What we love — and hate — about Atlanta
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Why can't we quit you. Dustin Chambers/Bloomberg via Getty Images
From the lush tree canopy to the countless neighborhoods to call home, there's lots to love about living in Atlanta.
- But it's not perfect, and not a day goes by where we're not complaining about something (looking at you, Downtown Connector).
Driving the news: On this 404 Day, please indulge us as we dive into our love/hate relationship with Atlanta via this non-exhaustive list.
Love
We are forever changing: Metro Atlanta's population rose from 3.5 million people in 2000 to over 5.2 million in 2024, according to the Atlanta Regional Commission, making us the sixth largest and third fastest-growing region in the country.
- It's also a transient town, and the churn of interesting people moving in and out make for an interesting and diverse place. (That also makes for great international food — but is it too much to ask for a good sandwich?)
Hate
Can't keep up: We have underinvested in mass transit and affordable housing, fueling sprawl, which keeps us confined to cars on wide roads choked with gridlock.
- Elected officials and planners have prioritized building roads — the infrastructure of least resistance — to serve the economy first and people second.
Love
You can get anywhere from here: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport — a love/hate story in itself — can connect you with more than 150 destinations. You could fly to some later this afternoon if you wanted (and could afford).
Hate
Identity crisis: A city reborn, the Black Mecca, the City Too Busy to Hate?
- Atlanta is eternally rising from the ashes, swinging for the fences. In the process, we never really figured out who we are.
Love
Black history and present: The city isn't just the hometown of famous civil rights figures. It's been a springboard for Black excellence in the arts, music, business, science and just plain life and a beacon for people across the country.
Hate
Income inequality and social inequity: Decades of red-hot growth have failed to bridge the wide gap between the haves and have nots in the metro area and Atlanta in particular.
Love
Trees: Our trademark — and threatened — tree canopy provides a shady retreat from the scorching summers we must live through if we want to enjoy those idyllic spring and autumn days.