Known as The Big Peach, Atlanta is a diverse city with a top-notch cultural scene and other great attractions. Whether you’re looking for world-class education options or craving delicious cuisine, ATL has something to offer everyone—from families and young professionals to retirees. If you’re considering living in the capital of Georgia, check out the pros and cons of living in Atlanta below!
Pros of Living in Atlanta
With mouthwatering Southern cuisine, fun outdoor activities, some of the best universities in Georgia, and more, living in Atlanta comes with plenty of perks. Here are some advantages of living in the Hollywood of the South!
Pro: Hot Job Market
If you’re thinking about moving to Atlanta in search of a career, it’s a good idea! With a higher-than-average employment rate, ATL continues to be one of the best cities to find a job—and one of the best cities for young professionals, in particular. Atlanta is an excellent city to start a career, with resources like the Atlanta Tech Village offering co-working spaces, mentorship, and job opportunities. This Southern city is also home to top Fortune 500 companies including The Coca-Cola Company, The Home Depot, Delta Air Lines, and more. Plus, thanks to major business hubs like Midtown and Buckhead, job seekers can easily find work in major industries like finance, healthcare, tech, and the creatives. Seek employment in healthcare at Northside Hospital Atlanta, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, or the Shepherd Center. Or kick off your creative career at film studios in and around Atlanta like CoCo Studios or Tyler Perry Studios!
Pro: Top Atlanta Colleges
Atlanta is home to some of the nation’s most respected colleges and universities, making it one of the best cities for education. Enroll in programs like business and medicine, African American studies, and quantitative sciences at Emory University. Major in nuclear engineering, economics, or business administration at Georgia Institute of Technology, one of the best colleges in Georgia. Pursue an education in criminal justice, psychology, or biological science at Atlanta Metropolitan State College. Become a Panther and check out programs like environmental science, respiratory therapy, or elementary education at Georgia State University (GSU), one of the most innovative schools in the U.S. Interested in attending a Historically Black College or University (HBCU)? Study dance performance and choreography, international studies, or psychology at Spelman College. Or earn your degree in software engineering, Chinese studies, or applied physics at the all-male Morehouse College.
Pro: Exciting Outdoor Recreation
Known for its lush greenery and tree-lined streets, Atlanta lives up to its nickname as the City in a Forest—with a wealth of outdoor escapes woven throughout its metro area. Explore over 30 acres of gardens, check out the elevated Kendeda Canopy Walk, and attend seasonal events at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. Go for a jog, bike ride, or relaxing stroll along the Atlanta Beltline, a 22-mile multi-use trail that weaves through art galleries, local restaurants, and more. Unwind with a picnic, play sand volleyball or soccer with friends, or enjoy live music events at Piedmont Park. For a quieter outdoor activity, bring your furry friend to venture along the shaded trails and sandy creek crossings of Morningside Nature Preserve. And when you’re ready for a weekend escape, spend time on the Chattahoochee River, traverse the scenic trails of the Northeast Georgia Mountains, or enjoy the various outdoor attractions at Stone Mountain Park!
Pro: Lots of Family-Friendly Fun
Parents who are looking for family-friendly things do in Atlanta have plenty of options to choose from! Pack a lunch for your little ones and explore the African Savanna, Asian Forest, or the Orkin Children’s Zoo at Zoo Atlanta. Check out amazing exhibits like Tropical Diver, Dolphin Coast, and the Aquanaut Adventure—or sign your kids up for Camp H2O at the Georgia Aquarium. Encourage your children to get hands-on experience in interactive exhibits like Leaping into Learning, Let Your Creativity Flow, and Gateway to the World at the Children’s Museum of Atlanta. Enjoy a season of productions like Fiddler on the Roof, Birthday of the World, and A Christmas Carol at the Tony Award-winning Alliance Theatre. Learn about the history of Coca-Cola, try the “New Coke” from the ’80s in the Beverage Lab, or have your photo taken with the famous Coca-Cola Polar Bear at the World of Coca-Cola. Or keep your eye out for events like Family Fun Days, the Fourth of July Celebration, and the Holiday in Lights festival at Centennial Olympic Park.
Pro: Support for the LGBTQ Community
Whether you’re part of the LGBTQ community or an ally, you can be loud and proud in the self-proclaimed “Gay Capital of the South“! Watch moving original films produced by and about the LGBTQ community at the annual Out on Film Festival. Participate in the 5K run, enjoy live music, and help raise funds for people with HIV/AIDS at the AIDS Walk Atlanta Music Festival & 5K Run. Attend events like the LGBTQ Youth Festival, Women’s Empowerment Brunch, and the Pure Heat Community Festival during Atlanta Black Pride Weekend. Stroll across the Rainbow Crosswalk as you make your way to popular gay bars like Bulldogs and My Sister’s Room in Midtown, “Atlanta’s original gayborhood.” And attend musical performances, join dance parties, fill up on tasty food, and watch the Starlight Cabaret drag show during the beloved Atlanta Pride Festival!
