Atlanta is the fastest growing metro area in the country (Washington: credit card, how much)

[CHICAGOLAND92]

I've been to Atlanta once, but had a good time when I went. Anyways, the Census Bureau released some information not to long ago saying that from 2000-2006, Atlanta gained over 890,000 people!

What are the effects on the ATL Metro area? Is all the urban sprawl for better or for worse? I already know the traffic was bad from the time I visited. I would only assume it's gotten worse, with such a large influx of people.

What are your opinions as to why so many people move to the Atlanta area? Is it because of it's warm climate, great shopping, or what?

[kwiley1221]

Why people move to Atlanta:First of all i will qualify what I list by stating I have only lived in Atlanta for 3 years. I am by no means an expert, not do I pretend to be. With that disclaimer out of the way...

Right now the job market (I haven't checked any studies) for Atlanta is very good. There are a lot of big companies here. Delta, Coke, etc...CNN...Lots of financially-based companies (credit card processors, banks, etc). One of the biggest airports is here. Atlanta has a diverse, well educated population...Those factors have attracted companies to the area and the companies subsequently attract people to new (or transferred) jobs. I'd say weather would be a factor too - more good days than bad. Great colleges in the area. Location (mountains to the north, ocean to the east). Atlanta has always had a good reputation for it's culture and tolerance of diversity.

So for people I'd say: jobs, weather, educational opportunities...in that order...There's probably a dozen other factors I haven't thought of, but that's probably a good start. And I'm sure someone will post more or disagree.

Oh and yes, the trafic is still B-A-D!!!

[DocGSD]

I lived in Buckhead a while back, havent visited in a while. ATL is an awsome city, sure it has some nasty, trashy, getto areas like them all, but there is plenty do do there and it is a pretty place to be. There are some outstanding jobs there and a diverse culture that makes you want to stay around.

[gt6974a]

1) Cost of Living is low
2) Great Economy


The sprawl makes it worse but is a direct correlation with the cost of living. The farther you go out, the more house you get for the money.

[spacelord75]

Having lived my entire life here (except for 5 years down the road in Athens), but having also traveled the world numerous times, in addition to the US, I can say that I'm always happy to come back here. The over-riding reason? People. It is so easy to meet people here, and odds are they are from somewhere else or from a different culturaly background. Even a buddy of mine, who moved from Chicago, said he loved being here because of how little "game" he needed to meet girls. It's just a more laid back culture, with a very melting pot feel to it, where I think everyone is just trying to meet someone new.

Another thing I like is the aesthetics - many people say that we have a green city because of all the trees in and around the city. Of course, this is probably attributed to the more spread out nature of the metro area, which leads me to the negatives.

Things that are not so good is the sprawl, which you mention. You HAVE to have a car here. Also, the city-planning and management is horrendous. Heave forbid we get a major event to plan and stage...odds are it will be a disaster! Also, public transportation is a joke, compared to other comparable cities around the world.

[JPD]

Originally Posted by gt6974a

The farther you go out, the more house you get for the money.

Which begs the question...How much house do you really neeed?

[jeweloflight]

The main reasons people move to Atlanta is to escape cold whether, or their living in a metro area with such a high cost of living, that they'll never be able to afford to purchase a home. They soon realize what they'll get for their money by coming here. The southeast has become a hot bed for those looking for a more affordable lifestyle, with the most popular cities being exited are Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, Washington D.C., New York, Boston, and Chicago.

This is a melting pot, and most people here are not from here which is an attraction. The city and surrounding areas are loaded with Institutions of highter learning, job situation is desirable, our airport is the busiest in world, (which can be good and bad) which means you can get a flight to anywhere almost anytime, and we have mountains in Tennessee, and water on the Atlantic and the Gulf, just in case you prefer a short road trip.

The down falls have been mentioned, poor public transit system, terrible traffic, and few walkable communities; but no one seems to be doing anything about it.