Talk of the Town

By john

May 16, 2005 08:14 AM | Link to this

Dont live OTP! (outside the perimeter)

By KEN

May 16, 2005 08:22 AM | Link to this

If it snows, stay home. When you order tea, it will be cold and sweet. You don’t put sugar and milk in grits.

By Jan

May 16, 2005 08:34 AM | Link to this

Don’t EVER think that the Southerners are as welcoming and friendly as you’ve been told.

By Emily

May 16, 2005 08:49 AM | Link to this

Most roads in ATL have “Peachtree” or “Rockbridge” in them. That doesn’t mean they have anything to do with each other. Stay off of 285 until you have honed your aggressive driving skills

By Rich

May 16, 2005 08:57 AM | Link to this

Go someplace else.

By Rick

May 16, 2005 09:04 AM | Link to this

Go Back! We’re already crowded enough!

By Wanda

May 16, 2005 09:05 AM | Link to this

Pack your cooler for the morning and evening commute and always make sure your gaydar has working batteries…Lots of single/married men, who aren’t being truthful……

By PP

May 16, 2005 09:09 AM | Link to this

Get ready for a friendly chat in any line you may find yourself in. Real Southerners are as friendly and warm as you have told. Traffic basically sucks so live in the suburbs if you can. ATry to work from home if you can so you don’t have the long commute. Atlantans as a rule are crazy drivers and very possessive of their space. Sweet tea is served here year round! Welcome Newcomers.

By dru

May 16, 2005 09:14 AM | Link to this

If you can see the DOME you are not far from where you want to be! And in zone 3 people are not that friendly!

By Native bill

May 16, 2005 09:14 AM | Link to this

Enjoy your stay!!THEN GO HOME!!!

By RS

May 16, 2005 09:18 AM | Link to this

If you work 20 minutes from where you live, give yourself 1-1/2 hours in the morning

By mike

May 16, 2005 09:19 AM | Link to this

Quick, leave now!

By Russell

May 16, 2005 09:31 AM | Link to this

True Southerners are welcoming and friendly. Is it our fault that the populace has been diluted by transplants??

By Cornelius

May 16, 2005 09:45 AM | Link to this

You’ll meet plenty of superficial, materialistic, status conscious snobs here, but not eberyone is like that. OTP is not a bad place.

By niki

May 16, 2005 09:46 AM | Link to this

Do not get directions from a native of Atlanta. You have to have some knowledge of the city before embarking on that expedition. And please please please, if you are from an aggressively violent city, leave that mess and the attitude there when you relocate here!

By Lou

May 16, 2005 09:46 AM | Link to this

Leave. While you still have the chance.

By Kelli

May 16, 2005 09:49 AM | Link to this

Quick, leave now! Atlanta and it’s suburbs are already too crowded!!!

By Cornelius

May 16, 2005 09:53 AM | Link to this

When walking don’t think just because you have the green and the walk signal you’re going to get across the street. Drivers totally ignore pedestrians rights and will run you over.

By Bill

May 16, 2005 10:04 AM | Link to this

Buy an Atlanta map book … best advice I ever got. Has served me well for over 30 years!

By Deb

May 16, 2005 10:12 AM | Link to this

Keep a map with you at all times, (color-code it: one color for the perimeter, other colors for the places you frequent, such as the airport), at least for the first year; and leave and at least an HOUR earlier before you go ANYWHERE!!!

By V.L.Buchanan

May 16, 2005 10:12 AM | Link to this

I say welcome to Atlanta..The more the merrier..

By Todd

May 16, 2005 10:55 AM | Link to this

Atlanta is not a Southern City - its simply a city in the Southern United States. It’s NOT like Birmingham, Charlotte, or any other “small city”. The people are not considerate, not nice, and not friendly, so don’t expect Mayberry.

By Sonja

May 16, 2005 11:05 AM | Link to this

I’ve lived here for 5 years and love it. Before driving, know if there will be traffic to your destination. Nothing like being stuck on 285 for 3 hours!!!! Having a map book will come in handy, and keep a file of the places you visit often. If you are a single woman, be prepared to deal with the whole men who are dishonest about their marital status, and sexuality. There are some men that are honest, but some that are not. Aside of that, Atlanta is a wonderful place to live.

Go out and explore!!!! There is always something to do.

By Ray

May 16, 2005 11:08 AM | Link to this

Don’t bother - - we are already full.

By Rich

May 16, 2005 11:13 AM | Link to this

Don’t go outside the perimeter or even close to Cobb county!

By Lyn

May 16, 2005 11:16 AM | Link to this

Always leave an hour before you have to be anywhere and the true Atlantans are nice and friendly

By Barbary

May 16, 2005 11:24 AM | Link to this

If you plan on going for a casual drive on I-285 during non-rush hour traffic, make sure you can casually drive at least 70 mph to keep up with traffic.

