• Population: 498,715
• Median age: 33.3
• Population per square mile: 3,154.3
• Land area: 133.15 square miles
• Number of households: 206,229
• Median household income: $59,948
• Income per capita: $47,424
Source: Latest U.S. Census data
Founded in 1873, Atlanta is the capital of Georgia and the most populous city in the state. Its rich history traces all the way back to the Martin Luther King Jr. era, marking his legacy.
Nicknamed “the city in a forest” Atlanta boasts an abundance of trees, with magnolias, oaks, dogwoods and pines gracing the streets. With around half of the city covered by trees, the lush canopy is the largest in the U.S. and helps reduce pollution and improve air quality.
Home to big companies and plenty of talented celebrities, Atlanta is a popular destination that is well-known for its diversity and culture, attracting tourists and residents alike. Notably, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the second-busiest airport in the world, making the city very well-connected to the rest of the world.
The music scene thrives in Atlanta and the city is considered a mecca for rap, hip hop, soul and R&B. It also attracts rock, country and blues fans — thanks to a myriad of live music gigs and festivals.
Atlanta’s housing market remains hot, with low inventory levels unable to match the increased demand, thus leading to surges in home prices. The median and average home prices in Atlanta are:
Atlanta has 242 neighborhoods officially designated by the city. It can also be divided into four larger areas: Downtown, Midtown, West Midtown and Buckhead.
Downtown Atlanta is the city’s central business district, and many government offices and corporations have their headquarters here. The area also hosts the city’s main sporting venues and Georgia State University’s main campus. Of the nine sub-districts, Five Points is a popular neighborhood boasting interesting shops, hip restaurants and colorful murals.
As Atlanta expanded in the 19th century, mansions were constructed along Peachtree Street, which passes through both downtown and Midtown. Property development later took off in the 1980s, and then, in the 2000s, many high-rise condo buildings were constructed.
Midtown has a high concentration of residential homes, offices and retail outlets. It also fosters several cultural venues, such as the Museum of Design, the Fox Theatre, the Woodruff Arts Center and the High Museum of Art. For nature-lovers and outdoorsy folk, the large Piedmont Park and Atlanta Botanical Garden are also within walking distance of each other.
There are plenty of smart apartments to buy and rent in Midtown. Near Peachtree Street (where Midtown’s business district is centered), there are also historical, renovated homes.
West Midtown, also known as Westside, is considered to be diverse and eclectic, with some parts having seen gentrification in recent years. Once an industrial center, the area is known for its eclectic restaurants and retail offering.
A few of the neighborhoods here include the suburban Adair Park, the largely industrial Blandtown, and Westside Provisions, which has both industrial and residential areas. Being a large and diverse area, West Midtown has a wide range of properties for sale.
Previously known for its nightlife, Buckhead is now popular thanks to its retail and restaurant scene. There are at least 43 neighborhoods here with forests and hills for residents to enjoy.
Buckhead is also an area known for its attractive and upscale real estate, with many large, detached houses. Its core area also offers high-rise office buildings and hotels, in addition to condominiums.
The schooling system in Atlanta is managed by the Atlanta Board of Education and consists of public, charter, private and international schools. Here, 91% of the population has a high school degree (compared to the 88% national average), while 52% of Atlanta residents have graduated from college and hold at least a bachelor’s degree (compared to the 32% national average).
Atlanta is a hub for higher education, with public universities such as the Georgia Institute of Technology and the University of Georgia ranking high among universities at national level. Private institutions include Emory University, Clark Atlanta University and Morehouse School of Medicine.
When it comes to employment opportunities, there are many innovative sectors that thrive in Atlanta, with the city being a center of business that attracts many people. These include the Internet of Things; film and television; bioscience; and construction and housing.
The work scene is diverse in Atlanta, with several large and influential companies having offices in Georgia’s capital city, including Coca-Cola, Delta Air Lines, UPS, Infosys, Siemens, The Home Depot and IBM.
Atlanta has a rich cultural scene where tourists can explore the city’s numerous theaters, museums, galleries and concert halls. The Fox Theatre — an architectural marvel — offers opera, ballet, rock concerts and other events.
With a variety of activities to choose from, one can spend a day at The Georgia Aquarium — which features 700 species of marine life — or wander The History Museum. Meanwhile, The World of Coca-Cola depicts the history and development of the world-famous drink, while The Michael C. Carlos Museum (located in Emory University) is one of the city’s oldest museums and has a large collection of ancient art.
For sports-lovers, Atlanta is home to several major league sports teams, including the Atlanta Braves of Major League Baseball; the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League; the Atlanta Hawks of the National Basketball Association; the Atlanta Dream of the Women’s National Basketball Association; and Atlanta United FC of Major League Soccer.