Written by the Budget Moving Services relocation team in Lawrenceville, GA. Licensed and insured: USDOT #3438801, GA License #0580213978. Updated October 2026 with the latest U.S. Census Bureau estimates.

Thinking about moving to DeKalb County, Georgia? DeKalb County is one of the most diverse and geographically varied parts of the Atlanta metropolitan area. It combines established neighborhoods, walkable downtown districts, suburban communities, apartment developments, historic neighborhoods, urban employment centers, MARTA access, parks, trails, and convenient connections to Atlanta and surrounding counties.

Unlike some of Atlanta’s more uniformly suburban counties, DeKalb County offers many different types of lifestyles within a relatively compact area.

You can live in a walkable community near Decatur, choose a suburban neighborhood in Dunwoody, live near MARTA in Chamblee or Doraville, settle into a residential community around Tucker or Stone Mountain, or find a home farther east toward Lithonia and Stonecrest.

That variety is one of the biggest reasons people consider moving to DeKalb County.

TL;DR: Moving to DeKalb County

DeKalb County is one of metro Atlanta’s largest and most established counties, with more than 774,000 residents, a dozen-plus cities and towns, MARTA rail access, diverse housing options, and extensive parks and trails. Its western neighbor, Fulton County, holds most of the City of Atlanta, while part of Atlanta, plus Decatur, Brookhaven, Dunwoody, and Tucker, sits inside DeKalb.

The U.S. Census Bureau estimates DeKalb County’s 2025 population at 774,394, compared with 764,382 at the 2020 Census. The county has approximately 337,059 housing units, a 58.8% owner-occupied housing rate, a median owner-occupied home value of $357,800, and median gross rent of $1,692 based on 2020–2024 estimates.

Quick takeaways

• County seat: Decatur
• 2025 population: 774,394
• Location: East and northeast of Atlanta
• Major highways: I-20, I-85, I-285 and other major Atlanta-area corridors
• MARTA: Extensive rail and bus access in portions of the county
• Major communities: Decatur, Brookhaven, Dunwoody, Chamblee, Tucker, Stone Mountain, Lithonia, Doraville, Clarkston, Stonecrest and others
• Outdoor recreation: Arabia Mountain, Stone Mountain-area trails, Mason Mill, South Peachtree Creek and more
• Housing: Apartments, condos, townhomes, established houses, newer developments and larger suburban properties
• Best fit: People who want access to Atlanta combined with neighborhood variety and relatively diverse housing options
• Important consideration: DeKalb is highly varied; city boundaries, services, schools and neighborhood character can change considerably from one area to another

Where Is DeKalb County?

DeKalb County sits immediately east and northeast of Atlanta.

It borders several Atlanta-area counties, including:

• Fulton County
• Gwinnett County
• Rockdale County
• Henry County
• Clayton County

Parts of the City of Atlanta are also located within DeKalb County.

The county is positioned close to many major employment, education, medical, entertainment and cultural destinations throughout metro Atlanta.

That central location is one of the reasons DeKalb can work well for people who need access to multiple parts of the region.

The Cities and Communities of DeKalb County

One of the first things to understand about moving to DeKalb County is that DeKalb isn’t simply one suburban community.

The county’s official map identifies 13 cities and towns, along with the portion of Atlanta located within DeKalb County. They are:

• Atlanta — partially within DeKalb County
• Avondale Estates
• Brookhaven
• Chamblee
• Clarkston
• Decatur
• Doraville
• Dunwoody
• Lithonia
• Pine Lake
• Stonecrest
• Stone Mountain
• Tucker

That means a search for “homes in DeKalb County” can produce properties with dramatically different environments.

Decatur

Moving to Decatur

Decatur is the county seat and one of the best-known communities in DeKalb County. Our Decatur movers handle older homes and in-town apartments, and flat-rate Decatur moves give you a fixed price instead of an hourly rate.

The city has a distinctly established, inside-the-Perimeter feel and is known for its:

• Downtown district
• Restaurants
• Local businesses
• Older homes
• Neighborhoods
• Parks
• Community events
• MARTA access

Decatur can be particularly attractive to people who want to be close to Atlanta while maintaining a strong neighborhood identity.

Housing ranges from historic homes and traditional neighborhoods to apartments and condominiums.

