Tree-lined residential street in Buckhead, Atlanta

Buckhead Relocation Guide

Moving to Buckhead — Your Complete Relocation Guide

Whether you are relocating from New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, or another city entirely, this guide walks you through everything you need to know about making Buckhead your new home — from choosing the right neighborhood and understanding Georgia taxes to setting up utilities and building your life in Atlanta's most prestigious district.

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Why Buckhead

Why People Are Moving to Buckhead, Atlanta

Atlanta has become the number-one relocation destination in the United States, and Buckhead sits at the center of that migration. The reasons are both financial and experiential. Georgia has no state-level property tax — only county assessments — and the overall cost of living remains significantly below coastal cities like New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. For families and professionals moving from those markets, the purchasing power increase in Buckhead is immediate and substantial.

Atlanta is home to more Fortune 500 headquarters than nearly any other American city. Coca-Cola, Delta Air Lines, UPS, Home Depot, and Southern Company are all based in metro Atlanta, and many of their executives and senior leaders live in Buckhead. The neighborhood's proximity to the Peachtree Road corporate corridor, Midtown's tech hub, and Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport makes it the natural choice for business leaders who travel frequently or manage regional operations.

Beyond economics, Buckhead offers something rare among American urban neighborhoods: the choice between genuine walkability and true estate living within the same district. Buckhead Village puts you within walking distance of boutique shopping, fine dining, and MARTA rail access. Five minutes away, Tuxedo Park offers multi-acre estates behind gated drives, surrounded by mature hardwoods and complete privacy. Few places in the country offer both extremes within a single zip code.

For families, Buckhead provides access to some of the best schools in Georgia — both public and private. The Westminster Schools, Pace Academy, Atlanta International School, and Christ the King School all serve the Buckhead community. Combined with parks like Chastain Memorial Park, the Atlanta History Center campus, and neighborhood greenspaces throughout the district, Buckhead consistently attracts families seeking the best of urban and suburban living without the compromise of either.

Luxury Buckhead home with glass walls and infinity pool

Neighborhoods by Lifestyle

Where Relocators Settle in Buckhead

Buckhead is not a single neighborhood but a collection of distinct enclaves, each with its own character. The right fit depends on how you want to live. Here are our recommendations based on the relocating buyers we work with most often.

Corporate Executives

Privacy, estate-sized lots, and proximity to Buckhead's corporate corridor along Peachtree Road. These neighborhoods attract C-suite professionals who want separation between work and home without a long commute.

Tuxedo Park Paces Peachtree Heights

Young Professionals

Walkable streets, restaurant-dense corridors, and a mix of condos, townhomes, and renovated bungalows. These areas put you within walking distance of Buckhead's best dining and nightlife.

Buckhead Village Peachtree Hills Collier Hills

Families with School-Age Kids

Top-rated public and private schools, generous yards, neighborhood playgrounds, and strong community networks. These family-centric neighborhoods have been drawing relocating families for decades.

Chastain Park Haynes Manor Garden Hills

Downsizers from the Suburbs

Maintenance-free condo living with walkable access to shopping, dining, healthcare, and cultural venues. Trade the yard work for a lock-and-leave lifestyle without sacrificing quality.

Buckhead Village Peachtree Park

Entertainment & Film Industry

Maximum privacy, wooded lots, and enough space for home studios or guest houses. Atlanta's booming film industry has drawn creatives to these secluded Buckhead enclaves.

North Buckhead Mount Paran

Step by Step

Your Buckhead Relocation Timeline

Moving to a new city is a major undertaking. This timeline breaks the process into manageable phases so you know exactly what to focus on and when — from your first research to your first 90 days as a Buckhead resident.

6+ Months Before

Research & Connect

Research Buckhead neighborhoods that match your lifestyle and budget
Connect with a Buckhead-specialist real estate agent
Plan an exploratory visit to Atlanta to tour neighborhoods in person
Begin reviewing school options if you have children
Follow the Atlanta housing market to understand pricing trends

3 - 6 Months Before

Narrow & Prepare

Narrow your neighborhood shortlist to two or three enclaves
Get pre-approved with a lender familiar with Georgia requirements
Start actively house hunting with your agent via virtual and in-person tours
Research Georgia tax implications and consult a financial advisor
If renting first, explore short-term options in Buckhead Village

1 - 3 Months Before

Offer & Close

Make an offer on your chosen Buckhead property
Complete home inspection and negotiate any repairs
Secure homeowners insurance (required for closing in Georgia)
Schedule your closing date and coordinate with your moving company
Begin transferring records, prescriptions, and school enrollments

Moving Month

Settle In

Set up Georgia Power, Atlanta Watershed Management, and internet
Obtain your Georgia driver's license within 30 days of establishing residency
Register your vehicle with the Fulton County Tag Office
Update your address with the USPS, banks, and insurance providers
Introduce yourself to neighbors and explore local shops and restaurants

First 90 Days

Build Your Life

Register to vote in Fulton County
Find a primary care physician and dentist near Buckhead
Enroll children in school and connect with parent communities
Join a neighborhood association or Buckhead community group
Apply for Georgia homestead exemption to reduce property taxes

Luxury Buckhead estate with pool and outdoor living

Gourmet kitchen with island in a Buckhead luxury home

Where Buyers Come From

Top Relocation Origins for Buckhead Buyers

We regularly work with buyers moving to Buckhead from these cities. Each origin comes with specific advantages that make the transition compelling. If you are moving from one of these markets, we have dedicated guides with city-specific comparisons.

