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Delta Air Lines on Monday, Feb. 24, 2025, encountered several harrowing minutes after a plane had to turn around due to smoke or haze in the cabin.
On Monday morning, Delta Flight 876 had to return to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport due to “haze” inside the aircraft.
The flight crew followed proper protocols, declared an emergency for priority handling from air traffic control, and turned back to Atlanta after noticing the haze.
Upon landing on Runway 27, emergency slides were deployed to help passengers exit quickly.
In a statement, Delta said 94 passengers were on board the Boeing 717, which had just departed for Columbia, South Carolina, when the haze was detected. The pilots declared an emergency to ensure priority assistance from air traffic controllers.
Once on the ground, emergency slides were used for a fast evacuation. Delta spokesperson Samantha Moore Facteau confirmed via email that two passengers were treated by EMTs.
“Nothing is more important than the safety of our customers and people,” the airline said, adding an apology to passengers for the experience.
The Boeing 717 was carrying 94 passengers, two pilots, and three flight attendants. The two passengers treated by EMTs were released after being evaluated. Delta provided ground transportation and rebooking for affected customers, and a new flight to Columbia was arranged on another aircraft.Attach
The two passengers treated by EMTs were released after being evaluated. Delta provided ground transportation and rebooking for affected customers, and a new flight to Columbia was arranged on another aircraft.
How Many Airline Incidents Have Occurred in the U.S. This Year?
Here’s a list of notable airline and aviation incidents reported in the United States in 2025 up to today, February 25, 2025, based on available information:
- January 29, 2025 – Midair Collision near Ronald Reagan National Airport, Washington, D.C.
An American Airlines regional jet (PSA Airlines Flight 5342, a Bombardier CRJ700) collided with a U.S. Army Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter while approaching the airport. The crash occurred over the Potomac River, killing all 64 people on the jet and all 3 onboard the helicopter, totaling 67 fatalities. This was the deadliest U.S. aviation incident in nearly 24 years and the first fatal commercial airline crash in the U.S. in 16 years. - January 31, 2025 – Learjet Crash in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
A Learjet 55, operated by Jet Rescue Air Ambulance as Med Jets Flight 056, crashed shortly after takeoff from Northeast Philadelphia Airport into the Castor Gardens neighborhood. All 6 people onboard perished, making it a fatal incident. - February 1, 2025 – Aircraft Tug Collision at O’Hare International Airport, Chicago, Illinois
An American Airlines plane struck an aircraft tug vehicle at O’Hare, critically injuring the 64-year-old driver. This was not a crash but a ground incident affecting airline operations. No passenger injuries were reported. - February 2, 2025 – United Airlines Engine Fire in Houston, Texas
A United Airlines plane experienced an engine fire during takeoff from George Bush Intercontinental Airport due to an engine issue. The flight aborted takeoff safely, and no injuries were reported among passengers or crew. - February 6, 2025 – Bering Air Crash in Nome, Alaska
Bering Air Flight 445, a Cessna 208B Grand Caravan, crashed over Norton Sound en route from Unalakleet to Nome. The wreckage was found the next day, confirming the deaths of all 10 people onboard, making it another fatal incident. - February 10, 2025 – Private Jet Crash in Scottsdale, Arizona
A private jet veered off the runway at Scottsdale Municipal Airport, killing the pilot and injuring 4 passengers. While not a commercial airline incident, it contributes to the year’s aviation accident tally. - February 12, 2025 – Navy Jet Crash in San Diego Bay, California
A Boeing EA-18G Growler Navy aircraft crashed into San Diego Bay during a training exercise. Both pilots ejected safely and were rescued, resulting in no fatalities. - February 19, 2025 – Midair Collision in Marana, Arizona
Two small planes, a Lancair and a Cessna 172, collided midair near Marana Regional Airport around 8:25 a.m. local time. At least one death was confirmed, though full casualty details are pending. This incident involved general aviation, not commercial airlines.
