Want to live somewhere with warm weather and warm people? Living in Atlanta, GA, is a perfect option for anyone hoping to add some hospitality and adventure to their life—with The Big Peach providing diversity, creativity, history, and so much more! Here are 17 things to know about moving to Atlanta.
Find Big-City Living at an Affordable Cost
Though Atlanta’s cost of living is 16% higher than the national average—pretty typical of any big city—the quality of life in Atlanta is high, with great ratings in purchasing power, house-pricing compared to income, healthcare, and climate. Especially when compared to similarly-sized cities like Miami—which has a cost of living 24% above the national average—living affordably in Atlanta is certainly possible. One thing that helps mitigate higher price tags is that Atlanta’s median household income is 16% higher than the U.S. average. Combine that with a variety of options for safe, affordable neighborhoods in Atlanta, and you’ll find that there are plenty of ways to enjoy life in this city without breaking the bank!
Discover Jobs in Atlanta
Career opportunities in Atlanta are abundant, with the city boasting multiple Fortune 500 company headquarters like Coca-Cola—which is an historic cornerstone of the area’s culture—UPS, and Delta Air Lines. With ATL’s unemployment rate of 3.5% and job market index of 7.1, the city’s job market is healthy and even estimated to grow within Atlanta’s top industries—with some of the fastest-growing including hospitality, education, and construction. The hospitality industry in particular is booming, and Atlanta has multiple luxury hotels to work at—including the Ritz-Carlton, the Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta, and the St. Regis Atlanta. Job opportunities in education are also abundant in Atlanta, whether you want to work for Atlanta Public Schools or at one of the city’s higher education institutions. And since Atlanta is always growing, so are the opportunities within the construction industry! Look into some of the largest commercial contractors such as Leapley Construction, Hannan Construction, or D&L Contracting Services Inc.
Work in the Hollywood of the South
Known as the Hollywood of the South, Georgia has become a prime destination for filmmakers and headquarters of TV studios like CNN, thanks to its generous film tax incentives—including a 20% transferable tax credit for productions using Georgia vendors. Major Atlanta-area film studios like Trilith Studios, Shadowbox Studios, and West End Production Park have hosted blockbuster films such as Avengers: Endgame, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, The Color Purple, and Venom. Fans of The Walking Dead, The Hunger Games franchise, or Stranger Things can explore iconic filming locations in and around the city at spots like Sweetwater Creek State Park and the Marriott Marquis Hotel. Film enthusiasts can also join Atlanta’s vibrant creative scene through the Atlanta Film Society or attend the Academy Award-qualifying Atlanta Film Festival to celebrate local talent. Whether you’re a cinephile, performer, or an aspiring filmmaker, Atlanta is the place to be!
Enroll at Atlanta Colleges & Universities
Atlanta is an amazing place to pursue a higher education, with many public and private universities to choose from. In fact, Atlanta has been ranked as one of the best college towns or cities in the U.S.! Study aerospace engineering, computer science, or mathematics at the renowned Georgia Institute of Technology—also known as Georgia Tech. Get your bachelor’s degree in accounting, biomedical engineering, or English at Emory University. Major in data analytics, Africana studies, or chemistry at Georgia State University—and if you’re interested in research opportunities, GSU is a great place to go, as it has an R1 designation by the Carnegie Foundation. If you prefer to go the community college route, Atlanta Technical College offers dozens of programs ranging from healthcare and business to industrial technology and cybersecurity. No matter what you plan to study, you can find a university in Atlanta to match your needs.
