What Are the Pros and Cons of Living in Atlanta?

Situated right in the heart of the South, there’s a lot to love about the vibrant and charming city of Atlanta, GA. The city draws in thousands of new residents each year, thanks to its fascinating cultural atmosphere, strong job market, and plenty of entertainment to keep the whole family happy. But is Atlanta the right fit for you? Here are some of the main pros and cons of living in Atlanta.

Fun Facts About Atlanta

• The population of Atlanta is just over 498,700.
• Coca-Cola was invented in Atlanta, and The World of Coca-Cola Museum offers the perfect interactive glimpse into how this drink came to be.
• Also referred to as the “Hollywood of the South,” Atlanta is a hotspot for film and TV production.
• Atlanta is the birthplace of Martin Luther King Jr., a prominent civil rights leader.
• From the Atlanta Jazz Festival to the Atlanta Film Festival, there’s always a way to engage with the community in the city.
• The High Museum of Art is great for art enthusiasts who appreciate contemporary artwork from all over the world.

Moving to Atlanta — Pros and Cons

Is Atlanta a good place to live? Absolutely! Home to quite the unique culture full of opportunity, fun attractions, great cuisines, and an exciting nightlife scene, there’s always something new to discover. But while there’s a lot to love about Atlanta, there are also downsides to consider. To get the best feel for whether or not the city is right for you, here are the main pros and cons of living in Atlanta!

1. Pro: There’s Culture Galore.

Atlanta is well known for hosting entertaining and notable festivals, and you'll find a wide range of events happening throughout the city every week of the year! For instance, you can enjoy music festivals like Music Midtown and the Atlanta Jazz Festival or other cultural events like the Atlanta Greek Festival. You can even explore art throughout the historic areas listed on the Atlanta Street Art Map.

2. Con: Traffic Is a Major Drawback.

Atlanta is known for its bad traffic, particularly during rush hour throughout the week. The massive amount of vehicles on the road and the city's complex layout make it difficult for commuters to get around efficiently, resulting in delays that can affect their daily routines. Despite minor efforts to improve its transportation infrastructure, many residents still prefer to drive when commuting throughout the city, and traffic continues to be one of the biggest downsides out of all the pros and cons of living in Atlanta. 

3. Pro: There’s a Diverse Job Market With Lots of Opportunities.

The city has plenty of job opportunities for individuals looking for work or to grow their existing careers. While Atlanta is a bustling center for big businesses, young professionals can still achieve their goals, even if it means starting from scratch. The healthcare, film, and technology sectors are some of the industries that are thriving in this area, and some of the major companies that are based in the city include Emory University and The Coca-Cola Company.

MARTA — the city’s public transportation provider — only has limited bus and rail service.
(Source: MARTA via Facebook)

4. Con: Public Transportation Is Lacking.

Although you can walk to work if you reside within the downtown area of Atlanta, you'll still need to rely on a car to get anywhere else. The area has a transit score of 44, a walk score of 48, and a bike score of 42. And MARTA — the city’s public transportation provider — only has limited bus and rail service. Needless to say, the sprawling population and lack of public transportation options makes commuting quite the challenge.

5. Pro: There Are Beautiful, Diverse Neighborhoods All Around.

A city becomes much more desirable when it offers a variety of top-notch neighborhoods, and you can certainly find your fair share of options in the Atlanta area! Each neighborhood offers its own special character, with plenty of cultural activities and outdoor experiences to enjoy. And don’t forget the diverse cuisines!

Take a look at some of the best-rated neighborhoods in Atlanta:

Midtown

The vibrant lifestyle of Midtown Atlanta is complemented by the serenity of Piedmont Park and the many art galleries and museums offered, including the High Museum of Art. And as one of the most entertainment-friendly areas in the city, you can’t miss out on Peachtree Street. 

Virginia-Highland

The Virginia-Highland neighborhood is a trendy area that combines the charm of a small town with the advantages of a large city. Some of its prominent features include close access to the BeltLine, John Howell Park, and Piedmont Park — this neighborhood is the place to be for those who like to stay active! And it’s also known for its beautiful bungalow homes and attractions like the Plaza Theater.

Old Fourth Ward

Located between Interstate 85 and Boulevard NE near the birthplace of Martin Luther King, Jr., the neighborhood of Old Fourth Ward is known for its history and culture. The area is also becoming a trendy part of Atlanta. It has several hip restaurants and stores, as well as hotspots such as the Ponce City Market.

6. Con: The Weather Can Be Unpredictable — and Very Humid.

The weather in Atlanta varies, depending on the season, with frequent rain and temperature changes during the summer and spring. While some find it enjoyable, others might find it hard to handle such extremes. Heat waves that occur in the summer can cause discomfort — especially when you add in the high humidity.

Atlanta's numerous parks offer residents places to escape the urban jungle.
(Source: Discover Atlanta via Facebook)

7. Pro: An Abundance of Green Spaces Means You Can Escape the Hustle and Bustle.

Atlanta's numerous parks offer residents places to escape the urban jungle. Its extensive park system gives people plenty of opportunities to relax and engage in various outdoor activities, as well. Some of the city's most popular parks include the Centennial Olympic Park and Piedmont Park. The Chattahoochee River and Stone Mountain are also ideal for tubing, river rafting, and hiking and are located in Atlanta's suburbs.

8. Con: The Atlanta Cost of Living Is High.

Atlanta has a cost of living score of 113.3, which is higher than both the national and state average. Specifically, the cost of living in Atlanta is 13.3 percent higher than the U.S. average and 19.9 percent higher than the state average. 