These incidents include both commercial airline and notable general aviation events. As of February 19, 2025, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported 87 aviation accidents in the U.S., with 13 being fatal, resulting in at least 85 deaths. The February 19 Arizona collision may adjust these figures once fully reported. Investigations are ongoing for most of these incidents, with preliminary reports expected within 30 days and final reports taking 12-24 months.
More From AtlantaFi.com:
- January 29, 2025 – Midair Collision near Ronald Reagan National Airport, Washington, D.C.
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When it comes to vino, Georgia holds its weight in more ways than one. And the beautiful thing about it is that the wine is more colorful and cultural than you can imagine.
This article will tell you about some of the best black-owned wineries in Georgia.
Here Are The Best Wineries In Georgia
As of my last update in February 2025, there were several black-owned wineries in Georgia. However, the wine industry is constantly evolving, so it’s essential to verify the most up-to-date information. Here are a few black-owned wineries in Georgia that were known at that time:
Khoury Vineyards
1201 Boss Hardy Rd, Auburn, GA 30011 | (404) 640-9755
Located in the North Georgia Mountains, Khoury Vineyards is a family-owned and operated winery known for producing handcrafted wines.
Horse Creek Winery
2873 GA-76, Nashville, GA 31639 | (229) 686-9463
Situated in Nashville, Georgia, Horse Creek Winery offers a variety of wines made from locally grown grapes.
Here’s what one reviewer says about Horse Creek Winery: “Enjoyed our little tasting! Next time we come to this location we’ll know to bring our own snacks! They don’t serve ANY food or snacks here. Good wine though at a very good price for tasting!”
CeNita Vineyards, Winery & Tasting Room
591 Dock Dorsey Rd, Cleveland, GA 30528 | (706) 865-7478
Situated in Cleveland, Georgia, CeNita Vineyards offers a variety of wines made from locally grown grapes.
Here’s what one reviewer says about CeNita Vineyards. “”Great experience and a nice place to sit outside with a glass of wine.”
The Georgia Winery
6469 Battlefield Pkwy, Ringgold, GA 30736 | (706) 937-9463
Located in Ringgold, Georgia, The Georgia Winery is Georgia’s first farm winery, crafting a range of wines from local fruits and grapes.
Here’s what one reviewer says about The Georgia Winery: “Wonderful selections of wines, gifts, sweets and cheeses! Incredible scenery and decor with a cozy place to sit and relax. We had a great time interacting with other customers and employees and the staff was incredibly knowledgeable. They really took the time to get to know what we preferred in order to make the best recommendations.”
Final Word
As you can see Georgia has some great wineries. Closer to home, you can check out these Atlanta vineyards and wine tastings.
Please note that new wineries might have emerged, and existing ones may have undergone changes since my last update. It’s always a good idea to double-check the latest information through online directories, social media, or local wine associations.
Metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene continues to grow with no stops on the horizon. Ready to try something new?
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A gluten-free lifestyle is more than a dietary fad. It’s a necessary lifestyle.
As a paying customer, you deserve to get the food and quality dishes you need. So, we’re going to let you know of the best gluten-free Atlanta restaurants.
Gluten is a common protein in some whole foods like barley, rye, wheat and more. While many people aren’t affected, others are sensitive to gluten, especially those with celiac disease and other aliments.
Where To Eat Gluten-Free In Atlanta
But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy yourself in Atlanta’s dining scene. Here are some of the best gluten-free Atlanta restaurants…
Arepa Mía
209 Edgewood Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30303 | (404) 880-8575
Here is what one reviewer says about Arepa Mía: “Not kidding: The BEST food I’ve tasted in YEARS! So many wonderful choices. Everything gluten-free!! I wish it were close to me so I could go there several times a week. Can’t wait until the next opportunity.”
KarmaFarm
54 Pharr Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305 | (404) 812-0477
Here is what one Google reviewer says about KarmaFarm: “Stopped here for a lunch break. This place was great! Very friendly and helpful staff serving awesome food. I was happy to learn about where their ingredients are sourced locally. I think that it’s awesome that they are certified gluten free. I had the arepa “fried” chicken sandwich. It was terrific!”
