Why Atlanta Wins, Even in a Recessionary Environment
Atlanta is one of the most entrepreneur-friendly environments in the U.S. FERRANTRAITE

Why Atlanta Wins, Even in a Recessionary Environment

If you’re like me, you probably know exactly what makes your company a special place to work. I suspect the majority of the unique qualities that make most companies’ leaders so proud probably revolve around the staff.

The same could likely be said for your city — in this case, my hometown of Atlanta.


More and more, Atlanta is welcoming new people moving here from California, New York, Chicago and other places around the U.S. This leads to job growth and stability that helps keep us moving in the right direction, even in uncertain economic times.

We are a large metropolitan area that stretches in all directions, boasting a strong economy and job market, affordable housing, access to quality educational institutions and medical care, all wrapped in a business-friendly environment, with a healthy dash of endearing Southern charm.

With that in mind, I wanted to share with newcomers — those considering a move, as well as longtime residents and natives like me — a few insights about the largest city in the southeast, and why Atlanta wins, especially in a recessionary environment.

I recently spoke with an associate from Texas who worked in Midtown over three decades ago. He was in town for the first time in many years and remarked on how much the city had changed.

“It was vibrant, with a palpable energy,” he said. “The Atlanta I remember was a bit sleepy. But what I experienced couldn't have been more exciting.”

Well, I have to agree.

A major business hub

This is where business gets things done. Did you know Atlanta has America’s?third-highest concentration ?of Fortune 500 companies? It’s an impressive list that includes Coca-Cola, Delta, Home Depot, UPS, Chick-fil-A and Porsche. And the trend doesn’t appear to be slowing down. When major employers consider a corporate move, our fair city is almost always included on the list of top candidates.

The cost of commerce here is comparatively low. Plus, Atlanta as well as the state of Georgia have offered significant incentives for companies to relocate. There is also a diversity of businesses here that you don’t find just anywhere.

Atlanta is one of the most entrepreneur-friendly environments in the U.S. “(With) Atlanta Tech Village, ATDC, Switchyards and Tech Square Labs, I expect to see a massive uptick in the number of iconic technology companies coming out of Atlanta in the coming years,” Craig Hyde, the founder, and CEO of Rigor, which is based in the Atlanta Tech Village, told Inc. Hyde’s prediction is bolstered by the fact that the area is so appealing to young professionals and their fondness for startups, according to the article.

The city’s sophisticated MARTA system moves massive amounts of people throughout the city daily, while the entire region is serviced by Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, among the world’s busiest. In fact, 80% of Americans live?within a two-hour flight ?of Atlanta.


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According to Macrotrends, the current metro area population of Atlanta in 2022 is 6,013,000, which represents a 1.73% increase from 2021. As for the future, the Atlanta Regional Commission has predicted the addition of some 100,000 new residents each year through 2040, adding about 2.5 million people to the population.

Natural beauty

The area’s natural environments are also distinctive: from the green spaces that make up historic Piedmont Park, to an afternoon of “shooting the ‘hooch” on the refreshing waters of the famed Chattahoochee River, discriminating visitors are always surprised it seems by the generous amount of vegetation that dots landscapes in the region.

While there is plenty of nature to keep you busy in the ATL, it’s worth noting it is located a short trip from the North Georgia mountains, as well as quaint beach towns along the state’s picturesque coast. The Port of Savannah is one of the nation’s most important shipping hubs.

Cultural draw

The King Center in the historic Sweet Auburn district, and the Carter Presidential Library and Museum are also highlights and two of the more unique features of the Atlanta cultural scene. Centennial Park downtown is where the 1996 Olympic Games took place. And the Georgia Aquarium is where you can see many of the world’s largest fish.

Also noteworthy are the world-class High Museum of Art, World of Coca-Cola, Zoo Atlanta, and The National Museum for Civil and Human Rights.

Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty held a gala event there last month celebrating progress within our company, industry, and community in the areas of awareness in diversity and education.

Local arts, cuisine, and music are all integral to Atlanta’s reputation. It’s also a true sports paradise, one of only a handful of American cities that can boast a full complement of professional sports franchises, plus big-time college teams.

While it’s been a creative mecca for years, our town has developed into one of the active production centers in the country. According to Inc., nearly 1,200 film and TV projects have been shot here just since 2007.

The sustained growth of our area is impressive by any measure — and is only likely to continue. Wonderful attractions, a business-focused demeanor, and more, all in a beautiful, natural environment. Welcome home.

This article was originally published by BizJournals.com and can be read here .

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