It’s the capital of the Peach State and a cosmopolitan hub in the South, so it comes as no surprise that Atlanta draws a plethora of newcomers each year. Sure, traffic can be horrendous. And unlike many other East Coast cities such as New York, Philadelphia, and Miami, it’s hours away from any coastal region. But the ATL is also a thriving metropolis filled with beautiful neighborhoods and enough space to sprawl. And since Metro Atlanta’s areas vary greatly, most anyone can find a place here to call home. Let’s look at some of the top reasons to move to Atlanta.
1. The Weather
Atlanta does have four seasons, but overall, the weather patterns are mild. While winter can dip into the 20s and 30s, usually those cold snaps won’t last for long. Also, it’s not uncommon to experience 60-degree weather on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas, and occasionally warm days in the winter months. Spring is typically glorious with temperatures in the 70s and even 80s during the daytime, but 50s and 60s at night. Likewise, fall brings warm days and cool evenings. Summer, however especially in July and August, can run very hot, with temps reaching the upper 80s and 90s and East Coast humidity being par for the course.
2. Job Opportunities
Over a dozen Fortune 500 companies are based in Atlanta, so for those interested in climbing the corporate ladder, the city provides tons of opportunity. The tech industry has a hub here. In 2017, Forbes named Atlanta one of the top five upcoming tech cities in the country – so startups are numerous, which means there are plenty of jobs for graduates. The film industry runs rampant as well, so for anyone looking for a job in movies, Atlanta is an excellent pick for a career in film.
3. Beautiful, Distinct Neighborhoods
Mature trees, Craftsmen bungalows, Victorian houses, and well-tended gardens make for picturesque streets and attractive places to live. And in Atlanta, you’ll have all the above. Virginia-Highland, Morningside, Grant Park, and Peachtree Hills are just a handful of the city’s gorgeous intown neighborhoods – each with its own distinct personality and flavor, giving people enough reason to move to Atlanta.
4. Housing Is More Affordable
Housing in Atlanta isn’t as inexpensive as it was even a decade ago. Compared to other major metropolitan areas along the Eastern Seaboard, however, the cost of living in Atlanta provides a lot more bang for the buck, especially outside the city. Reasonably priced houses dot suburbs like Smyrna, Doraville, and Forest Park. While intown homes are selling for upwards of $500,000, those properties usually boast several bedrooms and baths as well as an outdoor space, be it a porch, patio or deck. Many are within walking distance to some of the city’s best eateries to boot. More on restaurants next.
5. A Burgeoning Food and Drink Scene
The city has long been a foodie capital, and Atlanta’s delicious choices continue to multiply. Every neighborhood has its share of restaurants and bars, but some of the top eating and drinking districts include West Midtown, Inman Park, the Old Fourth Ward, and Decatur. Famed spots such as Bacchanalia, Canoe, and newcomer Staplehouse prove that Atlanta firmly holds its own in the world of fine dining. For more casual fare, Saltyard, Gunshow, Kimball House, and Bread & Butterfly offer an array of tasty dishes with a side of atmosphere.
6. The Airport
Travelers will have access to hundreds of flights each day to destinations around the USA and the world. Atlanta-Hartsfield International Airport is the world’s busiest, though, so the terminals (and crowds) can be intimidating at first. Tip: Arrive extra early to navigate the long security line and ride the shuttle to get to your gate in time. The only flight I’ve ever missed was scheduled to depart from Atlanta airport.
7. Top Colleges
For students looking to advance their education, Emory University, Georgia Tech, and Agnes Scott are among the country’s top-rated colleges, and all three schools are outstanding choices Metro Atlanta is also home to Georgia State University, Georgia Perimeter College, Kennesaw State University, Spelman, Morehouse, and Oglethorpe, as well as other colleges and technical schools.
8. Access to Weekend Getaways
The North Georgia mountains rest about 90 minutes north of Atlanta, so quaint towns like Blue Ridge and Ellijay are top picks for weekend getaways. Meanwhile, Savannah, Chattanooga, and Asheville are excellent options for a long weekend break, and several other vacation spots are within a drive as well. Given the sprawl of Atlanta (about 50 miles in each direction), you can drive for an hour to a different section of the metro area and feel like you’ve gone on holiday. Intown folks can hop on I-75 to Ga-400 and reach the charming town of Roswell in less than 45 minutes sans traffic.
9. Nature Is Nearby
If your work schedule and budget keep you from leaving Atlanta, you won’t have to travel far to discover nature. Piedmont Park in Midtown is a 185-acre haven, and Morningside Nature Preserve, a favorite for hiking, sits only seven miles from downtown. And for adventure lovers, Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area features opportunities for river rafting, kayaking, and other nature-filled activities just minutes beyond Atlanta’s perimeter – another top reason to relocate to Atlanta.