Fritti
309 North Highland Avenue Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30307 | (404) 880-9559
Here is what one Google reviewer says about Fritti: “I just dream about this pizza sometimes. The gluten free crust is made in house with an Italian flour blend. If you have other allergies you can ask about what is in it. We’ve also had great salads and the meat skewers here. Everything is so good.”
Curry Up Now
1575 Church St, Decatur, GA 30033 | (470) 343-2911
This Francisco-based chain specializes in Indian food. The restaurant opened in Decatur in July 2019 and has quickly become a top spot for curry. There are also some good gluten-free options.
Here’s what one reviewer says about Curry Up Now: “The restaurant had plenty of space for those wanting to dine in and a great atmosphere. The staff was very helpful with explaining the different popular menu options to help me decide. Even though I had a short wait for my food, members of the staff were friendly in providing a complimentary drink and communicating on how long my wait would be. The food was delicious and I would definitely return to try their other great options!”
Little Bangkok
2225 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30324 | (404) 315-1530
Thai restaurants offers a great option to eat gluten-free food. You’ll love the rice noodle dishes and assortment of curries.
Here is what one reviewer says: “This is a little but marvelous Thai spot on Cheshire bridge. I went there multiple times. Their seafood spicy soup are very tasty, and so are the curries. Plenty of options for meat and vegetarian eaters. Amazing value for the price.”
Bole Ethiopian Restaurant
1650 Virginia Ave, College Park, GA 30337 | (404) 549-9111
Here’s what one Google reviewer says about Bole Ethiopian Restaurants: “First off the customer service is A-1! As soon as we entered the space we were greeted by the owner, who is also the chef! What?! The vibe is very warm and inviting. The food was savory. The portion sizes were massive! I enjoyed every minute in there. Talking to the staff and eating authentic Ethiopian food made it a night to remember.”
Folk Art Restaurant
465 North Highland Avenue Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30307 | (404) 537-4493
Here is what one reviewer says about Folk Art Restaurant: “Eclectic, artsy, down to earth feel. Friendly staff. Old school decor (like 50s ish) i got an omelet and latte. The food could use a little more seasoning for my taste but over all good stuff. Good mix of music.”
Bantam + Biddy
1544 Piedmont Avenue NE #Suite 301, Atlanta, GA 30324 | (404) 907-3469
Here is what one reviewer says about Bantam + Biddy: “Bantam + Biddy is an Atlanta favorite. Their fried chicken is naturally gluten free, and absolutely delicious. Their sweet potato fries are to die for! Their menu is clearly marked for allergens, making it a very friendly restaurant for those with specific dietary needs.”
True Food Kitchen
Lenox Square |, 3393 Peachtree Rd NE Suite 3058B, Atlanta, GA 30326 | (404) 481-2980
Here’s what one reviewer says about True Food Kitchen: “Gluten. Free. Heaven. I love this restaurant. I love the servers’ knowledge of healthy food. I love the atmosphere. Even on a busy night we just grabbed a high-top immediately. The servers are respectful and professional.”
Marrakesh Mediterranean Market
Ponce City Market, 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308 | (404) 600-4171
Here’s what one Google reviewer says about Marrakesh Mediterranean Market: “I ordered the chicken plate. The person taking my order suggested their fries, and I had the tsatziki sauce. Excellent, plenty of chicken, the fries were as good as advertised, and the sauce was delicious and cool and offered a good contrast to what was being dipped in it.”
There are several other Atlanta restaurants with gluten-free options, but you’ll want to have a look at their menus to see if the dish is what you want.
The gluten-free restaurant scene is not a fad, it’s here to stay. Check out more food options at AtlantaFi.com:
Stop by one of the best places to eat in West Midtown.The best restaurants on the Beltline all have excellent customer service and food. What separates them from many of the other spots is that they’re on the urban playground called the Beltline.
