By Emily Guettler
You will want to immerse yourself in the liveliness of Atlanta after reading our 20 reasons to call this city home. Nicknamed the “city in the forest,” Atlanta allows you to enjoy the convenience and energy of city life while still finding the wholesome comfort of our Southern charm. From our world-renowned attractions to the booming art and music scene that foster creativity, the number of reasons for loving Atlanta are abundant. If you are thinking of making Atlanta your home, allow us to help stir up your excitement with the Top 20 reasons to love this city.
Originally named, “Terminus,” due to the city’s development at the end of the Western and Atlantic railroad line, the history of Atlanta dates to the early 1800’s and includes influential people and sites that continue to shape our city — and country. Visit historical sites such as Atlanta History Center, Oakland Cemetery, and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights to take a step back in time and learn about the rich history Atlanta’s cultural, political and social changes and how they have resonated around the world.
People travel from all over the world to visit our city’s attractions. Step into the World of Coca-Cola for a rare opportunity to try the beverage giant’s international flavors. Next door, you’ll find the Georgia Aquarium — one of the largest aquariums in the world — which houses more than 10,000 animals for visitors to view.
Being in a city does not always mean paying city prices. Quality of life is imperative when choosing a place to live, and Atlanta offers the most bang for your buck. According to Redfin Real Estate Brokerage, housing in Atlanta costs 17 percent less than the national average, healthcare costs two percent less and lifestyle costs 3 percent less, which ensures the quantity and quality lifestyle.
Calling all theater fans to Atlanta! Between travelling Broadway shows at the Fox Theatre or plays at Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse, your theatrical mind will always be entertained. Historic Fox Theatre opened in 1929 and hosts more than 200 shows each year, including Broadway classics like “Hamilton,” “Beetlejuice,” and “Wicked.” Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse is an Atlanta local theater where you can admire local performers on stage while grabbing a bite to eat to enjoy the show.
According to Metro Atlanta Chamber, Atlanta is becoming a leader in the cleantech industry. Ranked #1 for clean energy investments and projects since 2022, Atlanta is creating new advancements in solar energy, e-mobility, and sustainable fuel to continually improve our city’s infrastructure with over 800 cleantech firms. Along with a pilot hydrogen bus fleet being introduced by MARTA, Atlanta is getting cleaner with its energy one step at a time.
According to a study done by Coworking Café, Atlanta ranks #1 as the top U.S. large city for recent college graduates. Between our public transportation system and low cost of living, this city is perfect for a young person to thrive. With more than 60 colleges and universities around metro Atlanta, such as Georgia Tech, Georgia State University, Emory, Morehouse, and Kennesaw State University, Atlanta ranks #7 in the country as the best college town on WalletHub. We can see why.
The music scene of Atlanta is a vibrant and historic one. Our state and capital have fostered a multitude of musical icons across a vast range of genres, such as John Mayer, Usher, Arrested Development, and Ray Charles. Atlanta has made its mark on history with its cultural contributions to genres such as Southern Rock, hip-hop, and blues to create the trends that are topping Billboard charts today.
According to Atlanta’s Beltline, the 22-mile loop connecting 45 different neighborhoods is one of the nation’s largest urban development programs. The Beltline turned 20 years old in 2025 and has welcomed more than 2.5 million people each year to enjoy the environment, businesses, festivals, and art installations. You can always find something to do along the beltline whether it be walking on one of their 11 trails, or shopping and eating at one of the 6,000 businesses surrounding the line. There is something to do for everyone.
With 80 percent of the country’s population reachable within a two-hour flight, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is your premier hub for travel. It is coined the “Busiest Airport in the World,” with 2,700 arrivals and departures daily and has earned the distinction of being the first airport to have served more than 100 million passengers in one year. Atlanta’s airport also holds many awards, including the Business Traveler Award for North America’s Best Airport.
Hollywood has moved to Atlanta ever since the Georgia Entertainment Industry Investment Act went into place in 2005. The tax credits and incentives created have allowed the film industry to bring $4 billion a year to Georgia’s economy while creating countless jobs for locals. Productions such as “The Walking Dead,” “Stranger Things,” “Family Feud,” and “Black Panther” have all been filmed in metro Atlanta, creating a buzz around the city and boosting tourism.
