The metro area of Atlanta is currently the fourth fastest growing area in the country. It has a diverse community, reasonably affordable housing, and a booming economy, it is no wonder why thousands of people are moving to the Atlanta area from all over the nation. It is easy to fall for the abundant green space, decades of rich history, and award-winning restaurants and cuisine. Atlanta has some of the highest job growth, best businesses, and some of the best and most desirable neighborhoods.
What you Need to Know About Atlanta
Before we tell you about all the best neighborhoods and communities there are in the Atlanta metro area, we will first tell you about the need-to-know details about living in Atlanta.
What is the population of Atlanta, Georgia?
Currently, Atlanta is the ninth largest metropolitan area in the U.S., with a population nearing 5.8 million residents. And it does not look like it will be slowing down anytime soon. Researchers are predicting that this large Georgia city will be seeing major population growth in the next two decades.
The ARC (Atlanta Regional Commission) is predicting that by 2040 it will add another 2.5 million people within the 10-county metro area. To put that into perspective, that would be the size of the entire city of Charlotte, North Carolina. What is even more shocking is that they are predicting a half million will be living within the Atlanta city limits, doubling the current population.
“We were one of three metropolitan areas over the last decade to have more than 1 million people,” notes the ARC official Mike C. “If you look at the recent past, Atlanta is one of the best and fastest growing cities and surrounding areas in the nation.”
Economy in Atlanta
If you are a young professional looking to start their career, then Atlanta is one of the top destinations. This is especially true for new entrepreneurs, artists, creatives, tech industry, and African American young professionals. Atlanta is expected to add another 1.5 million jobs by 2040, making Atlanta perfect for those that are career minded.
The cost of living in Atlanta is reasonable compared to other larger cities like Los Angeles or New York. You will be able to find a nice home on a large lot, or if you are looking to build then the prices are not very high as well. Renting is also popular in Atlanta; the average apartment is around $1,500 per month. Despite the urban environment, it has ample greenspace which makes it pleasant.
If you are looking to work for a Fortune 500 company, Atlanta is ranked number three for these types of companies. Surprisingly, there are 16 out of 18 of the Fortune 500 companies’ headquarters based in Georgia can be found in Atlanta. Some of these companies are Home Depot, Aflac, UPS, Delta Airlines, and Mercedes-Benz.
Is Atlanta Safe?
In the past, Atlanta has had the reputation of being a dangerous place to live. Despite this reputation, Atlanta has a large variety of safe neighborhoods. Atlanta’s public safe has improved a lot, which in means that the safety of the residents has gotten much better. The Metro Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority also know as MARTA has be renovated and is very clean and safe.
Also, the number of violent crimes is on the decline in Atlanta. Other metro areas such as Chicago, Detroit, and Memphis have significantly higher crime rates and are also increasing.
Weather in Atlanta
Georgia, including Atlanta, is known for its humid summers. The rest of the year is pleasant with mild temperatures. The average temperature in the ATL is around 70 degrees, with its rainy season in the spring and fall, and you may see the occasional snow in the winter.
Due to the mild weather, Atlanta is perfect for outdoor festivals, public parks, and sporting events. You will notice that many residents have home gardens where they are growing tropical plants, vegetables, and more on their property.
Education in Atlanta
When it comes to schooling, Atlanta has a large variety of public, charter, and private schools to choose. Atlanta does have some notable colleges such as Georgia State University, Georgia Tech, and Emory University. It is also home to the women’s liberal arts school, Agnes Scott College.
Atlanta also has some unique offerings for education including The Adaptive Learning Center for preschoolers with special needs, The Global Village Project, and college-preparatory schools.
Best Places to Live in Atlanta
Atlanta can be simplified down to its suburbs, each one of them have their vibe, charm, and neighbors. There is a neighborhood no matter if you are a young professional, looking to raise a family, or just looking for somewhere to plant your roots. Atlanta has the perfect niche for everyone. Here are the best places to live in Atlanta.
Virginia Highland
Virginia Highland also known as VaHi, combines the small-town charm with vibrant city living. Located east of downtown Atlanta, it consists of distinct villages that are all connected by walkable blocks. It is one of Atlanta’s most sought-after place to live.
Due to the location Virginia Highland, it offers numerous attractions. Some of these attractions include Ponce City Market, Beltline, and Piedmont Park. It is also the most popular place in Atlanta for art, dining, shopping, and of course its nightlife.
Average home price: $750,000
Average rent: $1,801 per month
Neighbors: Students, artists, and families
Known for: Comfortable nightlife, family-friendly, eclectic, and charming.
Buckhead
This is one of the biggest upscale neighborhoods in Atlanta. Buckhead is known as the Beverly Hills of the South. Located north of Brookhaven and Midtown, this is a very prestigious area. Buckhead also has Atlanta’s largest shopping districts, homes to both big name stores and boutiques at Lenox Square, The Shops Buckhead Atlanta, and Phipps Plaza.
If you are looking for top quality schooling for your children, then Buckhead is the ideal stop for you. The homes may be up there in price, you will be able to find a wide variety of modern single condos and larger estates.
Average home price: $1,000,000
Average rent: $1,990 per month
Neighbors: Celebrities, athletes, affluent
Known for: Celebrity sightings, shopping, rich history, and nightlife.
Old Fourth Ward
This is one of Atlanta’s hippest new communities. Old Fourth Ward is the perfect destination for first-time homebuyers, students, and young professionals. This neighborhood is located south of Midtown and east of Downtown, this neighborhood is having a resurgence thank to the Ponce Market and Beltline, bringing in new retail and dining. Old Fourth Ward is also very friendly for bike and pedestrian traffic.
The Old Fourth Ward was where Martin Luther King Jr. grew up. It was originally the place to be and live in the 19th century. Since then, the Old Fourth Ward has undergone a revitalization, but staying true to its roots.
Average home price: $350,000
Average rent: $1,740 per month
Neighbors: Artists, young professionals
Know for: Public parks, hip neighborhood, recent resurgence
Midtown
If you are looking for convenience, then you will find it in Midtown. This is Atlanta’s cultural epicenter and one of the most desirable places to live in the city. This neighborhood offers easy access to parks, Midtown Arts District, transportation, and a large variety of restaurants.
When looking for a home you will find them ranging from modern condos to old-style Victorian homes. Midtown has ample walkways and bike paths, in which makes it convenient for all the attractions just around the corner.
Average home price: $700,000
Average rent: $1,930 per month
Neighbors: Empty nesters, professionals
Known for: vibrant community, thriving arts scene, and commercial business district.
Druid Hills
This original streetcar suburb is on of Atlanta’s most prestigious neighborhoods. Fredrick Law Olmstead has one of his most famous landscape in this neighborhood. He has designed landscapes for New York’s Central Park, U.S. Capitol, and Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina.
Druid Hills is populated with Atlanta’s elites, who love the quiet area with beautiful landscapes. Located just five miles from Downtown Atlanta, it has some of the area’s top schools and is home to just over 15,000 residents. If you are looking for an upscale neighborhood then look no further than Druid Hills.
Average home price: $600,000
Average rent: $1,757 per month
Neighbors: Affluent, professionals, public officials
Known for: beautiful landscapes, architecture, upscale area.