So you’re moving to Atlanta? Well, get excited because there is no shortage of amazing things to see, do and eat there! Regardless of what your interests are, you’re in for a fun-filled next chapter of your life.
Where to live in Atlanta
First things first, where to live? Atlanta has a diverse mix of urban and suburban neighborhoods that can accommodate just about any pace – and stage – of life.
Millennials
U.S. News recently ranked Atlanta in the top 125 Best Places to Live in the USA for 2019. Not surprising, as Atlanta is in many ways the cultural and economic hub of the South. A wealth of job opportunities, a vibrant arts and entertainment scene, and a fairly low cost of living – compared to other major cities – makes Atlanta a no-brainer for young professionals.
Atlanta’s housing market attracts both homeowners and renters alike, and popular neighborhoods for millennials include the following:
- East Atlanta Village
- Inman Park
- Midtown
- Grant Park
- Atlantic Station
- Buckhead
- Decatur
- Old Fourth Ward (aka O4W)
- Virginia Highlands
- Cabbagetown
- Kirkwood
Young Families
For all the excitement that downtown Atlanta has to offer, there are a number of amazing suburbs outside the city where young families can flourish. On top of that, Atlanta has some of the best school systems in the state. The question is, which area is best for you and your family?
Popular areas around Atlanta for young families include the following:
- Roswell
- Alpharetta
- Dunwoody
- Cobb County
- Ball Ground
- Bremen
- Marietta
- Carrollton
- Sandy Springs
Empty Nesters
Atlanta is a city where empty nesters can find a variety of activities to keep them busy, not to mention, a number of housing options available to them. Many new development projects can be found both downtown and in the surrounding, more suburban, counties.
Empty nesters may want to consider homes in these communities:
- The Atlantic Midtown
- Village at Deaton Creek
- Cresswind at Lake Lanier
- Del Webb at Chateau Elan
What to do in Atlanta
Museums and Historical Sites
Ebenezer Baptist Church
The Ebenezer Baptist Church is one of many historical sites in the Atlanta area that has ties to the civil rights leader, Martin Luther King, Jr. King was baptized as a child here and eventually served as co-pastor of the church with his father. To learn more, visit www.historicebenezer.org.
Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site
The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site is one of the city’s most popular tourist destinations. The site, which encompasses several city blocks, is comprised of the places where Dr. King was born, lived, worked, worshiped and is buried. This national historic site is run by the National Park Service and contains educational and cultural experiences that appeal to both children and adults. To plan your visit, go to https://www.nps.gov/malu/.
Center for Civil and Human Rights
The Center for Civil and Human Rights, located in downtown Atlanta, connects the American Civil Rights Movement to the contemporary struggle for human rights around the world. The 42,000 square-foot facility contains engaging interactive exhibits, including personal effects that belonged to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. For more information, visit https://www.civilandhumanrights.org/.
Margaret Mitchell House
The Margaret Mitchell House is where the Pulitzer Prize winning novelist wrote Gone with the Wind. Today the house contains a visitor center and museum, which highlights the story of Margaret Mitchell, the writing of her book and the making of the movie. For more information, visit http://www.atlantahistorycenter.com/explore/destinations/margaret-mitchell-house.
Oakland Cemetery
This six-acre cemetery is the final resting place of many of Atlanta’s historic figures. The large green space may pique the interest of historians as well as those interested in art and architecture. From Victorian and Greek Revival to Gothic and Egyptian, the cemetery contains a variety of architectural styles. Notable figures laid to rest here include Margaret Mitchell, Bobby Jones, Bishop Wesley John Gaines and six former Georgia governors. For more information, visit http://www.oaklandcemetery.com/.
Children’s Museum of Atlanta
This museum is one-of-a-kind in Atlanta, and its mission is “to change the world by sparking every child’s imagination, sense of discovery and learning through the power of play.” The museum was founded in 1988 and is a non-profit organization. The museum has nine focus areas that include arts, engineering, mathematics, and science. For more information, visit https://childrensmuseumatlanta.org/our-purpose/.
World of Coca-Cola
Atlanta is home to the World of Coca-Cola, a “museum” dedicated to exploring one of the world’s most well-known brands. At World of Coca-Cola, visitors can see a functioning bottle line and taste over 100 different Coca-Cola beverages from around the world. Visitors can also meet the well-known Coca-Cola Polar Bear and get their picture taken with it. For more information, visit https://www.worldofcoca-cola.com/.
Theaters and Music Venues
Infinite Energy Center
This 90-acre lakefront and multipurpose campus includes a 13,000-seat arena, a 708-seat theater, several meeting rooms, an exhibit hall and a grand ballroom. Infinite Energy Center hosts concerts and performances, trade shows, conventions, banquets, sports events and more. The versatile campus even hosts games for the East Coast Hockey League’s Atlanta Gladiators, the National Lacrosse League’s Georgia Swarm and has hosted the NCAA Women’s Gymnastics Championships. For upcoming events and information on renting the space, visit www.infiniteenergycenter.com.
