Atlanta is experiencing a significant growth phase, solidifying its status as a top destination for those seeking a vibrant place to live. The Georgia capital’s metropolitan area was recently recognized by the U.S. Census Bureau as one of the fastest-growing regions in the country, with nearly 69,000 new residents moving in between 2022 and 2023. This surge in population is hardly surprising, given that Atlanta was also named the second-best city to live in the United States by the Economist Intelligence Unit’s (EIU) Global Liveability Index. In fact, Atlanta secured the top spot on the East Coast, with only Honolulu ranking higher nationwide.
The EIU’s annual study, conducted by The Economist Group’s research division, evaluates 173 cities across 30 different factors related to living standards. These factors include infrastructure, healthcare, stability, education, and culture and environment. Atlanta particularly shone in the areas of infrastructure, stability, and cultural offerings, making it a standout among American cities.
Notably, Atlanta also saw a significant rise in its ranking within the EIU study over the past year, climbing four spots to reach No. 29. This makes it one of the biggest movers in the rankings, alongside Pittsburgh, which also jumped four positions to No. 30.
One key factor drawing people to Atlanta is its strong business environment. Last fall, LinkedIn named Atlanta the best metropolitan area in the country to start a business. The city is home to major corporations such as Delta, Coca-Cola, and Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the state’s largest employer with more than 63,000 employees.
In addition to its robust business landscape, Atlanta’s film and television industry has been booming. The city boasts over a dozen studios, including the 330-acre Tyler Perry Studios, the nearly 1,000-acre Trilith Studios (a hub for superhero movies), and the newly opened Assembly Studios, which began operations in November.
Despite its nickname “Hotlanta,” the city’s climate is actually quite moderate, with an average annual temperature of 61 degrees. While July can see temperatures around 89 degrees and January can dip to 34 degrees, Atlanta typically enjoys over 300 days of sunshine each year, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
A prime way to enjoy the city’s pleasant weather is by exploring the 22-mile BeltLine trail system, which runs along a former railway track and includes popular stops like Ponce City Market and Piedmont Park. Just outside of Atlanta, the suburb of Sandy Springs offers additional green spaces and trails, providing a tranquil escape from the urban environment.
Following Honolulu and Atlanta, the top 10 most livable U.S. cities, according to the EIU, include Pittsburgh, Seattle, Washington, D.C., Chicago, Boston, Miami, San Francisco, and Minneapolis.
