Looking for a new home in a booming and actively growing city? Atlanta is
the place to go! According to 2006 Census estimates, Atlanta has a population
of 486,411. The metropolitan population is estimated at almost 5 million
people, making Atlanta the 35th largest city and 9th largest metropolitan area
in the United States. Now you see why buying new homes in Atlanta sounds like a
great idea.
Interstate 285, also known as the Perimeter, surrounds the city and serves
as a borderline between Atlanta and its suburbs. Locals are very familiar with
the geo-demographic terminology of ITP (Inside the Perimeter) and OTP (Outside
the Perimeter).
Atlanta is the state's cultural center and the home of the High Museum of
Art, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and the Atlanta Ballet. Atlanta is also the
home to many sports teams: Braves, Falcons, Thrashers and Hawks.
For even more entertainment, Atlanta hosts several well-known festivals and
parades, including the Georgia Renaissance Festival, the Atlanta Dogwood
Festival, and the National Black Arts Festival.
From the historical perspective, Atlanta has undergone several major
incarnations since it was founded as Terminus in 1837. At that time, the town
was the final point of the Georgia railroad line. In 1843, it was incorporated
as Marthasville and was named in honor of governor Lumpkin's daughter Martha.
In 1845, the town received its current name and was incorporated as the City of
Atlanta in 1847.
Countless celebrities have called Atlanta home, including civil rights leader
Martin Luther King, Jr., golfer Bobby Jones, comedian Nipsey Russell, actresses
Julia Roberts and Kim Basinger and author of "Gone with the Wind",
Margaret Mitchell.
During the Civil War, Atlanta was destroyed by General Sherman, but raised
from the ashes; hence the Phoenix was chosen to be the city's symbol, to become
the capital of the "New South."
In the Civil Rights Movement, Atlanta distinguished itself from other
Southern cities that supported segregation, and became known as the "City
Too Busy to Hate." The A-T-L became popular among African-Americans, which
has influenced the city's political arena.
Atlanta metro is home to several well-established colleges and universities,
such as Emory University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia State
University, Oglethorpe University, Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College,
Morris Brown College and Spelman College.
Things to Do in Atlanta
If Atlanta sounds like a good place for you to call home and Atlanta new
home construction is something you are interested in, let NewHomeGuide.com help
you find the best new homes in Atlanta, as well as the most reliable builders
in the area.