BTW we’re Bellhop, your friendly and efficient long-distance movers. Even if you’re moving just a few boxes a few zip codes, we’ve got professional, low-cost teams that can help. Just give us a call. With that intro let’s jump right in.

Moving locally is still the #1 move

You’re not crazy and you’re not alone. Despite all the news during Covid of people moving to the ‘sticks’, local moves within a county still are the biggest (53%). Most people stay in-state and close to home. Out-of-state moves were up (17%) but not significantly (Source: The U.S. Census).

Why move to the suburbs?

Here are common reasons reported by the government:

#1. Upgrade Housing (45%)– It can be about space or features. A backyard, laundry room, guest room. In my case I woke up one day with a green thumb and wanted a garden.[ws1]   This was seismic because no one in my family gardened.

#2. Family (25%) – Your family or caring for relations is the second most mentioned reason. Being near parents can mean extra help with the kids (day-care is expensive!), or conversely a middle-aged person (nearly always a woman) caring for parents. Interestingly in 2015 the New York Times reported that “the typical American lives 18 miles from mom.” Covid added meaning to being close by.

#3. Employment (16%) – This includes a new job, easier commuting, retirement.

We can think of a few more:

#4. To build wealth -The rapid appreciation in home values during Covid only reinforced the potential hidden value of a home.

#5. Make a Statement – The dream of home ownership started in the 1950s and is deeply engrained in our culture as a ‘marker’ of success.

#6. Interests, Amenities, Safety – Our habits changed during Covid. The out-of-doors is closer living in the suburbs. So did our tolerance for things we might have once overlooked, like trash and stolen bikes.

What you need to know if moving to the suburbs

School quality can vary by town – Schools are supported in part by property taxes and the state/community’s commitment to them. ‘Quality’ of education can vary. It’s worth checking out US News ranking of schools. Quality can have a noticeable impact on home values.

Property taxes vary too – Miniscule numbers like .0001 can make a difference in your annual home costs. This tax will come as a big sticker shock if you are moving from a rental.

How close is too close to family? – There is no right answer. Next door? 15-20 minutes? Day in and day out this may be the most important decision you make. Now’s the time for that candid conversation with your partner.

Covenants and Discriminatory Practices – Tract divisions of homes can issue covenants that you may find onerous. In freedom-loving America a neighborhood can still tell you to keep your grass cut, or what color to paint your home. Are you ok with that? Read the fine print.

Red-lining (when banks would refuse to lend to certain people for homes in certain neighborhoods) is supposedly a thing of the past. However, senior-only communities can stop you from moving in if you have school-age children. Check if you intend to care, or may end up caring full-time, for grandkids.

Anticipate home update costs – The U.S. Census says you are likely to spend $3,900 on fixes and improvements within the first two years of moving in. With all those empty walls someone will want a 70-inch TV too! New towels for the new bathroom?

Outdoor-related expenses – You can spend a small fortune on lawn mowers, rakes, grills, and patio furniture.

Family Activity Fees – Those ‘enrichment’ activities like soccer, ballet, and school band, require funding, a dedicated driver, and a heftier budget for gas. Carpools can be a welcome assist with opportunities to make new friends.

Different Social Interactions / Diversity – You may encounter welcoming 4^th of July block parties, or not. Or snoopy neighbors. Look for ‘ethnic islands’ (areas with a large population whose ethnicity is different from yours) and measure your comfort level about moving into one. Check out The U.S. Census Bureau’s QuickFacts. It provides ethnicity statistics for cities and towns with a population of 5,000 or more.

Personal Note: In Seattle’s suburbs we have some areas that have strong representation of Asians (38% in Bellevue), while others are South Asian (33% in Sammamish), Eastern European, or Hispanic. My daughters went to one of the top high schools with a 48% Asian student body. This had many blessings, one of which was to make this old Boomer aware of his unconscious bias. Ten years later my daughters are benefitting from the early exposure to the multi-cultural American experience that represents the new normal.

This concentrated diversity is happening everywhere driven by immigration. The NY Times reports that Texas’ ethnicity is rapidly changing as “the state is gaining two people of color for every white migrant.”

Commuting Times and Costs May Vary – It’s weird but times can vary depending upon direction. If you and your partner have vastly different commutes, it’s worth a little research. QuickFacts can help with commute times too. Also spend time researching rush hour tolls, bridge fees, and such. They can radically impact your budget.

Crime – Crime is about policing as much as it is about location. If curious, check out the FBI data on local towns. Reporting is incomplete so your town may not be there. Avoid websites that rank and compare towns; (it’s not recommended by the FBI).

Steps for successfully moving to the suburbs

Bellhops has some great moving guides and advice in detail here.

