When you live in Atlanta or Cumming, it'll completely change how you experience Georgia. You'll find something different in each place! Atlanta buzzes with big-city energy and endless career paths. Cumming can give you that peaceful suburban life with top-rated schools and tight-knit neighborhoods.

Let's break down what makes these cities tick. You can see how your money stretches differently in each location. Let's check out where the most promising jobs are and which areas have the schools you want for your kids! Want to know about house prices? Wondering how long you'll spend stuck in traffic? Worried about picking a safe area? We'll help you with those facts, too.

Let's check out what Atlanta and Cumming can give you for your future!

Cost Of Living Comparison

You'll end up saving some money living in Atlanta instead of Cumming. Your living costs in Atlanta run about 7% lower than what most Americans pay. You'll need to shell out 5% more than the average in Cumming.

The real change comes down to your housing costs. You're looking at a whopping $635,000 for a common home in Cumming recently. Atlanta can give you more bang for your dollar, with homes averaging around $239,500. The same pattern applies to what you'll pay in rent, too.

The groceries won't change your budget if you pick Atlanta or Cumming. You'll spend about what everyone else in America does at the grocery store. In Cumming you might see the prices running just a small bit higher. That's about 1% more than the national average.

Here's something that might catch you off guard about these communities - your utility bills. Moving to Cumming actually puts more money in your pocket since utilities run 19% cheaper than most Americans pay. Your Atlanta utility bills will look pretty much like everyone else's across the country.

Life in Cumming will need more from your wallet. Think about it this way. You need to earn $53,800 in Cumming to live just as well as someone making $50,000 in Atlanta. Most of that extra money goes straight to keeping a roof over your head.

Your medical bills will hit harder in Cumming too. You'll pay about 9% more than the average American for healthcare in that area. Atlanta keeps everything more reasonable, with medical costs staying right around the national average.

Since both locations call Georgia home you'll manage the same state taxes no matter which one you pick. Georgia takes 4% in sales tax. You'll pay between 1% and 5.57% income tax based on what you earn. Just remember that your local area might add on some extra taxes too.

Job Market Opportunities

You'll find some job opportunities in Atlanta right now. This is especially true if you're interested in tech or healthcare. The city is booming and growing like crazy. Microsoft has even built some giant new offices here. And here's promising news - only about 4 out of 100 people are looking for work as of August 2024.

Want to work in healthcare? You're in luck. Organizations like Northside Hospital, Piedmont Healthcare, and Emory Healthcare are hiring skilled people like you. The healthcare field added more than 17,000 new jobs just last year. You can also find lots of fun new jobs in telemedicine and health tech too.

Tech jobs are taking off in Atlanta right now. You can find more than 75 cybersecurity businesses here that might want to hire you. Software developers and data experts are needed right now. Businesses can't get enough of them. Atlanta has turned into the destination where tech businesses and startups want to be.

Living in Cumming can give you the best of both worlds. You can drive to Atlanta for work while enjoying life in a smaller city. The job market in Cumming looks quite a bit like Atlanta's too. Local businesses keep growing as Atlanta gets bigger and better.

Hotels and restaurants are hiring like crazy in the cities. They added more than 11,000 new jobs in just the past year. You can find lots of government positions opening up, too. Schools and universities keep giving steady work opportunities like you.

Working from home has become very normal now. This is especially true in tech jobs. Check this out - about 8 out of 10 tech workers actually like working flexibly now. That means you can live in peaceful Cumming while working for innovative Atlanta businesses.

The cities need people who know about shipping and logistics operations. Online shopping is making these jobs grow like crazy. You can find tons of jobs in transportation and warehouses. Businesses are building new distribution centers all around the area.

Want to earn good money? Learn how cloud computing and cybersecurity work - businesses are desperate for these skills. They want people who can communicate well, too. Project managers are in very high demand. Some technical certificates under your belt can help you land jobs with outstanding pay in either city.

Education And School Systems

You'll find better schools in Cumming than almost anywhere else in Georgia. Your kids will receive a good education here. The Forsyth County School District ranks #3 in the whole state. Most students are crushing it in math and reading!

You should check out the Alliance Academy for Innovation. This public high school ranks in Georgia's top 5. You'll be happy to know that 96% of Cumming students graduate. That's way higher than most areas in America!

Atlanta can give you more school options since it spans different districts. You can find top-rated schools in Cobb County, Fulton County, and Gwinnett County. They're all in Georgia's high-performing top 30. Just like in Cumming, your kid will share a classroom with about 20 other students.

Want to go private in Atlanta? You have some exceptional options. The Westminster Schools, Pace Academy, and Atlanta International School look great. These schools create well-rounded students.

Your kids will grow in Cumming's public schools. They're great at academics, college prep, and sports. You'll love how they help students get ready for college regardless of family income.

When you move to Atlanta, your school experience depends on which neighborhood you pick. The Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science & Technology is one of Georgia's best public high schools. Alpharetta High and Northview High also deliver results.

College-connected? You're in luck either way! You'll be close to prestigious universities like UGA and Georgia Tech. Local kids also end up at Emory or Georgia State.

In Cumming, you can't go wrong - every school in the district delivers good results. But in Atlanta, you'll need to research neighborhoods to find the right school. Cities give you programs and advanced classes for your kids.

Real Estate

You'll find lots of developments happening in Atlanta's housing market recently! The median home price has now climbed up to $420,000 in late 2024. This shows a small bump from last year. You can choose from more than 6,000 available homes if you're looking to buy right now.

You'll find all kinds of homes in Atlanta, from high-rises downtown to houses in the suburbs. If you want to live in Buckhead or Midtown, you should be ready to pay more than other neighborhoods. The rental community is taking off because people keep moving here for jobs. Most renters recently want a home office space.

