Why Metro Atlanta is Still Thriving

Low unemployment. Impressive job growth. Deep cultural and historical significance.  Burgeoning business opportunities. These are a few of the reasons Atlanta, GA has been named the #1 place to live in the Top 50 best places to live list by Money.com (Money Magazine). Atlanta continues to attract both transplants, entrepreneurs, businesses, students, and visitors (who end up becoming Georgia Peaches themselves!).

Is Atlanta for everyone? Absolutely not. No place appeals to everyone across the board. However, what Atlanta does offer is this:

1. Headquarters to 15 Fortune 500 Companies (Ranked #2 in the nation)

2. Home to 16 colleges and universities (57 across Metro Atlanta)

3. Home to the world’s most traveled airport.

In addition, the Metro Atlanta area includes approximately 150 cities and towns, providing ample varieties for residential living-from thriving city centers to sprawling rural landscapes. There are countless choices in communities and neighborhoods to choose from, depending on your needs and desires.

Thus, when someone asks why they should consider Metro Atlanta as their next home or what Metro Atlanta has to offer, let them know that the reasons are numerous and have been validated. And if you ever decide to pursue relocation and want to explore other parts of the country, we have you covered. Of course, as most of the Les Maisons Partners team are transplants ourselves, we’re rather partial to Metro Atlanta and Middle GA.

Is Your Home Really Covered In A Natural Disaster?

With devastating hurricanes impacting the US, many people in geographic areas not traditionally known to incur the severe consequences of brutal storms, such as tornadoes and hurricanes, are finding themselves victims of flash storms. As many survivors of brutal weather will tell you: It’s not always the storm you fear, it’s the flood that can be worse. As those who survived recent storms on the East Coast will attest to, it is often shocking to learn that as you pick up the pieces and try to rebuild from a tragedy, you may not have the coverage and protection you believed you had all along. There have been several stories of survivors who found out that their flooded homes and cars were not covered under their homeowner’s or auto insurance policies. In fact, “well under 20% of U.S. homeowners have flood insurance, according to the Insurance Information Institute.” (https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/flood-insurance-ida-homeowners-floodwaters-climate-change-risk/ )

Since these victims were not in typical flood zones, they may not have carried flood insurance, which can increase your premium substantially.

Now, more than ever, it is imperative that you review your homeowner’s and automotive insurance policies to better understand your policy and coverage areas and exclusions. Most of us believe we will be covered for almost every instance however, there are instances where circumstances are considered “acts of God” and excluded from coverage.

Review your coverage page and contact your insurance representative if you have specific questions. If you need to make changes, it’s best to do that when you are not facing down an emergency or natural disaster. Flood insurance is also available through the National Flood Insurance Program (https://www.fema.gov/flood-insurance) Staying informed and knowing where you stand are key to protecting yourself.