Should I move to Louisville/Jefferson County or stay in Atlanta?
Hi all, My partner and I are Crime rate is something to consider — Louisville/Jefferson County sits at 551.2 per 100K. Homes are going for about $221,500 on average. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. What would you do? It's changing fast — some good, some not so much.
82 upvotes
12 Replies
Emilia Kelly
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 45, moved here 13 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Meadowbrook and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Nightlife is limited
3. The pet-friendliness situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for remote workers. average vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Tampa, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $50K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
35 upvotes
Brielle Peterson
yeah no that's not right
31 upvotes
Isabelle G.
Used to live on the Highland side, now on the Greenfield side. Completely different vibe. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
28 upvotes
Brooks Cook
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 13 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the community vibe is legit. And if you're into running, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Old Town side vs the The Heights side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
24 upvotes
Ezekiel
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from Seattle about 3 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are established, gas is challenging.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Happy to answer more specific questions..
21 upvotes
orlandoguy2022
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Midtown for 13 years. Moved from Seattle for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Midtown schools are decent. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Rising rent and home prices. Limited high-paying job options. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 8/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
17 upvotes
Jordan Green
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. it exceeded my expectations. Compared to San Diego it's improving.
15 upvotes
Harold D.
noted, appreciate it
14 upvotes
Katherine Johnson
Hot take but it's exactly what I was looking for. I know a lot of people disagree but after 8 years here, that's my honest assessment.
4 upvotes
isabelle_kid
I'm a electrician and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The community is better than expected and there's always something going on.
2 upvotes
Victoria W.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. it was the best decision I ever made. Compared to Baltimore it's solid.
All Countries