Pro: Vibrant Culture
Atlanta’s creative energy is top tier, with a rich cultural landscape that spans music, art, theatre, and more! Catch Broadway productions like The Book of Mormon, comedy shows, and musical performances from bands like Caamp at the historic Fox Theatre. Admire Atlanta street art—from murals to graffiti—with a self-guided walking tour through neighborhoods like Cabbagetown, West End, and more. View an impressive collection of both classic and contemporary artwork, and explore rotating exhibitions like Panorama at The High Museum of Art. Attend artist talks and panel discussions about African American art at the Hammonds House Museum. Get tickets to see concerts by artists like Flipturn, Lola Young, and Leon Thomas at The Tabernacle, a former church-turned-music venue in Downtown Atlanta. And mark your calendar for powerful performances from the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra—whether they’re accompanying acts like Andrew Bird or playing free concerts like Symphony at Sunset!
Pro: Rich History & Top Museums in Atlanta
With roots in the Civil Rights Movement and a variety of great museums, Atlanta is an ideal city for history buffs. Visit Dr. King’s childhood home and learn more about his legacy at Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park. Explore moving exhibits like Rolls Down Like Water: U.S. Civil Rights Movement and Spark of Conviction: Global Human Rights Movement, or participate in a lunch counter sit-in simulation at the National Center for Civil & Human Rights. Dive in to the rich history of Atlanta through rotating exhibitions like Locomotion, attend author talks, or sign the kids up for summer camp at Atlanta History Center. Learn local African American history as you make your way through rotating exhibits like Sweet Auburn: Street of Pride, or attend educational events at the APEX Museum—located in the Sweet Auburn Historic District. Watch award-winning documentaries like Desert Elephants, explore outdoor exhibits like the WildWoods and Fernbank Forest, and more at the Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Or check out exhibits like Aviation Adventure, try the Flight Simulator, and learn more about the history of flight at the Delta Flight Museum.
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Pro: Professional Sports Galore
The capital of Georgia is a dream city for sports fans! Watch the Atlanta Braves (MLB) knock it out of the park during baseball season at Truist Park. Catch the Atlanta Hawks (NBA) score points on the basketball court at State Farm Arena. Join thousands of fans and cheer on the Atlanta United FC (MLS), or feel the stadium come alive as the Atlanta Falcons (NFL) battle it out on the football field at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Support women’s basketball and see the Atlanta Dream (WNBA) dominate the court at Gateway Center Arena. Watch the Atlanta Vibe (PVF) spike to victory at the Gas South Arena. And save the date for the PGA Tour Championship to watch golf legends score shots on the greens and compete for the title at East Lake Golf Club!
Pro: Diverse Food Scene
There’s no shortage of options to choose from when looking for the best food in Atlanta! Enjoy elevated Southern dishes like the Southern Fried Chicken Omelette, Chicken & Waffles, or French Toast Sandwich at Southern Queenz for brunch in Atlanta. Order the Mediterranean Bowl, Blackened Salmon & Shrimp, or Hive Fried Snapper at The Hive Buckhead. Craving fresh seafood in Atlanta? Fill up on Smoked Snow Crab, Charbroiled Oysters, or Bon Ton Mahn Mi at Bon Ton. Start with Brisket Chili before digging into Spare Ribs or the Big Tex Sandwich at Fox Bros Bar-B-Q. Find authentic Chinese dishes like Spicy Basil Beef, Wok Charred Beef Medallion, and Walnut Shrimp at Hsu’s Atlanta. And if you have a sweet tooth, try unique flavors like Buckhead Mocha, Spelman Strawberry & Mango, or West End Wakanda at eighty7sweets Vegan Ice Cream Company!
Pro: Great Local Breweries
Looking to wind down after a long day? Dozens of Atlanta breweries are at your fingertips! Order a 420 Citrus Haze, Rowdy Peach IPA, or American Lager at SweetWater Brewing Company. Sip unique drinks like the Walk on Water or Festbier while visiting with the Bold Monk Book Club at Bold Monk Brewing Co. Treat yourself to a Sour Siren, Uno Mas, or Calamity Jane during Skate Night or Trivia Night at Fire Maker Brewing Company. Choose from German brews like the Hefeweizen or IPAs like the Kickflipper before heading to the rooftop patio to support local Atlanta musicians at New Realm Brewing Co. Have an ice cold 404 Atlanta Lager, Death Raptor, or Space Lettuce at Monday Night Brewing. Or bring your pup with you to catch up with friends over a Citrus Radler in the biergarten at Halfway Crooks Beer.
