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Thinking about moving to Atlanta? Well, sometimes the hardest thing to do is get a feel for what's really great about a city, and why people love to call it home. From neighborhoods to parks to the world class airport and attractions, here are some of the best things about Atlanta.
1) The Weather
There's no denying it, one of the best things about living in Atlanta is the weather. You get a change of seasons, but the cold never stays for too long. Most of the year is lovely, with plenty of sunshine. Plus, there's no shortage of ways to get out and enjoy it. Restaurant patios, lounging in Piedmont Park, walking the Beltline, biking the Silver Comet Trail... Atlantans take full advantage of the Southern climate.
2) The Airport
Ok, this may sound silly. Most cities have an airport, and it's not too exciting, right? The value of an airport like Hartsfield-Jackson, with non-stop flights to pretty much everywhere at pretty much every hour of the day, is an often overlooked feature of Atlanta. Plus, if you're stuck for a while, the airport, like the city, has some top quality restaurants. Ask anyone who has lived somewhere that requires them to connect every time they fly, and you'll start to appreciate the convenience of living near the busiest airport in America.
3) The Cost of Living
For a city this big, Atlanta is downright cheap. You get much more bang for your buck here than in other cities, with truly affordable options for housing and lots of other luxuries other cities don't offer - like readily available (and often free) parking. This makes Atlanta a great city for young professionals and families alike.
4) Big City Culture
Atlanta may not be quite the arts mecca that New York is, but it's got its fair share of cultural opportunities. When musicians go on tour or a Broadway musical hits the road, you can bet they are making a stop in Atlanta. We frequently have great exhibits come through, from King Tut's treasures to the fascinating Bodies exhibition. Plus, Atlanta has its very own High Museum of Art, with a great permanent collection and visiting art of the highest caliber. Throw in some awesome places to see live music a comedy show, dozens of local galleries and theaters and endless festivals - the opportunities to soak in some culture are always there for those who are looking.
5) Career Opportunities
Atlanta is the business center of the South. The city is home to more than a dozen Fortune 500 companies, and other large employers like universities, hospitals and more. While the job market can still be tough (the unemployment rate is slightly higher than the national average at the time of this publication), the city has been steadily gaining jobs and Atlanta offers excellent opportunities for professional career growth.
6) The Restaurant Scene
Dining out is fun and Atlanta is a great city for it, with several award-winning restaurants. You can find delicious dishes of all types without having to settle for national chains. From upscale to casual, international eats on Buford Highway to the South's finest comfort food, the options are amazing!
7) The Neighborhoods
Atlanta's small and distinct neighborhoods around the city make it unique. Many of these areas are walkable (a rare find in Atlanta!) and have a real sense of community. They have their own festivals, their own style and passionate residents that are dedicated to making their little slice of the city the best place to call home. Stroll through Virginia-Highland, Inman Park, Candler Park or Midtown on a sunny Saturday and you'll see what makes Atlanta's neighborhoods so special.
8) MARTA
Now, many would chuckle to see MARTA, Atlanta's less than perfect train system, on this list of favorite things about the city. But, let us just say, we've been to cities with no public transportation system and what we've got beats the pants off of that option. Ok, so you likely won't hop on the train to get to a part of town you could drive to in 10 minutes. But when it comes to connecting visitors and residents to key places like the airport, downtown sporting and concert arenas or festivals where parking is a nightmare -we're awfully glad MARTA exists.
9) Nature
Jerry Seinfeld once quipped that Atlanta is nothing but traffic and trees. He's not wrong. Atlanta has got plenty of both. If you've ever had the opportunity to see Atlanta from a bird's eye view, you were likely stunned at the sheer volume of greenery stretched out across our city. It's a unique feature. We love it. Within a short drive from the city center, there's access to some great state parks, wonderful hiking and the vast outdoor adventures available to use in the North Georgia Mountains. Just 90 minutes outside the city (closer if you live in the north suburbs, as so many do), you can rent a cabin that's a world away and enjoy fishing, the changing leaves in fall, hiking, lakes, camping and other outdoorsy activities in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains or escape to a neighboring city or state for a quick day trip.
10) Southern Hospitality
Simple as it may sound, people are pretty friendly around these parts. While it still feels like a big city, we operate at a slower pace. There's a focus on family, which often translates into the workplace, too. There's a genuine feeling of warmth when you walk into many (ok, not all) businesses. Atlanta is a transplant city, but when you meet a native, you'll usually know it. People are willing to lend a hand, they mind their manners, and you'll quickly learn the many meanings of "Bless her heart."