Atlanta is the Hollywood of the southern United States. It has become a hot spot for celebrities looking for a thriving city without the expense of areas such as Los Angeles and New York. Atlanta is an ever-growing entity and with a population of just over half a million, it is easy to get lost in the crowd. Moving to such a hot spot can be exciting, but there are some things you will want to know before embarking on your move to Atlanta, Ga.
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Getting Around the City
Atlanta is an easy city to navigate once you understand the interstate system. I-285 encircles the entire city. It is also known as the bypass for the city. Running east and west through the city is I-20. I-75 runs northwest and south while I-85 runs northeast and southwest. An additional well-traveled highway is Ga 400 which runs north out of Atlanta. When you keep these directions in mind, you can get anywhere within Atlanta relatively easy, provided there are no traffic delays.
However, the best way to navigate Atlanta is to allow someone else to do the driving. MARTA buses run throughout the city and are relatively on time and clean. The fastest way to get around is with the use of the MARTA train system. This system keeps you away from the throws of Atlanta traffic and has lines that run from north to south, east to west, along with other vital hubs of the city. Atlanta is also a very bike and walk-friendly city, so you really do not need a car if you live in the city center.
Lots of Fun Activities
For those moving to Atlanta with a family in tow, you will find plenty of attractions to keep everyone busy. The Georgia Aquarium, World of Coke, Six Flags, White Water, and the Atlanta Zoo are some of the attractions you will want to get season passes to. A little-known fact about Georgia that new families can take advantage of is the library adventure program. Visit your local library for more information about this program, but basically, it allows you free tickets to various Georgia attractions and one of those attractions is the Atlanta Zoo, and it is well worth the trip.
Rent a Storage Unit
Moving to Atlanta often means renting an apartment. Atlanta apartments are well designed and remarkably large for the cost. On average a 1 bedroom apartment in the center of Atlanta is around $900. The main downside to living in apartments in Atlanta is the lack of storage space. Some apartments offer some storage, but it is not always secure and the apartment complex is not liable for any break-ins, so your best bet is to invest in storage units in Atlanta. Renting a storage unit in Atlanta allows you to keep your valuables secure without cluttering up your apartment. This also goes for houses that rarely have available storage in this growing city.
Traffic Is Everywhere
Traffic is often a problem in large cities like Atlanta. Those that are used to the Atlanta traffic know exactly when to leave their house to get to their destination and what times not to even attempt to get on the interstate. While you are getting used to traveling around the city, remember to leave an average of 45 minutes before you normally would. Traffic jams are common, but thankfully newscasters and radio hosts do an excellent job of keeping everyone informed about accidents and traffic delays.
Get Used to Festivals
If you are a socialite who loves to go to festivals, Atlanta is your town. There is always a festival going on whether you are looking for the National Black Arts Festival, Fiesta Atlanta, or Dragon Con, (a sci-fi love’s dream), you can find it in Atlanta. Festivals in Atlanta happen all the time and if you choose to live in the city center, you will have access to most of them.
Explanation of Snow and Panic
It rarely snows in Atlanta. However, this area is often made fun of by other areas for their reaction to snow. The rare snowstorm has been known to completely cripple the city with just a few inches of snowfall. That might sound completely crazy to those who are from areas that get a lot of snow, but the weather is very different in the southern United States. In northern states, it gets cold and stays cold throughout the winter. In the south, snowfall will blanket the ground, and the interstate quickly, but instead of remaining snow, it melts and turns to a sheet of ice. That is why snowfall in Atlanta can cause panic.
Moving to Atlanta is fun and exciting. There is so much to see and do in this thriving city. Although Atlanta has become popular, it still holds onto traditions from the past while embracing new ideas. It is a true melting pot in the southern United States and is a place you can enjoy and be yourself. Newcomers enjoy an array of activities and social gatherings that are designed to bring people together and the housing still remains affordable despite its popularity.
