my take on atlanta (Decatur: how much, houses, construction)

[william273]

i live in charleston,s.c. but moved to atlanta back in 1987 for about 5 years. i liked atlanta back then but it was still growing and had not "found" itself yet. it was still a nice city though.

i went back for a visit a year ago and couldn't believe how much it has changed! well it does seem to be "finding" itself now and is not the same city i used to live in. to me it's alot more "walkable" much more pedestrian.
also seems to have an international feel to it now. back when i lived there it had almost no feeling at all but that seems to have changed. i call it "little chicago" now.

am considering moving back to atlanta or maybe chicago...haven't decided.

william

[LovinDecatur]

Your observations seem spot-on to me. Some long-timers are pleased with the changes, some are not. One thing about Atlanta is certain; stay away for any given ten years and you will always return to a very different city. This has always held true and probably always will.

[william273]

i like the change and it's been a long time coming. it finally has a feel for itself now, an air or a vibe to it or about it. before it seemed cold and without a heart or soul.

it's on the map now though. i like just getting out and hitting the streets, walking around and taking in the sights. there are stores, shops, resturants, etc. where there used to be nothing but abandoned buildings, warehouses and empty lots. i'm really amazed, lol.

[Shagbark Hickory]

Still got the same ol' sewer system though.

[william273]

Lol.

[Rhiannongymru]

" before it seemed cold and without a heart or soul."


Yep, there may be more construction, boutiques, shops & stores now but I still think that above statement is true even today

This city is still "finding" itself if you wanna call it that. Moreover, the city of Atlanta still lacks an IDENTITY and has a very UNFRIENDLY vibe. I'm not sure if it ever will

[bayarea-girl]

What examples can you give that it is a city with no identity or unfriendly vibe. I've only met the nicest people and had the best hospitality while I've been there. GA has a lot of history and is growing so I don't understand when people say it doesn't have an identity?? People are VERY friendly especially the real Georgians. Most people are from elsewhere and introduce a bit of unfriendlinees to the city/state.

[DeaconJ]

Originally Posted by Rhiannongymru

" before it seemed cold and without a heart or soul."


Yep, there may be more construction, boutiques, shops & stores now but I still think that above statement is true even today

This city is still "finding" itself if you wanna call it that. Moreover, the city of Atlanta still lacks an IDENTITY and has a very UNFRIENDLY vibe. I'm not sure if it ever will

People that are cold and without a heart or soul often can't see those things in their surroundings; furthermore, people who lack an identity and give off an unfriendly vibe usually get the same in return. Keep searching, you may find yourself.

[Shagbark Hickory]

Depends on what is meant by "friendly".
Do people strike up a conversation with you in the checkout line? Yes.
Do they do this everywhere? No.

My parents come to visit from time to time and say "people are so friendly here." I ask why you say that, mom.
She says "Because when I went into tlhat store, the clerk said hello to me and talked to me". I'm pretty sure they are getting paid to do this but didn't want to spoil moms day.

On the surface people are friendly. They can spare a few words in casual conversation. Beyond that...
Nevermind.

It's like any other fast paced big city.

[neil0311]

Originally Posted by bayarea-girl

Most people are from elsewhere and introduce a bit of unfriendlinees to the city/state.

I wouldn't classify it as "unfriendliness" at all, at least not in all cases. Native southerners are a little more open and like to engage strangers. It can be nice and even a bit naive at times. As long as I have time for the pleasantries, I take time to acknowledge and join in.

Sometimes, I'm just not in the mood or I'm in a hurry and want to go about my day without having to acknowledge strangers at the supermarket or other places. If that makes me "unfriendly" then sorry.

Originally Posted by LovinDecatur

One thing about Atlanta is certain; stay away for any given ten years and you will always return to a very different city.

This is 100% true. Been there...done that.

Originally Posted by Shagbark Hickory

It's like any other fast paced big city.

Exactly.