Moving from New York

Save 40-60% on equivalent housing
No state property tax — only county
More indoor and outdoor space per dollar
Shorter commute times across the metro

New York to Atlanta Guide

Moving from Los Angeles

Dramatically lower housing costs
Four distinct seasons with mild winters
Southern hospitality and community feel
Growing entertainment and film industry presence

Los Angeles to Atlanta Guide

Moving from Chicago

Escape harsh winters for mild Atlanta climate
Lower overall tax burden in Georgia
Similar urban amenities with less density
Strong job market in tech, finance, and healthcare

Chicago to Atlanta Guide

Moving from San Francisco

Buy a Buckhead estate for the price of an SF condo
Rapidly growing tech hub with major employer presence
Lower cost of living across every category
More space for families and home offices

San Francisco to Atlanta Guide

Moving from Miami

Stronger business environment and corporate headquarters
Top-tier private and public school options
Less extreme summer humidity and heat
Better access to the rest of the Southeast by car or air

Miami to Atlanta Guide

Before You Move

What to Know Before Moving to Buckhead

Every city has its nuances. These are the practical realities that out-of-state buyers frequently ask about — and the details that make a difference in how smoothly your transition goes.

Georgia Tax Landscape

Georgia has a flat state income tax of 5.49% as of 2024. There is no state-level property tax. Fulton County assesses property taxes averaging around 1.1% of assessed value. A homestead exemption is available for primary residences, reducing your taxable value. Compared to New York, California, New Jersey, or Illinois, the overall tax burden is significantly lower.

Getting Around Buckhead

Most Buckhead neighborhoods are car-dependent. Buckhead Village is the notable exception, offering genuine walkability to shops, restaurants, and the Buckhead MARTA station. Rush-hour traffic on GA-400 and Peachtree Road can be significant. Many residents commute during off-peak hours or work hybrid schedules. The Buckhead MARTA station connects directly to Midtown, Downtown, and Hartsfield-Jackson Airport.

MARTA Rail Access

The Buckhead MARTA station on the Red Line provides direct service to Midtown (7 minutes), Downtown (15 minutes), and Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (35 minutes). For professionals who work in Midtown or Downtown, living near the Buckhead station eliminates the need to drive during peak traffic. A monthly unlimited pass costs around $95.

Climate & Seasons

Atlanta has a humid subtropical climate. Summers are hot and humid with highs in the mid-90s from June through August. Winters are mild — average highs in the 50s with occasional freezing nights. Spring and fall are Atlanta's best seasons, with moderate temperatures and vibrant foliage. Snow is rare, averaging one to two light events per year.

Atlanta Traffic Patterns

The I-285 perimeter and GA-400 are the main corridors affecting Buckhead commuters. Morning rush typically runs from 7:00 to 9:30 AM, and evening rush from 4:30 to 7:00 PM. Buckhead's central location means most in-town destinations are within 20 minutes outside of peak hours. Waze and Google Maps real-time routing are essential tools for Atlanta drivers.

Fulton County Property Taxes

Fulton County property taxes are based on 40% of the fair market value of your home. The effective tax rate varies by district but generally falls between 1.0% and 1.2%. Filing for a homestead exemption within your first year of ownership is important — it can reduce your taxable assessed value by $30,000 or more. Your agent can walk you through the filing process during closing.

Getting Settled

Setting Up Your New Life in Buckhead

Once you close on your home, the practical work begins. Here is a category-by-category checklist of the services, providers, and resources you will need in your first weeks as a Buckhead resident.

