Welcome to the colourful metropolis of Atlanta, Georgia – a spot the place historical past meets modernity, and Southern hospitality intertwines with city vitality. Whether or not you’re contemplating a transfer to Atlanta or have just lately develop into a resident, you’ll rapidly discover there’s a lot extra to this metropolis than the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola. The town is filled with vibrant tradition, worldwide flavors, and historic neighborhoods to discover.
Nonetheless, making the transition to a brand new metropolis might be each exhilarating and difficult. In the event you’re seeking to purchase a home in Atlanta or lease an condominium within the metropolis, you’re almost definitely serious about listening to what Atlanta residents must say concerning the metropolis. On this Redfin article, we’ll present ideas and recommendation backed by ATL locals to make sure a easy transition so you’ll be able to dwell your greatest life in Atlanta, GA.
1. Dwell close to the MARTA
MARTA, brief for Metropolitan Atlanta Speedy Transit Authority, is the town’s main public transportation system. It encompasses buses and a speedy transit community, together with heavy and light-weight rail companies. MARTA gives handy connectivity all through Atlanta, lowering site visitors congestion and offering an eco-friendly transport possibility for residents and guests.
“In the event you’re an avid traveler or must be on the airport so much for work, you’ll positively wish to dwell close to MARTA,” suggests Jessica Camerata, Proprietor of An Indigo Day, an Atlanta-based life-style weblog. “Whereas Atlanta sadly lacks a terrific public transportation system, attending to and from the airport is a breeze for those who’re close to a Marta cease. It’s among the finest methods to keep away from our notorious rush hour site visitors when it’s worthwhile to jet off.”
2. Neighboring cities are well worth the day journey
The Duluth group is exceptionally numerous with actions, occasions, and companies that meet all ranges of curiosity. The town has some distinctive thrifting experiences similar to Wellspring Living Treasures, an upscale resale retailer with high-end clothes, high quality furnishings, and items. It’s additionally a hub for communities to have interaction with their work and be part of the answer to assist restore lives of survivors of exploitation and coercion.
Different close by cities price exploring embody Decatur, Sandy Springs, Marietta, Alpharetta, and Roswell.
3. Perceive the price of dwelling
“Whereas the town supplies a variety of housing choices catering to numerous budgets, the value of dwelling in Atlanta can differ considerably from one space to a different,” explains digital content material creator, Arkeedah McCormick. “Analysis turns into a necessary device in navigating this spectrum. By understanding neighborhood-specific prices and facilities, you’ll be able to higher tailor your funds, making knowledgeable selections that align together with your monetary objectives. Whether or not you’re drawn to the center of the town’s pulse or looking for a quieter suburban haven, a well-researched funds ensures you’ll be able to totally get pleasure from all that Atlanta has to supply with out sacrificing your monetary consolation.”
Whereas the median sale worth for houses in Atlanta reached $439,650 in June 2023, nearly 3.5% greater than the nationwide median sale worth, Atlanta dwelling costs are nonetheless a lot decrease than different main cities. For instance, Seattle and Boston each have a median sale worth over $800,000. Or, there are many reasonably priced suburbs in Atlanta for those who’d fairly dwell on the outskirts of the town.
4. Discover Atlanta’s neighborhoods
“Atlanta’s tapestry is woven with a wealthy range of neighborhoods, every boasting its personal distinct persona,” explains digital content material creator, Arkeedah McCormick. “From the historic attraction of Inman Park to the inventive attract of Little 5 Factors, the town caters to an array of life. It’s a canvas the place trendy high-rises stand alongside quaint bungalows, and bustling business districts coexist with serene residential pockets. Researching the completely different neighborhoods turns into pivotal in discovering your preferrred match. Whether or not you search a vibrant city scene, a family-friendly atmosphere, or a tranquil retreat, diving into the character, facilities, and native points of interest of every neighborhood can information you towards a spot that resonates together with your preferences and life-style. Every nook of Atlanta is a world of its personal, ready to welcome you into its distinctive embrace.”
5. Atlanta loves native
“Atlanta has an extremely wealthy group round good, clear, and honest meals,” shares Lisa Nguyen, Communications Co-Chair for Sluggish Meals Atlanta, a nonprofit group that promotes native meals and conventional cooking. “There are such a lot of methods to faucet into native agriculture and assist the area’s farmers and producers. Fill up on native produce at one of many many group farmers markets in Atlanta’s circuit, or comply with the path of snail-approved meals and beverage companies.”
6. Be ready for the site visitors and the subtropical local weather
“Put together to embrace Atlanta’s scorching summers, as the town’s local weather infuses its vibrant character into every day life,” states Armanko Photography Studio, specializing in enterprise branding. “The extraordinary heat turns into greater than climate; it’s the backdrop to outside festivals, picnics, and al fresco eating. Whereas exploring Atlanta’s neighborhoods and points of interest, brace for infrequent site visitors congestion. As a bustling city middle, the town experiences significantly excessive site visitors ranges throughout rush hours and occasions. Adapt by planning routes, utilizing public transport, or exploring on foot.”
7. Familiarize your self with the Beltline
“In the event you haven’t but determined the place in Atlanta you wish to put down roots, I’d suggest someplace close to the Atlanta Beltline,” says Malika Bowling, blogger at Atlanta Restaurant Blog. “It’s tremendous distinctive to Atlanta. It’s a 33-mile paved path of strolling and bike paths that connects on the town neighborhoods in a loop across the metropolis with parks, avenue artwork, meals halls and neighborhood structure to glimpse alongside the way in which. I like to park and stroll to my favourite brunch spot after which stroll off brunch afterwards.”