Pro: Buzzing Atlanta Nightlife
Wondering what to do in Atlanta after the sun sets? The Big A is one of the best cities for singles, which means there are plenty of great nightlife spots to explore! Challenge your friends to a game of ping pong, shuffleboard, or bowling at The Painted Pin. Find classic games like darts and air hockey, or attend the summer film series at Your 3rd Spot. Is an Atlanta speakeasy more your speed? Get the nightly secret code and immerse yourself in a 1920s experience while sipping cocktails like the Four Oh Four, French 75, or Smoked Old Fashioned at the Red Phone Booth. Enjoy the sound of live blues music while slurping a signature cocktail at Blind Willie’s, the oldest blues club in Atlanta. For a good laugh, buy tickets to shows from comedians like Erik Griffin, April Macie, and Ryan Goodcase, or attend the Sunday Comedy Festival on the last Sunday of every month at The Punchline Comedy Club. Or grab a Moonshine Mule or Sweet Georgia Peach-Tini before hitting the dance floor at Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint!
Cons of Living in Atlanta
As fantastic as A-Town is, there are still a few downsides to consider before officially choosing this Georgia city as your new home. Learn more about the cons of living in Atlanta below.
Con: Rising Cost of Living
The cost of living in Atlanta is 16% higher than the national average and 23% higher than the state average, which makes it a relatively expensive place to live. In fact, median home values in Atlanta are 70% higher than the U.S. average, and rental costs are 29% higher than the U.S. average. In recent years, Atlanta residents have also seen a considerable rise in property taxes, contributing to the steeper cost of living. However, Atlanta is still more affordable than similar-sized cities like Miami and Boston. Additionally, costs for utilities are much lower than in the rest of the U.S., which allows residents to keep more money in their pockets. And with an average income per capita that’s 68% higher than the U.S. average, you can find great jobs in Atlanta that help you live more comfortably!
Con: High Crime Rate
Like most major metro areas, Atlanta faces higher levels of crime than other, smaller cities—in fact, the crime rate in ATL is 102% higher than the U.S. average. While this is something to keep in mind before moving to A-Town, it’s also important to remember that Atlanta is a densely-populated city, so higher crime levels are to be expected. Not to mention, Atlanta is still safer than 9% of Georgia cities and 5% of cities throughout the country, and crime tends to be concentrated in certain areas—which means there are a variety of safe and affordable Atlanta neighborhoods with particularly low crime rates to choose from. Additionally, the city makes efforts to reduce crime through public safety initiatives like One Safe City, which prioritizes addressing the root causes of crime to create even safer communities.
Con: Congested Traffic
Getting around Atlanta isn’t always a breeze—traffic congestion is still an issue. Atlanta is known for having some of the worst traffic in the U.S., with average commute times of more than half an hour. Rush hour traffic can be particularly challenging on major roadways like I-285, I-75, and the Downtown Connector. Not to mention, Atlanta is one of the most visited cities in the country, so tourists also add to the congestion. The good news is that the city has a robust public transportation system, so getting around Atlanta doesn’t have to be a hassle! The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) buses and trains provide quick transportation throughout the Atlanta metro, while the Atlanta Streetcar offers a convenient way to get around popular downtown attractions. Need to travel further? Fly to destinations across the country and beyond via the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport!
Con: Hot, Humid Summers
Atlanta doesn’t have the nickname “Hotlanta” for no reason—summers in Atlanta can be quite intense. With average high temperatures regularly climbing into the upper 80s and high humidity levels that can make it feel even hotter, residents need to prepare to stay cool. Thankfully, the state of Georgia offers resources to help keep residents safe during extreme heat. Not to mention, Atlanta winters are mild and snowfall is relatively rare, which makes the city great for those who prefer a warmer climate and enjoy spending time outdoors. Take advantage of hot, sunny weather with a swim at Piedmont Park Pool, or drive an hour up to Lake Lanier to spend a day canoeing or kayaking. And stay cool with sweet treats like a Blueberry Lemonade Pop, Brownie Pop, or Green Matcha Pop from popular Black-owned ice cream shop, Mocha Pops!
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The Extra Space Storage team is committed to helping people find the perfect place to call home no matter what stage of life they’re at. Our “Best Places to Live” picks, are designed to make moving easier by providing accurate and comprehensive information on various metro areas across the country. We consider factors like cost of living, job opportunities, local attractions, education, and more to help those looking to move make an informed decision. Discover more about our methodology today.
