Homeownership has long been considered a key element of the American dream. And Atlanta is a city where buying a home often feels like that all-important next step in someone’s life. However, for many local residents these days, renting instead of purchasing is a deliberate choice. From twentysomethings chasing flexibility to fortysomethings prioritizing freedom, today’s renters are redefining what makes sense in a fast-growing, ever-changing city like the ATL. Here, we talk to renters across several age groups to get their insights about the local leasing market and find out why they decided to rent in the metro area.

Megan Willis & David Turner

Megan and David, in their 40s and 50s, respectively, have decided that renting makes the most sense when it comes to their residential needs. According to the married couple, who do not have children, owning a home simply is not a goal for them. However, the metro area offered them an outstanding rental opportunity more than a decade ago.

What were your main reasons for deciding to rent in metro Atlanta?

First and foremost, we prefer renting due to financial reasons. Neither of us desire to make a large purchase of owning a home, especially these days and in this market. We also like that the apartment community is responsible for all maintenance, and we don’t have to budget extra for those costs. We also both have had experiences where life can change in an instant, affecting financial stability and making it extremely difficult to pay off a mortgage loan, so we prefer the flexibility of renting.

Can you describe the residence in which you currently live?

We live in a gated apartment community in Marietta that has about 12 buildings and 332 apartments. We feel as though we really lucked out by the apartment we got because it’s an end unit on the top (4th) floor with windows and a patio that face the woods with no other buildings in sight. We have plenty of privacy even though we are amongst several other units. And the vaulted ceilings make our place feel even more spacious.

Do you have access to amenities within your community?

Yes. We have a pool and a gym. There is also a small children’s playground. And each apartment comes with a washer and dryer included. There also are grills available to be used throughout the complex.

How did you go about finding the right place for you to rent?

My husband and I chose to move to Marietta about 13 years ago after living in Stone Mountain for a brief time. I grew up in Woodstock and went to college at Kennesaw State University, so I was already familiar with the area and which apartment complexes I was gravitating towards.

How would you describe the rental market in metro Atlanta?

It’s higher than ever. But because we’ve lived in the same apartment for 13 years, our rent is still under the metro Atlanta average, making renting even more appealing.

What are your top tips for someone who may want to rent in the area?

Do your due diligence about the area and what you’d like to be close to. We are super close to I-75, making our commutes to work easier. Also, if privacy is a priority, try and find an apartment complex that has the buildings spread out instead of right on top of one another. If you choose to rent a house instead of an apartment, be aware that you would be responsible for paying for maintenance costs.

Why do you enjoy living in metro Atlanta?

We both grew up in north Metro Atlanta, so all of our closest friends and families are here. We also enjoy living in the area because of its proximity to the city and the mountains.

Leanna Schmidt

A single thirtysomething, Leanna is an Atlanta transplant who loves enjoying everything the city has to offer. However, local home affordability is an issue, as many of today’s move-in ready townhomes, condos and single-family starter homes start in the $350s. While she hopes that less expensive options come to market soon, she’s happy to rent for the time being to have full access to the metro area.

What were your main reasons for deciding to rent in metro Atlanta?

I personally enjoy renting for the worry-free lifestyle as someone who lives solo. Atlanta has so many unique neighborhoods, and renting can give someone a chance to explore the type of vibe that suits them.

Can you describe the residence in which you currently live?

I live in a multi-building apartment complex. My top-floor apartment is a beautiful southeast facing unit with two bedrooms, two baths and a vaulted living room ceiling.

Do you have access to amenities within your community?

The pool is always a nice spot for a break, and the gym is always open. My favorite amenity is the free HIIT class offered once a week by a resident personal trainer.

How did you go about finding the right place for you to rent?

When I first relocated to Atlanta from Milwaukee, I wanted to be in the middle of the action and meet new people. West Midtown was perfect for me at the time, but it was a pricey luxury building and I needed more space for an office. I frequented a favorite bookstore, Phoenix & Dragon in Sandy Springs, and was curious what kind of apartments were nearby. I took some tours and found my complex to be pretty peaceful and affordable. Now that I feel more established here, I wanted more of a quiet retreat, and I’m so happy I found my current apartment, which has a lovely balcony facing lots of trees. My cat and I will spend hours on the patio hanging out.

How would you describe the rental market in metro Atlanta?

It’s kind of tricky. A lot of reviews are incentivized, and many buildings are corporate owned. Most have an insane amount of fees or things you don’t think about, like how much your water bill will be. In my last building, every guest had to use an app, but it was run by a predatory parking company that loved sending their own tickets. My new building is old and has its quirks. You honestly don’t find out certain things until you live there—but that’s just how it is anywhere. My rent has never not gone up every year.

What are your top tips for someone who may want to rent in the area?

If you commute to work, most people say to live where you work since spending hours in traffic isn’t ideal for most. For work-from-home folks like myself, think about the type of lifestyle you want and the things you value. Spend an entire day in that area to get a feel for it, including how traffic gets at different times of day. Don’t rush it (no matter how much pressure they put on you to apply immediately); there are plenty of options. Get a top floor unit if you can so you won’t hear upstairs neighbors. And check r/atlanta (the official Subreddit for the City of Atlanta) for tips from locals!

Why do you enjoy living in metro Atlanta?

I enjoy living here because there’s such a variety of things to do and types of people to meet. I have met many fellow transplants my age who are open-minded and want to go out and experience Atlanta. You can go from a Beltline stroll to a cocktail lounge to a live show all on a Saturday, then take Sunday to immerse in nature on a beautiful trail. And being so close to coastal cities for weekend getaways is really special.

Jill Jackson & Jack Bernstein

This summer, twentysomethings Jill and Jack will begin renting their first apartment together as a couple. They will transition from their current apartments into a space that works for the both of them. As young post-grad residents of the ATL, renting gives them the chance to live and work in the city while considering homeownership sometime in the coming years.

What were your main reasons for deciding to rent in metro Atlanta?

Being 22 years old, buying was not in the cards for us yet. However, living in Atlanta, there are so many great benefits that come with renting, including the amazing location options, 24-hour maintenance services and many great amenities such as a pool, gym and common areas with office spaces. We have been renting in Cobb County for three years and plan to move to Sandy Springs in July.

Can you describe the residence in which you currently live?

I (Jill) am currently living in a multi-building apartment complex in Kennesaw. I live in a one bedroom, one bathroom unit on the second floor. However, when we move, we are looking for something with two bedrooms and a little extra storage space. Starting our post grad jobs, we need a space that we can turn into an office!

Do you have access to amenities within your community?

Some amenities we are looking for in our upcoming move are a gym, pool and an area for dogs.

How did you go about finding the right place for you to rent?

We have done research online and asked friends and family for advice and help as well.

How would you describe the rental market in metro Atlanta?

Renting in Atlanta can be complicated. Most buildings are owned by large groups and can be slightly difficult to work with. It takes a lot of time and research to find something that best fits your specific needs. I have lived in places that are much older and have also been the first person to live in a unit. How much you spend will depend on the quality you are getting when it comes to customer service, amenities and maintenance needs.

What are your top tips for someone who may want to rent in the area?

My biggest tip would be to make a list of your non-negotiable things. Maybe you want to have an indoor hallway, don’t want a parking deck, must have a pool or maybe even have specific security needs. There are so many places to rent in Atlanta, so narrowing it down a bit can make the process much less stressful.

Why do you enjoy living in metro Atlanta?

I enjoy living in Atlanta because of all the fun activities and cool places you can go. We have some of the best shopping, brunch spots and so much more. Atlanta feels very cozy, whether you’re having a night in or a fun night with some friends on the Beltline.