Pros and Cons of Living in Atlanta

Pros

Pro # 1: Cultural and Entertainment Hub

Atlanta is a vibrant cultural and entertainment hub with plenty to keep you entertained year-round. The city hosts major festivals like the Atlanta Jazz Festival, Music Midtown, Shaky Knees Music Festival, and the Atlanta Film Festival, catering to diverse tastes in music, film, and art.

For live performances, Atlanta’s music venues are legendary, including places like The Tabernacle, Variety Playhouse, Terminal West, and the Coca-Cola Roxy. Theaters like the iconic Fox Theatre also offer incredible shows. Whether you’re into festivals, concerts, or performances, there’s always something exciting happening in Atlanta.

Pro #2: Parks And Attractions

Atlanta is full of parks and attractions that cater to adventurers, history buffs, and everyone in between. The city boasts beautiful green spaces and exciting spots for outdoor enthusiasts. Some notable parks include:

• Sweetwater Creek State Park
• Freedom Park
• Stone Mountain Park
• Grant Park
• Piedmont Park

In addition to parks, there are world-famous attractions like:

• Coca-Cola Factory at World of Coca-Cola
• Atlanta Botanical Garden
• Atlanta History Center
• Centennial Olympic Park
• Georgia Aquarium
• Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame

Pro # 3: A Great Millennial City

Atlanta is a magnet for millennials, with 26.2% of its population falling in this demographic. The city has a lively vibe with countless small businesses and entrepreneurial ventures thriving throughout. Whether it’s working in startups, enjoying local food, or exploring the arts, Atlanta offers millennials an exciting lifestyle.

Pro # 4: Incredible Food Scene

The food scene in Atlanta is diverse and vibrant, representing flavors from all around the world. From Filipino and Indian cuisine to Southern and soul food, there’s something for every palate. Must-visit restaurants in the city include:

• Mary Mac’s Tea Room
• The Colonnade
• The Busy Bee Cafe
• Paschal’s
• Pittypat’s Porch
• Manuel’s Tavern
• Fat Matt’s Rib Shack
• Murphy’s

Pro # 5: Thriving Job Market

Atlanta’s job market is thriving, with over a dozen Fortune 500 companies headquartered in the city. Opportunities abound in sectors like technology, healthcare, and film industries. Top employers in the city include:

• Delta Air Lines Inc.
• The Home Depot
• UPS
• The Coca-Cola Company
• Emory University Hospital
• Northside Hospital Atlanta
• Piedmont Atlanta Hospital
• Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta

Pro # 6: Affordable Cost of Living

While Atlanta’s cost of living index is slightly above the national average at 104.1, it’s still considered affordable compared to larger cities like San Francisco or New York City. Housing costs are especially reasonable, with the median sale price for a home around $392,151 and the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment at about $1,587 per month.

Additionally, necessities like utilities, healthcare, and groceries remain fairly affordable, making Atlanta an attractive option for those seeking a balance between city living and affordability.

Pro # 7: Mild Winters

Thanks to its southern location, Atlanta enjoys mild winters, making it a comfortable place to live year-round. Low temperatures typically hover in the mid-to-lower 30s for around 50 to 70 days each year, sparing residents from the harsh, snow-filled winters experienced in northern cities. Snowfall is rare and usually only occurs for a few days each year, meaning you won’t have to deal with frequent snowstorms or sleet.

Pro # 8: Ease of Getting In and Out of Atlanta

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, one of the busiest and largest airports in the world, makes travel to and from the city incredibly convenient. As the state’s largest employer, it supports over 63,000 jobs and serves more than 150 U.S. destinations and 70 international destinations across 43 countries.

On average, the airport handles around 286,000 passengers a day, making it a key hub for both domestic and international travel.

Pro # 9: Atlanta’s Neighborhoods

Atlanta is home to a diverse range of neighborhoods, each offering something unique:

Midtown: Known for cultural institutions like the Margaret Mitchell House, The High Museum of Art, and The William Breman Jewish Heritage Museum.

Buckhead: Once a nightlife hotspot, Buckhead is now a retail and restaurant hub, offering a mix of Southern charm and modern flair. It’s also known for attracting celebrities.

West End: One of the city’s oldest neighborhoods, known for its historical homes, including Queen Anne, Victorian, and Craftsman bungalows. The West End blends history with creativity, making it a vibrant place to explore.

