Atlanta is Georgia’s largest city, a major economic powerhouse, and a popular destination for businesses and residents. It is the most populous metro area in Georgia and the sixth largest metro in the U.S., with a population of 6,307,261 based on 2023 estimates. The Atlanta metro area comprises 24 counties, the major ones being Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, Gwinnett, and Clayton. It spans 8,376 square miles, comparable in size to Israel.
Atlanta is labelled the economic capital of the Southeast. It has one of the nation’s most diverse economies, fueled by three major industries: technology, healthcare, and logistics. Atlanta is home to 17 Fortune 500 and 31 Fortune 1000 companies. Coca-Cola, Delta Airlines, Home Depot, and Georgia Pacific have headquarters here. In addition, the metro area is part of the emerging Piedmont Atlantic Megaregion along the I-85 corridor.
Atlanta’s vibrant job market attracts young people. The area is one of the top 25 global startup ecosystems, and major tech companies like Apple, Microsoft, and Visa have invested in it. Its youthful population is also attracted to its vibrant arts scene and diverse cultural offerings, including music, theater, and festivals.
However, like many major metro areas, low housing inventory has impacted the real estate market in Atlanta, Georgia, driving up prices. Redfin puts the median sale price of a home in Atlanta in June 2024 at $435,000.That’s an increase of 4.8% compared to last year. But despite rising prices, Atlanta real estate investing is still competitive, with homes receiving an average of two offers and selling in around 44 days.
Atlanta Investment Opportunity Quick Facts
Note that the following statistics do not represent real estate investing in Atlanta proper. The property teams RealWealth works with sell properties predominantly in Columbus, GA. These properties are more affordable and offer better cash flow than Atlanta proper.
- Investment Objective: Higher cash flow, lower appreciation
- Types of properties for sale: REAL Income Single Family Rentals in B and C neighborhoods
- Average home price: $135,000 – $165,000
- Average monthly rents: $1,150 – $1,350
Is Atlanta a good place to invest in real estate?
There are a variety of factors that make Atlanta a great place to buy rental property today.
- Significant Appreciation: Homes in the Atlanta metropolitan area have appreciated by 131% since 2010, 42% faster than the national average.
- Rapid Population Growth: Between the 2010 and 2023 censuses, the Atlanta population grew by over 19%, which is over 129% faster than the national average.
- Considerable Job Growth: In 2023, Atlanta created 74,600 jobs, with a growth rate of 2.5%, 47% faster than the national average.
Rental Properties for Sale in Atlanta
The turnkey rental property teams we work with sell on the outskirts of the Atlanta metropolitan area – predominantly in Columbus, GA. These teams sell REAL Income Single Family Rentals in B and C neighborhoods. If you’re interested in real estate investing in Atlanta or other areas of Georgia, check out the property pro formas below.