Are you thinking of moving to Atlanta, well, the fact remains that Atlanta is one of the best cities in the US and it’s the gem of the south. The state is replete with all the things you need to live a happy and comfortable life. It’s a place of great history, amazing music scene, beautiful neighborhoods, lots of fascinating attractions, professionals sports team, fancy restaurants with top quality food and craft beer, etc.
It is quite normal to have several questions on your mind when moving to Atlanta, such as where are the best areas to live in Atlanta, what is the living expenses in Atlanta like? Are there fun outting and events? What is there to do in Atlanta? What are the pros and cons of living in Atlanta. All these are legitimate questions that deserves answers. Most of them have already been answered but for some we will give the answers in this article.
Overview of Atlanta
There are about half a million people living in this city and greater Atlanta metro region has a population of over 4 million people. It is the capital city of Georgia and the cultural and economic center of the Atlanta metropolitan area. Atlanta metro region is the nineth largest metropolitan area in the United States. Atlanta is located in Fulton County and also extended to DeKalb County to the east.
It was founded in 1937, it goes by several nicknames such as The Dogwood City, the Big A, Hotlanta, The ATL, etc. During the Civil War, the city was burned down to the ground, which explains the reason behind the city’s unofficial symbol being a phoenix. It is the only city in the United States to have been burned down.
Over the years, the city of Atlanta has grown to become the national center of commerce as well as the unofficial capital of the New South. In the 60s, it was a organizing center of the Civil Rights Movement. It hosted the Summer Olympics in 1996.
The state of Georgia has become the number one filming location not just in America but in the world. It’s not on the same level with cities like New York, and some of the top cities in the US but Atlanta has a good mix on diversity and the city diversity is more than just the people.
Job Market
There are several company headquarters in Atlanta, some of the popular ones include CNN Studio, United Parcel Services, Delta Airlines, Home Depot and so on. Even the renowned Coca-cola company originated from this city. Over 9,000 people in the state of Georgia are employed in this company.
In this city, not all business sectors are doing well, the national downturn has affected most retail jobs and blue-collar jobs have also gown down. On the positive side, the city is the first in the country to pay a $15 livable wage and in 2017, the city was ranked as the sixth best city in the United States for job seekers.
Cost of Living in Atlanta
To live in Atlanta is not expensive, the cost of living is 2% lower than the national average. Unlike major cities in the US, the cost of living in Atlanta is affordable. Below is the cost of some of the basics necessities of living in Atlanta:
• The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,200
• Utilities for one person is $130
• A basic dinner at a restaurant for two is $45
• Internet service is $49
Advantages of Living in Atlanta
Nightlife: Atlanta is a place of cultural diversity so there are different ways to have fun depending on where you are from and the things you like to do. Nightlife in the city of Atlanta is amazing, from live music to shows, concerts, festivals, outdoor cinemas, clubs, etc. For example, the Fox Theater is place for live music and comedy acts. The Tabernacle is a place for R&B, rock, popular rap outfits. Then, there is the Eddie’s Attic, a place for poet, songwriters and singers. Masquerade is a place for all sort of events and it is one of the most unique of all in the city.
In Atlanta, the bar scene is amazingly huge and diverse with different ways to entertain and make locals chill and have a swell time. From Karaoke bar with an in-house church organ to retro arcade bar with machines from the 70s. Atlanta is a place of fun and you can be rest assured of getting what you want.
A Pro Sport City: If you live in Atlanta one of the things you would constantly enjoy is sporty events that takes place in the city. Atlanta is the place where you can find all the favorite American sports. They have professional basketball; The Hawks, football; The Falcons, soccer; Atlanta United, baseball; The Braves and tennis.
This is one of the advantages of living in Atlanta because you can see any of these games and if you are an athlete looking for a city to get invested in sports teams, Atlanta should be in your list.
Olympic Park: Centennial Olympic Park is a 21 acres of green space located downtown Atlanta. It commerates the city hosting the ’96 Olympic games. This park provides places for an ultimate picnic or Frisbee game. There is an Olympic fountain for kids, it’s designed in the shape of the Olympic five rings
Disadvantages of living in Atlanta
Traffic: This is one of the major disadvantages of living in Atlanta. And it is what most locals complain about. The public transportation in Atlanta is also not well connected and coordinated a local resident said. Atlanta and it’s suburbs are intersected by several interstates. What most Atlanta residents complain about is the sub-par walkability of the city. Most residents in the city own cars and they rely on the interstate system but it’s easily jamed by traffic making moving around frustrating most times.
You must have your own car: In the words of Atlanta writer and city planner Hannah Palmer, ‘There is no way not to be car dependent in Atlanta’. You must have a car in Atlanta if you are to move quickly and easily. Although you can use public transit or can walk to some places but you would need to have your own car if you are to do things for yourself efficiently and speedily.
The city is committed to building the Beltline which will make commuting through out the city much easier. This Beltline project is one of the biggest urbanization projects in the country.
The city can be really hot: There is a reason why one if the nicknames of this city is Hotlanta. The temperature can get really hot in the summer. Most summer days can get up to the mid nineties. On the other hand, winters are mild and snowstorms rarely happens but when they do it can be devastating.
Where to Live in Atlanta
Where you live in Atlanta is important because the neighborhood culture can influence several aspect of your life.
And one of the major ways to stay happy each time you are going to work is if your home is close to work so you would not have to deal with traffic. Traffic is one of the major problems living in the city.
Midtown and Buckhead: This is the place where you would find more of young professionals and these are some of the most popular neighborhoods in the city.
There are several neighborhoods in Atlanta some are more safe than others.
Midtown is the 6th most walkable neighborhoods in Atlanta, there are several luxury high rise building amongst it’s walkable streets. It is one of the young and hip neighborhoods attracting young professionals since the 80s.
The main area in this neighborhood is the Midtown miles where you would find local boutiques, shopping, national stores and Atlanta best restaurants and bars.
Buckhead on the other hand is another popular neighborhoods for young professionals. It is one of the most affluent neighborhoods in the city with a thriving nightlife and good walkable layout. You can get easy access to MARTA and nice properties as well as the best amenities in the city.
Real Estate in Buckhead is expensive, you can get a single family home in the average of $500,000. Rental apartments are also on the high side in this neighborhood. For young families, the public school is good but some of its residents send their kids to local private school.
Castleberry Hill: This neighborhood is located southwest corner of downtown. It is one of the few surviving warehouse districts in USA. This neighborhood is known for art and culture and many warehouses over the years have been converted into lofts for housing. It’s boundaries are I-20 MLK Jr. Pkwy and Northside drive.
Fairle Popular District: This neighborhood is listed on National Register of Historic Places. In the 19th and 20th centuries, it blossomed as a business district while the city established itself as the commercial huh of the southwest.
Eastside: This is another popular are in Atlanta. The two most popular neighborhoods are the East Atlanta Village and the The Historic Old Fourth Ward District.
East Atlanta Village is located between I-20 and Moreland Avenue and in recent years it has undergone revitalization. The neighborhood has become one of the most sought after neighborhoods.
The Historic Old Fourth Ward District is located north of downtown, east of I-85. There are several beautiful homes in this area as well of nice restaurant.
Atlanta is a nice place to live, there are several activities you can engage in that would make you have a nice time. Each of the neighborhoods in the city has it’s own vibe and spirit. Whether you are a young professional or starting a family there is a place for you in this city where you can live peacefully and safely. These are some of the best areas to live in Atlanta which is very important for those moving to Atlanta.