Before your move

Start conversations about what’s important. Moving is all about compromise. Teens are less likely to want to move away from friends; expect it.

Start early: Moving tends to be seasonal, built around school schedules. Homes get listed in early spring. Know your wants and finances before.

Declutter: Why pack and unpack extra stuff? You’ll hate yourself later if you don’t.

During your move

Be kind to yourself (and others): Remember it’s more stressful than just about everything you do.

Get help: Small tasks add up (wrapping kitchen china, for example). Kids can help with some (though maybe not with the china). Let them put different colored stickers on boxes for each room.

Think strategic: Get the bedrooms moved in first in case it takes the whole weekend to move. Takeout food will be welcome so the kitchen stuff can wait.

After your move

Celebrate! Make the move-in memorable with a special celebration, dinner or event. Recognize something special each person did to make it a success.

Expect weird emotions: Everyone will feel the passage, the losses (of friends, rituals, favorite hangouts). Do your best to find alternatives or better. Just remember promises made will be remembered and counted later (even years later). Keep them real; forget Disneyland unless you mean it.

Start putting down roots: Keep good routines; add new ones. Expect to meet your neighborhoods in accidental encounters so have your ‘game face on.’

The costs of moving to the suburbs

Costs can vary depending upon your location. If you want a quick estimate, contact your local Bellhop Mover. We’re located in most major cities nationwide and will be glad to help you get started estimating.

Helping parents move to the suburbs

This gets complicated but it’s likely to happen to you. We have some helpful information here.

Can you deduct the cost of moving to the suburbs?

Probably not. Most Americans cannot deduct from their taxes the cost of moving. Active-duty service members may if they meet the criteria. Link

Keep track of expenses so you will know what it may cost again next time. If you’re like most folks, you will move again. (People are likely to move 11.7 times in their lifetime.)

Like What You See?

That’s it! We hope this guide helps. If you’re feeling itchy for adventure and new sunrises, it’s understandable. If you decide to take the plunge, get in touch. We know some people who would love to help.

The post What to Consider Before Moving to The Suburbs appeared first on Bellhop.

According to Zillow, the median home value in Atlanta is $297,700 as of August 2021. This is higher than the national median home value of $264,000. However, when compared to other cities in America, Atlanta is still relatively affordable. In cities such as San Francisco, New York, and Los Angeles, the median home value can easily be over $1 million. Additionally, Atlanta has lower property tax rates compared to other major cities, making it a more affordable option for homeowners. However, it is worth noting that the cost of living in Atlanta can vary depending on the neighborhood and amenities offered, which is why we will be using this article to highlight a few neighborhoods that many homeowners love.

In 2020, about 60,045 homes were sold in Atlanta. According to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the homeownership rate in Atlanta is 47.1%, while the rental vacancy rate is 10.6%. This suggests that the remaining percentage of people (42.3%) in Atlanta are renting their homes. Given this information, it can be said that, whether you are looking to rent or buy, there will likely be a home available for you in Atlanta.

Now we will go into further detail about a few noteworthy neighborhoods for first-time homebuyers in Atlanta.

Medlock Park

Medlock Park is an excellent neighborhood for first-time homebuyers due to its friendly community, affordable home prices, and convenient location. The average cost of a home in Medlock Park is around $400,000, making it an excellent investment for first-time homebuyers who are looking for an affordable place to live.

In terms of nearby bars and neighborhoods, Medlock Park is situated just a few miles from the vibrant Decatur Square, which is home to an array of local bars and restaurants. Additionally, Downtown Atlanta is only a short drive away, providing access to an endless variety of entertainment options.

On the education front, Medlock Park has a strong school system, with several highly ranked schools, including Fernbank Elementary School and Druid Hills High School. Both schools have received exceptional ratings, making them an ideal choice for families with children.

Oak Grove

Oak Grove is another great neighborhood for first-time homebuyers in Atlanta. It is a peaceful, residential community filled with lush trees and green spaces, making it a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

The average home price in Oak Grove ranges from $400,000 to $800,000, making it more affordable than some of the other high-end neighborhoods in Atlanta. Despite the lower cost, homes in Oak Grove still retain their value and are a good investment for buyers. There is also a wide variety of home styles, from bungalows and brick ranch houses to larger, newer builds.

For nightlife and entertainment, there are plenty of bar and restaurant options nearby. Oak Grove has a small shopping center with grocery stores, coffee shops, and restaurants. There are also other nearby neighborhoods, such as Midtown and Virginia Highland, that offer even more dining and entertainment options.