The ATL has other cool eateries as well. If you’re gluten-free, there’s plenty of options. Same goes for keto-friendly restaurants or Asian fare in Atlanta.
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Delta Air Lines says it is offering $30,000 to passengers who were aboard a flight that crashed and flipped upside down while landing in Toronto.
The airline made the offer two days after the plane crash-landed a flipped over on the tarmac at Toronto’s airport, injuring more than 20 people.
Offering cash or compensation helps to alleviate customer dissatisfaction due to events like this, including delays, cancellations, or service disruptions. Satisfied customers are more likely to continue using the airline in the future. Will they in this case? Time will tell.
Delta’s CEO is defending the airline as calls grow stronger for him to reveal the experience level of the pilots.
“There is one level of safety at Delta. All these pilots train for these conditions,” said CEO Ed Bastian. “This is what we train for. We train for this continuously.”
How Did the Delta Plane Flip Over?
Federal aviation officials are still investigating what happened when Delta Flight 4819 departed Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport on February 17, 2025, carrying 80 passengers and crew.
The Bombardier CRJ-900 regional jet was flying under the Endeavor Air brand as part of a Delta Connection partnership. The jet approached Toronto Pearson International Airport shortly before 3 p.m. local time.
As the plane began its descent, it was alerted air traffic controllers that current wind gusts in the area were up to 40 mph. The pilots responded that their was turbulence in the glide path.
As the plane headed for the runway, the pilots encountered intense crosswinds impacting the jet from the side.
The gusts we’re so strong that the pilots struggled to steady the jet upon descent. Right before touchdown, the plane was walloped with a powerful blast of wind, which tilted the jet sharply to the right.
The aircraft’s right wing bent, causing the plane’s belly to make contact with the runway, creating a stream of sparks.
The impact of the landing ripped the jet’s right wing off, causing the jet to skid out of control and violently flip upside down it’s it came to a stop.
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When it comes to saving money, many people look far and wide, but the answer may be on their phone — literally.
Even if your phone bill is one of the smallest expenses you have, there’s a possibility that you’re spending $20-$40 too much.This article is going to show you how to save money on your phone bill. Follow these steps to cut expenses.1. Evaluate Your Current Plan
Check your monthly data, call, and text usage. If you consistently use less than what your plan offers, you may switch to a cheaper plan.Be aware of any contractual obligations you might have. Sometimes, staying on a plan after a contract ends can be more expensive than switching.When you find a plan that works for you, it’s time to take action:2. Downgrade Your Data Plan
A lot of wireless providers have removed the option to downgrade plans from their websites and apps. That’s why you need to call your phone service provider.To downgrade your data plan, you need to call your wireless carrier. Here are there phone numbers:- AT&T: 1-800-331-0500
- T-Mobile: 1-877-453-1304
- Verizon: 1-800-922-0204
3. Start A Family Plan
T-Mobile, Verizon and AT&T all give their biggest discounts to people on a family plan.
For example, a family plan of four costs about $120, while a single line can as high as $75 with the leading wireless companies.Make sure you compare prices between the different carriers, so that you can find the cheapest cell phone plan.
4. Qualify For A Discount
If you’re in the military, a veteran or senior citizen you may be able to save as much as $10 month on your days plan.
Make sure you review the many organizations you may be a part of. Chances are, you qualify for a rebate or reduced plan because of your affiliations.
5. Buy A Refurbished Phone
Who says you have to buy a new phone when a pre-owned one works fine?In some cases you can save up to 80% on the cost of a phone when you choose a refurbished one.Here are some refurbished phones for sale on Amazon.6. Opt For Autopay
All of the phone providers give you an average of $5 off if you choose to enable autopay for your monthly bill.
The savings come to $64 a year if you can make it the full 12 months. That’s not bad.
7. Don’t Get Phone Insurance
If you want to keep your monthly phone bill down, don’t opt for phone insurance.
If you’ve ever filed a claim on a broken phone (I have), even with insurance there are instances where you still have to pay.
