Family owned
Things to know before moving from South Dakota to Atlanta, GA
Cost of living: South Dakota vs Atlanta, GA
| South Dakota | Atlanta | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $878 | $1,900 |
| Average home value | $306,944 | $388,167 |
| Average income (per capita) | $69,457 | $66,107 |
| Unemployment rate | 2% | 6% |
| State income tax | 0% | 5% |
Atlanta sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent is about 116% more expensive in Atlanta than in South Dakota.
- Home prices are about 26% higher in Atlanta than in South Dakota.
- The average income is about 5% lower in Atlanta than in South Dakota.
- Atlanta has a higher unemployment rate than South Dakota by about 216%.
- Income taxes are 5% higher in Atlanta than in South Dakota.
How life is different in Atlanta from South Dakota
| Atlanta | South Dakota | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 498,715 | 919,318 |
| Political leaning | Republican 51-49 | Republican 63-37 |
| Summer high | 88ºF | 85ºF |
| Winter low | 33ºF | 7ºF |
| Annual rain | 52" | 23" |
| Annual snow | 1" | 39" |
| Crime index | 64.23 | 21.14 |
Atlanta sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- The population of Atlanta is approximately 46% lower than the population of South Dakota.
- In the last presidential election, Atlanta voted Republican and South Dakota voted Republican.
- The average high in the summertime in Atlanta is 88ºF and in South Dakota, it’s 85ºF.
- During the coldest part of the year, Atlanta reaches the temperature of 33ºF and South Dakota gets down to 7ºF.
- You can expect about 52 inches of annual rainfall in Atlanta vs 23 inches of rainfall in South Dakota.
- In Atlanta, it snows about 1 inch annually vs 39 inches of snow in South Dakota.
- Atlanta has a higher crime rate than South Dakota with a crime index of 64.23 vs 21.14.
Things to do in Atlanta
Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Atlanta.
Museums in Atlanta
Parks in Atlanta
Sports Teams in Atlanta
Universities in Atlanta
Other considerations when moving to Atlanta, GA
- Weather: Atlanta has hot summers and cool winters. It's unlikely that the weather will delay your move but prepare for the weather ahead of move day since moving typically requires spending many hours outdoors.
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
- Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
- State licensing: Moving companies in Georgia are regulated by the the Georgia Department of Public Safety (GDPS). Regulations include insurance requirements and the handling of consumer complaints. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a Georgia moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
- Moving permits: Georgia does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Georgia. Get started here.
- Mover's insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. Opt for Released Value Protection for its cost-effectiveness, offered by movers at no extra charge. However, it provides minimal coverage, with the mover's responsibility limited to 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage matching the full value of your items, explore other options with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.
Compare the pros and cons of South Dakota vs. Atlanta, GA
Comparing the pros of South Dakota vs. Atlanta, GA:
There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in South Dakota vs Atlanta side-by-side.
| Pros of living in South Dakota | Pros of living in Atlanta, GA |
|---|---|
| Outstanding tax benefits | Ample economic opportunity |
| Robust job market | Mild winters |
| Low cost of living | Bountiful arts and recreational activities |
| Beautiful rural landscapes | Abundant entertainment |
| Abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities | Quality education |
Comparing the cons of living in South Dakota vs. Atlanta, GA:
Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, these are the things to be aware of when leaving South Dakota for Atlanta.
| Cons of living in South Dakota | Cons of living in Atlanta, GA |
|---|---|
| Extreme weather | Terrible traffic |
| Small-town mindset | Urban sprawl |
| Sparsely populated | Hot summers |
| Strange and offensive laws | Poverty |
| Unpredictable weather | High crime rate |
FAQ
How long does a move from South Dakota to Atlanta take?
The time frame for a move from South Dakota to Atlanta, GA, varies based on your moving method and starting location. The actual loading up of your items should not take more than a day, even with DIY moves.
Obviously, the further upstate you are in South Dakota, the longer the drive time to Atlanta will be. If you’re driving a rental truck, the move could be completed in one or two days, on average, depending on your route and how often you stop.
With professional movers or moving containers, delivery times to Atlanta from South Dakota can range from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the company’s schedule and transit logistics. You can always ask for a general timeline before booking.
How far in advance should I book movers when moving from South Dakota to Atlanta?
Because of the 1333-mile move, it’s best to book your move from South Dakota to Atlanta as soon as you have your moving details. Ideally, you’d book your move two to three months ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Atlanta, GA?
With the summer highs of 88ºF and the winter lows of 33ºF, most people move to Atlanta from South Dakota during the spring and fall months. To avoid competing during those busy moving seasons, you could save some money by booking your move to Atlanta during summer or winter.