If you are in a hurry during rush hour traffic, cancel you appointment or bring a book.

Fast back roads are a myth in Atlanta.

By Melissa

May 16, 2005 11:44 AM | Link to this

Be prepared to sit in traffic no matter where you go or what time you go!

By Baxter Jones

May 16, 2005 12:03 PM | Link to this

Live intown. That means: (a)in the city limits, and(b)in a neighborhood which is pedestrian friendly and well served by MARTA. Buckhead is not “intown”. The person who wrote “Traffic basically [stinks] so live in the suburbs if you can” has no idea what they are talking about. The burbs is where the worst traffic is. The city is comparatively easy to get around in, and is more interesting, especially for people who enjoy the arts.

By Bobbie

May 16, 2005 12:05 PM | Link to this

If you don’t like the weather in Atlanta, stick around 5 minutes, it will change!

By John

May 16, 2005 12:14 PM | Link to this

Live as far away outside the perimeter as you can get. Take a job 10 minutes from home even if it means a substantial pay cut. Both suggestions will quickly pay off in your quality of life and the quality of education your children will receive. You then can visit Atlanta for special events and nights out and won’t come to hate it like so many residents do.

By Lisa

May 16, 2005 12:15 PM | Link to this

Housing used to be inexpensive, but since everyone is moving here, it is just as expensive as anyplace else.

By DD

May 16, 2005 12:18 PM | Link to this

Everybody in ATL drives like they are related to the late Dale Ernhart and you better learn to also before you get run over. Never leave the perimeter without a very good reason and if it’s up GA400 just call in sick.

By Laura

May 16, 2005 12:20 PM | Link to this

You know you’ve spotted a newcomer to Atlanta when they make a turn at an intersection from the appropriate lane!

By William

May 16, 2005 12:36 PM | Link to this

“Get a map boot of Atlanta.”Good advice! Then learn every possible alternate route to where you want to be. As a native, I know how valuable this can be. Welcome Ya’ll !!

By Native Atlantan

May 16, 2005 12:52 PM | Link to this

Go home so I can move back!

By bob

May 16, 2005 01:01 PM | Link to this

Leave Now ?

By Lynne

May 16, 2005 01:05 PM | Link to this

**Trade in that stick-shift now!

By Lena

May 16, 2005 01:21 PM | Link to this

No Vacancy!!

By kay

May 16, 2005 01:21 PM | Link to this

Give yourself two hours to get anywhere any time or spend you time here truely fustrated and late.

By john

May 16, 2005 01:41 PM | Link to this

If you can afford to, live in the city and close to Piedmont Park.. Always something going on and is very beautiful. People that don’t like Atlanta don’t even live in the city. They are just haters I guess.

By rick

May 16, 2005 02:23 PM | Link to this

make friends with other newcomers. southerners don’t like the newcomers. so you just ignore the southerners:) it really frustrates them….

By Yalanda

May 16, 2005 02:25 PM | Link to this

Atlanta has the quietest traffic in the world? People rarely blow at you, they just hit your car.

By Mary

May 16, 2005 02:35 PM | Link to this

Don’t get on marta!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Nigel

May 16, 2005 03:02 PM | Link to this

Georgia 400 is not a nascar race, although there are striking similarities with the speeds, cars colliding, and everyone trying to make the pole.

It can be pointed out that mid-town is the place where all of the buildings come to a point at the top, downtown they do not, when you drive by on 85/75.

Get to know where the Varsity downtown is, the Big Chicken, and Spaghetti Junction. Directions based on those locations will be far easier to understand.

Pony up for a large Atlanta map and/or vehicle with on-screen map/directions. A good investment!

You’ll be safe if you wait at all green lights for the 3 cars to clear the intersection on their red light that you don’t see coming, but are coming.

Contrary to the above advice, when power is out at an intersection people actually do the 4 way stop properly. This still blows my mind to this day.

Welcome!

By mark

May 16, 2005 03:03 PM | Link to this

Don’t plan meetings for 3 p.m. or later on Friday. Everyone tries to leave work between 3 and 4 on Friday’s to beat traffic. So, even if you have the authority to compell people to be at there, you won’t accomplish much because everyone will be resentful about being there and too preoccupied thinking about how bad the traffic will be when they finally get out of there.

By Gooden

May 16, 2005 03:49 PM | Link to this

Work a ten hour, four day work week (off on Fridays). Friday is the worse traffic day, people loss control. Leaving early and going home later helps with the traffic problem. Purchase a home outside the perimeter you get more house for less money. Shop through the week not on the weekends. And drive defensively to avoid accidents with other drivers. I have been here 20 years this year and still love Atlanta. Welcome to the best climate in the US!

By Sharon

May 16, 2005 03:51 PM | Link to this

You know you’re a newcomer when you want to leave within a month after coming here and you realize that southern hospitality doesn’t exist!

