The population of Atlanta doesn't come anywhere close to touching the population of New York City, Los Angeles, or Chicago, which all have millions of residents. But with a population of almost 500,000, Atlanta is still one of the largest cities in the U.S.

If you love the sound of living in a large city, moving to Atlanta might seem like a great idea to you. But before you make the trek to Atlanta and lay down your roots, it's a good idea to find out what you can expect from the city.

Here are some things that will help you decide whether or not Atlanta is the right city for you.

The Cost of Living Is Above the National Average

Prior to moving to Atlanta, you should crunch the numbers and make sure you're going to be able to afford it. While the cost of living in the city isn't outrageous, it is higher than the cost of living in many other cities.

The cost of living in Atlanta is currently about 8% higher than the national average. That means you'll pay slightly more for everything from transportation to utilities in Atlanta.

You should look at the cost of living in your current city compared to the cost of living in Atlanta to see if moving to Atlanta makes sense.

There Are Lots of Different Types of Homes to Choose From

If you're thinking about moving to Atlanta, you've probably checked out some of the homes for sale in the area. And you've likely noticed that there are so many different types of homes available in Atlanta.

Do you want to buy a historic home that dates back to the 1800s? Or how about a large Southern home with a big front porch? Or maybe a contemporary construction is more your style.

Atlanta has almost any type of house you could ever hope for. Read more about home buying in Atlanta to see what the city has to offer to those interested in moving there.

The City Has So Much to See and Do

After moving to Atlanta, there won't ever be a dull moment. There are so many things for you to see and do within the city limits.

Atlanta is home to the:

• Georgia Aquarium

• World of Coca-Cola

• Atlanta Botanical Garden

• Centennial Olympic Park

• CNN Studios

And that's just the beginning. You'll love exploring every square inch of Atlanta and experiencing the city for yourself.

Is Moving to Atlanta in the Cards for You?

There are several Southern cities that you should consider moving to if you're looking for a new city to call home. They all have something unique to offer to you.

But Atlanta is, bar none, one of the best cities in the South. If you can afford to live there, moving to Atlanta is well worth your time and money. You won't regret setting up shop there for at least a few years, if not much longer.

Read our blog for more articles on buying a new home.