Is Atlanta a good place to live for young adults? While the city has a lot to offer young professionals, both career- and entertainment-wise, it’s important to consider the higher cost of living. If you’re a single adult making $53,700 annually, for example, you could maintain the same quality of living in another city in the state, like Savannah, for $47,000 instead. 

Is Atlanta a good place to live for families? The city has a lot to offer families, from local attractions to top-notch school districts. However, the cost of living can be difficult to manage for some. A family of four with two working adults maintaining the Atlanta standard cost of living by making around $115,000 could have the same lifestyle for around $102,000 in Savannah. 

9. Pro: Travelers Can Easily Go Wherever They Want With ATL’s Airport.

Having access to one of the world's largest airports is a great benefit, especially for those who like to travel often or who need to travel for work. You can travel all across the globe and reach your destination in just a couple of hours, as well as connecting to various cities in the U.S. and beyond via a nonstop flight — how could you go wrong with such convenience? The Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport truly offers it all for the avid travelers. 

10. Con: Crime Is a Serious Issue.

According to NeighborhoodScout, Atlanta has one of the highest crime rates in the entire country. Your chances of being a victim of violent or property crime in the city is approximately 1 in 21, which is much higher than average. It’s also estimated that over 94 percent of other communities in the state have lower crime rates than Atlanta. Keep in mind, however, that the majority of the crime happens in certain areas — just like any other city. Some of the safest neighborhoods in the city include Club Forest and Brookhaven. 

11. Pro: There’s a Variety of Entertainment Experiences Available.

Along with its festivals, Atlanta is known for its wide variety of cultural attractions, including museums, music venues, and theaters. Some of the most prominent of these are the Fox Theatre, the High Museum of Art, and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Other notable landmarks across the city include the Martin Luther King, Jr., National Historical Park and the World of Coca-Cola World museum. Looking for some laughter in Atlanta? From Dad’s Garage to the Village Theatre, you’ll never miss an opportunity for a fun night out at one of Atlanta’s best comedy clubs!

12. Con: Property Taxes Are Rising.

Although property taxes in Atlanta aren't as high as other major cities across the country, they can still have a significant impact on a person's financial situation. A 2023 property tax analysis conducted by ATTOM (a real estate data solutions company) revealed that the average property tax in the U.S. increased by about seven percent for single-family homes. The fifth-largest increase overall in property taxes was reported in Atlanta, with a 15.2-percent rise.

As the sun sets, the evening begins to feel lively in Atlanta's bars, clubs, and music venues.
(Source: Discover Atlanta via Facebook)

13. Pro: You Can Easily Enjoy a Night Out in the City After a Delectable Dining Experience. 

The city of Atlanta is known for its unique flavors and cuisine, all the way from barbeque to international palettes. Try Fat Matt's Rib Shack for some of the best BBQ in the city, or options like Grand China if you're in the mood for some delectable Asian flavors. 

As the sun sets, the evening begins to feel lively in Atlanta's bars, clubs, and music venues, as well. From outdoor patios and live music to scenic rooftop views and bottle service, there's a spot for anyone to enjoy a night out in the city. Check out Rooftop LOA, for example, for the best skyline views or Barcelona Wine Bar for a classic outdoor patio experience. 

14. Con: Watch Out for Poor Air Quality.

Atlanta can periodically experience unhealthy air quality due to the accumulation of particulate matter and smog caused by industrial activities and traffic. This can pose health risks to people with respiratory issues, and residents should take particular precautions and make sure to double check the weather to ensure they are safe during outdoor activities. 

15. Pro: Anyone Can Get a Quality Education in Atlanta.

Families considering a move to Atlanta can feel assured that their children will receive a quality education at one of the various school districts within the city. The City Schools of Decatur and Cobb County Schools are among the best public school districts in the city, while The Westminster Schools and Pace Academy rank as some of the best private schools. Those seeking higher education options in Atlanta can choose from schools like the Georgia Institute of Technology, which is well known for its research efforts, or Emory University, which is known for its undergraduate nursing program.

16. Con: There Are Bugs, Bugs, and More Bugs!

If you’re one of those people who attracts mosquitoes, you’re definitely going to have to deal with them as a resident in Georgia. Some simple ways to keep them away are citronella candles and bug spray, but that doesn't always do the trick for very long.

Besides mosquitoes, roaches are a huge issue in the South, with infestations being a problem to look out for. You’re also likely to see Palmetto Bugs around town — but at least they’re harmless and don’t infest the same way roaches do, right? 

Living in Atlanta — FAQs

Q: Is it worth living in Atlanta?
A: For many, the answer is yes. Settling down in Atlanta can help boost your career or even find new job opportunities while being surrounded in a lively and cultural atmosphere full of fabulous amenities. 

Q: What is the biggest problem facing Atlanta?
A: Some of the biggest problems associated with Atlanta are a higher cost of living, bad crime rates, and air quality concerns. 

Q: What salary do you need to live comfortably in Atlanta? 
A: To live comfortably in Atlanta, a single adult should make more than $54,000 annually before taxes, while a family of four with two working adults should make more than $115,500.

Atlanta is a city of unique culture, plentiful entertainment, great food, and charming neighborhoods. And while the city has its challenges with traffic and public transportation, along with some undesirable crime rates and a high cost of living, all of the city’s perks tend to outweigh the disadvantages. 

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