Atlanta is a trendy metropolitan city, full of Southern hospitality, culture, and history. Atlanta has it going on!
Home to several civil rights movement’s key leaders and organizations, you can learn more at the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site and the Atlanta History Center. This thriving city located in the Peach State has over 70 streets with Peachtree in the name. It’s also important to decide if you’re ITP or OTP. In or out of the perimeter as this is an important distinction to keep you in the city or send you out to the suburbs.
Full of diverse entertainment, restaurants and shopping opportunities, Atlanta is a friendly, cosmopolitan city full of promise. The ATL is known for its welcoming demeanor, strong music scene and arts and culture. With plenty of urban adventures from aquariums to parks to museums and botanical gardens, this city is teeming with fun and enlightenment!
Atlanta Area Communities
You don’t have to live by a Ferris Wheel in Atlanta.
Eastside
Eastside is a trendy area popular with young professionals and families. Neighborhoods like Cabbagetown, Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward and Decatur have a funky feel and a great vibe.
Westside
Home to the Design District and a historic district, the Westside has a plethora of amenities including shopping and arts centers.
Buckhead
Located in the northern fifth of the city Buckhead is the epitome of upscale and luxury living in the ATL. This affluent area has beautiful homes and upscale townhomes close to progressive restaurants, nightlife and shopping.
Midtown
Steeped in the arts, Midtown is filled with cultural spots and happening restaurants. Single family homes and townhomes are the popular trend here at spots like Atlantic Station.
Downtown
When you want to live in the thick of things in Atlanta the downtown area is filled with many attractions. You’ll also find walkable neighborhoods and beautiful living options in areas like Castleberry Hill, Luckie Marietta and Five Points.
Sandy Springs
It’s easy to fall in love with Sandy Springs. This family friendly area hosts an annual Sandy Springs Festival. Enjoy easy access to green spaces like Big Trees Forest Preserve.
Northwestern Atlanta
With an abundance of great neighborhoods, make the northwest section of Atlanta your new home. Center Hill is a popular area for retirees. Situated along the Chattahoochee River, Riverside is a suburban neighborhood. Hunter Hills takes pride in “One Community, One Family”.
Alpharetta
Beautiful new construction homes and condos await you in Alpharetta. Excellent schools and easy access to the ATL only add to your home experience in this suburb located 25 miles to the north.
Duluth
Another fabulous option northeast of Atlanta is Duluth. Known for its historic downtown, farmers market, community activities and friendly feel, new home construction is vibrant in this charming suburb.
Top Atlanta School Districts
Atlanta has great schools, where your children can thrive!
Finding the right school district for your children has a major impact on their quality of life and path to success. These are the top rated school districts in the Atlanta Area; if you want to delve deeper into school records and standards for the State of Georgia, NewHomeSource has a guide to all the resources you need to find the right school for your child.
Buford City Schools
Students Served: 4,330
School Breakdown: 2 elementary schools, 1 middle schools, and 1 high schools
Students Per Teacher: 16
Test Proficiency: Above state averages in most demographics
Communities Served: The City of Buford
Forsyth County Schools
Students Served: 44,286
School Breakdown: 21 elementary schools, 11 middle schools, and 6 high schools
Students Per Teacher: 17
Test Proficiency: Above state averages in all demographics
Communities Served: Forsyth County
Decatur City Schools
Students Served: 4,858
School Breakdown: 6 elementary schools, 1 middle schools, and 1 high schools
Students Per Teacher: 15
Test Proficiency: Above state averages in all demographics
Communities Served: Public charter schools that serve the city of Decatur
Fayette County Public Schools
Students Served: 20,088
School Breakdown: 14 elementary schools, 5 middle schools, and 5 high schools
Students Per Teacher: 15
Test Proficiency: Above state averages in all demographics
Communities Served: All of Fayette County
Carrollton City Schools
Students Served: 4,935
School Breakdown: 2 elementary schools, 1 middle schools, and 1 high schools
Students Per Teacher: 17
Test Proficiency: Above state averages in some demographics
Communities Served: All of Carroll County
Bremen City Schools
Students Served: 2,222
School Breakdown: 2 elementary schools, 1 middle schools, and 1 high schools
Students Per Teacher: 17
Test Proficiency: Above state averages in most demographics
Communities Served: Haralson County
Cartersville City Schools
Students Served: 4,283
School Breakdown: 2 elementary schools, 1 middle schools, and 1 high schools
Students Per Teacher: 17
Test Proficiency: Above state averages in most demographics
Communities Served: The entire city of Cartersville
Cherokee County Schools
Students Served: 41,291
School Breakdown: 23 elementary schools, 7 middle schools, and 6 high schools
Students Per Teacher: 16
Test Proficiency: Above state averages in most demographics
Communities Served: All of Cherokee County
Cobb County Schools
Students Served: 112,708
School Breakdown: 70 elementary schools, 27 middle schools, and 17 high schools
Students Per Teacher: 15
Test Proficiency: Above state averages in most demographics
Communities Served: All of Cobb County except for the city of Marietta
Gwinnett County Public Schools
Students Served: 176,052
School Breakdown: 84 elementary schools, 35 middle schools, and 26 high schools
Students Per Teacher: 16
Test Proficiency: Above state averages in most demographics
Communities Served: Gwinnett County, Suwannee
Top Employers in Atlanta
Coke-a-Cola isn’t the only thing made in Atlanta.
