Atlanta, GA

Atlanta GA scores 42/100 on safety (well below average). Crime is about 82% above the national average. Research block-level crime data and visit after dark before you commit.

Detail: overall crime index 182 (100 = avg); violent crime index 173; property crime index 190. Indexes near 100 track a typical U.S. load. Higher means more crime pressure on that category.

School quality varies by neighborhood in Atlanta. Check GreatSchools.org or your local district for current ratings before you choose a ZIP.

Typical rent in Atlanta is about $1,711/month (on the high side). At $1,711/month for a typical unit, you need about $61,596+ in household income to rent comfortably without stretching (3× rent × 12). Typical home value: $439,600.

Median household income is $85,652, property taxes run about 1.45%, and homes typically sell in around 28 days. Local median income ($85,652) clears the $61,596 comfort line for that rent.

Walk Score 68 (Somewhat Walkable); transit score 42 (Some Transit).

Average temperature is about 70°F (highs near 78°F, lows near 61°F).

You can be outside most of the year without extreme gear. Heating and cooling costs are usually moderate compared with hotter or colder metros. If you visit, go in winter or midsummer (not only in spring) to see the extremes.

Who tends to thrive in Atlanta: (1) Tech and finance workers (the job market is real and local pay near $85,652 helps carry housing costs) (2) Households earning $61,596+ who can clear the 3× rent rule at $1,711/month (3) Movers with a locked job offer in Atlanta who already priced rent and commute (4) Buyers comparing mid-size metros who will tour multiple ZIPs before signing

Who should look elsewhere: (1) People with young kids who want to let them roam freely (crime pressure is real here; safety 42/100) (2) Anyone stretching past 40% of take-home on housing at $1,711/month (3) Households expecting top marks on rent and safety at once (Atlanta does not clear every bar)

Income sniff test: clear about $61,596 household income for $1,711/month rent. Under that, pick a cheaper ZIP or a different city.

Atlanta scores 42/100 on safety with $1,711/month typical rent. Run the numbers against your income before committing.