5 reasons why Atlanta is one of the best cities to live, work and grow
Writer: Eleana Teran
May 2025 — As cities across the nation compete to attract top talent and investment, Atlanta is standing out as one of the most dynamic metros for living, working, and long-term growth. A magnet for young professionals, entrepreneurs, and families, the city continues to attract newcomers with its strong job market, vibrant culture, and relative affordability compared to other metros, though rising demand is making that balance harder to maintain.
With a diversified economy, a global transportation hub, and a thriving cultural environment, Atlanta continues to prove why it’s one of the most livable metros in the nation.
1. Atlanta’s rising appeal is reflected in its population growth
Metro Atlanta continues to rank among the fastest-growing metros in the country. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the region added more than 75,000 residents between July 2023 and July 2024, bringing its total population to about 6.41 million. This growth — driven by both domestic and international migration — highlights the area’s attractiveness in terms of job opportunities, lifestyle, and economic vitality.
Looking ahead, the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) projects the region will reach nearly 7.9 million residents by 2050. Much of that momentum is being driven by increasingly diverse communities. ARC forecasts that nearly all net growth through 2050 will come from racial and ethnic minority groups, with Hispanic and Latino residents alone expected to account for 21% of the population by mid-century — up from 12% today.
2. Atlanta is a magnet for young adults building their future
Young adults are choosing Atlanta in growing numbers — and the data backs it up. In 2024, CommercialCafé ranked Atlanta the No. 1 city in the U.S. for Gen Z, thanks to its strong job prospects, thriving social scene, and slightly below-average cost of living. Gen Zers aged 20 to 24 made up nearly 10% of the city’s population — one of the highest shares among major metros — and more than half were enrolled in education.
Millennials also have a strong presence in the metro. The city ranked 8th in the South and 22nd nationally in CommercialCafé’s 2024 Best Places for Millennials to Live and Work report. The metro saw a 6.3% increase in its Millennial population between 2018 and 2022, driven largely by competitive household incomes, averaging just over $109,000, and a relatively lower cost of living compared to other metros.
3. Balancing affordability with growing pressures
Atlanta still offers a relatively balanced cost of living. According to data from the Council of Community and Economic Research (C2ER), Atlanta’s overall cost of living sits slightly below the national average, with housing costs remaining more manageable than in places like Austin or New York.
However, rising demand is putting pressure on the market, even as prices show early signs of stabilizing. As of early 2025, the average home value in Atlanta was around $392,000. While that figure remains out of reach for many buyers, it represents a 3% decrease over the past year, highlighting a potential cooling after sharp increases.
On the rental side, affordability remains slightly more favorable than in other metros. As of May 2025, the average monthly rent in Atlanta was $1,607 — about 1% below the national average and a 1-3% year-over-year drop in overall rent.
City leaders are working to meet the moment. Mayor Andre Dickens has made affordable housing a central priority, pushing forward initiatives to add or preserve 20,000 affordable units by 2030 and prevent displacement. Additionally, new policies have been introduced to incentivize affordable housing developments in high-growth areas such as Midtown and the Beltline.
4. Culture, food, and entertainment bring Atlanta to life
The city’s arts scene has earned national recognition. A 2025 study ranked Atlanta No. 17 among U.S. cities for art and museum lovers, with an impressive cultural inventory: 107 art galleries, 28 specialty museums, 11 art museums, 12 history museums, and two science museums — a diversity that reflects the city’s deep commitment to creativity and community storytelling.
Atlanta also punches above its weight when it comes to food. With more than 25,000 restaurants across the metro, or 2.3 restaurants per 1,000 residents, the culinary scene reflects the region’s diversity. From global street food and neighborhood diners to nine Michelin-recognized establishments, the options are wide-ranging and accessible.
In Atlanta, entertainment is part of everyday life. WalletHub ranked the city No. 4 among the Most Fun Cities in America, based on metrics including entertainment options, nightlife, and access to recreational amenities. It placed No. 6 for nightlife and parties and No. 8 for entertainment and recreation, highlighting the city’s wide array of live music venues, comedy clubs, public parks, and outdoor trails. Regular events, like outdoor movies at Colony Square, music festivals and weekly events in Piedmont Park, and neighborhood gatherings, give residents consistent ways to engage with the city and one another.
5. Every day livability keeps people rooted in Atlanta
The city offers access to green spaces and everyday livability that continues to attract new residents. According to the 2024 ParkScore Index, Atlanta invested $249 per person on parks, more than double the national average, according to the Trust for Public Land. Nearly 79% of residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park, where they can enjoy a wide range of amenities — from dog parks and playgrounds to senior centers, splash pads, and basketball courts.
Infrastructure also plays a major role in supporting quality of life.
The Beltline does more than connect neighborhoods, it promotes walkability, access to green space, and community engagement across the city.
Additionally, MARTA’s ongoing capital improvement program is focused on expanding and modernizing transit services, including the development of new bus rapid transit (BRT) lines to better serve Atlanta’s growing population.
These factors contribute to Atlanta’s recognition on the global stage. In 2024, the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) ranked Atlanta the second-best U.S. city to live in according to its Global Livability Index, ahead of every other East Coast city and trailing only Honolulu nationwide. Atlanta scored particularly high in infrastructure, stability, and cultural offerings, and landed among the biggest movers globally, rising four spots to No. 29 worldwide.
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