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Living in Atlanta, Georgia:
Tips for Moving and Visiting

55 local experts
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If you've been wondering what it's like to live in or visit Atlanta, the Crowdsourced Explorer community can help. We asked 55 people living in Atlanta what someone who is considering moving to or visiting there should know. Here are their pros and cons, tips, and advice:

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55 comments on “Atlanta”

If you were to move to Atlanta, Georgia, I would have to advise you to be prepared for unexpected events, like large crowds of traffic. There are also very interesting people here. There are lots of shopping districts here, and it is very beautiful in the city. I would say come here for the scenery, if anything.

Well Atlanta is a place to move to if you seek entertainment, nightlife, and a chance to land on a movie set. There are great farmers markets, beautiful living areas of metro Atlanta, main area would be Fayetteville, lovely homes. I can’t forget the state’s peach, lol plenty of peaches to go around!

Shantrelle Alektra, says: 2024

If moving to Atlanta, Georgia, the city is vibrant in history, culture, arts, theatrical plays, and entertaining nightlife! The city has an uptick in violence!

If you moving to Atlanta, Suwanee and Alpharetta are two great areas in which to live. Gwinnett or Buford areas are great for school districts. The love, work and play concepts are great living environments. These are relatively safe areas but just like anywhere in the world, anything can happen on any given day in any given place.

Aleana, says: 2023

You will be in your car more than you will be home. A decent studio apartment within city limits will cost you at least 1800.

Elizabeth, says: 2023

Diverse city. Wide range of income depending on where you reside. Lots of activities to participate in.

calvin, says: 2023

No better place to live. It has it all. A very civil environment. Peaceful and enjoyable. The history and politics of Georgia could dissuade a newcomer, but hopefully not. The festivals, culture and diversity are great experiences. An over abundance of worship centers. Overall, amazing with many options of enjoyment, ie museums, parks, tourist sites, etc. I ❤️ Atlanta!

Phyllis, says: 2023

If you’re moving to Atlanta understand that it can be expensive to live here. Average rent in a decent area close to the city ranges from $1300-1600. More expensive if you’re looking in Midtown, Buckhead, Smyrna, etc. Also, you will need a car as the public transportation is lagging behind other large cities.

Atlanta is a southern metropolis that has yet to implement the infrastructure of its northern counterparts. That is to say, traffic is horrible, and public transportation is virtually nonexistent. Although getting around without a car can prove challenging at times, the multitude of things to do within the city and in the surrounding area makes up for any inconvenience. From lush woods to underground markets, Atlanta genuinely has something for everyone if you just know where to look.

Christina, says: 2020

Watch out for aggressive drivers. Atlanta is home to some of the worst traffic in the country, and with that title comes aggressive drivers. Atlanta drivers are famous for nearly killing other divers on the road to prevent merging. This is a strange city, but you learn to get used to it.

Christine, says: 2020

When visiting Atlanta, people should be wary of speeding cars and narrow city streets. Atlanta is a commuting city that is not always pedestrian-friendly. There is ample parking all around the city. If you plan your day accordingly, visitors can partake in free parking if arriving before 9 am during the weekdays.

If you’re more of a city person or you want a change of scenery, Atlanta holds a vivacious metropolis with a newly built Mercedes-Benz Stadium and the world’s largest drive-in restaurant, Varsity. Atlanta has the world’s busiest passenger airport. Atlanta is the “Hollywood of the South” for movies, making appearances in the “Fast and Furious” series, “The Hunger Games”, “Black Panther”, and many more.

Atlanta, Georgia, is a bustling city full of 1,000s of people. you will have to get used to loud noises and traffic. Many people do business downtown. There are many amazing restaurants in the city, especially if you are a fan of Southern cuisine.

Taylor, says: 2020

Atlanta is known for having high humidity and being uncomfortably hot during summer. However, during winter it can be quite temperate; snow is definitely a rarity. Traffic around the city can be a little crazy, but not as bad as other part of the southern United States. Overall, my favorite part of Atlanta is the food, which is one of the better benefits of living in the south.

Yvonne, says: 2020

Atlanta has terrible traffic! Changing lanes on the highways can be stressful, and even dangerous. The parks are much nicer. We have many beautiful parks with lovely trees and flowers. Children enjoy the playgrounds. Ponds with ducks and turtles, and even the great blue heron, give the peaceful experience of water.