Atlanta is a business hub, with numerous Fortune 500 companies calling the area home.
Home Depot
Home Depot is one of many major companies that has its headquarters in Atlanta. It is one of the largest employers in the area.
UPS
UPS employs 14,000 people in Georgia, clustered in its Atlanta super hub for package deliveries and in their Atlanta based Global Headquarters.
Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola has a historic presence in the Atlanta Area, and it continues to employ a large number of people in its downtown headquarters.
Delta Airlines
Atlanta is a major hub for airlines, both for flights and employment. Delta Airlines has its global corporate offices in Atlanta, so even if you don’t work at an airport, you can still work for this airline.
The Southern Company
The Southern Company, a gas and electric utility holding company, is another large company with its headquarters in Atlanta.
Atlanta Area Museums
Take the whole family to the Atlanta Zoo!
Center for Civil and Human Rights
Step into a contemporary museum that has thought-provoking exhibits about human rights conditions, past and present. This rich experience explores our society through memorabilia, documents, music and more.
The World of Coca-Cola
It’s hard to believe that a museum focused on a favorite soft drink can be one of the number one attractions in Atlanta, but one visit will show you why. From meeting the Coca-Cola Polar Bear to tasting to memorabilia to art and the secret vault where the recipe is stored there is so much intrigue to this much loved beverage!
Center for Puppetry Arts
For well over 40 years the Center for Puppetry Arts has showcased its collection of puppetry from around the world. See how Muppet characters come to life. Get some insights into simple and complex puppets throughout time.
College Football Hall of Fame
View the vast helmet wall with over 750 schools represented. Get close to the game at the enormous Indoor Playing Field and Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl Skill Zone. This interactive experience is a top attraction sure to impress fans wanting to learn about traditions, superstitions and see artifacts from their favorite teams.
High Museum of Art
From the stunning architecture of the building to the vast array of art in its collection, the High Museum of Art is impressive. See the works of artistic greats like Degas, van Gogh, Monet, Cezanne, Picasso, and Kandinsky.
Children’s Museum of Atlanta
Atlanta has outdone itself with the Children’s Museum of Atlanta, designed to spark wonder in the young at heart. Exhibits here allow active play to elicit joy and learning.
Jimmy Carter Library & Museum
This amazing center showcases the works of the humanitarian and 39th president of the United States. From his early start in Plains, Georgia to his presidential legacy and continued philanthropic works, learn more about Jimmy Carter through memorabilia, artifacts, exhibits and photos.
Great Parks in the Atlanta Area
Reconnect with nature in Atlanta’s fantastic parks.
Centennial Olympic Park
Enjoyed since the 1996 Olympics, the Centennial Olympic Park has a downtown skyline background. Enjoy frolicking in the fountains, catching live music, ice skating and free movies.
Piedmont Park
Often called the Central Park of Atlanta, Piedmont Park offers trails, a dog park, a pond, swimming pool, tennis and basketball. Many people enjoy the farmers market, free events and playgrounds.
Sweetwater Creek State Park
Bring some food for the ducks on the George Sparks Reservoir. This beautiful state park has trails for exploration with challenge. The creek also gives a serenity to this Georgia peach of a park!
Chastain Park
Mason Park offers up sports and swimming next to Brays Bayou. If baseball, tennis, and swimming are too mainstream for you, check out the park’s disc golf course.