Moving to Decatur can mean:

• A smaller residential move
• Moving into an older home
• Apartment or condo moving
• Moving into a historic neighborhood
• Downsizing
• Relocating closer to Atlanta

When moving into an older Decatur home, movers may encounter narrow driveways, mature landscaping, stairs, smaller doorways and furniture that has to be carefully maneuvered through older floor plans.

Brookhaven

Moving to Brookhaven

Brookhaven is located in northern DeKalb County near the Perimeter and the Atlanta–Buckhead corridor.

The area offers a combination of:

• Apartments
• Condominiums
• Townhomes
• Single-family neighborhoods
• Restaurants
• Shopping
• Parks
• Professional offices

Its location can make it attractive to people who work in Buckhead, Midtown, Sandy Springs, Perimeter Center or other northern Atlanta employment areas.

Apartment moving is especially relevant in Brookhaven because of the number of multifamily communities. Our Brookhaven movers work with elevator reservations, loading docks, and building rules regularly.

Before moving into a Brookhaven apartment, confirm:

• Elevator reservations
• Loading zones
• Parking
• Gate access
• Move-in hours
• Building restrictions
• Truck clearance

Dunwoody

Moving to Dunwoody

Dunwoody occupies the northern portion of DeKalb County near Sandy Springs and Perimeter Center. Read our complete guide to moving to Dunwoody, or book flat-rate Dunwoody movers.

The community has a suburban character while remaining close to major employment and commercial districts.

Housing includes:

• Single-family homes
• Townhomes
• Condos
• Apartments
• Established neighborhoods

Dunwoody can be particularly convenient for people working around:

• Perimeter Center
• Sandy Springs
• Buckhead
• North Atlanta
• I-285
• GA-400

Because many homes are established rather than brand-new construction, moving crews can encounter mature landscaping, stairs, basements and longer furniture-carry distances.

Chamblee

Moving to Chamblee

Chamblee is one of the more urban-feeling communities in northern DeKalb County. See our complete guide to moving to Chamblee, GA for neighborhoods, rent, and the Rail Trail.

It combines:

• Older neighborhoods
• Newer apartment communities
• Condos
• Townhomes
• Restaurants
• Retail
• MARTA access
• Commercial areas

Chamblee is also particularly relevant for people who want transit access.

MARTA’s current rail system includes Chamblee Station on the Gold Line.

That can make proximity to transit an important consideration when choosing an apartment or home.

Tucker

Moving to Tucker

Tucker is an established community in northeast DeKalb County. Read our Tucker, GA moving guide for neighborhoods, home prices, schools, and moving-day tips.

You’ll find a mixture of:

• Established houses
• Townhomes
• Apartments
• Commercial areas
• Restaurants
• Parks
• Local businesses

Tucker can appeal to people who want suburban residential surroundings while maintaining relatively convenient access to I-285 and other major Atlanta-area roads.

Stone Mountain

Moving to Stone Mountain

Stone Mountain is another well-established DeKalb County community. Our Stone Mountain, GA guide explains the difference between the historic village and the wider Stone Mountain area.

The area provides access to:

• Parks
• Trails
• Established neighborhoods
• Shopping
• Restaurants
• Outdoor recreation

Stone Mountain also benefits from its proximity to the larger Stone Mountain recreation area.

For movers, the housing stock can vary substantially—from older homes to apartments and newer developments.

Lithonia

Moving to Lithonia

Lithonia is located in eastern DeKalb County near the county’s boundary with Rockdale County. Our Lithonia, GA guide explains how the historic city differs from the surrounding Stonecrest area.

The area offers:

• Single-family homes
• Apartments
• Townhomes
• Established neighborhoods
• Retail
• Parks
• Access to I-20

Lithonia can also provide convenient access to the Arabia Mountain area and eastern metro Atlanta.

Stonecrest

Moving to Stonecrest

Stonecrest is located in southeastern DeKalb County along the I-20 corridor. Our flat-rate Stonecrest movers serve the I-20 side of the county.

The area includes residential neighborhoods, retail, commercial development and access to major outdoor destinations.

One of the area’s defining attractions is the Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve, which DeKalb County describes as a 2,500-plus-acre greenspace with forests, granite outcrops, creeks, lakes and historic structures.

Clarkston

Moving to Clarkston

Clarkston is a small city in eastern DeKalb County with a distinctive community character. Learn more in our Clarkston, GA moving guide.