Get Outdoors in the Warm Atlanta Weather
If you hate cold weather, Atlanta’s warm climate is definitely a perk to living here. Winter temperatures typically range from the mid-30s to the 50s, while summers reach highs in the 90s. Though Atlanta does experience humidity in the hottest parts of the year, residents cool off at the city’s public pools and splash pads—though make sure you take appropriate precautions during extreme heat. Warm summers and mild winters also mean you can take advantage of year-round outdoor activities in Atlanta. There are many parks and green spaces within city limits, as well as multiple places to explore within an hour’s drive from Atlanta. Head downtown to visit the rings from the 1996 Summer Olympics, or let your kids enjoy the playgrounds at the 22-acre Centennial Olympic Park. Walk across the Lion Bridge, sit in the shade, or attend the annual Summer Shade festival at Grant Park, Atlanta’s oldest city park. Let your pup loose in the dog park—or attend the Green Market from March to December at Piedmont Park. Or if you’re up for a day trip, head out to the Sawnee Mountain Preserve, Chattahoochie River, or even the Appalachian Trail.
Get Around in Atlanta
Most Atlantans get around by car, with major roadways like I-20, I-75, I-85, I-285, and GA-400 providing relatively easy access to all parts of the city. However, those without cars still find public transit via the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA), which operates streetcars, trains, and buses throughout the metro area. Getting around can be made simpler depending on which area of Atlanta you live in—for instance, Buckhead Village is incredibly walkable, South Downtown has excellent transit access and walkability, and Midtown provides both walkability and bikeability. If you want to scooter, bike, or walk, the Atlanta BeltLine is “one of the largest and most wide-ranging urban redevelopment programs in the U.S.”—connecting dozens of neighborhoods across the city. And if you travel frequently, you can enjoy the convenience of the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport—one of the busiest airports in the world.
Live in Atlanta Neighborhoods
Whether you like city life or want something a bit more suburban, Atlanta has the perfect neighborhood for you to call home! As the largest city in the state, there are plenty of options when picking a place to live. Atlanta natives categorize areas and neighborhoods of Atlanta by what is inside the perimeter (ITP) or outside the perimeter (OTP)—that perimeter being Interstate 285, which perfectly divides Atlanta’s suburbs from the city proper. Downtown and Midtown Atlanta are busy ITP neighborhoods featuring many of the city’s top attractions, while areas like Buckhead, Old Fourth Ward, and Virginia-Highland are loved by singles, young professionals, and families alike. Outside the perimeter, Alpharetta, Sandy Springs, and Woodstock are popular Atlanta suburbs—and offer a more laid-back atmosphere, large houses, country clubs, and more green space.
Embrace Pride in Atlanta
The Big Peach is also known as the “LGBTQ capital of the American South,” thanks in part to its Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and Division of LGBTQ Affairs. The city offers a host of gay-friendly organizations, resources, and events, including Lost-n-Found Youth, Joining Hearts Atlanta, the AIDS Walk Atlanta, and the Human Rights Campaign Dinner—plus the 11-day Out on Film festival, which celebrates LGBT+ stories. The city’s diverse “gayborhoods” include Downtown, Westside, and Midtown—Atlanta’s original gay district and home to Atlanta Pride, which has been celebrated since the 1970s and is now the nation’s largest free Pride festival. You’ll also find no shortage of Atlanta gay bars and entertainment! Spend the night out at Blake’s on the Park, a video and dance bar with drag, DJs, and fun. Check out an award-winning lesbian bar where you can experience drag, burlesque, karaoke, and comedy at My Sister’s Room. Or head to Sister Louisa’s Church of the Living Room & Ping Pong Emporium, a quirky bar run by Grant Henry (also known as Sister Louisa) that offers drag, trivia, comedy, karaoke, and ping pong.
Learn About Atlanta History
History lovers have plenty to sink their teeth into in Atlanta. Learn about the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and 1960s and how the modern age is still affected by it at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. See the origins of a renowned Civil Rights activist by visiting the Martin Luther King Jr. Birth Home, one of the stops on the U.S. Civil Rights Trail. See where the Battle of Atlanta was fought against the Confederate Army at the Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park. Go to the Margaret Mitchell home to see where classic American novel Gone with the Wind was written. View exhibits like Atlanta ’96 and Native Lands, or attend author talks and other events at the Atlanta History Center. Or learn about Black history with exhibits like The MAAFA – The African Holocaust, Africa: The Untold Stories, or Women in STEM at the APEX Museum.