Fox Theater
The Fox Theater is one of Atlanta’s premier venues for live entertainment from big names in music to Broadway shows and well-known productions like “Annie” and “Phantom of the Opera.” Need an event space? The theater also serves as the perfect venue for any extravagant event with its Arcade entrance, Arabian Grand Salon and Egyptian-themed salon. For more information and upcoming shows, visit http://foxtheatre.org.
Blind Willie’s
This award-winning venue is an Atlanta staple and was voted Best Blues Club, Readers’ Pick and Critics’ Pick, for eight years. Blind Willie’s even made it to E! Online’s top-ten Blues Clubs in America! For blues, brews and Cajun food, visit http://www.blindwilliesblues.com.
Buckhead Theatre
For decades, the Buckhead Theatre has hosted a variety of musical performances, private events, civic events and more. The extensive marble bar, full kitchen and 7,000-square-feet banquet room make Buckhead Theatre a great space for any private event. For more information, visit http://www.thebuckheadtheatre.com.
The Tabernacle
Once a Baptist church with more than 4,000 members, The Tabernacle hosts a variety of live performances. For a luxury experience, this venue offers a private room and package deal where guests can skip the line and enjoy a show in a secluded lounge with full-service food and drinks. For more information, visit http://www.tabernacleatl.com.
State Farm Arena
State Farm Arena hosts an array of shows and events for all ages, including live performances by some of music’s biggest acts. The arena is also the home court to the Atlanta Hawks basketball team and the Atlanta Dream, the three-time Eastern Conference WNBA Champions. For more information about upcoming events, visit http://www.statefarmarena.com.
Ameris Bank Amphitheatre
Ameris Bank Amphitheatre is set on nearly 45 acres of wooded landscape with both covered seating and a general admission lawn area, offering a unique musical experience. The amphitheater has hosted live performances by musical acts like the Steve Miller Band and Dave Matthews Band to the Atlanta Symphony. For more information and upcoming shows, visit http://www.vzwamp.com.
Dining
Fine Dining
Being the de facto capital of the South, Atlanta is home to many of the region’s fine dining destinations. Bacchanallia, one of Atlanta’s most-celebrated restaurants, offers an ever-changing seasonal menu of American cuisine. Chefs serve only fresh, organic ingredients, many of which are sourced from Summerland Farm, the owners’ local farm. A must-try for any steak lover, Bones provides only the finest service, steaks and seafood. They’ve even received the Best of Atlanta Steakhouse Award each year running for the past sixteen years, not to mention they’ve been listed as one of OpenTable’s top 100 restaurants in America, along with three other Atlanta restaurants. Located in the upscale retail area, Westside Provisions District, Marcel serves classic American cuisine in an ornate setting filled with antique chandeliers and vintage fine china. The atmosphere and handmade preparations of the steak, seafood and cocktails are a throwback to a simpler, more romantic time.
Casual Dining
Atlanta is known for its Southern cooking with a number of casual options around town. The last of sixteen tea rooms popular to Atlanta in the 1940s, Mary Mac’s Tea Room has been setting the standard for Southern cooking for over 70 years, serving made-from-scratch fare served with genuine Southern hospitality. If you’re in a hurry, pull up to the world’s largest drive-in restaurant, The Varsity, for a highly unique experience and delicious fast food. Don’t leave without trying their legendary onion rings and chili cheese dogs.
Breweries/Wineries
Atlanta is home to some of the South’s – and country’s – best breweries. SweetWater Brewing Co. is probably the most well-known one, and rightfully so. You can pick up SweetWater’s six packs virtually anywhere, but visit the brewery for tours and specialty beers you can’t find anywhere else. Newer additions like Torched Hop and Scofflaw Brewing Co. have further established Atlanta as one of the South’s premier beer destinations. Old 4th Distillery, located in downtown, is Atlanta’s first legal distillery. They still make some of the best craft spirits around and offer tours to see how they do it. Most people wouldn’t associate wineries with major cities, but Château Élan Winery shatters that misconception handily. Just north of the city, Château Élan not only makes incredible wine, it’s also a full resort with golf, European spa services and meeting facilities.
Shopping
Atlantic Station
Atlantic Station is a neighborhood that values life as it used to be: simple. Various housing options intertwined in a restaurant and shopping center allow residents to run errands or dine out without the need for a car. The neighborhood is home to retailers, restaurants, doctors’ offices, gyms, spas and a movie theatre. Atlantic Station is a one-stop destination designed to meet all of your needs. For more information, visit https://www.atlanticstation.com/.
Avalon
Located in the heart of Alpharetta, Avalon is a community of retailers, restaurants, office spaces and apartments, designed to create a seamless all-in-one living destination. Shopping options include Anthropologie, Crate & Barrel and Orvis, while dining options such as Ted’s Montana Grill and Bocado Burger appeal to even those who don’t live in the area. For more information, visit https://www.experienceavalon.com/.
