- Atlanta at-a-glance
- What it’s like to live in Atlanta
- Economy and job outlook in Atlanta
- Real estate, cost of living in Atlanta
- The top neighborhoods in Atlanta
- How to get around in Atlanta
- School and education snapshot
- Weather and climate in Atlanta
- 10 can’t-miss things to do in Atlanta
Atlanta At-A-Glance
Folks looking to relocate to Atlanta are not alone. The capital of Georgia has seen steady growth over the last couple of decades, spurred on in recent years by an influx of entertainment and tech opportunities. In 2022, the population crossed the 6 million mark and is still growing. Given the interest in this southern gem, it’s no surprise that Atlanta ranks second among cities people would choose to move to if money were no object.
The Big A (or the Big Peach, or the Big ATL) is loved for being a diverse, multicultural city full of history, eclectic neighborhoods, hip eateries, and a more affordable housing market than similar metro areas.
A City Steeped in History and Culture
Atlanta’s history is deeply rooted in the Civil War and modern Civil Rights Movement. This history is felt throughout the city, from the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Park, to the Atlanta from the Ashes statue of a woman holding a phoenix. The symbol of Atlanta, the phoenix, is a reminder of a city having literally risen from the ashes after it was burned down in the Civil War.
Today, Atlanta is a diverse city dedicated to cultural growth. Not only will you find award-winning theater and a Grammy-winning orchestra, you will also have access to a variety of museums and other cultural hot spots. The High Museum of Art is the leading art museum in the region and features exhibits from around the world. Engaging interactive art and history can be explored at the Atlanta History Center, the Center for Civil and Human Rights, and the Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Those who prefer authentic street art may want to venture toward Little Five Points, Krog Street Tunnel, and the BeltLine for colorful murals and graffiti art.
The city also hosts several big festivals and events, including the Atlanta Film Festival, the Atlanta Jazz Festival, Atlanta Pride Festival, the second largest Pride parade in the U.S., and the National Black Arts Festival.
Eclectic Job Opportunities and a Low, Steady Unemployment Rate
Georgia started 2023 with all-time high job numbers and an unemployment rate lower than the national average. Atlanta has kept in line with its state, with an unemployment rate just a bit higher at 3.2 percent. It’s no surprise: Atlanta’s economy is the 10th largest in the country.
Coca-Cola is one of the biggest influences in the city, but the Big Peach also homes the headquarters for several big-name companies, including Delta Airlines, Home Depot, and UPS.
Among its many other “of the South” designations, Atlanta has been nicknamed the region’s “Hollywood” and “Silicon Valley” for the influx of filming and big tech. This has led to an uptick in film- and tech-related job opportunities. Other fast-growing industries include health care, entertainment (influenced by film production), business, finance, and construction.
Atlanta Offers Lower (But Still High) Costs for Big City Living
Although Atlanta, as a major metropolitan area, comes at a higher cost of living than the national average, it’s still more affordable than major cities like New York, Philadelphia, Miami, and Los Angeles. The median household income was $69,164 as of the 2021 Census, just slightly under the national median for the same year.
A large factor in the higher cost of living is the city’s housing market. Atlanta saw a rise in home costs over the last couple of years, with a slight drop in 2023. The median home sale price of $390,000 was 2.4 percent lower in March 2023 than it was a year prior. Homes are still receiving multiple offers, keeping the market somewhat competitive, but more attainable than it had been.
As of May 2023, renters are finding median rent prices of $1,518 for a one-bedroom apartment, and $1,522 for a two-bedroom.
Your Choice of Culture, Entertainment, and Upscale Experience
Whether you’re looking for quality restaurants within walking distance, a buzzing social scene, or peace and quiet for the family, Atlanta’s eclectic neighborhoods have something for everyone. Check out these highly recommended neighborhoods for those moving to Atlanta:
BUCKHEAD
One of the more popular neighborhoods in Atlanta, Buckhead features highrises and new condo buildings among old and new townhouses. Corporate professionals looking for upscale living will enjoy the great dining and shopping a quick walk from the office.