Lake Houston Wilderness Park
This is the family-friendly park you are looking for! Have a family reunion with loads of activities for everyone from tennis to walking trails. As the largest city park there is a swimming pool, an amphitheater and North Fulton Golf Course for hours of fun!
Atlanta Memorial Park
Peaceful and serene this park allows you to stay active or just recharge your batteries with over 200 acres. Run, play tennis, golf or just take in the sights.
Atlanta Sports Teams
You Can Root On (Or Pretend You Don’t Care About)
Watch the Braves play at Turner Field
Atlanta has its fair share of thriving sports teams. Baseball fans can root for the home team of the Braves. This dynamic team can be found hitting home runs in SunTrust Park.
Ready for some NFL action? Wear your red, black, white and silver to support your Falcons. Basketball your game? The Atlanta Hawks tear up the court west of downtown at the State Farm Arena. The Atlanta Dream is a women’s basketball team owned by two Atlanta business women.
Atlanta United FC is a major league soccer team for the other “football” fans. This metropolis can also support rugby and lacrosse teams for a varied sporting experience. With a wide array of sports bars, stadiums and sporting venues, Atlanta residents can enjoy professional sports year round.
Living in Atlanta
Live a life you love in Atlanta!
Atlanta is a fast-growing metropolitan city with great attractions and a strong economy. Abundant job opportunities provide for new residents to join the city and suburbs. Atlanta is recognized as one of the best cities to start a career.
An exceptional quality of life is ranked very high, offsetting concerns that housing can be pricey in town. Comparable to cities of its size, Atlanta residents enjoy lower costs for leisure activities with similar prices for groceries and utilities.
Outstanding healthcare from state of the art facilities have Atlanta residents very happy with healthcare services. Ask any Atlanta resident and they will tell you the pros outweigh the cons in this southern charmer!
Atlanta Housing Trends
Atlanta offers so much to potential homebuyers with a wide variety of housing at various price points. For a city its size, Atlanta home prices are quite affordable. New construction continues to allow for residents moving into the area. This hot market means your real estate investment will be a great one!
Median Home Price: $259,000
Atlanta is a fast-growing area with varied home options in every area. Choose fun urban lofts and condos or sprawling single family homes. Living outside the perimeter still provides great benefits of the suburb and the ATL.
Growing Communities in North Atlanta
North Atlanta has fun commuter cities like Alpharetta and Cumming, perfect for families looking spread out in a comfortable community. North Atlanta has fantastic school districts, peaceful and private neighborhoods, and easy access to Downtown Atlanta.
New home communities like Windward Park and Bethelview let families like yours make their dream home a reality.
Growing Communities in Central Atlanta
Atlanta’s booming real estate market includes a number of new homes for sale in Central Atlanta. You can invest in your lifestyle, your home, and your future when you buy a house that gives you access Downtown Atlanta’s urban heart in communities like Hillgrove and The Views on Ponce.
Growing Communities in Southeast Atlanta
McDonough is a large satellite city in Southeast Atlanta that has the best of all possible worlds. This comfortable space in the Atlanta Metro has peaceful and private neighborhoods, zoned to well rated schools.
If your family wants to buy a new construction home in McDonough, communities like Pembroke Park and Avalon are waiting for their newest resident, you!
Growing Communities in Marietta
Northwest Atlanta is a wonderful area that has something for everyone. Marietta is a thriving satellite city with a fun culture and comfortable communities, perfect for growing families looking to put down roots and young professionals looking to invest in homeownership.
New neighborhoods in Marietta include Robinson Park and Parkside East, and have a wide range of beautiful new homes for sale, so start your journey to homeownership today!
Amazing Atlanta Restaurants
Atlanta is known for its excellent selection of upscale dining, fun food trucks, and fabulous Southern comfort food. You be the judge after trying some of the fabulous options listed below.
Aria
Aria is a premier fine dining experience continually showing up on the best-lists of Atlanta. Outstanding service and flavorful dishes paired with a superb setting make this a true treat!
Kimball House
When you’re craving oysters, there’s no better spot than happy hour at Kimball House. This Atlanta favorite has amazing seafood and steaks sure to impress!
Chai Pani
Order the Maharaja Lamb Burger. This delicious burger has hints of ginger, mint and pistachio. Add the matchstick okra fries!
Fox Bros Bar-B-Q
There’s a line so get there early for delicious Southern-style barbecue. Try some chicken fried ribs, collards and the mouthwatering macaroni and cheese. This is a popular spot that pays off big in flavor!
