment comfortably
- You want to build equity rather than pay rent
- You value stability and customization
- You believe home values will appreciate
Atlanta Homeownership Advantages:
- Build wealth through home equity (particularly important for Black households, where 92% of wealth is tied up in homes)
- Fixed mortgage payment vs. rent increases
- Tax deductions for mortgage interest and property taxes
- Ability to renovate and customize
- Potentially rent out rooms to offset costs
Atlanta Market Trends for Buyers: The 2026 housing market is expected to be ideal for move-up buyers, with more inventory, slightly lower rates, and calmer competition. Real estate professionals suggest buying now and refinancing later rather than waiting for rates to drop, as competition increases when rates fall.
First-Time Homebuyer Programs
Georgia Dream Homeownership Program:
- Down payment assistance
- Competitive interest rates
- Income and purchase price limits
FHA Loans:
- 3.5% down payment (vs. conventional 20%)
- Lower credit score requirements
- Higher debt-to-income ratios allowed
VA Loans (for Veterans)
- Zero down payment
- No private mortgage insurance
- Competitive interest rates
Local Atlanta Programs:
- Atlanta Housing Authority homeownership programs
- Habitat for Humanity of Atlanta
- Community Land Trusts offering permanently affordable homes
Resources for Finding Affordable Housing in Atlanta
Atlanta Housing Help Center
What It Is: A one-stop shop for low-income Atlantans’ housing needs, working with over 200 government agencies and nonprofits.
Services:
- Housing search assistance
- Rental assistance application help
- Legal aid referrals
- Case management (goal: 2 weeks from homeless to housed)
Location: Two Peachtree Tower, Downtown Atlanta
Who It Serves: Low-income Atlanta residents, people experiencing homelessness, families facing eviction
Nonprofit Housing Organizations
Enterprise Community Partners
- Advocates for preserving multifamily housing
- Provides technical assistance to affordable developments
- Website: enterprisecommunity.org
Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation (AVLF)
- Free legal counsel for tenants facing eviction
- Served nearly 1,600 tenants in 2020
- Emergency rental assistance programs
- Website: avlf.org
Atlanta Legal Aid
- Free legal services for low-income residents
- Housing discrimination cases
- Landlord-tenant disputes
- Website: atlantalegalaid.org
Partners For Home
- Atlanta’s homeless services provider
- Coordinated entry system
- Housing navigation assistance
- Website: partnersforhome.org
Online Rental Platforms
Apartments.com
- Largest inventory of Atlanta rentals
- Detailed filters (price, location, amenities)
- Virtual tours
- Apply directly through platform
Zillow Rentals
- Comprehensive Atlanta listings
- Map-based search
- Price trends and neighborhood data
- Saved searches with alerts
Rent.com
- Exclusive deals and specials
- Professional photos and virtual tours
- Comparison tools
- Apartment locator service
Trulia
- Neighborhood crime maps
- Commute calculator
- School ratings
- Local insights
Facebook Marketplace
- Individual landlord listings
- Often no application fees
- Direct communication with owners
- Neighborhood Facebook groups
Craigslist
- Large inventory (use caution for scams)
- Individual landlords and small property owners
- Negotiate directly with owners
Real Estate Agents Specializing in Rentals
Many Atlanta real estate agents specialize in helping renters find apartments and homes.
Benefits of Using an Agent:
- Access to listings not publicly advertised
- Local neighborhood expertise
- Negotiation assistance
- Application guidance
- Often free (landlord pays commission)
Finding a Rental Agent:
- Ask for referrals from friends or colleagues
- Contact local real estate brokerages
- Search for agents specializing in your target neighborhood
How Brown Thrasher Movers Can Help Your Atlanta Move
Finding affordable housing is just the first step. Actually moving into your new Atlanta home requires professional help—especially in a competitive housing market where timing matters.