Its location provides access toward:

• Decatur
• Stone Mountain
• Tucker
• Atlanta
• I-285

Housing includes apartments, townhomes and single-family residences.

Because Clarkston is relatively compact, exact neighborhood and property characteristics matter when planning a move.

Doraville

Moving to Doraville

Doraville sits in northern DeKalb County near the Gwinnett County line. Our Doraville, GA moving guide covers its neighborhoods, Buford Highway, and the Assembly Atlanta redevelopment.

The community provides convenient access toward:

• Norcross
• Chamblee
• Brookhaven
• Peachtree Corners
• Atlanta
• I-285

Doraville is particularly relevant for people comparing DeKalb and Gwinnett County housing. Just across the line, see our guides to moving to Norcross and moving to Peachtree Corners.

Avondale Estates

Moving to Avondale Estates

Avondale Estates is a smaller, established community near Decatur.

The city is known for its distinctive architectural character and neighborhood environment.

Moving here can involve older homes, mature landscaping and narrower access points than you’ll find in many newer suburban subdivisions.

Pine Lake

Moving to Pine Lake

Pine Lake is a small DeKalb County community surrounded by larger areas of eastern metro Atlanta.

Its compact size and residential character make it very different from larger suburban communities such as Dunwoody or Brookhaven.

If you’re moving into Pine Lake, evaluate the exact property and access conditions rather than relying on countywide assumptions.

Why People Move to DeKalb County

There isn’t one single reason people relocate to DeKalb County.

Different households choose different parts of the county for different reasons.

Common considerations include:

• Access to Atlanta
• MARTA availability
• Diverse housing options
• Established neighborhoods
• Proximity to employment centers
• Parks and trails
• Restaurants and local businesses
• Access to I-285 and I-20
• Proximity to universities and medical centers
• Different price points across communities

The county’s location makes it possible to live relatively close to Atlanta without necessarily living in the city itself.

Housing in DeKalb County

DeKalb County’s housing market is much more varied than a typical newer suburban county.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, DeKalb had approximately 337,059 housing units in 2025.

For 2020–2024, Census estimates show:

These are countywide statistics. Individual neighborhoods can be substantially different.

Apartments in DeKalb County

Apartment living is an important part of the DeKalb County housing market.

You’ll find apartment communities throughout:

• Brookhaven
• Chamblee
• Doraville
• Dunwoody
• Decatur
• Tucker
• Stone Mountain
• Lithonia
• Clarkston
• Other parts of the county

Apartment moves often require more logistical planning than a typical house move. Our apartment movers plan around elevators, gates, and loading zones before the truck arrives.

Before moving, ask the property manager:

• Is there a designated loading zone?
• Is the elevator reserved?
• What are the moving hours?
• Is a certificate of insurance required?
• Can the truck access the property?
• Are there parking restrictions?
• Is there a gate code?
• Are there stairs?
• Is the building subject to truck-height restrictions?

These details can make a significant difference on moving day.

Buying a Home in DeKalb County

Homebuyers can find several different types of properties.

Older established homes

These are common throughout communities such as:

• Decatur
• Tucker
• Stone Mountain
• Chamblee
• Avondale Estates
• parts of Atlanta

Newer construction

Newer homes and townhomes can be found in portions of the county where redevelopment and new residential construction have occurred.

Condos and townhomes

These are particularly relevant around:

• Brookhaven
• Chamblee
• Dunwoody
• Decatur
• Doraville

Larger suburban properties

Further east and southeast, buyers may encounter properties with more land and larger lots.

Schools in DeKalb County

Families moving to DeKalb County should pay close attention to school boundaries.

DeKalb County School District provides an official school data system showing current enrollment and capacity by school, updated October 1, 2026.

The district also provides online registration for new students throughout the year.

Don’t choose a house based solely on the city name.

Two homes that appear to be in the same general community can have different school assignments.

Before purchasing or signing a lease, verify:

1. The exact property address.
2. Elementary school assignment.
3. Middle school assignment.
4. High school assignment.
5. Any applicable special programs.
6. Transportation arrangements.

School boundaries can change, so use the district’s current resources rather than relying on an old neighborhood listing.

Getting Around DeKalb County

Transportation is one of DeKalb County’s biggest practical advantages—but also one of the factors that can make location selection complicated.