Tiny Lou’s
Dine at the Clermont Hotel in a charming brasserie. From the intimate atmosphere to the French-American food, this restaurant doesn’t disappoint. A recommendation is the whole roasted sea bass.
West Egg Cafe
For truly scrumptious breakfast and lunch options, this restaurant is hard to beat. The specialty here is chicken fried biscuits. Other great choices include fried green tomatoes and pimento cheese grits.
Nuevo Laredo Cantina
No matter the day of the week, you’ll find crowds of folks enjoying margaritas and classic Mexican food at this Atlanta mainstay. For over 30 years the chile rellenos and tacos keep patrons coming back!
The Optimist
The lobster roll is what they are famous for but The Optimist has other fabulous seafood sure to tantalize the taste buds.The fabulous cocktails complement the creative seafood dishes.
Staple House
Giving in both flavor and charity this Old Fourth Ward restaurant gives part of its proceeds to the Giving Kitchen serving those in need.
Bread & Butterfly
Looking for a breakfast spot in Inman Park? This quaint eatery is a charming all-day bistro serving up buttery pastries and a daily omelet. Enjoy a cup of coffee on the patio.
Buttermilk Kitchen
Feel like you’re at Grandma’s house when you bite into some fluffy waffles. This popular eatery has outstanding service and generous breakfast portions!
Taqueria Del Sol
Margaritas and Mexican food meet the South in this friendly eatery. Easy price points for brisket enchiladas, fried fish tacos and queso mean you can enjoy to your heart’s content or maybe your stomach’s content!
Herban Fix
Finding a fabulous vegan meal isn’t a struggle when you head to this great establishment. Plant-based food with an Asian flare is done here. They rock “healthy delicious”.
The Funnel Cake Guys
You will be chasing down this food truck for funnel cakes topped with everything from fried brownies to peach cobbler. There’s even a funnel cake ice cream cone.These giant treats will definitely take care of any sweet tooth!
Bon Ton
From amazing cocktails to dynamic Vietnamese-Creole food, there’s plenty of great dining at this young Midtown restaurant. Gumbo, Applewood-smoked snow crab and lots of crawfish will have you coming back frequently!
Mary Mac’s Tea Room
Midtown has been the home of Mary Mac’s Tea Room since 1945. See why this long lasting restaurant draws in a crowd once you try the fried chicken, sweet potato soufflé or the fried green tomatoes.
Bacchalania
Farm-to-table is an understatement for this restaurant. With a garden outside bursting with fresh ingredients, you reap the rewards.
Ticonderoga Club
You’ve got to try the signature drink full of rum, cognac, sherry, pineapple, lemon and mint. Then move on to the delicious offerings of seafood or fabulous poultry including succulent duck.
Great Attractions for Atlanta Stay-cations
Watch the Georgia Hot Air Balloon Festival in Atlanta!
Georgia Aquarium
Imagine the largest aquarium in the world in your own backyard! The Georgia Aquarium is home to over 100,000 sea creatures including the whale sharks kept in a 6.3 million gallon tank.
Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield
Closer to Marietta is a Civil War battle site. The preserved area has information along with hiking trails to get closer and ponder the historical happenings of years gone by.
Stone Mountain Park
You can’t come to Atlanta without seeing huge Confederates carved in the world’s largest granite mountain. With 3,200 acres of park filled with laser shows to choreographed music, rides or hikes to the top of the mountain and the Crossroads family entertainment district, you can easily get lost in fun amusements.
Cloudland Canyon
This gorgeous state park in North Georgia is scenic. A deep gorge cut by Sitton Gulch Creek creates two waterfalls. Popular day trips here include beautiful hikes. For a longer stay, camp and enjoy the beauty of this area.
Federal Reserve of Atlanta
For a fun and different stay-cation adventure visit the Federal Reserve. This informative and interactive museum explains the Federal Reserve’s role on the economy. See the cash-processing operations and the automated vault and robotic transports.
The Varsity
The largest drive-in restaurant in the world is found in downtown Atlanta on over two acres. Serving up to 600 cars outside and 800 people inside you can be part of the daily service of more than two miles of hot dogs and 300 gallons of chili.
The CDC Museum
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) is stationed in Atlanta. Take a tour of the changing exhibits on public health topics. See how scientists employ detective work combined with high-tech science to solve the cases of mysterious diseases.
