Relocating to Atlanta can be exciting, but it also comes with big decisions around budget, commute, housing, and neighborhoods. If you are new to the area, it can help to give yourself time before signing a long-term lease.
For many people relocating to Atlanta, Georgia, staying in one of InTown Suites’ extended stay hotels in Atlanta, GA offers a practical place to land while they get familiar with the city.
This guide covers what to know before relocating to the Atlanta area and how a flexible extended stay can make the move easier.
Quick Overview
- Atlanta offers a wide range of neighborhoods, jobs, and lifestyle options.
- Housing costs vary by area, commute, and amenities.
- Traffic and transportation should factor into where you live.
- A temporary stay can help you explore before signing a lease.
- InTown Suites offers furnished suites, in-room kitchens, weekly rates, and flexible stay options.
- Taking your time can help you make a more budget-friendly move.
Start With a Flexible Relocation Plan
When relocating to Atlanta, it can be tempting to make every decision before you arrive. But a slower approach can help you avoid rushing into the wrong apartment, neighborhood, or commute.
An extended stay hotel gives you time to explore the area, compare housing options, and settle into a routine before making a long-term commitment. With InTown Suites, you can stay in a furnished suite while you plan your next step.
Understand the Cost of Living Before You Move
Your budget should be one of the first things you consider when relocating to Atlanta. While Atlanta can be more affordable than some larger cities, it is still important to understand what your monthly costs may look like before you commit to a lease.
Atlanta’s cost of living is around 5% lower than the national average, but housing, transportation, and everyday expenses can still vary by neighborhood and commute. Recent rent data shows the average rent in Atlanta is about $1,632 per month, with a studio around $1,507, a one-bedroom around $1,632, and a two-bedroom around $1,927.
Before moving, budget for more than just rent. You may also need to plan for:
- Application fees and deposits
- Utility setup costs
- Parking or transportation
- Furniture and household items
- Groceries and everyday essentials
- Moving costs
- Temporary storage, if needed
Choosing an extended stay hotel during your transition can help reduce some of these upfront costs. At InTown Suites, your room is furnished and utilities are included, which can make budgeting easier while you compare neighborhoods and look for permanent housing. Checking current weekly offers can also help budget-conscious movers find flexible accommodations before signing a long-term lease.
Explore Atlanta Neighborhoods Before Signing a Lease
Atlanta covers a wide mix of neighborhoods and surrounding suburbs, so where you stay can shape everything from your commute time to your weekly expenses. Before signing a lease, it is worth visiting different areas in person and comparing what day-to-day life would actually look like.
Popular Areas to Explore
- For families: Decatur, Grant Park, Sandy Springs, Marietta, and other areas with access to schools, parks, grocery stores, and everyday services.
- For working professionals: Midtown, Buckhead, Sandy Springs, and West Midtown for access to major employers, offices, highways, and commuting routes.
- For budget-conscious movers: Norcross, Forest Park, Morrow, Jonesboro, Lithia Springs, and other areas outside the city center may be worth comparing for lower-cost housing options.
- For suburban living: Marietta, Roswell, Norcross, Duluth, Kennesaw, and Sandy Springs can be useful starting points if you want more space or easier access to surrounding metro areas.
InTown Suites offers multiple extended stay locations throughout the Atlanta metro area, giving you a convenient base while you look at apartments and get familiar with different areas.
West Midtown: If You Want to Test City Living
The West Midtown extended stay location is a good fit if you are deciding whether living closer to central Atlanta is worth the higher rent or busier traffic. Use this area to compare access to Midtown, downtown, restaurants, and city job centers before committing to an apartment nearby.
Sandy Springs: If You Are Considering North Atlanta
The Sandy Springs extended stay location can help if you are looking at north Atlanta suburbs but still need access to the city. This area is useful for comparing commutes to Dunwoody, Roswell, and Perimeter Center, especially if you want a suburban feel without being too far from major employers.
Norcross: If You Are Looking for Northeast Metro Value
The Norcross extended stay location on Buford Highway may be worth considering if you are comparing more budget-friendly housing options northeast of Atlanta. It can help you explore areas around Gwinnett County, Duluth, Peachtree Corners, and nearby job or family connections before choosing a long-term rental.
Marietta: If You Want Northwest Metro Access
The Marietta extended stay location near Town Center can be useful if you are looking at Cobb County, Kennesaw, Smyrna, or other northwest suburbs. This area may work well if you want access to shopping, employers, schools, and residential neighborhoods outside the city center.
You can also explore the full list of extended stay hotels in Atlanta, GA to compare locations based on where you plan to work, search for housing, or spend most of your time.
Plan Around Traffic and Transportation
In Atlanta, drive times can change quickly depending on the time of day, highway access, and where you are traveling. Before choosing permanent housing, try the route to work, school, or childcare during the hours you would normally be on the road.
Look at:
- Access to major routes like I-75, I-85, I-285, and GA-400
- Parking availability and cost
- MARTA or bus options nearby
- Travel time to grocery stores, appointments, and family
- Whether the area still feels convenient during rush hour
A short-term stay gives you time to learn how you will actually get around before signing a lease. This can help you avoid choosing a place that looks convenient online but feels difficult day to day.
Choose Move-In Ready Accommodations
Moving is easier when you do not have to set up everything at once. Furniture, utilities, and household basics can be costly during the first few weeks in a new city.
Choosing a furnished extended stay can help reduce some of that pressure. InTown Suites’ suites and amenities are designed for longer stays and everyday living, giving you the basics you need from the start.
Amenities include:
- Furnished suites with space to sleep, eat, and relax
- Kitchens for simple meals and grocery storage
- Full-size refrigerators
- Utilities included in the weekly rate
- Free Wi-Fi
- On-site guest laundry facility
- Free parking
- Housekeeping options
- Flexible weekly stays with no long-term lease requirement
This can be especially helpful when relocating to Atlanta because you can arrive with fewer immediate setup costs, keep your belongings simple, and focus on finding the right permanent housing option.
Why Choose InTown Suites When Relocating to Atlanta
InTown Suites gives relocating guests an affordable, flexible place to stay while they get settled. Furnished suites with kitchens, weekly rates, included utilities, and no long-term lease requirements can help make the moving process simpler.
For anyone relocating to Atlanta, InTown Suites can serve as a temporary home base while you compare neighborhoods, search for housing, and adjust to life in a new city. InTown Suites also offers Georgia extended stay hotels across the state if your plans extend beyond Atlanta.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Atlanta can be a good place to relocate for people looking for job opportunities, diverse neighborhoods, entertainment, and access to a large metro area. Before moving, compare housing costs, commute times, and neighborhoods to find the right fit.
If you are wondering how to relocate to Atlanta, Georgia on a budget, start by limiting upfront costs. A furnished extended stay hotel can give you time to search for permanent housing without immediately paying for furniture, utilities, or a long-term lease.
Some people do, but it can help to stay temporarily while you explore the area. This gives you time to compare neighborhoods, rent prices, and commute times before signing a lease.
Before relocating to the Atlanta area, consider your budget, job location, commute, transportation needs, and preferred lifestyle. Atlanta has many neighborhoods and nearby suburbs, so it helps to explore before choosing a long-term home.
Yes. InTown Suites is a practical option for guests who need temporary housing while searching for an apartment, waiting for a home to be ready, or deciding where to live long term.
