When you think of Atlanta, you probably think of a lyric from your favorite rap song, juicy peaches, or generally average sports teams. However, there’s so much more to the city dubbed “Hotlanta” than music and Southern food (but please, make sure you never say “Hotlanta” to a local).
Atlanta is known for its low cost of living, tons of green space, and having the best restaurant scene in the South. On top of that, Atlanta is home to more than thirty Fortune 1000 companies and has become a top destination for young professionals. So, if you’re wondering: “Is Atlanta a good place to live?,” We’ll dive into our favorite reasons to call Atlanta home.
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Related: Best Apartments in Buckhead
Is Atlanta a Good Place to Live? Keep reading to find out.
Quality of Life in Atlanta
Atlanta is the 57th best place to live among America’s 125 largest metro areas, according to a report published by U.S. News & World Report. While it might not be at the top of the list, Atlanta is beloved for its abundance of outdoor activities, quirky neighborhoods, and tight-knit community feel.
Atlanta also has a storied history. Walk in the footsteps of Martin Luther King, Jr, and follow his journey as he championed the civil rights movement in the South (you can also visit the National Center for Civil and Human Rights downtown to learn more).
Visit Oakland Cemetery, which spans 48 acres and features over 70,000 graves. It’s a testament to the city’s role in the Civil War, and a stroll around the grounds will uncover intricate sculptures, a stunning tree canopy, and impressive architecture. Even if you’re not a history buff, you’ll appreciate how a unique past has contributed to this modern, thriving city.
If you’re looking for some show-stopping amenities in your new apartment home, complexes often offer features like giant chess, rooftop tennis courts, and pools overlooking expansive city views. Only in Atlanta can you live in the middle of the city, but forge your way on a hiking trail in less than 30 minutes!
Fun Things to Do in Atlanta
Whether it’s a swanky restaurant or a rustic hiking trail, Atlanta offers a bit of something for everyone. The dining scene is teeming with inventive, multicultural fare; the city is finally gaining some ground on the national restaurant stage. You’re also surrounded by parks and green space, and less than 2 hours from the North Georgia mountains for some great hiking. We created a guide to tour Atlanta like a local here.
Want to get out and explore Atlanta’s burgeoning art scene? Check out our article on where to find the best street art in Atlanta. Pro tip— grab a to-go coffee from Dancing Goats for a perfect socially distanced art walk.
Popular Attractions
Downtown Atlanta is home to a variety of popular tourist attractions, like the Georgia Aquarium (one of the largest in the world), College Football Hall of Fame, and World of Coca-Cola.
If you want to do what the locals do, head to one of a variety of parks (Piedmont Park, Grant Park, and Old Fourth Ward Park are all great options) for some outdoor fun + people watching. Fun fact: Atlanta is often called “the city in a forest” due to its tree coverage, estimated to cover almost 50% of the entire city!
On a sunny day, the Atlanta BeltLine will be full of tourists + locals alike. We recommend a leisurely walk from Piedmont Park to Krog City Market, where you can stop at historic-building-turned-food-hall Ponce City Market, as well as a plethora of bars and restaurants along the way.
Keep in mind that some attractions will be closed or offer limited hours due to COVID-19. Remember, even if you’re visiting an outdoor park or attraction, still maintain a safe distance from those around you, and wash your hands as much as possible!
How to Get Places
With a sprawling metro area, cars are common for most Atlanta residents. Although Atlantans love to complain about traffic, it’s really not that bad compared to most global cities. With I-75 connecting all of Atlanta’s main neighborhoods, it’s easy to hop in a car and explore all that Atlanta has to offer. Parking can sometimes be hard to find downtown during popular hours, but street parking and garages are plentiful in other Atlanta neighborhoods.
If you don’t have a car, Atlanta’s public transit system MARTA will bring you to the essential spots, like to the airport or downtown for an Atlanta United game. The city even has it’s own streetcar!
Is Atlanta Expensive?
Although Atlanta is getting more expensive as its popularity grows, it still offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other major US cities, especially for renters. It’s easy to find an apartment in a walkable neighborhood, or with beautiful city views, for a fraction of the price you would find in cities like New York, Chicago, or San Francisco.
Atlanta’s median household income is about 8% higher than the national average, and with significant job growth in 2019, there’s a ton of opportunity to grow your career.
Despite some COVID setbacks, the Atlanta economy, job prospects, and social scene will hopefully continue to thrive (socially distanced, of course!)
Want a Free Personal Assistant?
So, is Atlanta a great place to live? Absolutely! And, if you’re interested in relocating to the great city of Atlanta, reach out to AptAmigo. We’ll provide all the information you need to know about Atlanta neighborhoods, apartment specials, and expert local insight. Moving is stressful enough, let us take care of your apartment search so you can make a confident decision in where to live. Don’t miss our inside scoop on the best way to find an apartment in Atlanta!
Nichole runs ATL Adventurer, a blog/Instagram account for the best of where to eat, drink, and explore in Atlanta + beyond. She loves a fancy steakhouse, hole-in-the-wall burger joint, and any cocktails with gin. When she's not eating, Nichole loves spending time outside with her Aussie pup Riley. Follow along on Instagram @atladventurer and at atladventurer.com.