Major roads include:

• I-285
• I-20
• I-85
• US-78
• Buford Highway
• Lawrenceville Highway
• Memorial Drive
• North Decatur Road
• Clairmont Road

Your best route depends heavily on where you live and where you work.

MARTA in DeKalb County

Parts of DeKalb County have substantial MARTA access.

The current MARTA rail network includes stations such as:

• Decatur
• Avondale
• East Lake
• Kensington
• Indian Creek
• Chamblee
• Brookhaven/Oglethorpe
• Doraville

The MARTA system lists these stations across its Blue, Green and Gold/Red rail services.

For people who rely on transit, living within convenient walking or connecting distance of a station can significantly affect daily transportation.

Moving to DeKalb County Without a Car

Some parts of DeKalb are more practical for car-free living than others.

When evaluating a property, consider:

• Distance to MARTA
• Bus routes
• Grocery stores
• Restaurants
• Work
• Schools
• Parks
• Sidewalks
• Bike routes
• Rideshare availability

A neighborhood may technically have transit access but still require a long walk or additional connection to reach the places you use most often.

Commuting From DeKalb County

One of the biggest advantages of DeKalb’s location is access to several employment centers.

Depending on where you live, you may be positioned conveniently for:

• Downtown Atlanta
• Midtown
• Buckhead
• Emory
• CDC
• Decatur
• Perimeter Center
• Brookhaven
• Sandy Springs
• Gwinnett County
• Stonecrest
• East Atlanta
• Hartsfield-Jackson airport area

But don’t judge the commute by mileage alone.

A property that’s only a few miles from your workplace can still have a long commute during peak traffic.

Before moving, test your route at the actual time you’ll be traveling.

Moving to DeKalb County From Gwinnett County

Gwinnett-to-DeKalb moves are common because the counties share a border. If you are weighing both sides of the line, our guide to moving to Gwinnett County, GA and our Lilburn guide cover the Gwinnett side.

Someone might move from:

• Lawrenceville
• Duluth
• Norcross
• Peachtree Corners
• Suwanee
• Lilburn

into:

• Tucker
• Doraville
• Chamblee
• Brookhaven
• Dunwoody
• Decatur
• Stone Mountain

The move may not be extremely far geographically, but the housing and access conditions can be very different.

For example, moving from a suburban house with a driveway into a third-floor apartment near MARTA requires a completely different moving plan.

Moving From Fulton County to DeKalb County

Fulton-to-DeKalb moves can be especially attractive for people who want to remain close to Atlanta. Compare both counties with our guide to moving to Fulton County and our Sandy Springs guide.

Common relocation patterns include:

Atlanta → Decatur

Buckhead → Brookhaven

Sandy Springs → Dunwoody

Atlanta → Chamblee

Atlanta → Tucker

Atlanta → Stone Mountain

The exact move depends on your destination and housing type.

Moving From Cobb County to DeKalb County

Cobb-to-DeKalb moves cross a significant portion of the Atlanta metro area. Our guide to moving to Cobb County, GA covers the other end of the drive.

These moves may involve:

• Longer travel
• Larger homes
• More furniture
• Different traffic patterns
• Different parking conditions

When requesting a moving quote, provide both addresses and a realistic inventory.

Moving to DeKalb County From Another State

Moving from another state adds additional planning. Verify any interstate mover through the FMCSA’s Protect Your Move program, and plan to get your Georgia license through Georgia DDS within 30 days of arriving. Our long-distance movers handle routes across the lower 48.

6–8 weeks before moving

• Choose your moving company
• Confirm your housing
• Start decluttering
• Research schools
• Arrange utilities
• Begin address changes

3–4 weeks before moving

• Start packing
• Schedule building access
• Reserve elevators
• Arrange parking
• Confirm moving dates
• Organize important documents

Final week

• Finish packing
• Label boxes
• Separate essentials
• Prepare pets
• Confirm addresses
• Clean the old property

What Our Movers See on Moving Day in DeKalb County

This is where moving to DeKalb County can get interesting.

Because the county has such a wide variety of housing, no two moving days necessarily look alike.

A crew might start the morning at:

• A historic Decatur home

and finish at:

• A high-rise-style apartment

Another move could involve:

• A suburban Dunwoody house
• A townhome in Brookhaven
• A third-floor apartment in Chamblee
• A ranch home in Tucker
• A larger property near Stone Mountain

Each requires a different approach.

