According to a report by the Atlanta Regional Commission, the 10-county region surrounding the city has now added just 56,000 residents over the past two years, which comes on the heels of seven years with an average growth rate of more than 77,000. The current growth rate, while still positive, is the area's slowest in more than 50 years.
"During weak economic periods, people don't move as much for several reasons," ARC's report said. "Job opportunities are slim, meaning people don't move to take new jobs. And, with the housing market in such disarray, it is hard to sell a house, which tends to keep people stationary."
The city of Atlanta absorbed roughly 25 percent of the region's growth, adding just under 8,000 residents over the year - a 20 percent drop compared to figures earlier in the decade.
Further hindering the possibility of relocation to Atlanta is rising home prices. According to the recent S&P/Case-Shiller home price index, home prices in the city rose 2 percent compared to last year, and 1.7 percent from May to June.
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