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When you choose to move to a new place, there are always things that you wish you’d know before you actually start packing. The new town is a different place than the one you called home and, while some things might still remain a surprise, we put together a list to help you get ready for what you’ll have to deal with once you arrive.

The city of Alpharetta, Georgia, a wonderful place that many young people decide to relocate to, has around 69,000 residents with a median age of 39, and the population continues to grow. The main reason for that is the high quality of life that also led Forbes to name it the #1 Place to Relocate to recently. The evidence of that is overwhelming, and we completely understand and support your decision to select this all-encompassing great place to live as your new home.

In the next section, we’ll cover all you need to know about the city before you actually move to Alpharetta, Georgia, especially if you come from another part of the country. You should know that what we offer is some general information to shed some light on what you can expect from living in the city. Everyone’s situation is different so try to read this from your individual perspective.

Housing

Browsing the real estate market in Alpharetta, Georgia, is something like having to pick your favorite child. You can’t. It’s impossible because you love them all equally. At least that’s what you tell them—just kidding. But seriously now, picking one home over another in Alpharetta is not an easy task. Firstly, they all feel inviting, the front yard, fantastic neighborhood, wooden shutters, white-framed windows, and just a gorgeous overall appearance. And that’s only from the outside. Once you walk into one, you might not want to leave anytime soon. Real estate agents in Alpharetta GA are there to help you work within your budget and negotiate on your behalf. They will also make sure that your excitement isn’t too obvious. The last thing that you want is for the seller’s agent to know how much you love the house. That can only make negotiations more difficult. They are equipped to handle the strong seller’s market and fight tooth and nail to get you the best deal.

Because, yes, Alpharetta is going through a seller’s market currently, which affects prices, and most importantly, how negotiations work. What to know before you dive into the real estate market is that the median home value is currently $460,000, higher than the state median and even Atlanta’s prices. However, in this lovely small town, you’ll get to experience all the great things about living in the suburbs. Alpharetta is, after all, one of the best Atlanta suburbs which is why the housing market is steaming hot right now. From last year, the prices have gone up by 8%. Alpharetta’s market did not get hit that hard by the effects of last year’s economic jab.

Economy

When it comes to the economy, although Alpharetta, Georgia, is still considered a relatively small to medium-sized city, its economy doesn’t really reflect that fact. Located only 30 minutes from Atlanta, Alpharetta is one of those suburban towns that aren’t dependent on the city they are a suburb to. It’s weird to think like that, but it’s a fact. Just think about the fact that Alpharetta’s population more than doubled over the last two decades. That population increase can easily break a city’s economy if there is no plan for a sustainable economy set into motion. In Alpharetta’s case, luckily, there was. But we shouldn’t bring luck into it because it was all planned. 

However, going back to the economy, how did a small town with only 13,000 residents in 1990 become today’s thriving economy? With the level of forward-thinking and work ethics promoted throughout the city’s workforce, from an educational level all through their careers, Alpharetta’s employees work together to improve themselves and their community in high-earning positions. I know that sounds like a marketing campaign, but with over 600 tech-based companies (AT&T, HP, UPS, Microsoft, Siemens, Verizon) calling this city their home, it’s hard to contest it. The whole town got an optic fiber update and, right now, it is, quite literally, built for tech. As the sixth fastest-growing city in the U.S. it’s easy to see why the economy is thriving.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Alpharetta, Georgia, is surprisingly affordable for a city with such a high quality of life. Both Transportation and Healthcare cost less than the national average, and as for Utilities and Groceries, you should expect a 6% increase compared to the national average. Services and Goods are also higher than the national average by 3%, but the main living expense is housing costs when you look at Alpharetta. Compared to the state’s average, you should expect to pay more than double the amount for a single-family home in Alpharetta. Homes in Alpharetta, Georgia, are 33% more expensive than in Atlanta and the overall difference between the two is 14%.

Education

Some of the best schools in Georgia are located in Alpharetta, and the city’s community focuses on providing the best education possible for its students. There are a total of 133 local schools available that include pre-school and elementary schools. Besides those, there are 16 middle schools and nine high schools in Alpharetta. The best high school in Alpharetta is Alpharetta High School, belonging to the top 2% best public schools across the whole nation and the seventh-best in all of Georgia. 

Health

With such a mild climate, outdoor walks, exercises, and activities are possible year-round, meaning that health-wise, you and your family will have access to a healthy lifestyle. However, regarding healthcare, you’ll be delighted to find out that Alpharetta’s got some of the most affordable, qualified, and efficient healthcare systems across the nation. The healthcare cost is below the nation’s average by 10% and Alpharetta’s residents are at a lower risk to develop respiratory illnesses or cancer based on air quality.

Entertainment

Just by walking around the city, you’ll get to see how accessible entertainment is for any type of person. Maybe you want to spend time exploring the wilderness or celebrating the city with the rest of the community. You could also be craving some southern comfort food or might be looking for other things to do around town; chances are you’ll find something to keep you entertained. After they turned the city’s downtown into an open mall-like area that draws the entire community together, the next step was to organize over 150 yearly events. But don’t worry, there are weeks when you can pick and choose from a list of 40 events all happening in different places, at different times, and with different people.

Conclusion

Suppose you’re waiting for something else to convince you that you’re ready to move to Alpharetta, Georgia. Don’t! This shouldn’t be a debate anymore; you don’t need any pros and cons list regarding Alpharetta because there is no cons list to make you second guess your decision. You are ready, so get set, and go! The city will welcome you with wide-open arms and the most inviting smile you can think of because you’ll become a part of a big family. In Alpharetta, everyone greets you on the street, asks you if you’re having a good day, or otherwise embraces you as part of the community. Be ready for that when you finally get to relax on your front porch.