Older Homes Can Require More Planning

Older DeKalb County neighborhoods often have features that can complicate moving day.

For example:

• Narrow doorways
• Tight staircases
• Finished basements
• Mature trees
• Small driveways
• Limited parking
• Long walks from the street
• Furniture that was purchased for an older floor plan

Large sectionals and oversized sofas can be especially challenging.

Before moving day, measure:

• Doorways
• Stairwells
• Hallways
• Elevators
• Tight turns

If a large piece of furniture barely fit through the old house, don’t assume it will automatically fit into the new one.

Apartment Moving in DeKalb County

Apartment moving requires coordination.

A customer may have everything packed perfectly, but the move can still be delayed if:

• The elevator isn’t reserved.
• The truck can’t reach the entrance.
• Parking isn’t available.
• The building has restricted moving hours.
• The leasing office isn’t expecting the movers.
• The wrong entrance is used.
• A gate code doesn’t work.

Confirm building logistics before moving day. Our guide to apartment moves with stairs walks through what to expect in walk-up buildings.

Moving Into a Condo or Townhome

Townhomes and condos create their own challenges.

Common issues include:

• Multiple floors
• Interior staircases
• Narrow garages
• HOA restrictions
• Limited street parking
• Long furniture carries
• Tight turns

If you’re moving into a townhome, tell the moving company about the number of floors and whether furniture must go upstairs.

Packing for a DeKalb County Move

The easiest way to make moving day smoother is to prepare before the truck arrives.

Pack room by room.

Use labels such as:

KITCHEN — FRAGILE

PRIMARY BEDROOM

OFFICE

GARAGE

BATHROOM

Clear labeling helps movers put boxes where they belong at the destination. Our packing order guide shows what to pack first, or our packing services team can handle it for you.

How to Pack Clothes on Hangers

You don’t always need to remove every item of clothing from its hanger.

For a simple short-distance move:

1. Group several hanging clothes together.
2. Place a clean trash bag over the clothing.
3. Keep hanger hooks outside the bag.
4. Secure the bottom loosely.
5. Carry the bundle to the truck.
6. Hang the clothes immediately at the new home.

Wardrobe boxes are another option for larger moves.

Declutter Before Moving

Don’t pay to move things you don’t want. Our decluttering and downsizing guide walks through the process.

Create four groups:

Keep

Things you’re taking.

Donate

Useful items you no longer need.

Sell

Higher-value items worth selling.

Dispose

Broken or unusable items.

Decluttering can reduce:

• Number of boxes
• Truck space
• Loading time
• Unloading time
• Storage requirements

Moving Costs in DeKalb County

The cost of a move depends on far more than mileage.

Factors include:

• Number of movers
• Hours required
• Furniture quantity
• Boxes
• Stairs
• Elevators
• Long carries
• Packing
• Specialty items
• Travel time
• Storage
• Moving date

A small one-bedroom apartment can have very different requirements from a five-bedroom house.

For a more accurate estimate, provide:

• Current address
• Destination
• Number of bedrooms
• Home/apartment/condo
• Floors
• Stairs
• Elevator information
• Large furniture
• Number of boxes
• Packing requirements
• Desired moving date

For real local numbers, read what local movers cost in Atlanta, try our moving cost calculator, and check our current prices. Prefer a fixed price? Compare hourly vs. flat-rate moves.

Choosing a Moving Company in DeKalb County

When comparing movers, look beyond the hourly rate. Use our 20 questions to ask a moving company, review our guide to licensed and insured movers in Georgia, and learn how to avoid moving scams in Atlanta.

Ask:

Is the company properly licensed and insured?

Understand what protection applies to your belongings.

Who will perform the work?

Ask whether the company uses its own moving crews or third-party labor.

What equipment is included?

Professional moving equipment can include:

• Dollies
• Furniture pads
• Moving blankets
• Straps
• Tools
• Ramps
• Protective materials

What is included in the price?

Ask about:

• Minimum hours
• Travel
• Packing
• Materials
• Storage
• Additional services
• Payment requirements

Does the mover understand your building?

This is especially important for apartments, condos and high-rise-style communities.

Moving Services in DeKalb County

Budget Moving Services can assist customers moving within DeKalb County and throughout the greater Atlanta area.