The schools in Oak Grove are highly rated and generally perform better than the rest of Atlanta’s schools. Oak Grove has access to some of the best public schools in Atlanta, including Sagamore Hills Elementary, Henderson Middle School, and Lakeside High School. These schools offer a diverse curriculum and extracurricular activities for students.

Underwood Hills

Underwood Hills is another great option for first-time homebuyers in Atlanta. This neighborhood is a quaint, tree-lined community located near the popular Buckhead area. It’s one of the most affordable neighborhoods near Buckhead.

The average price of a home in Underwood Hills ranges from $400,000 to $600,000, depending on the size and condition of the property. However, you could find a great deal for under $400,000 if you are willing to put in a bit more work to update the condition of the property.

One of the biggest advantages of living in Underwood Hills is its proximity to numerous bars and neighborhoods. The community is located right between Vinings and Buckhead, so there are plenty of options for dining and entertainment. Nearby bars include Battle & Brew, a gaming bar, and Fado Irish Pub, which is great for drinks with friends.

Moreover, the schools in Underwood Hills are highly rated. There are several options for schools in the area such as Brandon Elementary School, Sutton Middle School, and North Atlanta High School.

Finally, Underwood Hills is known to be a safe neighborhood. It not only has its own neighborhood watch program, but also features plenty of sidewalks and bike lanes for those who prefer to get around on foot or by bike.

Midtown 

Midtown is an excellent neighborhood for first-time homebuyers for several reasons. Firstly, it is one of the most walkable neighborhoods in Atlanta, with plenty of bars, restaurants, and shops nearby. The neighborhood is home to numerous green spaces and parks, including the famous Piedmont Park.

The cost of homes in Midtown varies depending on the type of property and location. However, the average cost of a single-family home typically ranges from $550,000 to $1 million.

Midtown is surrounded by some of the most popular neighborhoods in Atlanta, including Virginia-Highland, Little Five Points, and Inman Park. These neighborhoods offer plenty of bars, restaurants, and entertainment options for residents to enjoy.

Regarding the schools, Midtown has several highly rated public and private schools, including Springdale Park Elementary, The Children’s School, and Grady High School. However, compared to some of the other suburbs and neighborhoods in Atlanta, the public schools in Midtown generally have slightly lower test scores.

Sandy Springs

Sandy Springs is a great location for first-time homebuyers in Atlanta, and there are several reasons why. The neighborhood is known for its excellent schools, ample green spaces, and convenient location near several popular restaurants, bars, and shopping centers. The average home price in Sandy Springs is around $540,000. However, there are plenty of options available for homebuyers of all budgets.

Sandy Springs is surrounded by several popular neighborhoods and bars. For example, Buckhead is just a short drive away, and it is known for its bustling nightlife and upscale shopping. In Sandy Springs itself, you’ll find plenty of places to eat, drink, and socialize. City Springs is a new mixed-use development that offers a variety of dining options, including casual eateries and upscale restaurants. Roswell Road is another hot spot that’s home to several bars, including Hudson Grille and the Lost Dog Tavern.

When it comes to schools, Sandy Springs boasts some of the best in the Atlanta area. The Fulton County School District is highly ranked, and many of the schools in Sandy Springs have received top marks. Sandy Springs is also home to several prestigious private schools, including the Weber School and the Mount Vernon School. Overall, the quality of schools in Sandy Springs is considered to be much better than the average in Atlanta.

Average Cost of Moving in Atlanta

Now that you have seen how many excellent neighborhoods Atlanta has to offer, you may be wondering, “how much will it cost to move there?” The average cost of moving into, for example, a three bedroom home in Atlanta can vary greatly depending on many factors such as the location, condition of the home, and the specific neighborhood. The cost of moving in can include additional expenses such as closing costs, moving costs, and deposits. Here at Bellhop, we have your back in terms of providing transparent pricing that fits your timeline.

Ready to move to Atlanta? Get your free estimate and Bellhop will take care of the rest!

Other Atlanta Guides

• Moving to Atlanta, GA
• The Best Neighborhoods in Atlanta
• The Best Suburbs in Atlanta
• The Best Neighborhoods for Families in Atlanta
• The Best Up-and-Coming Neighborhoods in Atlanta
• The Best Schools in Atlanta
• Cost of Living in Atlanta
• Guide to Nightlife in Atlanta
• Best Neighborhoods for First-Time Homebuyers in Atlanta
• Safest Neighborhoods in Atlanta
• Best Parks in Atlanta
• What to Know Before Moving to Buckhead
• What to Know About Inman Park
• Summerhill Neighborhood Guide
• West Midtown Neighborhood Guide
• Atlanta’s Most Walkable Neighborhoods

The post Best Neighborhoods for First-Time Homebuyers in Atlanta appeared first on Bellhop.