8. Discover Georgia’s meals scene
Exploring the meals scene is a can’t-miss Atlanta bucket checklist merchandise for brand new residents. “Georgia’s attract owes a lot to its wealthy and numerous culinary panorama,” says Danny Kim, Proprietor of Local Expedition Wood Fired Grill. “It rivals any massive metropolis, providing an array of ethnic cuisines. The times of being restricted to rooster wings and visits to the enduring Waffle House are lengthy gone. As a substitute, newcomers will discover themselves getting into Michelin-starred eating institutions that seamlessly coexist with hidden gems tucked away in unassuming corners. From upscale venues to the common-or-garden but mouthwatering delights served at native “gap within the wall” institutions, Georgia’s meals scene guarantees a journey that caters to each palate and sense of culinary exploration.”
“One of many issues I like most about being right here is the meals,” explains Cristy Lenz, proprietor of Food Tours Atlanta. “I all the time say you’ll find good meals at any worth level within the metropolis and burbs. From tacos and pho, to Korean BBQ and Persian, Atlanta has all of it. What’s tougher to search out is conventional southern meals like fried rooster and mac n cheese. For that it’s worthwhile to go to The Colonnade, South City Kitchen, Busy Bee Cafe,or Matthews Cafeteria. A few of my favourite locations to eat within the metropolis are close to my very own neighborhood. I head to Krog Street Market for Little Tart, Jai Ho, and Ticonderoga Club. Ponce City Market is dwelling to El Superpan, H&F Burger, Atrium, and Bottiwalla. Lyla Lia is my go-to for the brief rib ravioli, Kimball House for the oysters, and Resort Clermont for Tiny Lou’s and the spectacular rooftop views.”
“After shifting to an Atlanta suburb 15 years in the past from the Northeast, we rapidly turned infatuated with Southern delicacies,” says Adam, founding father of Ramble Atlanta, a useful resource for all issues Atlanta. “Lots of our favourite eating places are situated in historic buildings, nestled within the many walkable metropolis facilities scattered across the suburbs of Atlanta. To call just a few, Milton’s Cuisine and Cocktails in Milton, Table and Main in Roswell, South Main Kitchen in Alpharetta, and Century House in Woodstock. These eating places mix historic attraction and easy, but scrumptious flavors that hold us coming again again and again. After all, the fried rooster too.”
9. The town caters to automotive lovers
“For automotive lovers, Atlanta ranks as one of many best in America,” states Rod Worley, writer and editor at Vettes of Atlanta Journal. “The colourful automotive group showcases the total vary from purists to customized designers, racers to informal meetups. From the SAVOY automobile museum, Road Atlanta, NASCAR’s Atlanta Motor Speedway, and Atlanta Motorsports Park, there’s something right here for everybody. Additionally, for individuals who get pleasure from spirited driving, the world-famous “Tail of the Dragon” mountain cross and the breathtaking North Georgia mountains are to not be missed.”
10. Don’t miss Amalfi Cucina & Mercato
Amalfi Cucina & Mercato is a conventional Italian restaurant with areas in Downtown Atlanta and Buckhead. House owners Stephen de Haan and Greg Grant skilled with Italian Pizzaiolo Maestros in Naples and studied within the Associazione Verace Pizza Napolentana. They launched refined Italian avenue meals to Atlanta via Amalfi Cucina & Mercato, providing traditional Italian dishes like Hen Parmigiano and conventional pastas, alongside shareable appetizers, salads, and authentic desserts. Their restaurant features a full bar, craft cocktails, and wines chosen by a sommelier.
Recognized for Neapolitan-style pizzas, their signature, Pizza Amalfi, is a standout. These pizzas start with dough constructed from D.O.P. elements and are cooked in wood-burning brick ovens imported from Italy. Amalfi Cucina & Mercato’s pizzas earned recognition from the Meals Community and a spot in Affiliation Vera Pizza Napoletana. The Italian menu was reimagined by Government Chef Santiago Echavarria, a 25-year veteran.
11. Be prepared for the unimaginable arts and music scene
“In the event you’re considering a transfer to Atlanta, you’re in for a dynamic city expertise with a wealthy cultural scene and numerous communities,” shares Grant Eshback, founding father of Open Home Mortgage, Inc. “Atlanta’s arts and music scene vibrantly thrives with numerous galleries, theaters, and venues. From the High Museum of Art to iconic phases just like the Fox Theatre, the town gives a wealthy tapestry of cultural experiences. The music scene, spanning genres from hip-hop to classical, finds its dwelling in venues just like the Tabernacle and Selection Playhouse. Atlanta’s artistic pulse ensures each artwork lovers and music aficionados can immerse themselves in an inspiring journey.”
Shifting to Atlanta: ultimate ideas
“This metropolis is a melting pot the place completely different cultures intersect, making a wealthy tapestry of traditions, languages, and views that make Atlanta an excellent place to dwell. Its cultural scene pulsates with vitality, inviting residents and newcomers alike to immerse themselves in a world of prospects,” shares Arkeedah McCormick. “From the soulful rhythms of its music to the charming strokes of its artwork, Atlanta’s artistic expressions mirror its cosmopolitan essence. Culinary lovers can savor international flavors in each nook, as the town’s numerous neighborhoods provide a pleasant array of worldwide cuisines. Embrace this melting pot of cultures, and permit your self to discover the rhythm of life in Atlanta via its thriving music venues, charming galleries, and a culinary scene that celebrates the world’s palate.”