Moving needs can include:

• Residential moving
• Local moving
• Apartment, condo, and townhome moving
• Commercial moving
• Small moves
• Labor-only moving and U-Haul loading help
• Packing services and unpacking assistance
• Furniture moving
• Moving and storage
• Long-distance moving
• Same-day moving
• Specialty and concierge moving

Labor-only moving can be particularly useful if you’re renting your own truck or container and simply need help loading or unloading.

Small Moves in DeKalb County

Not every move requires a full moving truck.

Some customers only need help with:

• A sofa
• Dresser
• Bed
• Dining table
• Appliance
• Marketplace purchase
• Storage unit
• One-bedroom apartment
• Furniture rearrangement

These smaller jobs can still require proper equipment and two-person handling for heavier items. See our small moves and Facebook Marketplace delivery services.

Moving Seniors in DeKalb County

Downsizing can be a major reason for moving within DeKalb County.

For seniors moving from a larger home into:

• An apartment
• Condo
• Smaller house
• Senior community
• Assisted-living environment

the move often involves more than transportation.

It may also involve:

• Decluttering
• Furniture selection
• Packing
• Unpacking
• Rearranging furniture
• Moving items into storage
• Donation coordination

Planning the move in stages can make the transition easier. Our senior moving assistance team can help with downsizing, packing, and setting up the new home.

Parks and Outdoor Recreation in DeKalb County

DeKalb isn’t just developed neighborhoods and major roads.

The county has an extensive park and trail system.

DeKalb County currently highlights more than 120 miles of trails, including the Arabia Mountain PATH, South Peachtree Creek Trail, South River Trail, Stone Mountain Trail and Mason Mill trail network.

Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve

One of the county’s most distinctive outdoor destinations is Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve.

The preserve includes:

• Granite outcrops
• Forest
• Lakes
• Creeks
• Historic structures
• Hiking
• Biking
• Fishing
• Nature programs

The county describes the preserve as more than 2,500 acres.

For people who enjoy hiking and outdoor recreation, living in eastern DeKalb can put these destinations close to home.

Mason Mill Park

Mason Mill Park is another important recreational destination.

The park includes:

• Trails
• Recreation facilities
• Tennis courts
• Community garden
• Playground
• Senior center

The county identifies more than six miles of trails within the Mason Mill network.

Stone Mountain Area

Stone Mountain and its surrounding communities provide access to a variety of outdoor and recreational opportunities.

The county’s tourism information highlights Stone Mountain Park among DeKalb’s major attractions.

Living in DeKalb County With Pets

Pet owners should evaluate more than just whether a home allows pets.

Consider:

• Fenced yards
• Nearby parks
• Walking routes
• Apartment pet policies
• Breed/size restrictions
• Pet fees
• Access to veterinary services
• Traffic around the neighborhood

For apartment renters, verify pet policies before signing a lease.

Moving Day Checklist

Before the movers arrive

☐ Finish packing
☐ Label every box
☐ Separate valuables
☐ Prepare medications
☐ Prepare pet supplies
☐ Clear hallways
☐ Clear stairs
☐ Confirm parking
☐ Confirm elevator reservation
☐ Confirm gate codes
☐ Confirm building access
☐ Keep important documents with you

During loading

☐ Identify fragile items
☐ Identify oversized furniture
☐ Tell movers what isn’t being moved
☐ Keep pets away from loading areas
☐ Check closets and cabinets

Before leaving

☐ Check every room
☐ Check attic/basement
☐ Check garage
☐ Check closets
☐ Check outdoor areas
☐ Take final photos if appropriate
☐ Confirm destination address

DeKalb County Lifestyle Guide

This is a starting point rather than a ranking. Your ideal location depends on commute, housing budget, school assignment, transportation needs and preferred neighborhood environment.

DeKalb County vs. Other Atlanta-Area Counties

DeKalb vs. Gwinnett County

Gwinnett generally offers a more suburban environment in many areas, while DeKalb provides a broader mixture of urban, suburban, established and transit-oriented communities. See all 17 Gwinnett cities in our Gwinnett County guide.

People comparing the two should consider:

• Commute
• Housing type
• School assignment
• MARTA access
• Neighborhood age
• Walkability
• Price
• Proximity to Atlanta

DeKalb vs. Fulton County

Fulton includes Atlanta and many northern suburbs, while DeKalb sits primarily east and northeast of Atlanta.