Mall of Georgia
The Mall of Georgia is a shopping destination made to satisfy a variety of styles and tastes. Known for its size, the Mall of Georgia offers an indoor shopping mall as well as an outdoor entertainment venue and several full-service restaurants such as P.F. Chang’s and Marlow’s Tavern. For more information, visit https://www.simon.com/mall/mall-of-georgia.
Lenox Square Mall
Known for its wide variety of shopping options, Lenox Square is home to over 250 stores including Prada, Apple, J.Crew and Burberry. After a full day of shopping, the dining choices in the mall will satisfy any appetite with restaurant options like The Cheesecake Factory, California Pizza Kitchen, Chipotle and of course, Starbucks. For more information, visit https://www.simon.com/mall/lenox-square.
Ponce City Market
Located in the former Sears, Roebuck & Co. Building, Ponce City Market has a “new vintage” feel to it. Brick and beams have been left exposed, but they’re mixed with pops of color and modern shops. Ponce City Market includes many restaurants, shops, office spaces and even apartments. The versatile building prides itself on being a gathering place for all of its surrounding neighbors. For more information, visit https://poncecitymarket.com/.
Phipps Plaza
Phipps Plaza, located near downtown Atlanta, boasts over 100 luxury shops, including Tiffany & Co., Louis Vuitton, Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue. Not in the mood to shop? Phipps also houses an AMC movie theatre and LEGOLAND attraction! Enjoy the mall year-round with the convenience of valet parking. For more information, visit https://www.simon.com/mall/phipps-plaza.
Outdoor Activities
Six Flags Over Georgia
Six Flags Over Georgia offers a complete one-stop entertainment destination with industry-leading thrill rides, water attractions, themed areas, children’s areas, parades, concerts and shows, restaurants, games and merchandise outlets. An agreement with DC Comics and Warner Bros. Consumer Products allows Six Flags the exclusive theme park rights to many of the world’s greatest cartoon characters and superheroes. There is something for everyone at Six Flags! To plan your trip today, visit www.sixflags.com/overgeorgia.
Centennial Olympic Park
The Centennial Olympic Park is one of the top convention, sports and entertainment campuses in the world. Located in the heart of downtown Atlanta, the park supports a thriving live-work-play district that now includes popular attractions such as the Georgia Aquarium, Center for Civil and Human Rights, College Football Hall of Fame and World of Coca-Cola, as well as residential developments, new hotels, nightlife and restaurants. See what the legacy of the 1996 Summer Olympics has to offer today at www.gwcca.org/park.
Stone Mountain Park
With 3,200 acres of natural beauty just outside Atlanta, the Stone Mountain Park offers outdoor adventures for all ages. From a hike on 15 miles of wooded nature trails to teeing off on one of two beautiful Georgia golf courses with breathtaking views and golf pro shops, there is something for every outdoor enthusiast. Explore lodging, dining, retail, memberships and more at www.stonemountainpark.com.
Lake Lanier
Lake Lanier is located outside of Atlanta in Gainesville and offers many outdoor and water activities. Boating, fishing, hiking, water sports and beach relaxation cover only a few types of fun the lake has to offer. Enjoy waterfront dining or shopping too, and see what events are coming up at www.discoverlakelanier.com.
Seasonal Events
Music Midtown
Each fall, thousands come out to Piedmont Park for a two-day music festival, complete with local food vendors, selfie booths, private lounges and more. The event attracts dozens of big-name artists, including recent headliners like The Killers, Post Malone and Twenty One Pilots. For this year’s dates and more information, visit https://www.musicmidtown.com.
Dogwood Festival
For more than 80 years, the Atlanta Dogwood Festival has brought people of all ages together for the annual spring event when the dogwood trees’ flowers are in full bloom. The festival has live music, a kids village and a fine arts market, which includes sculptures, paintings, jewelry and much more. Be sure to come hungry and ready for fun! For more information, visit http://www.dogwood.org.
Yellow Daisy Festival
Escape the city at one of the top three arts & crafts shows in the nation. Sunshine Artist Magazine puts on this four-day event in Stone Mountain Park at the end of each summer. More than 400 artists and crafters from across the country display their work. Enjoy live entertainment and activities for all ages while you browse. For more information, visit http://www.stonemountainpark.com.
Peachtree Road Race
Runners grab your race gear! For nearly five decades, the Atlanta Track Club has organized the Peachtree Road Race, the largest 10K race in the world, held annually on Independence Day. The race festivities include activities for both racers and supporters. For more information, visit http://www.atlantatrackclub.org/peachtree.
Are you excited yet? You should be! Whenever you’re ready to start planning your move to Atlanta, we’re here to help! Visit Hilldrup.com to schedule a free in-home move estimate.