Atlanta, Georgia, October 24, 2025
News Summary
Recent findings from the Atlanta Speaks Survey reveal that housing affordability is the primary concern for metro Atlanta residents, marking a shift from previous years’ priorities. 28% of respondents indicated this issue, followed by traffic and crime. The survey underscores the alarming state of rising costs, with many residents feeling they cannot afford housing in their neighborhoods. As a response to this growing crisis, Mayor Dickens aims to increase affordable housing units in the coming years. The survey highlights urgent needs for effective housing solutions and indicates a challenging outlook for Atlanta’s living conditions.
Atlanta, Georgia – Housing affordability has emerged as the leading concern among residents of metro Atlanta, according to the latest findings from the Atlanta Regional Commission’s (ARC) annual Atlanta Speaks Survey. The survey, which polled 4,121 adults across 11 metro Atlanta counties and the City of Atlanta, revealed that 28% of respondents identified housing affordability as their primary issue, marking the first time this concern was featured as a choice in the survey.
Following housing affordability, traffic issues ranked as the second most significant concern, with 24% of those surveyed selecting it. Crime and the economy were also highlighted, each cited by 13% of respondents. The survey indicated that a staggering 62% of participants felt they could not afford to move to a different house or apartment in their current neighborhoods.
Residents expressed various grievances regarding the housing market, with many highlighting the prevalence of expensive luxury apartments and escalating property taxes. Rising rent prices in areas like the West End have had a notable impact on local residents, further exacerbating the already challenging situation. In the previous year’s survey, the economy was deemed the top issue, with 33% of participants fearing worsening conditions in the coming years.
Looking ahead, the survey’s findings are alarming. Nearly half (46.5%) of respondents anticipated living conditions in metro Atlanta would decline over the next three to four years, while only 16% maintained a belief that conditions would improve. These results were revealed at the State of the Region address, featuring Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens and Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian.
In response to the growing concerns over mobility, the Glydways autonomous vehicle company plans to launch a two-year pilot program in 2026, providing transportation services between Atlanta’s airport and the Gateway Arena. To support these mobility efforts, MARTA has announced a $10 million investment in the autonomous vehicle project commencing in 2026, with potential expansion to South Fulton and Clayton counties.
ARC Executive Director Anna Roach emphasized the impact of investor ownership on housing affordability, revealing that 30% of single-family rental properties in the region are owned by investors. The median home cost in the Atlanta region has surpassed $400,000, and average rent has approached $1,700, both significant contributors to the ongoing affordability crisis.
The survey further found that 44% of respondents believe developers construct homes that are too expensive, while 35% attribute the housing affordability problem to investors purchasing homes purely for rental purposes. Disturbingly, the region has seen a loss of over 200,000 affordable housing units (defined as renting for $1,500 or less) in the past five years, worsening the housing crisis.
Despite the grim outlook, Mayor Dickens is actively working to address these pressing issues. He aims to add or preserve 20,000 affordable housing units by 2030 as part of a comprehensive strategy to alleviate the cost burden on residents.
Key Survey Statistics:
- 28% of respondents identified housing affordability as their primary concern.
- 24% ranked traffic as the second major issue.
- 62% of residents cannot afford to move within their current neighborhood.
- 46.5% anticipate a decline in living conditions over the next 3-4 years.
- Median home cost tops $400,000 and average rent nears $1,700.
Conclusion
The survey results highlight the pressing need for solutions to housing affordability in metro Atlanta as residents grapple with increasing costs and decreasing options. Under Mayor Dickens’ leadership, the city is taking initiative to tackle these challenges by aiming to create more affordable housing opportunities in the coming years.
FAQ
What is the top concern for residents in metro Atlanta as per the Atlanta Speaks Survey?
Housing affordability is identified as the top issue in metro Atlanta, followed closely by traffic and safety concerns.
What percentage of respondents marked housing affordability as their primary concern?
28% of respondents marked housing affordability as the primary concern, making it the first time this issue has been included as a choice in the survey.
How many affordable housing units has the region lost in the last five years?
The region saw a loss of over 200,000 affordable housing units ($1,500 rent or less) in five years, exacerbating the affordability crisis.
What is the median home cost in the Atlanta region?
The median home cost in the Atlanta region exceeds $400,000, with average rent nearing $1,700, contributing to the unaffordability issue.
What is Mayor Dickens’ plan to address housing concerns?
Mayor Dickens is aiming to add or preserve 20,000 affordable housing units by 2030 as part of his efforts to tackle these issues head-on.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Atlanta Housing Secures $60 Million for Affordable Senior Units
16-Year-Old Boy in Critical Condition After Drive-By Shooting
Atlanta Housing Market Faces Significant Downturn
Atlanta Mourns Advocate for Transparency Matthew Charles Cardinale
Tensions Rise Over Short-Term Rentals in Atlanta
Atlanta Launches $2 Million Fund for Local Developers
Jason Dickerson Wins Runoff Election for Senate District 21
Double Shooting at Gardens at Camp Creek Apartments
Which Atlanta neighborhood is best for young professionals in 2025? Rent, commute times, nightlife & safety guide
Affordable apartments in Atlanta GA near MARTA stations for commuters: average rents, top complexes, and move-in tips
Additional Resources
- Atlanta News First
- Wikipedia: Housing Affordability
- SaportaReport
- Google Search: Housing Affordability Atlanta
- WSB TV
- Google Scholar: Atlanta Housing Affordability
- Decaturish
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Housing Affordability
- 11 Alive
- Google News: Atlanta Housing Affordability
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
