Are you thinking about moving to Georgia? Consider Atlanta! Not only is the largest city in Georgia the birthplace of Coca-Cola, but it also has endless job opportunities, top-ranked schools, a diverse food scene, and much more. So if you’re ready to start a new adventure in Atlanta, here are 17 things you should know before taking the leap!
Atlanta at a Glance
- The population of Atlanta, GA is 497,642, making it a mid-sized Southern city.
- Atlanta’s cost of living is more affordable than the national average—so while a $100,000 yearly salary would provide comfortable living, living on a tighter budget in Atlanta is possible!
- Located in the northwestern part of the state, Atlanta sits within the Blue Ridge Mountains foothills, east of the Chattahoochee River. Atlanta is just a 30-minute drive to Marietta, GA, and a 3.5-hour drive to Birmingham, AL.
- Atlanta is known for being Georgia’s capital, the home of Coca-Cola, and a centerpiece in the Civil Rights movement.
- Atlanta’s original area code was 404, so on April 4th every year, residents celebrate 404 Day—a five-day celebration of the city.
Work for Atlanta Top Employers
One of the things people love about living in Atlanta, Georgia is that it’s the land of job opportunity. Over the years, the unemployment rate has decreased significantly and currently sits at 3.6%, which is lower than the national average. Not to mention 15 Fortune 500 companies, such as Delta Air Lines, The Home Depot, United Parcel Service, and The Coca-Cola Company, are all headquartered here, making ATL one of the best cities to live in Georgia.
Q: What jobs are in high demand in Atlanta?
A: High-demand jobs in Atlanta include registered nurses, software developers, skilled trades, customer service representatives, insurance sales agents, and truck drivers.
Find Affordable Housing in Atlanta
Whether you’ve decided to set out on a new life adventure by yourself or you’re uprooting your family for a new job, there are tons of places in Atlanta to call your own! The median home price is $222,300, and the median rent is $998, meaning affordable housing options are available no matter the stage in your life. Singles and young professionals love Inman Park for its beautiful condos and proximity to the downtown area. Buckhead is one of the best neighborhoods in Atlanta for couples who have kids or who are planning to start a family. And retirees are drawn to Sandtown for its relaxing atmosphere and variety of lakes.
Q: What is the best neighborhood in Atlanta?
A: Many consider Buckhead to be one of Atlanta’s best neighborhoods because of its range of housing prices and good safety ratings. That being said, the best neighborhood for you depends on your needs—such as budget constraints, whether you’re single or raising a family, if you plan to rent or buy a home, lifestyle, and more.
Learn at Top-Ranked Atlanta Universities & Schools
There are a combined total of 135 public and private schools in Atlanta with several ranking in the top for best schools in Georgia. If you’re searching for the best private school Georgia has to offer, then look no further than Westminster! This school is the number one private school in both Georgia and the Atlanta area for all ages! Pace Academy is another a fantastic private school with an average ACT score of 31. There’s also Grady High School, a great public school option that excels in both the arts and athletics. Want to attend one of the top public universities in America? Georgia Institute of Technology (also known as Georgia Tech) is ranked third out of 666 schools and is one of the leading research colleges in the U.S. Other colleges like Georgia State University, Emory University, and Spelman College also reside in the area.
Q: How many colleges are in Atlanta?
A: Atlanta has 57 colleges or universities in the area, making the city a great place for students to learn, explore, and transition into the workforce!
Get Everything You Need for an Easier Move to Atlanta
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Access Atlanta Public Transportation
You don’t need a car while living in Atlanta! The Metro Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (or MARTA) is Atlanta’s bus and train station that will take you anywhere you want to go for an affordable price. Over 35 stops line the 48-mile rail system, allowing commuters from all over the city to easily get to work and fun Atlanta attractions without being stuck in rush hour.
Q: How reliable is public transit in Atlanta?
A: Atlanta’s public transit is very reliable—in fact, MARTA has been operating for over 40 years, serving over 400,000 people each day via their rail, streetcar, and bus networks. Additionally, they update their website when there’s a transit problem and communicate the status in a timely manner. To top it off, MARTA undergoes regular inspections and maintenance for the safety of passengers and to keep Atlanta’s public transportation solutions running smoothly.
Stay Active With Atlanta Outdoor Activities
Known as the City in a Forest, Atlanta is chock-full of lush parks and trails for the whole family to enjoy! Put your swimsuit on and pack an extra set of dry clothes for the Fountain of Rings at Centennial Olympic Park. Enjoy a relaxing day at Piedmont Park with a delicious picnic or bird walk tour. The Silver Comet Trail is a 61-mile, non-motorized trail that’s perfect for any family seeking an outdoor adventure. Looking for things to do in Atlanta where you can take in the flora and fauna in a unique way? The Atlanta Botanical Garden is full of breathtaking flower displays and plant-based sculptures like the Earth Goddess.
Q: What is the Atlanta Outdoor Club?
A: The Atlanta Outdoor Club is a group of residents aged 21 and over who get together for year-round outdoor events like backpacking, hiking, running, volunteering, and more. Club membership is free!