Pro # 10: Sports Scene

Atlanta is a great place for sports fans, offering a passionate community and plenty of opportunities to cheer on local teams. The city is home to four professional sports teams:

• Falcons (NFL)
• Hawks (NBA)
• Braves (MLB)
• United (MLS)

As the only city in the Southeast outside of Florida with a Major League Baseball team, Atlanta’s sports scene is thriving. Whether you’re catching a game in person or watching with fellow fans, there’s always excitement in the air.

Cons

Con # 1: Hot and Humid Summers

Atlanta summers are infamous for their heat and humidity, with daytime temperatures regularly reaching the upper 80s. Combined with high humidity levels, it’s no wonder the city has earned the nickname “Hotlanta.”

Residents often have to contend with uncomfortable weather conditions, and the area can occasionally experience strong winds and heavy rains from passing summer hurricanes.

Con # 2: Lack of Public Transportation

Atlanta ranks as one of the worst cities in the nation for public transportation, especially for commuting to and from work. A study by Geotab found that the average commute time for metro Atlantans using public transit is 53 minutes, second only to Los Angeles.

If you’re planning to move to Atlanta, owning a car is essential for daily life due to the city’s limited and inefficient public transportation system.

Con # 3: Bugs Problem

Atlanta is considered the 4th worst city in the country for bugs, with pests like termites, roaches, millipedes, carpenter bees, and mosquitoes being a constant annoyance. Mosquitoes, in particular, are a major drawback, making it almost impossible to enjoy the outdoors during the warmer months from May to September without getting bitten. The sheer volume of bugs can significantly reduce the enjoyment of outdoor activities during the summer.

Con # 4: Crime

Atlanta Georgia crime rate is a big concern, with the city having an overall crime rate higher than 97% of cities across the U.S. Street gangs and human trafficking are among the most common issues.

In 2023, Atlanta ranked second in the nation for human trafficking activity, just behind Washington, D.C. Crime has been an ongoing problem for Atlanta since the mid-20th century, and it remains a significant challenge today.

Living in Atlanta — FAQs

Is Atlanta Georgia Safe?

While Atlanta has much to offer, it does face safety challenges. According to NeighborhoodScout, Atlanta’s violent crime rate is 8.64 per 1,000 residents, which is more than double the national average of 4.00 and significantly higher than Georgia’s average of 3.67.

Additionally, the property crime rate in Atlanta is 39.27 per 1,000 residents, also much higher than the national average of 20.00 and Georgia’s average of 16.91. These statistics indicate that crime rates in Atlanta are above both state and national averages, making safety a concern for residents and visitors.

Reasons Why Should I Move to Atlanta?

• Thriving job market with opportunities in tech, healthcare, and film industries.
• Affordable cost of living compared to other major cities.
• Mild winters with rare snowfall.
• Vibrant cultural scene featuring festivals, music venues, and museums.
• Diverse neighborhoods offering something for everyone.
• Great food scene with a variety of global and Southern cuisines.
• Strong sports culture with professional teams across major leagues.

What Is Atlanta Known For?

Atlanta is known for:

• Historic Homes: Iconic landmarks like Swan House, Martin Luther King Jr.’s birth home, and Woodrow Wilson’s childhood home.

• Shopping Hub: Atlantic Station, a premier destination for shopping, dining, special events, and IMAX theaters.

• Brewed Coffee: Renowned for its vibrant coffee scene with popular spots like Land of a Thousand Hills Coffee.

• Major Sports Teams: As already mentioned above, Atlanta is home to teams like the Atlanta Braves (MLB), Falcons (NFL), Hawks (NBA), Dream (WNBA), and United FC (MLS).

How Many People Live in Atlanta?

As of the latest estimates in 2023, the population of Atlanta, Georgia, is approximately 510,823 people within the city limits. However, the Atlanta metropolitan area, also known as the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell metro area, has a population of over 6 million people.

Where is Atlanta, Georgia Located?

Atlanta, Georgia, is located in the southeastern United States. It sits in the north-central part of the state of Georgia, approximately 150 miles inland from the Atlantic Ocean and about 250 miles north of the Gulf of Mexico. It is the capital and most populous city in the state.

Should I Move to Atlanta Georgia?

Deciding whether to move to Atlanta, Georgia, depends on your personal preferences and priorities.

On the positive side, Atlanta boasts a vibrant cultural scene, a thriving job market, diverse neighborhoods, and an affordable cost of living compared to other major cities. The mild winters and strong sports culture add to its appeal.

However, it’s essential to consider the challenges, such as hot and humid summers, limited public transportation, a significant bug problem, and higher-than-average crime rates. If the pros align with your lifestyle and you’re prepared for the cons, Atlanta could be a great place to call home.

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