I live just outside if Atlanta, GA. Four things people should know about my city are as follows:
1. Only 10% of Metro Atlanta residents reside within city limits. Though there are six million people here Atlanta is one giant suburb.
2. Traffic for commute times is consistently ranked among the top three worst in the country.
3. The Metro Area has the second highest percentage of African Americans earning over $100,000 a year in the nation.
4. We are only two hours or less from the mountains and four hours from the closest beaches.

Taylor, says: 2020

Atlanta is a wonderful place. They have countless cultures and restaurants to try. There’ always events to attend. Everything the Sweet Auburn Festival to beautiful garden presentations at the Botanical Gardens. There are even countless things to do for families. The kids can enjoy the Children’s Museum, the Zoo, and even the Aquarium.

Kristin, says: 2020

Atlanta is a big city. Someone moving to Atlanta should know about traffic conditions and public transport. Traffic is usually heavy even though there are five lane roads. The midtown and uptown are beautiful in terms of skyscrapers and architecture.

Everett, says: 2020

Atlanta, Georgia, is not only rich with Southern hospitality and culture, but the locals remind you every day of how special the place really is. Every other day, you will find a neighbor cooking BBQ and soul food. Before you know it, your stomach is stuffed with steak, ribs, mac-and-cheese, collard greens, and more. Any special event (for example, the Fourth of July) sparks a block party where families and neighbors come together to laugh, dance, socialize, eat, etc. It’s like one big happy family.

Arijha, says: 2020

Atlanta is home to the Civil Rights Movement and till this day you can find historic sites honoring the end of racial discrimination, disenfranchisement, and racial segregation. These places include the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Park (which includes MLK’s birth home), the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, the Apex Museum, and many more. It’s no secret Atlanta is a landmark for social change.

Kendra, says: 2020

The first thing to understand about this city is that there is very heavy traffic. If you are not interested in driving, Atlanta might not be a great choice for your future home. If you are someone who enjoys walking, however, you will find that Atlanta is also a walkable city.

Someone moving to Atlanta should know the city requires a car to get most places. Unfortunately, MARTA, Atlanta’s public transit system, is in desperate need of updates. Newcomers to the city should also be aware of the excessive number of potholes and be prepared to have their car alignment checked regularly.

The music, whether it is hip-hop and R&B from the early 2000’s or the gospel tunes ringing out of historic southern baptist churches on Sunday mornings, is music that uplifts and typically calls for the gathering of a group of people to celebrate each other and the good parts of life. The city is unique because despite the strides made in this country, it has not hardened the hearts of Atlantans.

Ashlyn, says: 2020

Living in Atlanta is never boring unless you’re stuck in traffic. There is always something to do or somewhere to go. You could spend the day at the zoo or the aquarium, take a walk down the Beltline, or see a play at one of the many theaters in the city.

Atlanta is extremely diverse with many people from all over the world. It is an entertainment capital, a place of many corporations, and a city of fun! Unfortunately, Atlanta is also known for having a crime problem.

If you move to Atlanta, know weather midsummer is unforgivingly sweltering, and you should drive to the river between morning and afternoon rush hours to avoid congestion and annoyance. The water is shocking at first touch, but jump in to be invigorated and restored, that is if you’re an adequate swimmer.

Rachael, says: 2020

The city is very large, at a population of approximately 506,811 people, as estimated in 2019. Summers are very hot, while winters may be cold or mild. It stretches two counties and is home to a very large LGBT+ community. It’s located close to the Appalachian foothills. It is one of the largest metropolitan areas in the country.

There is a lot you want to carefully consider before moving to Atlanta. The first thing that comes to mind is commute and tolerance for traffic. Depending on where you are from, you should also prepare for the heat and humidity of spring and summer and the lack of a “real winter. “

Caralee, says: 2020

Atlanta is a city in which driving is a necessary daily activity, and heavy traffic should be expected daily. If you seek a home that offers both nightlife and exercise opportunities, you will certainly be pleased in Atlanta! There are several beautifully maintained parks and trails and the famous Atlanta Beltline where one can enjoy a jog or stroll. Atlanta also offers an incredibly wide variety of options when it comes to enjoying the local cuisine, from Thai food to burgers and everything between. Atlanta is known for their food trucks, which will bring delicious tastes of the city to your doorstep.

