The History of Atlanta, Georgia

Moving to a new city or state can be intimidating. However, with the right intention, your new place will soon feel like home. Discovering new restaurants, finding your preferred route to work, and visiting the local grocery store will introduce you to fresh experiences and create consistent routines. Before long, you'll find yourself questioning why you had any concerns about the move to a new place. Relocating to a city like Atlanta, Georgia is no different.

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One way to make the transition smoother is to familiarize yourself with the city. Learning about local activities and the historical background of the area will help you become acquainted with the city before you arrive. Here’s a brief overview of Atlanta’s history and a few local attractions to help you get started!

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History of Atlanta, Georgia

Known as the city that rose from the ashes like a phoenix, Atlanta is a rapidly growing city that many people enjoy calling home. Despite the capital of Georgia burning down in 1864 during the American Civil War at the hands of General Sherman, Atlanta is home to roughly 5.7 million people in the metropolitan area. This makes Atlanta the ninth-largest metropolitan area in the United States and the only North American city to have experienced the destruction of war (The Honest Local, n.d.; Bellhop, 2022).

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Atlanta, originally named Marthasville, was founded in 1837 and owes its origins to the Western and Atlantic Railroads. Known as a transportation hub, Atlanta marked the intersection of these railroad lines (City of Atlanta Georgia, n.d.). Since its founding, Atlanta has grown in population and become a national center of commerce. Atlanta was considered a “major organizing center of the Civil Rights Movement” during the 1960s and continued to solidify its reputation as a large gathering place by hosting the 1996 Summer Olympics (The Honest Local, n.d.).  Over the years, Atlanta's strategic location and transportation infrastructure played a crucial role in its development into the vibrant metropolis it is today.

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Atlanta is situated across two counties, with the majority of the city residing in Fulton County, and a small portion of the area extending into the neighboring county to the east, DeKalb County (Bellhop, 2022). Geographically, Atlanta is positioned in the northwest region of Georgia, nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains (Brittanica, n.d.).

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Things to do in Atlanta, Georgia

Now that you have gained some historical knowledge of the city, it’s time to explore everything Atlanta has to offer! With its vast size, there is an abundance of attractions and activities in Atlanta, ensuring there is something for everyone.

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Atlanta boasts numerous high-quality attractions throughout the city, ranging from parks and museums to theaters and scenic spots beyond the city limits. Immerse yourself in the city’s history at the Atlanta History Center, or indulge in a captivating show at the Fox Theatre. If you prefer the wonders of the great outdoors, Atlanta offers a wealth of natural spaces to discover, both within and outside of the city (Landing, 2020).

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Within the city limits, you’ll want to check out Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Park and Centennial Olympic Park which are located in the heart of Atlanta. Centennial Olympic Park is a commemoration site of the 1996 Summer Olympic Games. This urban oasis spans an impressive 21 acres of lush greenery and holds the Fountain of Rings, designed to symbolize the the five Olympic rings (Landing, 2020), ultimately providing the city with ample space to play, relax and unwind.

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Just beyond the limits of Atlanta lies the breathtaking territory of the Appalachian Mountains. This area opens up a world of possibilities for Atlanta residents, with a range of lakes, mountains, state parks, and charming small towns waiting to be explored. Among the popular tourist destinations are the Chattahoochee River, Providence Canyon State Park, Lake Lanier, and Sawnee Mountain (Landing, 2020).

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Atlanta stands out as a major hub for entertainment, making it one of the most notable cities for this industry. The entire state of Georgia, also known as the Peachtree State, is also recognized as one of the world’s largest filming locations (The Honest Local, n.d.).

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Atlanta is paradise for pro sports fanatics, with the number of sporting events to attend and professional teams to support throughout the year. The city proudly hosts a variety of professional sports teams, including the Braves in baseball, the Falcons in football, the Hawks in basketball, and Atlanta United in soccer, all igniting the city with their thrilling performances. Additionally, Atlanta is famous for its nightlife, from trendy bars and lively clubs to live music venues, ensuring a memorable experience for all (Landing, 2020).

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Thanks to the south’s mild winters and the city’s cost of living, which is 2% lower than the national average, Atlanta is an attractive city for many visitors and future residents (The Honest Local, n.d.). Rich with history, southern charm, and plenty of activities for you to do and see, Atlanta could make a great place to call home. Contact Bridge Homes and browse our listings to start your move today!

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Looking for more information on how to pick your next city to call home or need tips on moving? Visit our blog for more!

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Resources

15 HONEST Pros & Cons of Living in Atlanta, Georgia (Local’s Guide)

Atlanta

History

Moving to Atlanta, Georgia

Tips for Relocating to Atlanta

Photo by ALTEREDSNAPS: https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-city-during-nighttime-13918816/