Be Part of the Atlanta LGBTQ Community
Celebrate diversity at Pride Festival Weekend! Every year, the Atlanta area honors its rich LGBTQ culture and community throughout the entire city by hosting the largest pride festival in the Southeast. People near and far travel to this three-day extravaganza in Piedmont Park for live music, cultural exhibits, the famous pride parade, and to celebrate unity! Start the weekend off with the Atlanta Pride Kick Off Party and end it with exquisite costumes at the parade. There are also other activities for attendees to participate in like the Trans March and Rally, Queer Your Gender Dance Party, and Atlanta Pride Cultural Exhibit.
Q: Is Atlanta LGBT-friendly?
A: Atlanta is very welcoming to the LGBT+ community. The current mayor’s office provides resources for people in the LGBTQ community through the Mayor’s Division of LGBTQ Affairs. There are also plenty of LGBT+ and queer organizations and businesses you can support or join, like PFLAG Atlanta, Lost-N-Found Youth, Georgia Equality, and more.
See the Birthplace of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Before Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his history-changing “I Have a Dream” speech in Washington, D.C., he was living in Atlanta. Today, you can visit several monuments around his birth city that are dedicated to the impact he had. Take a tour of the home that MLK Jr. was born and raised in for the first 12 years of his life. Make your way to the Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church where the Civil Rights leader would perform sermons alongside his father. See where Dr. King and Coretta Scott King are laid to rest at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change. The Martin Luther King, Jr. World Peace Rose Garden is one of the most eye-opening things to do with kids in Atlanta, as the garden represents the worldwide need for peace.
Q: Where are Martin Luther King sites in Atlanta?
A: The Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Park & Preservation District can be found at 450 Auburn Ave NE. The park includes Dr. King’s birth home at 501 Auburn Ave NE and the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church at 407 Auburn Ave NE. You can also visit the Martin Luther King Jr Center for Nonviolent Social Change next to the Preservation District, at 449 Auburn Ave NE.
Learn About the Origin of Coca-Cola
Living in Atlanta means living in the city that founded the world’s best-selling fizzy drink—Coca-Cola. What started out as a simple syrup created by a local pharmacist turned into an iconic drink known around the world for over 100 years. Learn everything there is about this ATL enterprise at World of Coca-Cola. One of the top things to do in Atlanta, this attraction offers a one-of-a-kind experience for all guests. Sample Coca-Cola flavors from all over country, peek inside the vault where the secret formula is kept, take pictures with the legendary Coca-Cola Polar Bear, and more!
Q: How long is the Coca-Cola factory tour in Atlanta, GA?
A: The Coca-Cola factory tour is exactly two hours long. Afterward, you can sample over 100 beverages from the brand and view the World of Coca-Cola’s other attractions, so you could potentially spend longer at the building.
Dive Into Atlanta, Georgia’s Aquarium
With ten million gallons of fresh and marine water tanks and more than 200 aquatic species, it’s no wonder that the Georgia Aquarium is considered one of best things to do in Atlanta! Explore nature’s aquatic creatures as you walk through 13 acres of exhibits, galleries, and animal habitats. Get a close look at piranhas in the Southern Company River Scout, or go behind the scenes of Cold Water Quest to prepare a meal and shake paws with a cute sea otter. Did you know you can also schedule a sleepover in the aquarium? That’s something the kids will never forget!
Q: How much are tickets for the Atlanta Aquarium?
A: Ticket prices for the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta range from about $55 to about $68 per person for a day pass, depending on if you choose a day in advance or not. If you plan to visit frequently, an annual membership for $110 per person may be worth investing in.
Support or Compete in the Peachtree Road Race 10K
Known as the world’s largest 10K, Peachtree Road Race is a Fourth of July tradition for locals and visitors everywhere! Each year, more than 70,000 amateur and professional runners of all ages enter their names to win a spot on the list. And only 60,000 people are chosen at random to compete. However, you don’t have to be in the race to join in on the fun! More than 200,000 spectators come to cheer on all the the runners, listen to live bands along the course, and enjoy a post-race blowout in Piedmont Park.
Q: How to qualify for Peachtree Road Race?
A: To qualify for the Peachtree Road Race, participants must submit race results from a USATF-certified 5K or 10K that took place between 2023 and your registry date.
Have a Blast at Atlanta Festivals
ATL is all about music, food, and merriment for the whole family, so of course festivals are one of the top fun things to do in Atlanta no matter the time of year! Be part of the area’s staple celebration and take in all of the unique art, live music, and delicious smell of funnel cakes at Dogwood Festival. Try over 150 different beers from local breweries and breweries all over the country at Atlanta Winter Beer Fest. There’s also Imagine Music Festival, a three-day event where EDM fans join together to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience of music, fun, and camping in luxurious tents. Or you can scream for ice cream, gelato, and dancing at the Atlanta Ice Cream Festival.
Q: What are the best Atlanta festivals?
A: Some of the top Atlanta festivals include the SweetWater 420 Fest, Atlanta Jazz Festival, Juneteenth Atlanta Parade & Music Festival, Summer Shade Festival, Atlanta Hip Hop Day Festival, and more. You can find a festival for any interest or music taste in Atlanta!