Why Choose Brown Thrasher Movers
Local Expertise As Atlanta-based movers, we understand the unique challenges of the Metro Atlanta housing market:
- Tight apartment building move-in schedules
- Competitive move-in dates
- HOA and building restrictions
- Parking challenges in dense neighborhoods
- Last-minute housing changes
Flexible Scheduling When you finally secure that hard-to-find affordable apartment:
- Quick turnaround on move dates
- Weekend and evening moves available
- Month-end and first-of-month priority scheduling
- Emergency moving services if needed
Affordable, Transparent Pricing. We understand budget constraints when you’re already stretching to afford Atlanta housing:
- Clear, upfront quotes with no hidden fees
- Competitive rates for quality service
- No last-minute price increases
- Time-based pricing (you only pay for time worked)
Comprehensive Moving Services
Local Residential Moving
- Apartment and condo moves throughout Metro Atlanta
- House relocations
- Same-building moves
- Learn about our local moving services
Apartment & Condo Moving
- Elevator reservation coordination
- Stair carries and tight spaces
- Building requirement compliance
- Apartment moving services
Long-Distance Moving
- Interstate relocations to Atlanta
- Out-of-state moves from Atlanta
- Secure transport and communication
- Long-distance moving information
Packing Services
- Professional packing for those with limited time
- Quality packing materials
- Fragile item specialty packing
- Packing and unpacking services
Labor-Only Help
- Perfect for budget-conscious renters with rental trucks
- Loading and unloading assistance
- Furniture rearrangement
- Labor-only moving help
Areas We Serve
Brown Thrasher Mover serves the entire Metro Atlanta area, including all the affordable housing neighborhoods mentioned in this guide:
- North Atlanta: Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Cumming, Canton
- Central/Intown Atlanta: Midtown, Buckhead, Downtown, Virginia-Highland, Inman Park, East Atlanta Village
- East Atlanta: Brookhaven, Chamblee, Doraville, Dunwoody, Decatur West/Northwest Atlanta: East Cobb, Marietta, Smyrna, Kennesaw, Woodstock Northeast Atlanta: Lawrenceville, Suwanee, Sugar Hill
FAQs: Atlanta Housing Shortage and Affordable Rentals
Q: What salary do I need to afford an apartment in Atlanta?
A: With the average Atlanta rent at $1,650/month, you’ll need an annual income of approximately $49,500 to $59,400 to meet most landlords’ income requirements (2.5-3 times monthly rent). For a $1,200 apartment, you’d need $36,000-$43,200 annually.
Q: Why are Atlanta rents so high?
A: Atlanta rents are high due to a combination of factors: rapid population growth, high-wage job creation (especially in tech), limited affordable housing construction (95% of new units are luxury), investor purchases of single-family homes, and demolition of older affordable units. The metro is 132,000 affordable rental units short of what’s needed.
Q: Which Atlanta neighborhoods are most affordable for renters?
A: The most affordable neighborhoods include Canton, Lawrenceville, Kennesaw, College Park, West End, and East Atlanta Village. Outside the Perimeter (OTP) suburbs generally offer better value than Inside the Perimeter (ITP) neighborhoods. Expect rents from $1,200-$1,600/month in more affordable areas vs. $2,000+ in premium neighborhoods like Buckhead and Midtown.
Q: Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Atlanta right now?
A: Renting is significantly cheaper monthly in 2026. The average rent is $1,650/month while buying a median-price home ($411,000) costs approximately $3,065/month including mortgage, taxes, insurance, and maintenance—a gap of over $1,400/month. However, buying builds equity and may make sense if you plan to stay 5+ years.
Q: How far in advance should I start looking for an apartment in Atlanta?
A: Start your apartment search 2-3 months before your desired move date for long-distance relocations, or 4-6 weeks before for local moves. In competitive neighborhoods, start even earlier. Good apartments lease quickly—often within 48-72 hours of listing.
Q: Can I negotiate rent in Atlanta?
A: Yes! Rent is negotiable, especially during off-peak season (November-February), at buildings with high vacancy rates, or if you have excellent credit and can sign a longer lease. Ask about move-in specials, reduced security deposits, and concessions. New construction often offers 1-2 months free rent during lease-up periods.
Q: What are my tenant rights in Georgia?
A: Georgia tenant protections are limited compared to other states. You have the right to habitable housing, privacy (with notice before landlord entry), and security deposit return. However, Georgia has no rent control, no mandatory grace period for late rent, and one of the fastest eviction processes in the nation. Always get agreements in writing and document your apartment’s condition at move-in.
Q: Are there programs to help with Atlanta rent?
A: Yes. The Atlanta Housing Help Center at Two Peachtree Tower provides housing search assistance and connects residents to rental assistance programs. Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation (AVLF) offers free eviction prevention services. Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers are available but waitlists are long. Check with your employer about relocation assistance packages.
Q: How much should I budget for moving costs in addition to rent?
A: Budget for first month’s rent, security deposit (typically equal to one month’s rent), application fees ($50-$100), moving company costs ($300-$2,500 depending on distance and amount), utility deposits ($100-$300), and initial furniture/supplies if needed. Total move-in costs typically run 2.5-3 times your monthly rent before moving expenses.