Olufemi, says: 2020

Atlanta has a rich black history and continued representation of black excellence. With only a ten-minute train ride from my home to the heart of downtown Atlanta, you can immerse yourself in the history of the civil rights movement and more with incredible documentation of those pivotal moments in history at the Center for Civil and Human Rights, across the street from the historic Centennial Olympic, photos spanning from the 1950s and 1960s to current struggles for civil and human rights around the world. Walking through the circular building, you can feel how different photographs struck an emotional chord with each visitor.

Keshia, says: 2020

Atlanta, Georgia, is a main hub for the growing entertainment industry. From music studios with major artists to production studios where some of your favorite movies and TV shows have been made. You will also find a melting pot of different cultures and people. Despite the abundance of activities and fun to be had, be aware of both the morning and afternoon traffic due to the size and population of the city.

Andrew, says: 2020

Atlanta is a large city and has a fast pace of living. The cost of living here can be expensive. However, Atlanta holds great cultural and historical significance, and there is always something to do in the city. Anyone living here will find it difficult to be bored.

William, says: 2020

Every corner and every street has a piece of history, including the country’s top historically black college. Neighborhoods are gradually becoming more affluent. As the city progresses, it can feel like the city is at stake of losing its rich history of change and equality for all. Across southwest Atlanta, you can stand in front of portraits of Outkast, John Lewis, and other cultural icons that have shaped the city and what it means to be from Atlanta.

Alexis, says: 2020

Many people consider Atlanta to be the New York of the South. Since hosting the Summer Olympics in 1996, Atlanta has attracted nearly six million new residents. It’s currently a sprawling city with dozens of distinct neighborhoods. One of the most popular neighborhoods, Virginia Highlands, has quiet, tree-lined streets, sidewalks, and eclectic array of restaurants and shops. Ask any native New Yorker, and they’ll probably tell you that Virginia Highlands reminds them of Brooklyn’s Cobble Hill neighborhood.

Atlanta is very diverse in its culture. The City offers many attractions for all dynamics and visitors. This City brings a sense of hospitality. My City is the premiere place to visit on for anyone on vacation, as we have many places. My City is a great to visit for all ages.

Alexandria, says: 2020

Atlanta is known for Six Flags Over Georgia, The Aquarium, and a lot of great attractions. I love being a part of such a great city where everyone is friendly. We have great malls, and affordable housing as well. A lot of people from other cities love to move here.

Kahlyn, says: 2020

Atlanta is a wonderful place for people of all ages. Children can find plenty of parks throughout the city, there are excellent private and public schools, and adults will find the restaurant and movie scene to be quite exciting. if you are looking to buy a house in Atlanta, you will be pleased to find that there is an incredible range of prices throughout the city.

Some of the biggest hip-hop artists have thrived in the entertainment business including Migos, Ludacris, Ciara, 2 Chainz, etc. The city is gifted and thrives with deep roots within its history. It is known that Georgia was a Confederate state that participated in slavery and other gruesome practices. Such horrors are still displayed to the public for monumental purposes in a few locations. However, this is not showcased in Atlanta.

Andrea, says: 2020

it’s very busy, bad roads lots of mountains but a very well patrolled city for children and lots of money and jobs to make it very easy to invest lots of houses and lots of stores, when living in Atlanta thing can be rocky or things can be scary but it all pays off of your work.

Lindsey, says: 2020

Atlanta is a place of music and culture. I recommend to people moving here that they should go to the heart of Atlanta first. From there, they can work their way out and explore what the other neighbors have to offer. My favorite neighborhoods range from the Virginia Highlands, Little Five Points, and Decatur.

Monique, says: 2020

If moving to Atlanta, there are a few pros and cons. To start, the weather is amazing, and there is always something fun and exciting to do. Next, Atlanta offers many jobs–especially for entrepreneurs–and a lot of diversity. However, traffic is awful, and it seems like you have to arrive to the airport the day before to ensure you catch your flight.

In the city of Atlanta, life moves at a bustling pace. People are constantly coming and going, and the city is known for its traffic. Yet, while New York City is known for its jam-packed sidewalks and streets, its skyscrapers and subways, Atlanta is more spread-out. Residents and tourists alike can, at one moment, be swept through a busy street, then almost instantaneously find themselves on a quiet, peaceful residential side street that feels like a residential neighborhood of the suburbs.