Most sellers are now accepting a bit below their asking price and homes take about 55 days to sell. But you shouldn't wait too long on exceptional properties. They usually get snapped up in just two weeks! Atlanta's booming economy and growing tech community keep bringing in new people. This keeps the housing market busy and active.

Look just outside Atlanta, and you'll find Cumming - the market works a bit differently. Your money stretches more here - homes usually cost between $300,000 and $500,000. This beats most Atlanta prices. You'll mostly see single-family homes and townhouses. Fresh neighborhoods are popping up all of the time. Families love moving here because of the highly-rated schools and peaceful setting.

Renting in Cumming isn't as fiercely competitive as in Atlanta. But you can still find lots of options. The area attracts lots of families and pros who want some peace and quiet. Living close to Atlanta helps property values stay strong. But you still get that welcoming suburban feel. New amenities and developments keep drawing in homeowners and investors!

Want to invest? Both cities look quite promising. Atlanta has some fun projects happening, like the Beltline, which makes neighborhoods interesting for investment. Cumming draws investors with its new developments and expanding neighborhoods. Prices should keep climbing in both locations, just not as fast as we've seen recently.

Transportation And Commute Times

You'll probably waste some time sitting in the traffic if you live in Atlanta. The city ranks as America's third worst destination for commuting. You'll spend about 74 hours each year stuck in traffic jams.

Your car will be the main way to get around since most Atlanta residents drive everywhere. People drive alone to get to work 76% of the time. You'll spend around 39 minutes on a one-way trip. When you take the busy highways like I-85 or I-75 during rush hour you can expect slow traffic almost every time.

The MARTA buses and trains might feel like a useful alternative. They don't reach all areas of metro Atlanta. Only about 7% of people hop on the public transit here. Since the MARTA's network is limited you likely won't be able to depend on it as your main transportation choice.

Life moves a bit differently up in Cumming where the traffic flows more than downtown. Your commute will probably take less time, too. But watch out - you might still face some long drives if you work down in north Fulton County.

Getting around Cumming without a car is harder than in Atlanta. You can catch some commuter buses like the Path 400 SRTA Express downtown or Path 401 to Perimeter Center. Seniors and people with needs also have access to some dial-a-ride services.

The money you spend on commuting can add up in these locations. Atlanta commuters spend about 22% of their income on getting to work. That's over $10,000 each year for most people. Living in Cumming might save you some money since you won't have to drive as far.

Your commute time depends on which area of Atlanta you call home. Areas like Buckhead and Midtown give you quick 15-minute trips. But head out to suburbs like Alpharetta or Roswell, and you're looking at 30-45 minutes on the road. The same applies to Woodstock residents cruising down I-575.

Lifestyle And Culture

Atlanta pulses with energy - you'll feel it when you look at its great arts community! You can watch extraordinary performances at the Alliance Theatre. Dance all night to live music at the Cadence Bank Amphitheatre. Your creative side will come alive at the High Museum of Art's extraordinary collections. Plus, you'll get to root for the exceptional teams - the Braves, Hawks, and Falcons throughout the year.

You'll find a more relaxed rhythm in Cumming where outdoor adventures await at every turn. Lake Lanier lets you spend your days boating, fishing, or just unwinding by the water. Want to stay active? Hit the Big Creek Greenway for a bike ride or jog through nature! You can love connecting with your neighbors at community events and farmers' markets in the scenic parks.

Get ready to treat your taste buds in Atlanta's food paradise. Your dining options are endless. From upscale restaurants to trendy food trucks serving up flavors from around the world. Once the sun sets, the city springs alive with rooftop bars, clubs, and music venues. Need some retail therapy? Head to Lenox Square or Atlantic Station, where you can shop for any budget.

Cumming can give you that perfect blend of small-town beauty and modern convenience. You can enjoy authentic and hearty Southern comfort food at family-friendly local places. Grab your lawn chair and head to the Cumming City Center for outdoor concerts and movies beneath the stars. Your weekends will fill up faster with school sports games and community festivals.

Atlanta opens up cultural experiences just for you. Take the kids to the Georgia Aquarium or Zoo Atlanta for a day of discovery! You can explore the Atlanta BeltLine, where art installations and green spaces connect different neighborhoods. Your entertainment options never end with museums and theatres featuring hometown talent and international stars.

Cumming starts with outdoor fun and family time. Jump into year-round swimming and fitness programs at the Cumming Aquatic Center. You'll love exploring the nearby hiking trails and golf courses surrounded by Georgia's natural beauty. When it's time to unwind, local breweries and wineries give you welcoming places to relax with friends.

Moving to Atlanta?

When you move to Atlanta or Cumming it can open up two completely different lifestyles for you and your family. Atlanta buzzes with endless entertainment destinations and career opportunities. Cumming can give you that peaceful and suburban life you could be dreaming about! You'll need to think about what means the most to you in your life.

House hunting in either city means looking at facts that affect your lifestyle. You'll need to check out the schools near your future home and find out how long your work commute might take. Each neighborhood feels different from the next one. You should check them out before picking a good place. This whole process of finding your perfect place can actually be pretty fun.

Atlanta's neighborhoods each have their own specific flavor and every street tells its own story! You'll find something new around every corner in this lively city.

The Justin Landis Group knows all about finding the perfect home in Atlanta's communities. Whether you're looking for a house in the quiet suburbs or want to live right in the city, our team will help show you around until you find exactly what you're looking for.

Reach out to the Justin Landis Group, and let's start looking for your dream home together.