Welcome to Atlanta, the vibrant city that effortlessly blends Southern charm with modern urban living. If you’re contemplating a move and seeking a place that offers a plethora of opportunities, cultural diversity, and a thriving economy, look no further than Atlanta. This bustling metropolis has earned its reputation as the capital of the South, drawing in newcomers with its warm climate, world-class amenities, and a captivating mix of history and innovation.
In this Redfin article, we present the top eight reasons why Atlanta is an exceptional place to call home, from the unique Atlanta neighborhoods to the lively arts and entertainment scene. Prepare to be inspired and discover why so many people fall in love with Atlanta and never want to leave.
1) Atlanta’s picturesque neighborhoods
Atlanta has no shortage of beautiful neighborhoods. From Buckhead and Grant Park to East Atlanta and Virginia Highland, Atlanta’s neighborhoods are diverse in geography, architecture types, general price points, and demographics.
Deciding between renting or buying your next home? Explore your options.
Compare the costs of renting vs buying and find a lender to secure your mortgage.
One compelling reason to consider a move to Atlanta is its favorable cost of living. Compared to other major cities in the United States, Atlanta offers a relatively affordable lifestyle without sacrificing quality or convenience. Housing options in Atlanta range from trendy apartments in bustling neighborhoods to spacious suburban homes, catering to various preferences and budgets. The median sale price of homes in Atlanta is $402k, slightly below the national median sale price of $412k.
3) Atlanta’s thriving food scene
Atlanta has an impressive and diverse dining scene, offering everything from fine dining restaurants and sushi places to taco shops and burger joints. Check out the Farmer’s market for some fresh veggies and sandwiches, or go to the world’s largest drive-in, The Varsity. There are also so many BBQ joints to choose from. Every neighborhood has fantastic dining options, but some of the top districts include West Midtown, Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, and Decatur.
4) Sports culture
Atlanta has a professional sports team for basketball (Atlanta Hawks), baseball (Atlanta Braves), football (Atlanta Falcons), and hockey (Atlanta Gladiators), all drawing in a crowd of loyal fans. Atlanta also has excellent collegiate teams at universities like Georgia Tech.
5) Arts & culture
Atlanta also offers some pretty great attractions. It’s home to the High Museum of Art and fantastic events and festivals year-round, ranging from film to pop culture. Be sure to check out the Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival. Atlanta is also called the “city of murals” and is home to some of the best street art, with impressive creations adorning exterior walls throughout the city.
6) Weather
A great perk of living in Atlanta is the weather. While the city does experience all four seasons, the winters are moderate and don’t see much snowfall, and temperatures rarely reach freezing. While summers in Atlanta are hot and humid, seeing high temperatures of 88 degrees in July, extremely uncomfortable temperatures aren’t typical. Also, Atlanta gets over 200 days of sunshine per year.
7) Things to do
Atlanta is home to some terrific parks for residents to enjoy, such as Piedmont Park, Woodruff Park, and Stone Mountain. You can also walk, bike, rollerblade, or scooter along the Atlanta Beltline. Attend concerts at the Tabernacle, the Fox Theatre, Variety Playhouse, and City Winery. Support local businesses and shop at Ponce City Market. View masterpieces at the High Museum of Art and visit the Georgia Aquarium, the only aquarium in North America home to whale sharks and manta rays.
Whether you’re a history buff, a food connoisseur, a thrill-seeker, or simply enjoy the outdoors, there’s something for you. Check out the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, go river rafting and kayaking, and embark on other nature-filled activities just minutes beyond Atlanta’s perimeter.
House hunting made easy
See new home listings on the Redfin app every 5 minutes.
Atlanta has beautiful and expansive parks within the city limits. Chastain Park and Freedom Park are a couple of the largest outdoor areas in the city. Centennial Olympic Park, Historic Fourth Ward Park, and Piedmont Park are charming green spaces equipped with picnic areas, walking and cycling trails, playgrounds, community gardens, dog runs, and fishing areas. The oldest park in the city, Grant Park, gives residents access to numerous facilities, including a farmer’s market, playgrounds, and tennis courts. Atlanta is also known for the large number of trees within the urban setting. In fact, it’s often referred to as a city in the forest.
Methodology: Median home sale price data was pulled from the US Housing Market resource during April 2022.
If you are represented by an agent, this is not a solicitation of your business. This article is for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for professional advice from a medical provider, licensed attorney, financial advisor, or tax professional. Consumers should independently verify any agency or service mentioned will meet their needs. Learn more about our
Editorial Guidelines here.
Serving homebuyers and sellers in the Atlanta area, Kathleen House is a top real estate agent at Redfin with the latest market insights and local expertise. With years of experience as a real estate agent in the greater Atlanta area, Kathleen House possesses a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the local market.
United States
Canada