INMAN PARK
Take the upscale vibes of Buckhead and add in some quirk and you have Inman Park. This walkable, trendy neighborhood has some great pubs and bars, record stores, vintage shops, and sits on the Beltline, granting easy access to other great neighborhoods.
MIDTOWN
The revitalized Midtown neighborhood is one of the city’s cultural epicenters. You’ll have plenty of museums and galleries to explore during the day, and restaurants and entertainment to fill your nightlife.
OLD FOURTH WARD
This neighborhood is one of the best places to live in Atlanta. It is deeply rooted in the history of the Civil Rights era and is the birthplace of Martin Luther King, Jr. Today, it attracts foodies who love its trendy dining, big shoppers, and craft beer lovers.
DECATUR
Decatur is actually its own city, but it’s great for those looking to be near Downtown Atlanta without dealing with the same level of traffic. Residents enjoy festivals, independent shops, small businesses, and an overall close community.
Other neighborhoods to include in your Atlanta home search:
- Peachtree Heights
- Sandy Springs
- Cabbagetown
- Grant Park
- Virginia-Highland
Plenty of Traffic and Limited Public Transportation
Atlanta is a car-oriented city, and for good reason. Although public transportation is available through the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA), its bus and train lines are limited when compared to similar metro areas. Although expansions and improvements have been made with more promise, residents are advised to have alternative options available if they need to get somewhere off-route.
The resulting traffic has led the city, along with organizations like Atlanta Bicycle Coalition, to increase its walking and biking trails.
All that aside, if you’re looking to get out of the city, you have a major hub to fly from. Despite the pandemic’s effect on traveling, Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport has continued to be the world’s busiest airport by passenger volume, with nearly 100 million travelers making their way through its terminals in 2022!
Education Opportunities in Atlanta Are Improving
Georgia is behind the national average when it comes to per student spending, has banned the teaching of divisive topics, and is experiencing a related teacher shortage. While it is not one of the lowest ranked states for public education, it still has room to grow and improve. Parents seeking an alternative to the public classroom will have 143 private schools to choose from.
Those looking for great colleges and universities will appreciate checking out Emory University, Georgia Institute of Technology (aka Georgia Tech), Georgia State, and Spelman College, just to name a few. Morehouse College, one of the top HBCUs in the country, also makes its home in Atlanta.
Summers are Humid in Hot ‘Lanta
Did you catch that nickname? Like the rest of the U.S. southern region, Atlanta is known for hot and humid summers. It also tends to experience its fair share of rain and thunderstorms, but otherwise this four-season city experiences mild weather.
Atlanta tends to be coldest in January, with average low temperatures of 33 degrees Fahrenheit. July balances that with temperatures hitting and sometimes exceeding 89 degrees.
10 Can’t-Miss Things to Do in Atlanta
Atlanta is a dream for sightseers and history buffs, and there’s also plenty of shopping, great food, and more to be found. Here’s a list of 10 must-dos in the Big Peach:
- Experience Civil Rights Movement history with a visit to the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Park, made up of about 35 acres of historic sites including the birth home of MLK Jr. and the King Center.
- Meet the Coca-Cola Polar Bear and have a refreshing drink at the World of Coke, a museum dedicated to the history of the famous soda company.
- Enjoy outdoor gardens, the Storza Woods Canopy Walk, and more at the Atlanta Botanical Garden—considered an urban oasis and one of the best places in the city!
- Get outdoors at Piedmont Park, perfect for a stroll, a jog, a round of tennis, and more. The park hosts a variety of events, including a farmers’ market on Saturdays.
- Catch your favorite artist or watch the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United FC play at the world-class Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
- See a show or take a tour of the iconic Fox Theatre in Midtown, a former movie palace known for its ornate, Egyptian- and Spanish-inspired designs.
- Experience firsthand the comprehensive revitalization efforts being undertaken in the city with a walk through the Atlanta Beltline.
- Visit more than 100,000 animals from 500 species at the Georgia Aquarium, the largest aquarium in the U.S. and third largest in the world.
- Check out the boutiques, dining, and rooftop park at Ponce City Market.
- Take the kids to jump in the Fountain of Rings at Centennial Olympic Park, a 22-acre park originally built for the 1996 Olympic Games.