By Ashly

May 16, 2005 04:01 PM | Link to this

Every other person you meet is a real estate agent, loan officer or appraiser. And, whatever home you decide to buy is going to be scandalously over-priced.

By Thomas Payne

May 16, 2005 04:11 PM | Link to this

Welcome South, Brother!

By Nicole

May 16, 2005 04:14 PM | Link to this

When learning to drive in and around Atlanta, please know that I-285 is a circle. I really wished someone had told me this when I moved here before I was almost in tears trying to figure out why the signs were changing from north to east to south to west without me even changing highways!

By Kelli

May 16, 2005 04:14 PM | Link to this

As a true Southerner it doesn’t frustrate me if you ignore me, I would rather not hear from you. People complain that Southerners aren’t friendly, it’s because all the transplants came in here and ruined what we had.

By Leonard

May 16, 2005 04:52 PM | Link to this

Do not be stupid and make fun of a southerner and our accent

By Joao

May 16, 2005 05:40 PM | Link to this

Make sure your car’s AC works and that you have a radio in your car for the commute to and from work. Learn a route to work using Surface roads if possible.

By Bree

May 16, 2005 05:52 PM | Link to this

If at all possible, avoid I85S after 7am and before 10am and I85N after 4pm and before 7pm. Without a doubt, there is sure to be an accident between those time frames. You can bet your lunch on it.

By James

May 16, 2005 06:41 PM | Link to this

All newcomers must complete an advance course in driving Atlanta-401. If you have only completed 301, you may drive I-285 and the connector during non rush hours allowed to only drive in your subdivision. 201 students should limit driving to weekends. 101 students are not allowed within 42.7 miles in any direction of downtown.

By John

May 16, 2005 06:53 PM | Link to this

Great place to live but if you’re looking for a city atmosphere like Chicago or Boston, you won’t find it here. Atlantans don’t really just go downtown to enjoy it b/c next thing you know you’re getting panhandled for money. Weather’s great and comparitively, traffic is not that bad. People wil complain about the traffic but that’s b/c they’ve never lived in LA, Chicago or Boston. Use 285 as much as you can to help ease congestion on the connector. Stay away from the I20 interchanges…they will add hours to your day. Don’t live up 400 unless you work up there.

By Donna

May 16, 2005 07:33 PM | Link to this

Go to Chastain. Take a picnic basket. It doesn’t matter who’s performing - the experience is unique.

By dan

May 16, 2005 07:49 PM | Link to this

MOVE FAST!

By Karen

May 16, 2005 10:30 PM | Link to this

To experience Southern Hospitality you must first be hospitable yourself. How to be hospitable: put a smile on your face, wave to your neighbors, make small talk at the grocery store or post office with the clerks and workers, give a gap so someone can merge.

By Mike

May 16, 2005 10:38 PM | Link to this

Learn to love your car. You will be spending a lot of time in it.

By Susan

May 16, 2005 10:42 PM | Link to this

Turn around and leave…FAST!

By Harvey

May 16, 2005 10:54 PM | Link to this

If you move in as a former Yankee, you will thrive, if you move-in from South Georgia you have gasped your last enjoyable breath.

By Brison

May 16, 2005 11:34 PM | Link to this

Volunteering for organizations is a great way to meet nice people in Atlanta. For instance, Arts Organizations offers lots of fun opportunities (ushering at performances is a great way to see them for free!). Volunteer opportunities are abundant in every field imaginable! Join in, lend a hand and feel good about Atlanta and yourself!

By bryan

May 17, 2005 12:06 AM | Link to this

Don’t buy in to that nonsense about Atlanta being the city that’s too busy to hate. This place is one of the most racially divisive cities in America. Bigotry and ignorance are in large supply here.

By H. Armstrong

May 17, 2005 01:12 AM | Link to this

The highlighted yellow exit signs along the highway are for cars that will immediately exit. If you do not want to exit the highway or interstate, do not get in these lanes!

By Hunter

May 17, 2005 03:43 AM | Link to this

I’ve been in Atlanta six years now and a couple things have always rang true for me.First..Southerners are friendly, especially if you’re a pretty lady. Second…traffic in Atlanta sucks all the way around, but don’t let it keep you from enjoying all that the wonderful city life has to offer, and lastly…Atlanta rocks because there is no place in the country where you can get great weather, good people and the best darn sweet tea your lips have ever tasted!

By Ron Robinson

May 17, 2005 04:30 AM | Link to this

Get your directions to where you are traveling prior to leaving home; employees at service stations are not even certain the name of the street where they are employed. Also small town police departments like to run radar, to aid their small towns revenue as a whole, or see you creepe past a stop sign while you are making a right turn at a shopping mall, so take your time.