The best choice depends heavily on where you work and what type of community you want. Our Fulton County guide covers all 15 of its cities.

DeKalb vs. Forsyth County

Forsyth County generally has a more suburban and newer-development profile, particularly around Cumming and South Forsyth. Learn more in our Forsyth County guide.

DeKalb has a much broader mix of established neighborhoods, urban communities, apartments, transit-accessible areas and older housing.

Is DeKalb County a Good Place to Move?

DeKalb County’s biggest characteristic is variety.

You can find:

• Urban neighborhoods
• Traditional suburbs
• Historic communities
• Apartments
• Condos
• Townhomes
• Larger suburban homes
• Transit-oriented locations
• Parks and trails
• Diverse restaurants and businesses
• Easy access to Atlanta

But that variety means you shouldn’t evaluate DeKalb County as one single housing market or lifestyle.

The specific city, neighborhood and even street can matter considerably.

Related DeKalb County Moving Guides

Keep researching with our local moving pages and neighboring county guides.

DeKalb Cities and Local Movers

• Moving to Dunwoody, Georgia: complete guide
• Moving to Tucker, GA: neighborhoods, Main Street, and parks
• Moving to Stone Mountain, GA: the village vs. the wider Stone Mountain area
• Moving to Chamblee, GA: MARTA, the Rail Trail, and townhomes
• Moving to Doraville, GA: Buford Highway and the Gold Line
• Moving to Lithonia, GA: the historic granite city and Arabia Mountain
• Moving to Clarkston, GA: apartments, rent, and community life
• Decatur movers and flat-rate Decatur moves
• Brookhaven movers
• Flat-rate Dunwoody movers
• Flat-rate Stonecrest movers

Neighboring County Guides

• Moving to Gwinnett County, GA: Lilburn, Norcross, Peachtree Corners, and Snellville
• Moving to Fulton County, GA: Atlanta, Sandy Springs, and North Fulton
• Moving to Cobb County, GA: Marietta, Smyrna, and Kennesaw
• Moving to Forsyth County, GA: Cumming and South Forsyth
• Moving to Hall County, GA: Gainesville and Lake Lanier
• The ultimate guide to moving to metro Atlanta

Final Thoughts: Moving to DeKalb County, Georgia

DeKalb County is one of the most varied places to live in metro Atlanta.

One household might choose Decatur for its established neighborhoods and proximity to Atlanta.

Another might choose Brookhaven or Chamblee for northern Atlanta access and apartment or condo options.

A family might prefer Dunwoody or Tucker for a more suburban environment.

Someone who prioritizes outdoor recreation might look toward Stone Mountain, Lithonia or Stonecrest.

And someone who relies on public transportation may prioritize being close to a MARTA station.

The important thing is to choose the specific community that fits your daily life, rather than treating the entire county as one neighborhood.

Before moving, evaluate your commute, housing costs, school assignment, parking, transit access and the actual logistics of getting your furniture into the new property.

Then plan the move itself.

Whether you’re moving from Gwinnett County to DeKalb County, Fulton County to DeKalb County, another Georgia city, or another state, Budget Moving Services can help with the physical work.

From residential and apartment moving to packing, small moves, labor-only services, storage and long-distance relocations, the goal is to make your move more organized from the first box to the last piece of furniture.

Planning a move to DeKalb County? Get your free moving quote and tell us what you’re moving, where you’re moving from, and what kind of help you need.

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts; DeKalb County Government; DeKalb County School District; MARTA; Arabia Mountain Heritage Area Alliance.

Atlanta | Budget Moving Services

Local Moving and Storage Company Owner since 2010 in Metro-Atlanta and Gwinnet County for Residential, Commercial, and Specialty Moves such as Senior Moving, Military Moving Services, and more. The agents at Budget Moving and I also work as Real Estate Agents in Atlanta, Florida, and North Carolina. We also work with agents in various industries relating to Real Estate Property Development for Residential and Commercial Properties, Moving and Storage, and Logistics in order to understand and offer a stress-free full-service moving and storage service-based solution. Which is also why we specialize in residential, commercial, military, senior, and junk removal services and gather different POVs in multiple industries to provide our past, present, and future consumers with as much information as possible.Moving industry professional.

4 responses to “Moving to DeKalb County, Georgia: A Complete Guide for New Residents”

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