Utilities

Georgia Power for electricity
Atlanta Watershed Management for water and sewer
Xfinity or AT&T Fiber for internet (fiber available in most of Buckhead)
Atlanta Gas Light (through a marketer like SCANA or Georgia Natural Gas)

Healthcare

Piedmont Buckhead Hospital — full-service hospital within Buckhead
Northside Hospital — major system with locations throughout north Atlanta
Children's Healthcare of Atlanta (Scottish Rite campus nearby)
Emory Healthcare and Emory Clinic for specialized care

Banking & Finance

Major banks with Buckhead branches: Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Truist
Local credit unions: Georgia's Own, Delta Community, LGE Community
Buckhead is a major financial district — most national firms have offices here

Grocery & Food

Whole Foods Market Buckhead on Peachtree Road
Publix — multiple locations throughout Buckhead
Sprouts Farmers Market in the Buckhead area
Star Provisions and other specialty food shops

Fitness & Wellness

Equinox Buckhead — premium fitness club
LA Fitness — multiple locations in the Buckhead area
Boutique studios: SoulCycle, Orangetheory, Barry's, and local yoga studios
Chastain Park trails and the PATH multi-use trail network

A Note on Schools

If you are moving with school-age children, school enrollment is one of the first priorities. For public schools, your home address determines your zoned school within the Atlanta Public Schools system. For private schools, application timelines vary — some prestigious schools like Westminster and Pace Academy have admissions deadlines a full year in advance. Connect with your agent early so they can factor school zones into your home search. Neighborhoods like Garden Hills, Chastain Park, and Haynes Manor are particularly popular among families for their school proximity and community networks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Moving to Buckhead: Common Questions

Answers to the most common questions from out-of-state buyers considering a move to Buckhead, Atlanta.

Is Buckhead a good place to move to?

Buckhead is consistently ranked among the most desirable neighborhoods in the Southeast. It combines the convenience of an urban core with the privacy of established residential enclaves. Walkable dining and retail in Buckhead Village, top-rated private and public schools, proximity to Fortune 500 headquarters, and a tree-lined streetscape that feels removed from a major city all contribute to its appeal for relocators from across the country.

How much does it cost to move to Buckhead?

The cost of living in Buckhead varies widely depending on the neighborhood. Single-family homes range from roughly $600,000 in areas like Collier Hills to over $10 million in Tuxedo Park and Paces. Condos in Buckhead Village start around $300,000. Compared to equivalent neighborhoods in New York, San Francisco, or Los Angeles, most buyers find their dollar goes significantly further in Buckhead while maintaining an equivalent quality of life.

What is the best neighborhood in Buckhead for relocators?

The best neighborhood depends on your lifestyle. Corporate executives gravitate toward Tuxedo Park and Paces for privacy and estate-sized lots. Young professionals prefer Buckhead Village and Peachtree Hills for walkability. Families often choose Chastain Park, Garden Hills, or Haynes Manor for school access and park proximity. Downsizers coming from the suburbs tend to favor the low-maintenance condo lifestyle available in Buckhead Village.

How do I find a home in Buckhead from out of state?

Start by connecting with a local agent who specializes in Buckhead neighborhoods. A knowledgeable agent can conduct virtual tours, provide neighborhood video walkthroughs, and help you understand the micro-markets within Buckhead before you visit. Most out-of-state buyers make one or two focused trips to Atlanta after narrowing their search remotely. Pre-approval from a lender familiar with Georgia requirements also streamlines the process.

What should I know about Georgia taxes before moving?

Georgia has a flat state income tax rate of 5.49% as of 2024. There is no state-level property tax, but Fulton County does assess property taxes, which average around 1.1% of assessed value. Georgia offers a homestead exemption that reduces your taxable property value if the home is your primary residence. Compared to states like New York, New Jersey, California, or Illinois, the overall tax burden in Georgia is meaningfully lower.

Is Buckhead good for families moving from out of state?

Buckhead is one of the most family-friendly areas in Atlanta. Neighborhoods like Chastain Park, Garden Hills, and Haynes Manor offer proximity to top-rated schools including The Westminster Schools, Pace Academy, and Atlanta International School. Chastain Park itself provides playgrounds, trails, a pool complex, and an amphitheater. The area also has excellent pediatric care at Piedmont Buckhead and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta nearby.

How long does the home buying process take in Buckhead?

From initial search to closing, the process typically takes three to six months. Competitive properties in desirable Buckhead neighborhoods can receive multiple offers within days, so having pre-approval and a responsive agent matters. Once under contract, closing usually takes 30 to 45 days. For out-of-state buyers, building in an extra month for research and virtual tours before your first visit is recommended.

What is the weather like in Buckhead and Atlanta?

Atlanta has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid, with temperatures regularly reaching the mid-90s from June through August. Winters are mild compared to northern cities, with average highs in the 50s and occasional freezes. Spring and fall are exceptional, with moderate temperatures and colorful foliage. Snow is rare but does occur once or twice a year in small amounts.

Start Your Move

Planning Your Move to Buckhead?

Whether you are six months out or actively searching for a home, connecting with a Buckhead relocation specialist early makes the entire process smoother. We help out-of-state buyers navigate every aspect of the move — from neighborhood selection and virtual tours to Georgia tax guidance and closing coordination.

Share your timeline, budget, and lifestyle priorities, and we will provide personalized neighborhood recommendations and market insights specific to your situation.