Whoever coined the term “Southern hospitality,” must have had Georgia on their mind. More specifically, Atlanta. It’s tough to find a more welcoming city anywhere in the country. That hospitality, along with the professional sports teams, climate, and nightlife have people flocking to the ATL. Not only does the city have a lot to offer, but the surrounding suburbs offer many perks to newcomers as well. We only have space to list some of the reasons to move to Atlanta.
1. Jobs Are Everywhere
Many top companies are headquartered in Atlanta, making for great job opportunities or a career change. Newcomers are either already hired by these companies or often land a job once they get into town. Atlanta came in at one of the top 12 largest metro areas for employment and gained more than 53,000 over the past year. There are 15 Fortune 500 companies in town, including Home Depot, UPS, Delta Airlines, CNN, and Coca-Cola. The question isn’t really whether you can find a job, but rather which opportunity you should choose.
2. Close to Nature
Atlanta has plenty of nicknames, but one of the most accurate is “City in a Forest.” A quick 20-minute drive from downtown will make you feel worlds away from the hustle and bustle of town. You’ll find that plenty of neighbors who head to the forest after work or on the weekends. You can even sleep in a tree overnight at Panola Mountain State Park. Covered bridges welcome you at Heritage Park just 30 minutes from Atlanta with over 100 acres to explore and plenty of wetland wildlife to view. Atlanta also has plenty of recreation options within the city, including Centennial Olympic Park.
3. Sports Lover’s Dream
There’s no excuse for boredom here. With all the professional teams that call this city home, there’s always something in season. Rooting for your favorite team is easy in world-class venues that cater to quality sports viewing. The NBA has a special place in Atlanta since the city is home to the NBA Network. Sports fans enjoy attending Falcons, Braves, Hawks, WNBA’s Atlanta Dream, and MLS’s Atlanta United FC games. Lacrosse fans can watch the Georgia Swarm and Atlanta Blaze in large arenas.
4. Southern Food Is the Best
The culinary delights available in the “Capital of the South” are extensive. You won’t have any trouble finding delicious food from the street cart on the corner to the many fine restaurants around the city. Soul food is a specialty with plenty of options in every neighborhood. Barbecue and fried chicken are also easy to find no matter where you are. Try Pittypat’s Porch located downtown for an introduction to the best soul food around.
5. Cost of Living
Sometimes called the “New York of the South,” the cost of living in Atlanta is much lower. If you’re transferring here from another metropolitan area, you’ll find the same size home for a lot less. Development is ongoing, so you’ll find plenty of new homes as well. You’ll also enjoy lower transportation, utility, and healthcare costs, so your dollar will go further. The lower cost of living is one reason more millennials are moving to the area. According to U.S. News and World Report, half the population is single.
Atlanta is also family-friendly and known for its religious and family values. You have to hand it to those Southern moms who taught their sons to hold the doors open for you!
Denise Decker is an avid hiker, cyclist, and runner who travels around the country, taking part in triathlons. When she’s not writing about her races or travels, you’ll find her biking along the trails in Atlanta.
