College student looking for an attitude adjustment. (Atlanta, Blue Ridge: fit in, home)

[jklou]

So I'm currently an education major at a college in Atlanta. I've lived here since I was a kid, but I've recently been discontent with living here, mostly because of the problems everyone else has. I'm not a fan of the traffic, humid summers, lack of public transportation and endless suburban sprawl. I've never really fit into the Southern culture, which isn't that prevalent within the city but it's really apparent to me when I go out into certain suburban areas. I also have the perception that Atlanta doesn't really have an identity or unifying culture, compared to most urban areas, since most people are from different parts of the U.S. I never really hear people say they're an "Atlantan," for instance.

I don't want my first post to just be a laundry list of complaints. I eventually plan to leave Atlanta, but still have at least a few years left before I move. I'm looking to re-adjust my attitude and take advantage of all that Georgia has to offer, since it's my home for the foreseeable future. I like history, but I've visited all the museums. I really like nature, so I plan to take day trips to places like Tallulah Gorge and the Blue Ridge Mountains. I guess I'm asking people who might have at one point been dissatisfied with Atlanta what they did to take advantage of where they're living, or at the very least, how to cope with it. I don't mean to rag on the city that's a big part of my identity, but it feels good to get these things off my chest. I really want to make the most of my time here.

[afdinatl]

Ever had a girl or boyfriend b4? I highly suggest you get one plus grown people don't sit on message boards complaining. Real people make moves.

[sedimenjerry]

Originally Posted by afdinatl

Ever had a girl or boyfriend b4? I highly suggest you get one plus grown people don't sit on message boards complaining. Real people make moves.

Literally the entire second half of their post was "I don't want to just complain". He/she is looking for advice just like every one else on this forum. We're all here to talk to people we don't know and I'm glad OP came here to look for ways to change instead of just hating Atlanta.

[jklou]

Originally Posted by sedimenjerry

Literally the entire second half of their post was "I don't want to just complain". He/she is looking for advice just like every one else on this forum. We're all here to talk to people we don't know and I'm glad OP came here to look for ways to change instead of just hating Atlanta.

Thank you. Because posting on a message board and looking for more stuff to do in Atlanta means I don't have a girlfriend? Okay....

[ATLTJL]

I really don't understand....if you're in college, why do you care about suburban sprawl? Sounds like you are just buying into what others don't like about Atlanta to me! If you are looking at day trips, that indicates you have access to your own transportation, so better mass transit wouldn't help you that much anyway, it's really mostly for commuters.

This is a hard situation without knowing your interests. If you like music, Atlanta has tons of great music. If you like outdoors, there are countless outdoor recreation activities. There is tons to do. Most college kids are stuck in pathetic college towns, but you are in a major city with tons going on. Go find what interests you and if you can't, transfer to another school. I bet you'll find the same situation there because its all about perspective.

[alco89]

Originally Posted by afdinatl

Ever had a girl or boyfriend b4? I highly suggest you get one plus grown people don't sit on message boards complaining. Real people make moves.

Why do you make abrasive posts like this? It's so unnecessary.

[toll_booth]

Originally Posted by jklou

So I'm currently an education major at a college in Atlanta. I've lived here since I was a kid, but I've recently been discontent with living here, mostly because of the problems everyone else has. I'm not a fan of the traffic, humid summers, lack of public transportation and endless suburban sprawl. I've never really fit into the Southern culture, which isn't that prevalent within the city but it's really apparent to me when I go out into certain suburban areas. I also have the perception that Atlanta doesn't really have an identity or unifying culture, compared to most urban areas, since most people are from different parts of the U.S. I never really hear people say they're an "Atlantan," for instance.

I don't want my first post to just be a laundry list of complaints. I eventually plan to leave Atlanta, but still have at least a few years left before I move. I'm looking to re-adjust my attitude and take advantage of all that Georgia has to offer, since it's my home for the foreseeable future. I like history, but I've visited all the museums. I really like nature, so I plan to take day trips to places like Tallulah Gorge and the Blue Ridge Mountains. I guess I'm asking people who might have at one point been dissatisfied with Atlanta what they did to take advantage of where they're living, or at the very least, how to cope with it. I don't mean to rag on the city that's a big part of my identity, but it feels good to get these things off my chest. I really want to make the most of my time here.

Meetup.com. Start there.

[AnsleyPark]

I would go online and look up state and county parks / outdoor preserves in the area. There are a lot and many are beautiful. Do you play a sport? ALTA for tennis comes to mind. They are a great way to get outside and moving and meet folks.