Root for Atlanta Sports Teams
Excited to root for local sports teams? The ATL has a team for almost every sports fan! Support men’s and women’s basketball with the Atlanta Hawks (NBA) at State Farm Arena or The Atlanta Dream (WNBA) at Gateway Center Arena. Get tickets to see the city’s pro volleyball team, the Atlanta Vibe (PVF), at Gas South Arena. Head over to the Mercedes-Benz Stadium and cheer for the Atlanta Falcons (NFL)—especially when the Falcon’s biggest rival, the New Orleans Saints (NFL), come to town. Root for Atlanta United (MLS) as they score soccer goals at Fifth Third Stadium or Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Or cheer on competitors at the collegiate level by attending University of Georgia Bulldogs (NCAA D-I FBS) games at Sanford Stadium.
Find Family-Friendly Things to Do in Atlanta
Looking for attractions the entire family can enjoy? ATL has tons to offer in terms of family fun! Learn the process of making a puppet, watch puppet shows, and get up close with your favorite Jim Henson characters from The Muppet Show, Sesame Street, Fraggle Rock, and more at the Center for Puppetry Arts. Spend the day at Zoo Atlanta to learn about conservation, find your new favorite animal, and make friends while cooling off at the splash fountain. See sharks, sea lions, and jellyfish, sign your kids up for summer camps, or attend aquarium events like Wellness by the Water and Science on Tap at the Georgia Aquarium. Satisfy the senses by making slime or even getting enveloped in slime at Sloomoo Institute Atlanta. Get the little ones learning with programs and exhibits at the Children’s Museum of Atlanta—including permanent exhibits like Fundamentally Food, Step Up to Science, and Tools for Solutions. Or take the whole family to explore exhibits about nature, fossils, and anthropology at the Fernbank Museum of Natural History.
Appreciate the Arts in Atlanta
Atlanta is a city filled with art in every form. See art from all over the world in the permanent collection or check out special exhibits like Georgia O’Keeffe: “My New Yorks” and Kim Chong Hak, Painter of Seoraksan at the High Museum of Art—which is part of the Woodruff Arts Center. While you’re there, attend a play at the Alliance Theatre or see the 27-time Grammy Award-winning Atlanta Symphony Orchestra perform in the symphony hall. Check out architecture, web design, graphic design, and more at the Museum of Design Atlanta. If you’re up for a stroll, take a look at the Atlanta Street Art Map to plan out an artsy walk—or if you’re traveling via the Hartsfield-Jackson airport, take a moment to look at the airport art displayed throughout different concourses. You’ll also find performing arts at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre! See the Atlanta Ballet perform shows like The Rite of Spring, The Swan Princess, and Coppelia. Or hear incredible performances of operas like Macbeth, Siegfried, and Semele from The Atlanta Opera.
Explore Atlanta’s Jazz & Blues Scene
Atlanta has a rich musical history—particularly in the jazz and blues genres—with tons of notable artists having performed in Atlanta—including Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, and Georgia natives like Ray Charles, James Brown, and Otis Redding. Today, the live music scene thrives with a number of notable venues and festivals. Listen to live blues at Blind Willie’s Blues Club—named after famous Atlantan blues artist Blind Willie McTell—which has been open since 1986. Spice up your music taste by stopping by Red Light Cafe for a mix of bluegrass, country, and blues—as well as burlesque and comedy events! Check out jazz and blues music in a dive bar that was originally a 1940s grocery store at Northside Tavern. Hear up-and-coming artists at the three-day Atlanta Jazz Festival, a free event put on by the Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs. Or attend the ATL Blues Festival, a one-night event at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre featuring artists like King George, West Love, Tucka, and more.
