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Atlanta, GA

Atlanta, GA

Atlanta is the capital and most populous city of the U.S. state of Georgia. It is the seat of Fulton County, although a portion of the city extends into neighboring DeKalb County. With a population of 498,715 living within the city limits, Atlanta is the eighth most populous city in the Southeast and 38th most populous city in the United States according to the 2020 U.S. census.

It is the core of the much larger Atlanta metropolitan area, which is home to more than 6.3 million people (2023 estimate), making it the sixth-largest U.S. metropolitan area. Situated among the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains at an elevation of just over 1,000 feet (300 m) above sea level, Atlanta features unique topography that includes rolling hills, lush greenery, and the densest urban tree coverage of any major city in the United States.

Atlanta was originally founded as the terminus of a major state-sponsored railroad, but it soon became the convergence point among several railroads, spurring its rapid growth. The largest was the Western and Atlantic Railroad, from which the name "Atlanta" is derived, signifying the city's growing reputation as a major hub of transportation. During the American Civil War, it served a strategically important role for the Confederacy until it was captured in 1864. The city was almost entirely burned to the ground during General William T. Sherman's March to the Sea. However, the city rebounded dramatically in the post-war period and quickly became a national industrial center and the unofficial capital of the "New South". After World War II, it also became a manufacturing and technology hub. During the 1950s and 1960s, it became a major organizing center of the American Civil Rights Movement, with Martin Luther King Jr., Ralph Abernathy, and many other locals becoming prominent figures in the movement's leadership. In the modern era, Atlanta has remained a major center of transportation, with Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport becoming the world's busiest airport by passenger traffic in 1998 (a position it has held every year since, except for 2020), with an estimated 93.7 million passengers in 2022.

With a nominal gross domestic product (GDP) of $473 billion in 2021, Atlanta has the eleventh largest economy of cities in the U.S. and the 22nd largest in the world. Its economy is considered diverse, with dominant sectors in industries including transportation, aerospace, logistics, healthcare, news and media operations, film and television production, information technology, finance, and biomedical research and public policy. The gentrification of some of its neighborhoods, initially spurred by the 1996 Summer Olympics, has intensified in the 21st century with the growth of the Atlanta Beltline. This has altered its demographics, politics, aesthetics, and culture.

Atlanta encompasses 134.0 square miles (347.1 km²), of which 133.2 square miles (344.9 km²) is land and 0.85 square miles (2.2 km²) is water. The city is situated in the Deep South of the southeastern United States among the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. At 1,050 feet (320 m) above mean sea level, Atlanta has the highest elevation among major cities east of the Mississippi River. Atlanta straddles the Eastern Continental Divide. Rainwater that falls on the south and east sides of the divide flows into the Atlantic Ocean, while rainwater on the north and west sides of the divide flows into the Gulf of Mexico. Atlanta developed on a ridge south of the Chattahoochee River, which is part of the ACF River Basin. The river borders the far northwestern edge of the city, and much of its natural habitat has been preserved, in part by the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area.

Atlanta is 21 miles (34 km) southeast of Marietta, 27 miles (43 km) southwest of Alpharetta, 146 miles (235 km) southwest of Greenville, South Carolina, 147 miles (237 km) east of Birmingham, Alabama, and 245 miles (394 km) southwest of Charlotte, North Carolina.

Despite having lost significant tree canopy coverage between 1973 and 1999, Atlanta now has the densest urban tree coverage of any major city in the United States and is often called the "City of Trees" or "The City in a Forest".

The city places a strong emphasis on health and wellness, evident in its numerous parks, recreational facilities, and healthcare institutions. Piedmont Park, located in the heart of Atlanta, provides a sprawling green space for outdoor activities, events, and festivals. Additionally, Atlanta is home to world-class healthcare facilities, including Emory University Hospital and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, ensuring residents have access to top-notch medical services. Kika Stretch Studios Vinings specializes in assisted stretching to help improve flexibility and reduce stress. For a luxurious spa day, head to Radiance Medspa Atlanta, known for its advanced skincare treatments. Another top spot for pampering is Spa Sydell Integrative Aesthetics, offering a variety of beauty and wellness services. Nail enthusiasts will enjoy Sugarcoat, a chic nail salon perfect for a mani-pedi retreat.

Top sites in Atlanta, GA are Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta Botanical Garden, and Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site.

Population: 510,823 (2023). ZIP code: 30301. Area codes: 404, 678, 470. Elevation: 1,050 feet (320 m). Area: 136.31 sq mi (353.04 km²).

FAQs

What is Atlanta, GA best known for?

Known for the Georgia Aquarium, Ponce City Market, and the iconic Peachtree roads, but what else is Atlanta known for? From beautiful parks and outdoor spaces to a thriving street art scene, and a range of festivals and events, you’ll quickly discover countless more reasons why Atlanta is such a desirable place to live. Atlanta’s history is one of the defining features of the city, and it has played an important role in shaping the culture and identity of the region. The Civil Rights Movement was a pivotal moment, and the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Park is a powerful reminder of the struggle for equality and justice.

Is Atlanta, GA an expensive city?

Housing is one of the most significant factors in Atlanta's cost of living. Overall, the price of living in Atlanta is 8% more expensive than the national average. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Atlanta is $1,563, compared to the national average of $1,516. The median home price in Atlanta is $418,000, compared to the national average of $407,000.  Meanwhile, Atlanta's median household income is just over $83,000 according to census data, meaning that rent sits comfortably under 30% of most residents’ monthly income.  

What is the history of Atlanta, GA?

Atlanta was founded in 1837 as the end of the Western & Atlantic railroad line (it was first named Marthasville in honor of the then-governor's daughter, nicknamed Terminus for its rail location, and then changed soon after to Atlanta, the feminine of Atlantic -- as in the railroad). Today the fast-growing city remains a transportation hub, not just for the country but also for the world: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the world's busiest in daily passenger flights.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Atlanta

Apartments

Redfin

Georgia Aquarium

Atlanta Botanical Garden

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site

Piedmont Park

Emory University Hospital

Children's Healthcare of Atlanta

Kika Stretch Studios Vinings

Radiance Medspa Atlanta

Spa Sydell Integrative Aesthetics

Sugarcoat

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