Final Words
If you want to stay connected to the world, your phone bill is one expense that you can’t live without. The good news is that you can save money along the way.Metro Atlanta’s hot economy has slowed of late due to the COVID-19, but that’s OK. Check out our Coronavirus Resource Guide and find out how to make and save money.We currently have job articles that show you high-paying jobs, those close to downtown and even side hustles you might like.If saving money is something you’re serious about, AtlantaFi.com has a lot of resources to help you.Read more: -
Another week, another winter storm watch for Georgia.
A Winter Weather Advisory was issued for the North Georgia mountains and Northwest Georgia early Wednesday morning, Feb. 19.
That means some of Atlanta’s northern counties will likely get a few hours of snow and sleet. For Metro Atlanta, expect freezing rain.
Local forecasters say the worst weather will come between 5 and 7 a.m.
If you live in Metro Atlanta, you should plan on a cold rain for the morning commute.
According to the National Weather Service, “Light snow is forecast in far north Georgia on Wednesday. Totals will generally be a half an inch or less, but a few places above 2500 ft could see close to an inch. Be prepared for slick roadways.”
How To Drive in Rainy Conditions
Driving in rainy conditions can be challenging and dangerous if not done carefully. Here are some essential tips to stay safe:
Before You Drive:
- Check Your Tires: Ensure they have good tread depth and proper inflation for maximum traction.
- Test Your Wipers & Lights: Make sure your windshield wipers work effectively and turn on your headlights for visibility.
- Plan Ahead: Give yourself extra time to reach your destination, as wet roads can cause delays.
While Driving:
- Slow Down: Reduce your speed to maintain control and prevent hydroplaning.
- Increase Following Distance: Leave extra space between you and the vehicle ahead to allow more stopping time.
- Avoid Sudden Movements: Brake, accelerate, and turn gradually to prevent skidding.
- Use Defrosters: Keep your windshield clear of fog to maintain visibility.
- Stay in the Middle Lane: Water tends to pool in outer lanes, increasing the risk of hydroplaning.
If You Hydroplane:
- Stay Calm: Don’t panic or slam on the brakes.
- Ease Off the Gas: Let your car slow down naturally.
- Steer Gently: Keep your steering steady and avoid sudden movements until you regain traction.
Extra Precautions:
- Avoid Standing Water: Large puddles may hide potholes or cause your car to stall.
- Beware of Flooded Roads: Never drive through deep water, as it can damage your engine or sweep your vehicle away.
- Watch for Pedestrians & Cyclists: Rain reduces visibility, so be extra cautious.
By following these tips, you can reduce the risks associated with driving in the rain and ensure a safer journey.
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Traveling Soon? Check Out Our International Checklist
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A Delta Air Lines plane flying from Minnesota crash-landed in Toronto on Monday, Feb. 17, federal aviation officials confirmed.
Delta said in a statement that Flight 4819, operated by Endeavor Air, injured closed to two dozen people.
“In total, 21 injured passengers were initially transported to local hospitals. As of Tuesday morning, 19 have been released,” the airline said in an updated statement.
After the incident, it was reported that two people were airlifted to Toronto trauma centers and one child was transported to a children’s hospital.
Images and video from social media showed the aftermath of the crash-landing, which happened in broad daylight.
“Our most pressing priority remains taking care of all customers and Endeavor crew members who were involved,” said Delta CEO Ed Bastian. “We’ll do everything we can to support them and their families in the days ahead, and I know the hearts, thoughts and prayers of the entire Delta community are with them. We are grateful for all the first responders and medical teams who have been caring for them.”
While the FAA and local officials have launched a joint preliminary investigation, the immediate culprit seems to be strong winds, which have been blowing in Toronto all day.
Winds gusts were reported to be about 40 mph at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport.
In a statement, the airport announced that flights, which were briefly halted, have begun again.
