Getting to Know Atlanta

The options for Atlanta apartments are seemingly endless! What else would you expect in a city with top-ranking higher education institutions, a diverse economy that continues to grow, and a cultural arts community that rivals all major cities across the country? Whether you rent an apartment downtown or in an outlying area, you are well within reach of numerous local attractions and favorite local spots. Read on to explore this southern city affectionately known as Hotlanta and the ATL.

 

Atlanta Attractions and Culture
The renowned Georgia Aquarium is one of the world's largest, and a popular excursion among locals and tourists. Nearby, check out the iconic World of Coca-Cola, where you can take a tour and sample more than 100 different beverages. If art is more your speed, don't miss a trip to the High Museum of Art in Midtown Atlanta, or try the Fox Theatre for live performances.

 

Did You Know?
As a newcomer to the city, here are a few things to remember. When people make references to the "Perimeter," they're talking about Interstate 285 that loops around the city. You either live inside the perimeter or outside the perimeter, "ITP" or "OTP." Also, don't get confused by all of the Peachtree Streets, Avenues and Circles that you may encounter when traveling the metro area. According to the Atlanta Regional Commission, there are some 71 derivatives of the street name across the city. So, double check your directions before you venture out.

 

 

Best Places to Live in Atlanta

Here are our picks for the best places to live in Atlanta:

 

• Downtown: Downtown Atlanta living puts you near Centennial Olympic Park, the epicenter for delicious dining and electrifying entertainment.
• Midtown: Fast-paced and fun, the Midtown area guarantees you'll be on the go from sunup to sundown thanks to walkable destinations like Piedmont Park and the High Museum of Art.
• Buckhead: This Uptown neighborhood straddles Peachtree Street, an energetic thoroughfare dotted with trendy restaurants, cozy pubs and upscale bars.
• Eastside: From the public parks and gardens of Inman Park to the charming boutiques and pubs of the Virginia-Highland area, the Eastside offers diversity.
• Westside: For city-dwellers looking for an industrial feel, the Westside delivers with warehouses turned shops, galleries, restaurants and lofts.

 

No matter where you decide to dig in, whether you score an industrial loft in the Westside or an eclectic apartment in Midtown Atlanta, you'll be impressed by this city's confluence of Southern heritage and modern flair.  

 

Atlanta Transportation
Atlanta's public transportation system (MARTA) runs from the airport to Buckhead and beyond, plus east and west through the city's bustling neighborhoods. If you're milling about in the convention and entertainment district, you can catch a lift to the Sweet Auburn area using Atlanta's newest mode of transportation, the Atlanta Streetcar, which runs on a 2.7-mile loop.

 

Atlanta Business
If you've completed school and are now entering the workforce, you'll be pleased with Atlanta's growing economy and opportunity. Several Fortune 500 companies call Atlanta home, including Delta Airlines, Coca-Cola Enterprises and The Home Depot.

 

Fun Things to Do in Atlanta: Festivals and Events

Popular local events like Atlanta's Dogwood Festival attract long-time residents and visitors alike. Dogwood Festival artists and exhibitors come from all across the southern region to showcase their work. During the festival, the beautiful Piedmont Park turns into an outdoor, open-air art market featuring live music and food stands from local restaurants. Once you've moved in to your apartment in Atlanta, you can enjoy everything from festivals and the 10K Peachtree Road Race to the summer outdoor movie series, Screen on the Green.

 

Free Things to Do in Atlanta

It doesn't cost a thing to explore Centennial Olympic Park. It's home to the Fountain of Rings water feature that provides loads of fun for kids and serves as a cooling-off spot for park joggers, a mesmerizing backdrop for picnics in the park and the centerpiece for Atlanta events. For a feast for the eyes, head to Castleberry Hill in the Warehouse District and take the free guided tour of art studios and galleries.

 

Sports around the City

The ATL is famous for spectator sports, including MLB's Atlanta Braves at the new SunTrust Park, about 10 miles from downtown Atlanta. Bobby Dodd Stadium, located downtown, is home to the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. Other popular teams here include the Falcons NFL team and Atlanta United, the city's professional soccer team.

 

Family Fun in Atlanta

For a fun family outing, check out Zoo Atlanta, featuring two playgrounds and more than 1,500 animals, including giant pandas. For even more interactive fun, plan an afternoon at Imagine It! Children's Museum of Atlanta, geared toward children 8 and younger with exhibits designed to ignite creativity.

 

Higher Education
You can find an apartment for rent near one of Atlanta's premier colleges and universities. Pursue advanced education in engineering at the Georgia Tech and be a part of a community that's just five minutes north of downtown Atlanta. Or, study business in one of the top-rated programs in the nation at Emory University's Goizueta Business School. Spelman College and Georgia State University offer residents of Atlanta unmatched opportunities for education in a wide variety of disciplines.

 

Outdoor Living

This quintessentially southern metropolis comprises a number of great parks, including Piedmont Park, where you can take your pooch for a stroll, satisfy your competitive edge on the volleyball court or fill your grocery tote with fresh products at the Green Market.

 

Fun Day Trips from Atlanta
When you need to get away, pack your swimsuit and golf clubs and head four hours east to beautiful Hilton Head Island, SC. If cobblestone streets and horse-drawn carriage tours are more your speed, set your sights on Savannah, GA, just three-and-a-half hours east of Atlanta.