Should I move to San Rafael or stay in Atlanta?

Evan R. Sep 4, 2025

Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.

I've been here 9 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.

That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is hit or miss.

Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The South side vs the Eastside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.

Hope this helps!.

17 upvotes

Valentina Diaz Aug 10, 2025

OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.

Background: I'm a software engineer, 41, moved here 8 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.

**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Good healthcare facilities
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year

**What I don't love:**
1. Dating scene is rough
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The outdoor recreation situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving

**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for couples. improving vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 Phoenix, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$150K here.

**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.

14 upvotes