Departures and arrivals have resumed at Toronto Pearson as of 5 p.m.,” the statement read. “All 76 passengers and four crew from Delta flight 4819 were accounted for. A number of passengers were taken to local hospitals. GTAA staff are supporting families of passengers at arrivals,”
As of now, there have been four deadly plane crashes in the United States in 2025, resulting in a total of 85 fatalities. Prior to this year, the most recent deadly plane crash involving a U.S. airliner occurred in 2009.
Final Word
If you’re thinking about traveling abroad, make sure you get your passport, as soon as you can.
To save money, look for the cheapest flights from Atlanta that are on sale. To keep costs down, use these travel hacks to save money and time.
To Atlanta is one of the most convenient places to travel to and from. A large part of that is because Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is so accessible.
Not only is it the world’s busiest airport, but it’s state-of-the-art in every way. If you’re interested in traveling around Atlanta via car or even on scooter, here’s what to know.
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Traveling Soon? Check Out Our International Checklist
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If you hail a cab north of Atlanta, don’t be surprised if there’s potentially no one in the driver’s seat. As we previously reported, driverless taxis have arrived in metro Atlanta.
May Mobility, a leading autonomous vehicle technology company, has launched its first commercial driverless transportation service in Peachtree Corners, Georgia, just outside Atlanta.
This marks the company’s third driverless deployment in the United States, following successful trials in Sun City, Arizona, and Ann Arbor, Michigan.
May Mobility Driverless Rides Launch In Peachtree Corners
In partnership with Curiosity Lab, T-Mobile, and the City of Peachtree Corners, May Mobility has transitioned its service to fully driverless operations, providing public rides in its autonomous Toyota Sienna Autono-MaaS vehicles.
The service operates Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., offering on-demand rides along Technology Parkway. Passengers can book trips through the May Mobility app, available on the App Store and Google Play.
Edwin Olson, CEO and founder of May Mobility, expressed enthusiasm about the launch, stating, “Peachtree Corners will be our third driverless operation, and we are excited to debut our first publicly available driverless service in the City of Peachtree Corners.”
He emphasized the importance of collaborating with cities and communities to address real transportation challenges.
Final Word
Looking ahead, May Mobility is working with the City of Peachtree Corners on future expansions and plans to introduce autonomous vehicles in metro Atlanta in partnership with Lyft later this year. Additional driverless operations in the U.S. are expected to be announced throughout 2025.
Atlanta is having a restaurant renaissance. Hot chicken is the rage in Atlanta’s dining scene right now. But so are chicken and waffles.
Fast-casual is also the dining trend du jour around metro Atlanta restaurants. The concept involves mixing the quick accessibility of fast food with the casual dining experience. Food in Atlanta is also adapting to the various tastes of the migrants that come here to live.
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Southwest Airlines Co. is cutting approximately 1,750 leadership positions in a historic move to reduce expenses, marking the first layoffs in the company’s history.
While it’s too early to tell how many employees at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Airport will be affected, there is certain to be some.
The reductions, affecting 15% of corporate roles—including senior leadership and directors—will begin in late April and are expected to be largely completed by the end of June, the airline announced Sunday.
“This is a very difficult and monumental shift,” CEO Bob Jordan wrote in a letter to employees. “With the best intentions, the growth of our leadership and noncontract functions have outpaced our operation’s growth for many years.”
The job cuts are part of Southwest’s broader strategy to streamline operations and cut costs, aiming to become a “leaner, faster, and more agile organization,” Jordan said.
The announcement comes just a day before Southwest launches redeye flights, a key component of its Southwest. Even Better. initiative. The new overnight flights are designed to provide customers with more travel options, improve aircraft utilization, and strengthen the airline’s financial standing.
By optimizing fleet efficiency, redeye flights will help free up the equivalent of 18 aircraft, supporting modest capacity growth without requiring additional planes.
Final Thought
Few things can beat traveling with your significant other. Not only is there a sense of safety, but sharing beautiful sights and sounds can bring you closer together.
Traveling with your significant other is the best way to go. Looking for a destination? There are some great cities that you can vacation in for cheap right now.