Q: What credit score do I need to rent an apartment in Atlanta?
A: Most Atlanta landlords prefer credit scores of 650 or higher. Scores of 620-649 may require a co-signer or larger security deposit. Below 620, you may face challenges qualifying for corporate-managed properties but individual landlords may be more flexible. Eviction history is particularly problematic in Georgia rental applications.
Your Next Steps: Finding Affordable Atlanta Housing
Ready to start your affordable housing search in Metro Atlanta? Here’s your action plan:
Step 1: Determine Your Budget
Calculate your maximum affordable rent:
- Take your gross monthly income
- Multiply by 0.30 (30% is the recommended maximum)
- This is your maximum affordable rent
Example:
- Gross income: $50,000/year = $4,167/month
- Maximum rent: $4,167 × 0.30 = $1,250/month
Step 2: Research Neighborhoods
Use Brown Thrasher Movers’ neighborhood guides to explore areas within your budget:
- Review average rents in different neighborhoods
- Consider commute times to work
- Research school districts if you have children
- Explore walkability and amenities
- Check crime statistics and neighborhood safety
Step 3: Set Up Housing Alerts
Rental Search Platforms:
- Apartments.com – Atlanta search with price filters
- Zillow Rentals – Set up saved searches with alerts
- Facebook Marketplace – Join neighborhood groups
- Craigslist – Daily searches (watch for scams)
Search Settings:
- Price range: Your budget ± $100
- Neighborhoods: 3-5 target areas
- Move-in date: Your target date ± 2 weeks
- Must-have amenities: Parking, pets allowed, washer/dryer, etc.
Step 4: Prepare Your Application Documents
Gather these documents now:
- Photo ID or driver’s license
- Social Security card
- Last 3 pay stubs or employment verification letter
- Last 2 months of bank statements
- Previous landlord contact information
- Personal and professional references
- Pet vaccination records (if applicable)
- Proof of renters insurance or ability to obtain
Step 5: Tour and Apply Quickly
When You Find a Good Apartment:
- Tour the apartment (in-person if possible)
- Ask questions about the lease, utilities, and policies
- Check for maintenance issues
- Review the neighborhood at different times of day
- Apply immediately if it meets your criteria
- Follow up within 24-48 hours
Step 6: Secure Your Move Date
Once Your Application Is Approved: Contact Brown Thrasher Movers to schedule your move:
Phone: (706) 908-4815
Email: info@brownthrashermovers.com
Address: 844 Ivy Vine Way, Alpharetta, GA 30004
Online: Get Your Free Moving Quote
What to Tell Us:
- Your move-in date
- Current and new addresses
- Apartment size (1BR, 2BR, etc.)
- Special items (piano, antiques, fragile items)
- Building access details (elevator reservations, parking)
- Any packing services needed
Conclusion: You Can Find Affordable Housing in Atlanta
Atlanta’s housing shortage is real, and the challenges are significant. Rents have increased 50%, construction of affordable units has slowed dramatically, and competition for available apartments is intense. But with strategic planning, persistence, and flexibility, you can find affordable housing in Metro Atlanta.
Key Takeaways:
- Start your search early – 2-3 months before your move date gives you the best selection
- Be flexible on location – Moving further from downtown can save $500+ per month
- Consider roommates – Sharing housing costs makes Atlanta much more affordable
- Negotiate everything – Rent, deposits, fees, and lease terms are often negotiable
- Use available resources – Atlanta Housing Help Center, AVLF, and nonprofit organizations can help
- Know your rights – Understanding Georgia tenant laws protects you from exploitation
- Work with professional movers – Brown Thrasher Movers makes your transition smooth and stress-free
At Brown Thrasher Movers, we’re more than just a moving company—we’re your partner in successfully relocating to or within Metro Atlanta. We understand the housing challenges you’re facing, and we’re here to make the actual moving process as easy and affordable as possible.
Like the Brown Thrasher protects its nest, we protect yours.
Ready to start planning your Atlanta move? Contact Brown Thrasher Movers today for your free, no-obligation moving quote. Let us handle the heavy lifting while you focus on finding your perfect affordable Atlanta home.
Additional Moving Resources
Connect With Us:
● Instagram: @brown_thrasher_movers
● Phone: (706) 908-4815
● Email: info@brownthrashermovers.com
Brown Thrasher Movers – Atlanta’s Trusted Local & Long-Distance Moving Company. Professional residential & commercial movers serving Metro Atlanta with upfront pricing, experienced crews, and careful handling — every move done right.
