Atlanta is one of the fastest-growing cities in the US. In recent years, it’s become a haven for Hollywood, a hip-hop scene that’s second to none, as well as one of the best cities for raising kids. The Capital of the South is a strange one, as it’s steeped in Southern culture, though one that’s very much a transplant city.
Here are eight things that every would-be southerner should know if they’re going to make this their home.
1. Affordable Cost of Living in atlanta
It happens to be one of the most cost-effective cities if anyone would be moving here to start anew, or a new job opportunity should arise. The median range price for a home is only just north of $223,000. This Atlanta relocation resource has additional info on living costs, the housing market, and the cheapest and best neighborhoods!
2. Traffic Everywhere
Atlanta traffic is a sight to behold. Many of its residents try their best to avoid it. While it’s no Los Angeles or New York, Atlanta still ranks just outside of the top 10 for traffic. While it’s not usually a road rage kind of place, it’ll assuredly pull your hair out.
3. Top Ranked Schools for All
Atlanta is also known for some of the better schools in the nation, including the famed Georgia Tech. Outside of one of the top engineering schools in the world, it’s also home to Westminster, Pace Academy, Emory University, and historic schools like Morehouse and Spelman.
The HOPE Scholarship also allows students with struggling financial backgrounds into free (or nearly free!) admission to many of the state’s higher learning institutions.
4. Bustling Social Life
If you’re into groups of any kind, Atlanta has you covered. Known for its vibrant LGBTQ community and a variety of conventions, you’ll find something that represents all walks of life here. Music festivals such as Sweetwater Fest, Shaky Knees, and Music Midtown are great ways to spend your hot summer nights that you won’t soon forget.
5. Best Food Ever
We’d be remiss to talk about any area of the South without mentioning the food. Atlanta is home to large, critically acclaimed restaurants down to highly-rated haunts that don’t even have tables. Whichever your culinary affair, you’re not going to hate southern food culture.
6. Vibrant Sports Culture
College football is generally the way for most southerners, specifically those schools that represent the ACC or SEC conferences. If you’re not into college football or college athletics as a whole, you will have your fun rooting for the home teams in the Atlanta Hawks, Falcons, Braves, or the new Atlanta United.
Of course, as a transplant city, there’s a good chance that you’ll find yourself home at any of the area bars and restaurants that cater to people who root for another home team.
7. Hotter Weather Than You Imagine
Atlanta is a hot place to live during the summer. Of course, since it’s the South, that’s to be expected. That said, Atlanta heat feels different. We don’t know if its the abundance of trees with no wind, the sweltering humidity, or the proximity in the city center.
In any event, during June, July, and August, don’t be surprised if the temperatures are well into the 90’s. If that doesn’t seem like much, consider that the humidity could be well into 70 percent.
8. Art for Your Soul
What would be a diverse city be without its art? After all, this is home to an icon like Dr. Martin Luther King that also fashions itself as a hotbed of culture. Whether you’re into the variety of tiny red doors dotting the city, or something like the High Museum of Art – we’ve got something for you.
We also have the Center of Puppetry Arts for children, the Alliance Theater, and the famed Atlanta Ballet.
Atlanta is a city that combines all of the exceptional parts of many areas of the country and adds a bit of southern flair. It may not be perfect in all respects, but it does rely on transplanting coming in and offering something memorable to the tapestry – whatever that contribution may be.