Six Flags
It’s hard to go wrong with the family with a trip to an amusement park. Six Flags is a popular Atlanta mainstay with adrenaline-pumping rides and entertainment. Add in the fun of water adventures at White Water.
Alpaca Treehouse
You definitely need reservations but this unique experience has you staying in secluded beauty amongst an alpaca habitat. Relax in luxury among the branches of the Bamboo Forest.
Shopping
Atlanta doesn’t disappoint when it comes to retail therapy. From farmers markets to upscale designer boutiques the ATL is a mecca of fun for those looking for clothing, furniture, jewelry and art.
Ponce City Market
This reuse creation has revitalized the former historic Sears, Roebuck & Company building into a multi-use area with retail, restaurants, office space and residential areas.The specialty shops offer everything from eco-conscious jewelry to paper goods to vintage goods. Relax with a cup of coffee or enjoy a fabulous cocktail at one of the great lounges or bars.
Phipps Plaza
You’re not going to find your trusty food court in this lush shopping plaza. Instead you will have more than 100 stores featuring the finest in clothing, jewelry and more. With Versace, Tiffany and Saks Fifth Avenue as a few of the fine retailers, plan to bring your credit card. Additionally, there’s a Legoland Discovery Center, theater and some upscale dining for you to enjoy.
Fantasyland Records
Vinyl is making a comeback and Fantasyland Records has a multitude of albums from every genre. This Buckhead store will have you enjoying some blues, rock, country and modern music. With bargain bins and music posters spend some time being nostalgic.
Sweet Auburn Curb Market
You’ll find loads of friendly vendors and local farmers selling their wares at this market. Martin Luther King Jr. grew up in this neighborhood. If you need a hard to find ingredient for your Southern comfort food recipe, they have you covered. With live crabs, rabbit, chitlins, collard greens and more you will be pleased with the variety. Enjoy some delicious food including burgers and burritos at restaurants found in the market.
Places of Worship
Find the right place of worship for you and your family in Atlanta.
Atlanta is a very diverse city , and has numerous places of worship that represent a wide range of faiths and religions.
Atlanta Christian Church
The Atlanta Christian Church offers rest for your soul. This welcoming community is easy to call home, and serves up free coffee on the sidewalk every Wednesday for anyone on their way to work or school in Home Park.
Al-Farooq Masjid of Atlanta
The Al-Farooq Masjid of Atlanta offers a religious school and a wide range of community outreach programs. The Masjid also runs one of the few Muslim cemeteries in the country.
Congregation Beth Jacob
Congregation Beth Jacob is an Orthodox Jewish community that offers a home to all Jews. It offers a wide array of continuing education classes, a youth program, and more.
Drepung Loseling Monastery
The Drepung Loseling Monastery is a hub for the study, preservation, and practice of Tibetan Buddhism.
Hindu Temple of Atlanta
The Hindu Temple of Atlanta has an iconic temple. It offers a welcoming community and a wide range of community events and worship services.
Ahavath Achim Synagogue
Ahavath Achim strives to create a Jewish community of purposeful and inclusive belonging.
Masjid Abu Bakar
Masjid Abu Bakar serves as the neighborhood mosque for students at Emory University and Downtown Atlanta. It offers a range of community services and outreach.
Sri Maha Lakshmi Temple of Atlanta
The Sri Maha Lakshmi Temple of Atlanta devotes itself to the Goddess Sri Maha Lakshmi, Lord Sri Venkateshawara, Lord Sri Ganapathi, and Sri Hanuman.
Kadampa Meditation Center of Georgia
The Kadampa Meditation Center of Georgia strives to be the face of modern Buddhism, offering timeless wisdom for our hectic world.
Peachtree Christian Church
Peachtree Chirsitan Church is a beautiful historic cathedral with a stunning chaple with sublime stained glass windows.
Other Georgia Resources
10 Most Affordable Cities in Georgia 20 Most Affordable States in 2021 Everything You Need to Know About Closing Costs in Georgia The 10 Best Places to Retire in Georgia in 2021 Best Master Planned Communities Near Atlanta First-Time Homebuyer Programs in Georgia Best Tiny Home Builders in Georgia Best Suburbs Near Atlanta, Georgia Top 10 Safest Cities in Georgia Moving To Atlanta? Check Out Our Relocation Guide
A lifelong educator, Julie Gordey, is a retired school administrator. After years of focusing on education, this University of Texas graduate now travels and enjoys freelance writing for BDX and NewHomeSource.com.