Atlanta has been coined the “City in a Forest,” for its greenery and tree canopy. Tree coverage is important in urban areas to combat the heat island effect and to help conserve energy. According to a study by Trees Atlanta, 47.9 percent of land within Atlanta’s city limits was covered by urban tree development and 22.1 percent of land is covered in grass, plants and shrubs, making Atlanta a true forest within a city and the perfect place for someone who wants to live within an urban area without giving up greenery.
Even though Atlanta is inland, we still have amazing lakes for locals to enjoy, including Lake Lanier, Lake Oconee, Lake Arrowhead and more. With these man-made lakes only being a short drive away, we invite you to come and participate in an array of activities like water sports, boating, fishing and more. These local gems allow you to cool off from our hot summer days and to be close to nature.
With eight Michelin Star restaurants, cuisines from all around the world and busy farmers markets stocked with fresh produce, Atlanta is the city that will satisfy your every craving. Placing in the Top 15 best cities for food in the country according to WalletHub, Atlanta delights with Southern soul food, Korean BBQ, and classic peach desserts. Don’t forget to savor in all the flavors at the three-day Atlanta Food & Wine Festival (each September) where Atlanta showcases its rising culinary artists and beloved staples.
Atlanta is the perfect city that invites artists to showcase their talents. Atlanta is full of open mics to allow your creativity to shine. Stop by and sign up for poetry readings at places like Urban Grind, or play your original music at open mics such as Eddie’s Attic. Go pick up that mic and let Atlanta bring your dreams to life.
With more than 85 trails within the city of Atlanta, your desire for nature and exercise will always be met. Whether you are looking for a hike up Stone Mountain to take in the treetop views of the city, a waterfall view at Cascade Spring Nature Preserve or an easy, nature trail like Allatoona Pass, you will be met with serene terrain where mountains meet the city to create the perfect afternoon of outdoor fun.
Atlanta is every shopper’s dream — between its traditional malls, outdoor plazas and boutique pop ups, this city has everything you’re looking for. Come check out Ponce City Market with its open-air shopping experience and rooftop playground; head over to Lenox Square or Phipps Plaza, known for their selection of luxury stores; and explore the vintage and antique scenes Atlanta has to offer. Whatever you like, our city has you covered.
Atlanta is a sports fan’s dream, home to many professional teams, including the Braves, the Falcons, the Hawks, and Atlanta United. With world-renowned stadiums, parks and arenas, Atlanta welcomes all fans and sports lovers. Our city is known worldwide as a hub for sports, with tourists coming from all over this summer to watch Atlanta host eight matches of the FIFA World Cup 26TM.
Your weekends are guaranteed to be filled with Atlanta’s year-round festival scene. Residents and visitors from all over can enjoy music festivals such as the Sweetwater 420 Fest or the Atlanta Jazz Festival. Don’t forget to indulge in a neighborhood food fest or chili cook-off and stop by in August to enjoy the culture of the Piedmont Park Arts Festival. No matter the time of year, Atlanta has got you covered.
The MARTA rail line is improving quality of life by making your commute a breeze. With just a 20-minute ride from the airport to downtown, or a 35-minute ride to Buckhead, the city is always at your fingertips. MARTA is expanding all the time with the More MARTA Atlanta Program, working with the city to build a larger network of public transportation with light rail, bus rapid transit, and arterial rapid transit. Coupled with Atlanta’s Beltline and highway system, moving around the city is simple and easy.
Atlanta is widely known as the tennis capital of the country. Home to the Atlanta Lawn Tennis Association (ALTA) and their 60,000 members, ALTA exhibits their devotion to league play throughout the city. Created in 1934, ALTA is now recognized around the world for its purpose of developing tennis tournaments throughout the Atlanta area. With over 100 tennis courts placed throughout the city and the growing love and support of this popular sport, Atlanta is the perfect place to practice your serve.
