Best City to Start a Business

• Are you looking to relocate or start a business in a new city? Atlanta, Georgia, could be the perfect fit for you.
• Atlanta is a vibrant, affordable city that could be a great option for your small business.
• When many people think about moving to a major city, affordability is usually a concern. However, the city of Atlanta doesn’t have to be a major concern on this list.

Are you looking to relocate or start a business in a new city? If so, Atlanta, Georgia, could be the perfect fit for you. The vibrant city is affordable and could be a great option for your small business. Below are resources and information to help you make an informative decision on if Atlanta is the next move for you.

Atlanta is Affordable

When many people think about moving to a major city, affordability is usually a concern. However, the city of Atlanta doesn’t have to be a significant concern on this list. Overall, the cost of living in Atlanta is 1 percent below the national average. Atlanta, Georgia, has so much to offer its residents and business owners, which makes the city an incredibly good deal in most cases.

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Plus, a lower cost of living doesn’t just mean that it’s affordable to live in the area; operating your business is less expensive, too. You won’t have to pay as much in wages, for real estate, or for any of your other needs, making it far easier to turn a profit.

Recommended Read: If your living expenses exceed your income, here's how you can cut cost and increase your income.

Housing

Atlanta comes out ahead of many other major cities when it comes to housing. According to Redfin, if you're hoping to become a homeowner, you'll be happy to know that the average home sells for around $355,000. While that's higher than the national average, it's much lower than many other major cities, including Los Angeles and New York.

According to Rent Cafe, the average monthly cost for rentals in Atlanta can average around $1,723. Considering that the average apartment size is 974 sq. ft., that isn’t a bad deal for a big city like Atlanta.

Recommended Read: Rent vs. Own: Which Housing Option Is Best For You

Community

If you want to start or relocate a company in an area that offers exceptional support for small businesses, Atlanta is an excellent option if you want to start or relocate a company in an area that offers exceptional support for small businesses.

Here are just a few of the helpful organizations that can assist you in getting your company off of the ground:

• Atlanta Business Alliance
• City of Atlanta
• Georgia SBDC
• Invest Atlanta
• Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce
• SCORE
• Urban League of Greater Atlanta
• WEI

Quality of Life

Atlanta has a lot to offer when it comes to quality of life. The city has an exceptional culture, plenty of attractions, and a slew of outdoor recreation options.

Editorial credit: Christopher V Jones / Shutterstock.com

Atlanta residents enjoying the popular beltline.

Here is just a quick list of some of the fun you can have in Atlanta and the surrounding area:

• Atlanta Botanical Garden
• Atlanta History Center
• Georgia Aquarium
• Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site
• Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• National Center for Civil and Human Rights
• Piedmont Park

Education

Atlanta is a highly educated city, making it easy for business owners to secure skilled team members once the need arises. Here is a quick overview of the amazing schools producing talented graduates in the Atlanta area:

• Atlanta Technical College
• Clark Atlanta University
• Emory University
• Georgia Institute of Technology
• Georgia State University
• Mercer University
• Morehouse College
• Morris Brown College

Quick-Start Checklist for Your Business

If you’re ready to get your small business off of the ground, here is a checklist to get you on your way:

• Register with the Secretary of State
• Get an EIN
• Set Up for Georgia Business Taxes
• Learn Local Employment Laws
• Get Your Licenses and Permits

You’ll also want to square away some branding, including getting a company logo. While you can hire logo design services, there’s also a more affordable alternative. By using a free online logo maker, you can make your own with ease. All you need to do is:

• Choose a Style
• Select an Icon
• Add Text
• Pick an Initial Design
• Customize the Font
• Adjust the Colors

Once you’ve done that, you have a personalized logo, giving you options for differentiating your company and boosting brand awareness.