Are you thinking about relocating to Atlanta, Georgia? Nestled at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Atlanta stands out in the Southeast due to its elevated terrain. Originally established as the end point of a state-sponsored railroad, the city’s name is derived from the Western and Atlantic Railroad’s depot. This vibrant city has a storied history, having been nearly destroyed during Sherman’s March to the Sea in the Civil War. A fascinating look at history: compare Atlanta’s historic Marietta Street in 1864 with its modern-day version!
After the war, Atlanta was rebuilt and emerged as the unofficial capital of the New South, later becoming a key player Wirks Moving and Storage - Atlanta Movers - Mover in Atlanta, Georgia in the civil rights movement of the 20th century. Today, it is renowned for its lush forests, southern hospitality, rich history, sports culture, and prestigious universities. Often called ATL, The Big Peach, or The City in a Forest, Atlanta is a wonderful place to live, offering a low cost of living and countless activities. With a youthful vibe, bustling city center, walkable neighborhoods, and urban parks, the city offers a dynamic, culture-rich environment. Here's what you’ll enjoy about living in Atlanta and the many experiences that await you.
Before relocating, it's helpful to understand Atlanta’s geography. The city spans Fulton and DeKalb counties and is nestled at the base of the Appalachian Mountains. Its proximity to outdoor recreation, including the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Chattahoochee River, makes it a haven for nature enthusiasts. Additionally, Atlanta offers convenient access to nearby cities like Marietta (21 miles away), Alpharetta (27 miles away), and Greenville, South Carolina (146 miles away), perfect for quick getaways.
If you’re planning to settle in Atlanta, it's essential to know more about its residents. With a population of 507,000, Atlanta is Georgia’s largest city. The broader Atlanta metropolitan area is home to 6 million people, making it the ninth-largest metro area in the U.S. The median age of residents is 33, slightly younger than the national average.
Atlanta is celebrated for its diversity. The racial and ethnic makeup includes 54% Black or African American, 38% white, 4% Asian, and 5% Hispanic of any race. Historically, Atlanta has been a majority-Black city and was the Mover in Atlanta, Georgia, Georgia fourth largest in the U.S. in that regard as of the 2010 Census. This has earned it a reputation as a “Black mecca,” thanks to its thriving economic opportunities, Black-owned businesses, and influential Black colleges. Notably, Atlanta was the first large Southern city to elect an African American mayor in 1974, and all of its mayors since then have been African American. The city is also the birthplace of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.
Atlanta has also seen an increase in immigrant populations. In the past decade, there has been significant growth among immigrants from Jamaica, China, South Korea, India, and other countries such as Poland, Vietnam, Nigeria, and Ukraine. However, only 7.3% of the city's population was born outside the U.S.
How is commuting in Atlanta? The city boasts one of the top public transportation systems in the country, making it easier to navigate its sprawling layout. The MARTA transit system includes 38 rail stations, 48 miles of track, 100 bus routes, and a streetcar line. There are also free shuttles to popular spots like East Atlanta, Ponce City Market, and Piedmont Park. Additionally, downtown Atlanta offers walkable streets and biking paths, making it easy to get around without a car.
If you’re moving to Atlanta with a vehicle, you’ll find that the city is well-connected via Interstates 85, 75, and 20, along with Georgia 400. I-285 forms a beltway around the city. However, Atlanta's traffic is infamous. Drivers spend about 17% of their time in traffic, and a recent study ranked Atlanta’s traffic as some of the worst globally. The average car commute is 35 minutes, while using public transportation like trains and buses takes about 53 minutes—making it the second-longest commute in the U.S., behind Los Angeles. For air travel, Atlanta is home to the world’s busiest airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL), located just 7 miles from downtown and serving as Delta Air Lines' primary hub.