Go All Out at Dragon Con in Atlanta
What do a Disney princess, Sith Lord, and Avenger all have in common? Dragon Con! Every year, cosplayers of all genres and fandoms come dressed to the nines to show off their favorite character costume designs. Over the course of five days, participants will have the chance to compete in costume contests, robot battles, comic book sketching, and meet writers and actors from all of their favorite shows. Famous game designers, artists, and writers also have the chance to compete for the heart of their fans in The Dragon Awards. Not only is Dragon Con a must-do in Atlanta, but it also gives people the chance to be whoever they want to be!
Q: When is Dragon Con?
A: Dragon Con takes place on Labor Day Weekend every year, beginning at 5 p.m. on Thursday and ending at 5 p.m. on Monday.
Cruise Up to The Varsity in Atlanta
When you eat at The Varsity, you’re not just eating at The World’s Largest Drive-In Restaurant. You’re experiencing true Atlanta living and culture! This ATL staple has been uttering their famous “What’ll you have?” line for almost 90 years, serving famous guests like former presidents Barack Obama, Jimmy Carter, and George H.W. Bush. Walk up to the retro-style counter and order the best-selling Heavy Weight (hot dog with extra chili) and Frosted Orange. Try it for yourself and see why this iconic institution is the most talked about place out of all the restaurants in Atlanta!
Q: Who owns The Varsity in Atlanta?
A: The Gordy family owns The Varsity. Frank Gordy, the father of the current owner, Nancy Simms, opened The Varsity in 1928.
Tuck In for Atlanta Soul Food
You’ll never have to worry about running out of dinner ideas with all of the cool places to eat in Atlanta! Step inside The Vortex and indulge in some of the best burgers in Atlanta, which were featured on Man vs. Food. Experience a different Brazilian-styled menu every night when you dine at the popular Gunshow. If you’re in the mood for Mediterranean cuisine, try the lamb shawarma or falafel sandwich at Aviva by Kameel. Mary Mac’s Tea Room is one of the best places to eat in Atlanta for fried okra, fried chicken, and sweet tea. Or have breakfast for dessert at Sublime Doughnuts and devour their famous A-Town Cream.
Q: What food is Atlanta known for?
A: Atlanta is known for Southern comfort foods like Southern BBQ, fried chicken, and anything that includes the state fruit, the peach.
Cheer on Atlanta Sports Teams Year-Round
No matter what time of year it is, there’s always an Atlanta sports team to cheer for! The Atlanta Hawks (NBA), Atlanta Dream (WNBA), Atlanta Falcons (NFL), Atlanta Braves (MLB), and Atlanta United FC (MLS) all call this city home. You can catch the Atlanta Dream sinking shots at McCamish Pavilion, the Hawks hitting three-pointers at Philips Arena, or the Braves batting at SunTrust Park. Located in the heart of Atlanta, the Falcons and Atlanta United play at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. If NASCAR and racing are more your speed, head over to Atlanta Motor Speedway.
Q: How much are Atlanta United season tickets?
A: The cost of Atlanta United season tickets can range from $360 for a standard family plan to $9,648 for the on-field premium experience.
See the Colorful Atlanta Arts Scene
While this city might be big for sports fanatics, art enthusiasts of all ages will find tons of things to see in Atlanta! Catch the world premiere of Bring It On: The Musical at Alliance Theater, or see a riveting contemporary-styled performance put together by the Atlanta Ballet. Learn about Kermit the Frog and the Muppets at Center for Puppetry Arts. The artist in your family will love the African art sculptures and European paintings at High Museum of Art. The most unique aspect about Atlanta’s art scene is that it’s not restricted to music halls and museums. As you roam throughout the different parts of A-Town, keep an eye out for a local artist’s miniature-sized installation of tiny doors.
Q: Where is the art district Atlanta?
A: The Arts District Plaza can be found in Midtown, near the intersection of 15th St NE and Peachtree St NE.
Explore Atlanta Nightlife
Not sure what to do in Atlanta at night? Gather all of your friends and have a night on the town at some of the most poppin’ bars and clubs in the area! Looking for the perfect Atlanta club hot spot for a girls night out? Dance your way over to Buckhead and have a fun-filled evening with Latin music and bottle service at Tongue & Groove. Or head to Halo Lounge in Midtown. It’s one of the best clubs in Atlanta for letting loose on a Friday night! There’s also SkyLounge, which is local favorite in Downtown Atlanta. This rooftop bar is known for their luxurious atmosphere, breathtaking views of the Atlanta skyline, and signature Glenntini.
Q: Where to find the best Atlanta nightlife?
A: You can find Atlanta nightlife all over the city— it just depends on the type of entertainment you’re looking for. Downtown Atlanta has a SkyLounge for breathtaking views and food, while Midtown’s artsy scene offers music and performing arts to watch. Eastside provides gamers a hangout at Joystick Gamebar—while Westside and Buckhead offer great places to barhop and sip brews.
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