Relocating to a new city is as difficult as it is exciting. The choices and opportunities, the new people and places, each of these influences your experience. How well you understand them is an important factor in the success of your move.
My first big move came when I left Boston for college in San Francisco. Crossing the country was dramatic,
and by focusing mainly on school, I lacked any practical knowledge of the bay area. Not only did I have to work hard to adapt to college life, I had to work even harder to learn how to get around the city, where to eat, and most important to me, discover all the good bookstores.
Everybody has his or her own tastes, and every person who is about to move needs different information. This article focuses on Atlanta and provides general information about jobs, lifestyle, apartments, transportation, and cuisine.
It doesn't matter if you are moving to this city for college, work, or family; Atlanta has plenty to offer for all walks of life. It has a thriving economy. Its population is growing--a telltale sign that quality of life is high. The weather is nice and the people are friendly.
The first thing you need to secure is a comfortable apartment. In my experience, an inferior living space has a negative influence on your experience in a new city. So do your best to find an apartment that is right for you, an apartment that will make your move to Atlanta successful.
Fortunately, options abound. As Atlanta expands, new neighborhoods form, old neighborhoods strengthen their community presence, and the city as a whole develops a stronger character. But you need to set aside time to research apartment and neighborhood information. With so much diversity, it is important to decide on an apartment in a neighborhood that best suits you. The people who often know best are the people who live there.
Promove, an apartment resource with stores all over the city and surrounding area is an essential resource. Their area experts help you narrow your apartment search and find properties that compliment you and your lifestyle. They have an extensive list of available properties and are happy to share their knowledge of Atlanta's culture.
The next step is to land the perfect job.
Like many metropolises, Atlanta has a wealth of job opportunities. The difference here is Atlantas a city on the move, which means consistent job growth and various opportunities. Comprehensively, Atlanta is known as a hub for major corporations. It is home to UPS, Home Depot, ATT&T, Coca-Cola, and CNN. Its also an estimable region for national and international banking. A number of research institutions call the city home, as well as places of higher education. All this means that job opportunities are available for the niche professional and blue-collar worker, for financial analysts, media journalists, and many others.
The Internet offers dozens of job listing resources. But I've found that the Atlanta Journal Constitution offers the best diversity and access.
Once you've landed the job and are settled in your apartment, you going to have to learn how to get around. After all, you'll be busy, working hard and meeting new people. And the quicker you learn how to be mobile, the quicker you'll be immersed in Atlanta's urban lifestyle.
Greater Atlanta is a large region. Many people drive to work. This results in heavy traffic. Atlanta has three major Interstate highways, which crisscross the city and combine to form the Downtown Connector. All told, more than 340,000 vehicles use these highways on a daily basis. Be sure to give yourself enough time. You don't want to be late for your new job!
For those who prefer public transportation, the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority offers convenient options. Known as MARTA, this subway system is the seventh busiest in the United States. The MARTA also operates a bus system that runs through the city and surrounding areas. For maps and schedules, prices and monthly payment options, visit MARTA'S website. It has all the information you'll need to master Atlanta's public transit system.
The only question now is where to sit down for a relaxing meal and drink. Atlanta does not leave you wanting for options. Remember when we discussed all those neighborhoods? Well, each of them has distinct restaurants and bars. Whether your preference is wine, beer, or cocktails, a local establishment is not far away. Also, Atlanta has been consistently ranked as one of the nation's best food cities. Learning all of these places and picking your favorite takes time. But remember, that's what city living is all about: exploration and experience. So take your time and enjoy all that Atlanta has to offer. Access Atlanta has reviews and listings that go through each neighborhood, rating a restaurant's food, drink, and ambiance.