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Throughout the years, one monolithic question has faced those seeking housing is: should you rent or buy? Many firmly and fervently prefer one over the other, proclaiming its benefits from the rooftops while glossing over the downsides faster than the voice that reads the side effects on a pharmaceutical commercial.

If it’s a home buyer, they’ll rant and rave over the investment potential and consistency of living costs, with nary a word said about property taxes, maintenance costs and the possibility of financial ruin in the case of a recession. For renters, it’s the freedom of being able to relocate at any time, and the financial safety that renting affords you.

 

The reality of the age-old renting vs. buying debate lies somewhere in the middle; each has its distinct advantages and disadvantages, and neither really is superior or inferior. However, depending on the city, there is a huge possibility that one or the other might be right for you. Depending on your disposition, budget and life goals, there’s a good chance that either renting or buying will be perfect for you.

One of the major factors in this decision is the town to which you are moving. With various different things to keep in mind such as cost of living, average rent prices and average home prices, you’ll have plenty to consider before you make your choice. The town in question is the lovely Canton, GA, and today we’ll be considering the different factors that affect whether you should rent or buy. Let’s get into it! 

Renting in Canton GA

 

First, we’ll look at the advantages and disadvantages of renting in Canton GA. There are a number of both, so ultimately it will be up to you to decide whether renting is right for you or not. So without further ado, let’s get started. 

 

Pros of renting in Canton Georgia  

 

First, we’ll get into the pros of renting in Canton, GA. For starters, renting in Canton is fairly affordable, and there are a lot of options to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a cozy, energy and cost efficient apartment or a spacious downtown loft, you’re sure to find something to suit your needs and preferences. From condominiums to houses to studio apartments, Canton has something for everyone.

Then there are the rent prices. Canton does not have the lowest average monthly rent, but there are plenty of budget-friendly offerings available in the lower-income areas of Canton. If your budget is a bit more forgiving, there are also plenty of options that allow more affluent citizens of Canton to live in relative luxury. Whatever your budgetary limitations, rest assured you’ll be able to find something in Canton. 

 

Another great advantage to renting is how much cheaper it is to live near the center of town as a renter rather than a homeowner. While living in close proximity to the center of town is not cheap by any stretch of the imagination, it's far cheaper than buying property even remotely near the downtown area. As a renter in downtown Canton, you’ll be within easy walking distance to some of Canton’s best attractions, and many of its places of employment as well.

One of the greatest perks of being a renter in Canton is the freedom you’re afforded. When you rent instead of buying, you can move at any time, as long as your lease is up. If you get tired of the city, decide to pursue higher education or are laid off from work, you can simply pack up and go. Whatever your reasons may be for moving, when you rent, it’s much easier to pick up and leave than if you were to buy a home. 

Cons of renting in Canton 

 

Don’t be mistaken: living as a renter in Canton isn’t all sunshine and roses. There are a few important drawbacks to renting here, and we’ll do our best to point out the most significant ones. Perhaps the most obvious of these cons is the monthly cost. As a renter, even a minor financial setback can mean losing your home, and can have disastrous consequences for your personal life and on your credit score. Before you sign any contracts, you’ll need to take this into serious consideration.

Another serious downside to renting in Canton is the risk that your rent will increase, either as a result of economic factors such as inflation or as a result of an arbitrary price hike on the part of a greedy landlord. This risk can be reduced by leasing a rent controlled property, but these can be expensive or even completely unavailable. When you rent, you are, in essence, giving your money away, without anything to show for it in the long run. 

 

Buying a home in Canton, Georgia 

 

Now let’s look at the pros and cons of buying a home in Canton. In general, buying instead of renting is typically a better option for those with families or a large amount of disposable income or a lot of amassed savings. Let’s get into it! 

 

Pros of buying a home in Canton

 

There are a number of pros to buying a home in Canton GA instead of renting. First and foremost, buying provides you insulation from problems such as rent hikes and inflation that you might encounter as a renter. This means that it’s generally a much more sound investment to purchase a house rather than renting.

Whether you take out a mortgage or buy it outright, one of the most attractive pros of buying a home in Canton is the appreciation in value over time. If you purchase a home in a good area such as Canton, the value of your home should appreciate over time, making it an excellent investment that will likely turn you a profit if you decide to sell it in the future.

 

Another great advantage to owning your own home is the freedom you have to modify and improve the property. When you are the homeowner, you have complete control over everything from the color of the interior paint to the construction of new structures on the property. Don’t like the shed that was on the property when you bought it? Tear it down! Want to replace that hideous shag carpet that has covered the floor since the golden age of disco? Rip it up and put down hardwood! After all, who’s stopping you?  

 

Cons of buying a home in Canton

 

Of course, there are also a fair few cons to buying a home in Canton. Most obvious is the danger that economic turmoil such as a recession or housing market crash presents. In the event of a sudden economic upset such as the 2008 market crash, the value of your house can plummet, leaving you with a virtually worthless property.

Another con of owning a house in Canton is the maintenance that it will require. When you own your own home, even small repairs can present significant problems that can be highly difficult to resolve. For example, if your hot water heater breaks as a renter, you can just call your landlord; if your hot water heater breaks and you own the home, you might have to go without hot water for days until you either fix it yourself or are able to have a plumber come repair it.
Whether you decide renting or buying is right for you, if you want to move to this city, you’ll have to contact one of the top real estate agents in Canton GA. Once you’ve found your ideal real estate agent, you’ll be one step closer to moving to the beautiful southern town of Canton, GA!