Moving to Atlanta, GA

Atlanta is a city rich with history. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was born here and started his first pulpit at the Ebenezer Baptist Church. Coca Cola was founded here, and still offer tours of their first bottling plant. And great American literature has a home here — Margaret Mitchell was born in Atlanta and set some of Gone with the Wind in the city.

But it’s not just history that attracts people to Atlanta.  Atlanta is the American South’s true super city, complete with skyscrapers, a vibrant arts scene, great business opportunities, and trees, lots of trees to keep people cool during those “Hotlanta” summers.

Atlanta’s Layout

Atlanta is located on relatively flat land in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, near the Chattahoochee River.  Its elevation, 1,050 feet above sea level, is the highest of major eastern cities.  The area is covered in forests.

Atlanta is part of a metropolitan area that includes the cities of Sandy Springs, Roswell and Johns Creek.  They comprise the ninth-largest metropolitan area in the nation.  Atlanta proper is located in Fulton County.

Positive of Moving to Atlanta

Winters – Atlanta’s winters are very comfortable.  They don’t bring blizzards or deep cold.  Yet, they still get some occasional snow flurries to keep people in the winter spirits.

International influence – As mentioned above, Coca Cola was founded in Atlanta. TBS, founded by Ted Turner, and CNN are also based in Atlanta, providing a great opportunity for journalism and media arts students at the nearby Emory University. And finally, Delta Airlines is based in Atlanta, helping make local Hartsfield-Jackson Airport the busiest in the world.

Arts – Atlanta is one of the few cities in the U.S. with permanent performance arts companies in ballet, opera, music, and theater.  Art and performance aficionados can enjoy shows from the likes of the Atlanta Ballet Company and Atlanta Symphony Orchestra all year long.  Also, local art museums, like the High Museum of Arts, have been around for many decades of years. The High Museum of Art is one of the most visited in the world.  Finally, Atlanta also has an exciting music scene; it’s home to an ever-evolving list of indie and hip-hop acts.

Trees – 36% of Atlanta is covered in trees, the highest percentage in the US.  The trees provide shade, cover from rain, and beauty to an otherwise very metropolitan city.  Check out the parks in Atlanta, like the Botanical Gardens and Piedmont Park, the city’s unofficial green space that attracts visitors from all over the state.

Negatives of Moving to Atlanta

Summer – Atlanta is sometimes called “Hotlanta” by its residences for its hot and humid summers.  Temperatures can approach the high 90’s with dense humidity.  The trees’ shade does little in such conditions.

Traffic – Atlanta has public transit options, but the systems aren’t very efficient to use, so most people forego them and drive.  Unfortunately, Atlanta is checkered with an extensive highway system that is often choked with traffic, so driving can be just as difficult, if not worse.

Housing investment – Since the housing bubble burst in 2008, Atlanta has had one of the worst housing markets in the U.S., second only to Detroit.  Atlanta’s home prices are very low and owners are still struggling with their investments. This could be good for potential buys and bargain hunters, though.

Pollen – The downside to having a forested city: pollen. Those with allergies had better beware; in 2012, Atlanta’s pollen count broke its previous record with 9,368 particles recorded per cubic meter of air. 1,500 particles per cubic meter of air is considered enough to be uncomfortable for those with allergies. If you or anyone in your family suffers from intense allergies, it might be better to stay away from Atlanta altogether.

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