I would like to let anyone interested in moving to Atlanta, Georgia, is that you will want to be aware that Atlanta has traffic all throughout the day. you can get anywhere on the highway and by roadway. You will be able to access Florida within four short hours which is awesome!

If you are deciding whether or not Atlanta might be the city you move to next, it is important to know several things before doing so. First, Atlanta continues to grow in population annually. On the plus side, an abundance of hip dining options and social activities are at your fingertips. However, Atlanta’s traffic continues to worsen, leaving many disheartened and frustrated about their commute to work.

Atlanta is the capital of Georgia and the ninth-largest metropolitan area in the United States. People from all over the world can be found in this one city, for Atlanta is home to the busiest airport in the world. many Fortune 500 and 1000 companies are headquartered in this city, including Home Depot and Delta Airlines. Fortunately, Atlanta’s cost of living is 2% lower than the national average, making it a relatively affordable place.

Atlanta is a wonderful city in the state of Georgia. In this busy city, a car is the easiest method of travel. Anyone moving to this city should expect a lot of traffic, for the city is home to the headquarters of many big companies, such as the World of Coca-Cola. When anyone is hungry, there are a plethora of dining options available to satisfy even the largest of appetites.

Lingxiao, says: 2020

The driving in Atlanta is different than elsewhere. People who move or visit here don’t always grasp that until it is too late. For instance, yellow lights are a suggestion. Similarly, the “agreed upon” speed limit is 80mph unless there is a cop, in which case, the speed limit is at least 5 mph below the posted speed limit.

Shyanne, says: 2020

It is imperative one decide whether a milieu of the urban city center or the suburbs would be to their liking. Both have countless advantages to enjoying the cultural and vibrant scene this diverse city provides. One major consideration would be the location of your workplace. It would behoove the individual to secure a residence within 10 miles of their workplace. This would reduce concerns about traffic and time constraints. Atlanta is a beautiful city with over 4,000,000 inhabitants. One’s time is just as important as their income to experience Atlanta to the fullest.

Elizabeth, says: 2020

Atlanta is a very diverse and mild tempered city. Traffic can be challenging because the city is rapidly growing due to its affordable cost of living and limitless activities. There is something here for everyone. There is nowhere else I’d rather be.

Shelly, says: 2020

Atlanta is a great place. The city has all of the amenities that you expect in a major metropolitan area while still maintaining a small town feel. The cost of living cannot be beat. Traffic can be a major headache if you choose to live in the suburbs. If you plan to work in the city, living downtown to minimize commute time is your best bet.

Atlanta is a major city filled with awesome opportunities. Some of the most popular festivals and conferences are held in this city. More than half of our city consist of millennials today. Not to mention Atlanta has one of the cheapest cost of living. Atlanta has the best southern hospitality.

Jeremy, says: 2020

Atlanta is a fun and exciting city. When visiting Atlanta, one can expect to see many celebrities. One can also expect to eat delicious food. A trip to Atlanta is not complete without visiting the Georgia Aquarium, the biggest aquarium in the world. If one has time, they should stop next door to visit the Atlanta Zoo. One just might be able to catch a glimpse of the beautiful lions.

Atlanta is a city with many eclectic neighborhoods and suburbs. A person who enjoys the arts, cultural events, and walking instead of driving may like downtown or midtown Atlanta. A person who prefers more green space and a larger house would probably choose one of Atlanta’s suburbs. Atlanta has something for everyone.

Sreeja, says: 2020

If you’re a sports fanatic, then Atlanta is your city. They have professional sports team in the three major sports: basketball, baseball and football. While their basketball team might not be as well known, the Atlanta Braves and Falcons draw a crowd of loyal fans yearly. They even have a hockey team – the Atlanta Gladiators. If you’re not into professional sports team, Atlanta also offers some excellent collegiate teams like Georgia Tech for basketball and football.

Brandon, says: 2020

When moving to Atlanta you want to be aware that there are lots of poor people. In Atlanta there are nice things to do but you have to be careful of your surroundings. Atlanta is the peach state we have greasy fruits and vegetables. Atlanta has the best belt line where you can ride bikes and take a walk with family.

Lauren, says: 2020

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Names of respondents may have been changed.

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