Once you get your passport, you should be ready for your trip. Make sure you have found the cheapest flights from Atlantathat are on sale.
To Atlanta is one of the most convenient places to travel to and from. A large part of that is because Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is so accessible.
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The New Home Lot Supply Index (LSI) has reached 60.8, indicating a 1.7% decrease from the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. That being said, Atlanta has been found to have adequate lot supply, according to a recent report from Zonda, a real estate data services company.
This suggests that the market remains “significantly undersupplied” nationally, a trend persisting since 2017, according to new figures just released in February 2025. However, on a quarter-over-quarter basis, lot supply increased by 5.4% from the third quarter of 2024, reflecting a gradual improvement in availability.
Ali Wolf, chief economist at Zonda, noted, “Land and lot supply is at the healthiest levels we’ve seen in years.”
What Is the New Home Lot Supply Index?
The New Home Lot Supply Index measures the availability of developed lots for new home construction.
A higher index indicates a greater supply of lots, which can support more new home construction, while a lower index suggests a tighter supply, potentially leading to higher home prices and slower construction growth.
Between 2021 and 2022, builders were concerned about a potential shortage of buildable lots due to rapid demand growth. However, lot supply surged in late 2022 and early 2023 as consumer demand softened while lot development continued. Currently, the market is characterized by steady growth in both lot supply and new housing starts.
Lot Supply: A Snapshot of America
Year-over-year, lot supply tightened in most major metropolitan areas during the fourth quarter of 2024, with 17 out of 30 markets experiencing a decrease, down from 22 in the previous quarter.
Notably, Orlando, San Francisco, and Nashville saw the most significant loosening in land supply. In these areas, fourth-quarter housing starts varied compared to the previous year: Orlando experienced a 7% increase, San Francisco a 5% rise, while Nashville saw a 2% decline.
Atlanta Lot Supply Deemed Adequate
Three markets—Austin, Atlanta, and Dallas—are now considered appropriately supplied, while San Antonio remains slightly undersupplied. In the fourth quarter, housing starts increased year-over-year in three of these markets, with Austin being the exception. Vacant developed lots (VDLs) also rose in three markets, excluding Atlanta.
Atlanta Housing Market Trends
Population Growth: Atlanta has been experiencing significant population growth, driven by its strong job market, relatively low cost of living, and quality of life. This growth increases demand for housing.
Housing Demand: The demand for housing in Atlanta has been robust, leading to a competitive market for both existing homes and new construction.
Supply Constraints: Like many growing cities, Atlanta has faced challenges with land availability and zoning regulations, which can impact the New Home Lot Supply Index.
Construction Activity: Despite supply constraints, construction activity has been relatively strong, with developers working to meet the high demand for housing.
Factors Influencing the New Home Lot Supply Index include land availability, which is the amount of available land for development is a critical factor. Urban areas like Atlanta often face limitations due to geographic and regulatory constraints.
Another factor is zoning and regulations. Local zoning laws and building regulations can impact the ability to develop new lots.
Final Word
Total future lots, expected to be delivered over the next 12 to 18 months, increased by 13.2% year-over-year in the fourth quarter of 2024 but declined by 6.7% from the previous quarter. While the annual growth is notable, it’s important to recognize that the fourth quarter of 2023 represented a recent low point in the data. Overall, upcoming lots were 5.7% higher in 2024 compared to 2023 and 14.4% more in the fourth quarter of 2024 than in the same period in 2019.
In summary, while the national lot supply remains undersupplied, recent data indicates a positive trend toward increased availability, offering a more balanced outlook for future housing developments.
The Peach State’s largest city has one of the best real estate markets in the country, with affordable housing in every quadrant of the city. Large backyards, manicured parcels and strong neighborhoods with ample dining amenities make it one of the top places for transplants.
Not to mention that the city’s dining scene is the best in the Southeast. Looking for a home? Check out our Real Estate Resource Page.
Keep up with what’s going on in Atlanta’s real estate scene here with our Apartment Guide.
