Newcomers Keep Atlanta Housing Market Healthy

"Metro Atlanta's relatively dynamic housing market makes the city a mecca for home builders, even in the midst of a worrisome national slump in home sales. New first-time home buyers arrive in the city every day, generating a lucrative pool of potential new home sales. This and factors such as inexpensive land and affordable homes make Atlanta's housing market something of a national anomaly."

Even though Metro Atlanta has been suffering higher foreclosure rates, longer sales times and slighly dropping home prices, Atlanta's growing economy makes it a consistently popular destination for new residents.

"Prices in places such as San Diego have put homes beyond the reach of ordinary home buyers, while Atlanta is still viewed as affordable...Atlanta's hip, youthful image among young professionals is also helping to drive its growth with potential homeowners."