Life in Atlanta

Culture and Leisure

Any expatriates considering moving to Atlanta will be impressed by the diversity on offer in terms of culture, entertainment, nightlife and heritage. There are a number of local festivals that center on the most important elements of Atlanta life, such as food and music, as well as sporting events, exhibitions and activities to suit anyone’s tastes.

There are a number of attractions downtown, including the Georgia Aquarium, which is home to hundreds of different species and provides a valuable opportunity for visitors to learn about the world’s sea-life. The state capitol is a National Historic Landmark, which is also home to the state’s government, and features a visitor’s gallery and museum to give guests a taste of Georgia’s history and how those in power work.

The major sports teams in Georgia are all based in the downtown area, with venues including Turner Field, Philips Arena and the Georgia Dome all hosting a variety of sports events, concerts and other events.

Midtown is known as the center for arts in Atlanta. There are a number of theatres, arts centers and other entertainment venues, which mean the area is buzzing with a wide range of shows and other performances.

From the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, which is based at the Woodruff Arts Centre, to The Georgian Terrace Hotel, which was famously the venue for the cast party that took place after the premier of ‘Gone with the Wind’, there are modern and historic spots to appeal to any expatriate who wants to soak up some culture in the midtown area. If clubbing is more your scene, you won’t be disappointed as there are a number of clubs catering to fans of all kinds of music, as well as the lavishly retro Leopard Lounge and plenty of smaller, independent bars that are havens for those who want a night out with a slightly more relaxed pace.

There are also plenty of places to eat, drink and shop in midtown, with trendy spots that pride themselves on representing the cutting edge, but if you want somewhere to relax and enjoy a slower pace of life, then you can find it here. The skyline is just as impressive as any you will find elsewhere, and there are plenty of green spaces, including the 180 Piedmont Park, which is perfect for those who wish to get a little exercise or just for a gentle stroll or an enlightening look around the Atlanta Botanical Gardens.

Transportation in Atlanta

When it was founded at the meeting point of two railroad lines in 1837, it could not have been expected that Atlanta would so quickly become a commercial and transportation nerve center. Atlanta is home to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, which has been the world’s busiest airport since 1998, and plays a key part in the city’s economy.

There is also an effective local transportation system featuring buses and trains run by the local transit authority, a developing streetcar system, shuttle services and bike trails. In addition, a large network of off-road trails have been designed to provide pedestrians and cyclists with a range of scenic routes to allow anyone who wants to the opportunity to enjoy the area’s natural beauty.

Education in Atlanta

One of the most important considerations for any expats moving to Atlanta with their family will be education. As with any city, school performance varies greatly throughout the area. Within the city of Atlanta district, Buckhead has some very good public schools at all levels of education. Meanwhile, East Cobb County is renowned for its excellent schools, particularly in the Marietta area, and the high schools in the area are consistently ranked top in the city. Slightly farther outside of the city, North Fulton County also offers top public schools.

Atlanta is also home to many colleges and universities, most notably the Georgia Institute of Technology, Emory University, and Georgia State University; all of which are ranked in the top 5 universities in Georgia.