Atlanta’s always been hot…but more than ever, people from all over the country – and the world – are making a move.
Atlanta is a global tech and creative hub with industry-leading companies and incomparable art, culture, and sports – and that doesn’t stop when you leave city limits. So why are more and more people making the move to the Atlanta suburbs?
#1. Experience All Four Seasons
Locals in the Atlanta area get to experience the best of every season. While it does snow rarely, winters are much more manageable than anything in the northeast. Spring and fall are beautiful and some of the best foliage can be seen in the suburbs, like at Panola Mountain State Park in Stockbridge. For even more fall fun, there’s the pumpkin patch and corn maze at Uncle Shuck’s in Dawsonville (about 30 minutes north of Atlanta) and Fall Fest in Candler Park.
Yes, summers are warm here, but there are plenty of ways to cool off. When it’s hot, locals in Sandy Springs can get out on the Chattahoochee River for an afternoon of rafting or kayaking. Hiking to Vickery Creek Falls – and wading in the shallow waters – is a favorite summertime activity for Roswell residents.
#2. Foodies Feel at Home
Atlanta features an impressive and diverse food scene with everything from fine dining restaurants to taco shops and burger joints. But those offerings don’t stop at city limits. The suburbs are also home to some incredible eateries. Decatur, which is just northeast of Atlanta, is a foodie haven. The Deer and The Dove, Kimball House, Leon’s Full Service and The Iberian Pig are top options here for seasonal fare and craft cocktails.
James Beard-nominated Spring in Marietta showcases Southern cooking using farm-fresh ingredients. And in Woodstock, Century House serves modern American dishes in a charming restored home (you can even dine on the porch). Muss & Turners in Smyrna serves delicious deli sandwiches and there’s even a semi-secret speakeasy in the back for late-night drinks.
#3. Easy Access to the Airport
No matter where you settle in the Atlanta metro area, you’ll be able to take advantage of the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. This is the busiest airport in the world and flights travel from here to most major North American cities in 3 hours or less. Delta is based in Atlanta and both this airline and the airport are major employers.
Locals in Virginia Highland, Druid Hills and Candler Park can make a quick trip to the airport, but it’s not a bad drive from any suburb in the area – especially with the new chauffeur service (and VIP lounge) coming to the airport.
#4. Breweries are Big
The good news? Atlanta is home to almost 50 independent breweries. The better news? More than half of them are in the suburbs.
Breweries are so much more than a bar. These are often community hubs with run clubs, trivia nights and live music. Glover Park Brewery in Marietta has a dog-friendly beer garden and offers housemade seltzers and draft cocktails alongside their brews. Hapeville’s own Arches Brewing is known for its lagers and features an events calendar packed with bingo and cornhole nights. Decatur is home to Three Taverns Craft Brewery (try the A Night on Ponce IPA) and Sceptre Brewing Arts, which feature 20 taps and a rotating resident chef and weekly events.
#5. Immerse Yourself in Arts and Culture
Moving to the suburbs means you’ll still have access to the dozens of performing arts venues and unique museums in Atlanta. But you’ll find some great cultural institutions outside the city, too. There’s the Computer Museum in Roswell and Marietta’s Cobb Museum of Art. If you do move to Marietta, you’ll also want to keep an eye on the Strand for upcoming musicals and old Hollywood films.
Alpharetta Music City, as it’s known to locals, is home to the state-of-the-art Ameris Bank Amphitheatre where big-name artists frequently perform. The town also hosts a bunch of music festivals throughout the year including the Wire and Wood Festival, a free event where artists all perform original tunes.
#6. Cheer on the Local Teams
Sports are huge in the Atlanta area and the city is home to 5 professional teams and numerous NCAA Division 1 college teams. It doesn’t matter which suburb you settle in, if sports are your thing, you’ll be able to connect with your new community over the games. Most towns have sports bars where you can cheer on the home teams.
Plus, locals in Smyrna and Marietta have easy access to the newly constructed Truist Park for Braves games. Decatur residents won’t have much trouble getting to the Mercedes-Benz Stadium for Falcons games or United FC matches.
Georgia on your mind? Schedule your first Strategy session and we’ll help you find the right suburb for you.