When you think of Atlanta, you probably think of a lyric from your favorite rap song, juicy peaches, or the so-so sports teams. However, there’s so much more to the city dubbed “Hotlanta” than music and Southern food (but please, never say “Hotlanta” to a local unless you intend the insult).

In addition to the obvious stereotypes, Atlanta’s reputation also comes from its low cost of living, its abundant green space, and its amazing restaurant scene, the best in the South, in fact. On top of that, Atlanta is home to more than thirty Fortune 1000 companies and, as a result, serves as a top destination for young professionals. So, if you’re wondering: “Is Atlanta a good place to live?,” we’ll explain below why we always answer with a resounding “Yes!” 

If you’re interested in moving to Atlanta, AptAmigo is your one-stop-shop. Connect with a local expert and find the perfect neighborhood for your lifestyle (or read our Atlanta Neighborhood Guide here) and get detailed information on each apartment building you like. Your dedicated apartment expert will help you navigate your tours and will work with apartment communities on your behalf.

Related: Best Apartments in Buckhead

Quality of Life in Atlanta

Several Atlanta suburbs rank as the best places to live out of America’s 150 largest metro areas, according to U.S. News & World Report. The region is loved by locals for its abundant outdoor activities, quirky neighborhoods, and tight-knit community feel. 

Atlanta’s storied history adds depth to its culture as well. Residents can, for instance, walk in the footsteps of Martin Luther King, Jr., following his journey as he championed the Civil Rights Movement in the South. The National Center for Civil and Human Rights downtown provides ample learning opportunities about both the past and present fight for civil rights.

Oakland Cemetery, which spans 48 acres and features over 70,000 graves testifies to the city’s role in the Civil War. 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 its unique past contributed to this modern, thriving city.

As far as places to live go, Atlanta apartments compete with their show-stopping amenities. Complexes often offer features like giant chess, rooftop tennis courts, and pools overlooking expansive city views. Plus, in Atlanta, you can live in the middle of the city, but forge your way on a hiking trail in less than 30 minutes. With such great weather all year, getting outdoors improves the quality of life here.

Fun Things to Do in Atlanta

Whether it’s a swanky restaurant or a rustic hiking trail, Atlanta offers a variety of activities for everyone. The dining scene teems with inventive, multicultural fare as the city finally gains ground on the national restaurant stage. Parks and green spaces pop up everywhere, and residents can drive less than 2 hours to the North Georgia mountains for some great hiking. 

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 as you set out on your art walk.

Popular Attractions

Downtown Atlanta houses many popular tourist attractions, such as the Georgia Aquarium (one of the largest in the world), the 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 and 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 fills up with tourists and 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 numerous bars and restaurants along the way.

For even more activities, read our guide on how to tour Atlanta like a local.

How to Get Places

With a sprawling metro area, most Atlanta residents drive cars. Although Atlantans love to complain about traffic, it’s really not that bad compared to most global cities. With the I-75 connecting all of Atlanta’s main neighborhoods, hopping in a car to explore the city remains easy enough. Parking can sometimes become hard to find downtown during popular hours, but plentiful street parking and garages appear in other Atlanta neighborhoods.

If you don’t own 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 operates 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. Residents can easily 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.

Plus, Atlanta’s median household income is about 8% higher than the national average, and with significant continued job growth, tons of opportunities to grow your career await. 

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 of the information you need about Atlanta’s neighborhoods and apartment specials with our local experts’ insight. Moving is stressful enough; let us take care of your apartment search so that you can make a confident decision in where to live. The best part? It’s 100% free.

Don’t miss our inside scoop on the best way to find an apartment in Atlanta.

* The original version of this article was first published on May 27, 2020.