Participate in Atlanta Festivals
Atlanta’s festival scene has something to offer for every interest. Rock out with rock, hip-hop, bluegrass, and chill vibes at the SweetWater 420 Festival—hosted by Sweetwater Brewing Company and supporting the Waterkeeper Alliance with every ticket purchased. For urban music fans, head to ONE Musicfest for two days of performances by artists like Gunna, Jill Scott, and Latto & Friends with DJ Drama. Bring the whole family to East Atlanta Strut, a festival featuring local theater, artist markets, porchfest performances, and a variety of contests—from Goat Games and Leaf Blower Madness to the Rum Dessert Bake-Off. If cosplay or pop culture is your thing, gather for five days of contests, meet-and-greets, workshops, gaming of all kinds, and so much more at Dragon Con, held over Labor Day weekend every year since 1987. Or learn to juggle, ride a camel, watch twirling acrobats and jousting knights, and hit your mark at Robin Hood Archery at the Georgia Renaissance Festival.
Dine at Atlanta Restaurants
You can’t talk about Atlanta without getting into its amazing, award-winning food! Start your day with a latte or cup of black coffee at Atlanta coffee shop BRASH Coffee, which has multiple locations—including one that travels around in a fixed-up van called The Beast. Enjoy some of the best breakfast in Atlanta with Crispy Fried Chicken and Waffles, the Early Bird, or Peach Cobbler French Toast at Atlanta Breakfast Club. Grab Southern favorites like Fried Catfish, Baked Beans, and Ol’ Fashioned Banana Pudding for lunch in Atlanta at The Busy Bee Cafe, which has been serving up soul food since 1947. Find fantastic Atlanta barbecue at Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q like the Pulled Pork Sandwich, Brisket, or Wing Plate with a side of Fried Okra. Eat a Moroccan Lamb Burger, Buffalo Cauliflower Hoagie, or Creamy Curried Carrot Soup at The Little Hippo. Discover unique burgers like That Fresh Prince, That Fish Boy, or That Crusty Cuzin at That Burger Spot. Or indulge in Indian street food like a Chicken Kathi Roll, Kale Pakora Chaat, or a Roasted Mushroom Uttapam at Chai Pani, a Michelin restaurant and one of the best places to eat in Atlanta!
Sample Craft Beers at Atlanta Breweries
The beer and brewery scene in Atlanta is huge, with multiple opportunities to see how your favorite cider or beer is brewed. Snack on Sweetwater Loaded Fries while sipping a Daytrip IPA or Gummies Tropical IIPA at Sweet Water Brewery. Find trivia nights, live music, and other events at Glover Park Brewery, where you can try a rotating selection of beers on tap. Order a Chant Lager, Resurrector Doppelbock, or Brother Ivan at Bold Monk Brewery, which offers up something for everyone with a restaurant, brewery, library, coffee house, and beer garden! Check out any of Wild Heaven Beer’s three locations—West End, Toco Hills, or the original Avondale location—to try “culinary and botanically-driven beers” like the Garden Beer series. Or stop by New Realm Brewing Company’s flagship brewery and restaurant for a variety of locally-brewed drinks—like the Peaceful Groove or the Euphonia—that pair perfectly with the New Realm Burger.
Check Out the Bustling Nightlife
Want to keep the party going even when the sun goes down? ATL’s nightlife has you covered! Check out the Joystick Gamebar for cocktails and competition—with a variety of arcade games and board games to choose from. Listen to live music from local performers and touring national acts at The Earl, a popular dive bar in East Atlanta Village. Enjoy affordable drinks during shows from up-and-coming musicians at 529 Bar. Dance your heart out to live music at The Basement, an underground music venue and dance club. Head to Dark Horse Tavern and calm your nerves with a drink before taking center stage for live band karaoke. Looking for an upscale option for date night? Order entrees made using locally-sourced ingredients and desserts made with honey from the rooftop garden’s own bees at Polaris, a physically rotating restaurant and lounge that offers stunning views of the city.
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