By melinda buffington

May 17, 2005 05:38 AM | Link to this

These “friendly conversations” will be little more than detailed recitations of some stuff going on in someone’s life about a whole lot of stuff that has nothing to do with you, and you wouldn’t normally share with anyone you know so superficially. VERY strange tendency.

By Todd

May 17, 2005 07:34 AM | Link to this

Traffic in the suburbs is much, much worse than traffic in the city. Try to live and work in the city if you can. That way you can avoid the interstates. That’s the key — avoid the interstates.

By Kevin

May 17, 2005 09:35 AM | Link to this

If you are staying a while buy your residence before we really become a “Baby New York.”

By Ivan

May 17, 2005 09:36 AM | Link to this

Atlanta is becoming to the East Coast what Los Angeles is to the West Coast, an 8000-ton beast with multiple personalities that devours all open space in its path gnawing at the nerves and destoying the sanity of its inhabitants with high crime, extreme poverty, pollution and traffic jams that stretch indefitely into the foreseeable horizon. To make sense of it all and to keep from feeling isolated or lost in a sea of humanity I agree that newcomers should volunteer with community organizations of all kinds. Newcomers can also become active in a local branch of a school’s alumni association as a friend of a high school or college whether or not they attended or completed college or that school. It is a great way to meet people, become active in and feel much more attached to the community in this sometimes impersonal and monsterously massive metropolis.

By Kevin

May 17, 2005 09:40 AM | Link to this

Don’t go to Gwinnett County. Don’t go to Lenox Mall on Friday night. Dont speed on Roswell Rd going north. Don’t use blinkers, they don’t work.

By Shondra

May 17, 2005 09:49 AM | Link to this

Ignore what others say. Atlanta is alright for a small souhern town. But beware there are more northerners here than souherners.

By Pacho

May 17, 2005 09:54 AM | Link to this

Two words – Peachtree and Piedmont. Two roads you can’t avoid if you want to get around the city. Enjoy all the “beautiful� billboards and strip clubs while you traverse to your destination.

By L. C. Murray, Sr.

May 17, 2005 10:08 AM | Link to this

We have a great city here welcoming EVERY culture. That is why I chose It’s all her…”Atlanta: International South.”

By Patrick O'Rouke

May 17, 2005 10:26 AM | Link to this

Please go back where you came from. We are already way too full. And take some of your friends that came down in the last 10 or so years back with you.

By Kim

May 17, 2005 10:51 AM | Link to this

To find the real flavor of Atlanta, visit intown neighborhoods such as Virginia-Highland, Little Five Points or East Atlanta village for good eats, unique boutiques and fun nightlife.

By Jeff Breedlove

May 17, 2005 10:56 AM | Link to this

The best thing do in Atlanta is to go to a Braves or Falcons game!

By Paul

May 17, 2005 11:19 AM | Link to this

Atlanta is no longer a Southern City…if your looking for that charm…it’s “Gone With the Wind”…less than 50% of the inhabitants are native Georgians.

By Darlene

May 17, 2005 12:02 PM | Link to this

Don’t live more than 2 blocks from your workplace

By LJ

May 17, 2005 12:13 PM | Link to this

All the comments. Have me rolling!!!! BECAUSE THEY ARE ALL True!

I say, ENTER AT YOUR OWN RISK!

By Sara

May 17, 2005 12:19 PM | Link to this

Marietta is not Atlanta. Lawrenceville is not Atlanta. Norcross is not Atlanta. Austell is not Atlanta. East Point and College Park are not Atlanta, but close enough to claim.

MARTA is safe, contrary to popular belief.

Panhandlers are harmless, and on occasion, entertaining [see the 10th Street ext ramp guy that holds the “Why Lie? Need a Beer” sign…]

Never pay for parking in downtown—there’s always some random place to park for free.

Duluth is not Atlsnta. Douglasville is not Atlanta.

There is no NBA team here. Our MLB team doesn’t believe in the World Series, and hence boycotts the Fall Classic every year.

Pigeons don’t care where they poop.

Kennesaw is not Atlanta. Decatur is not Atlanta, but we’ll claim it. Clayton County is not Atlanta, thank the lord…

By Jessica

May 17, 2005 12:33 PM | Link to this

Correction to Barbary’s comment: Fast back roads in Atlanta aren’t a myth. It’s just that, to this day, the only person I know that knows about them all is my husband, and he ain’t talkin’.

By Cookie

May 17, 2005 12:36 PM | Link to this

Leave your own traffic laws where you came from…. Too many transplants (from other cities) have already messed up Georgia roads…..Also, if it rains people in Georgia CAN NOT drive, they will go 35mph in a 65 mph zone….

By Jessica

May 17, 2005 12:38 PM | Link to this

Also, if it snows, stay home. If it rains, stay home. If you’re running a half hour late, you’re really running 2 hours late — stay home. If you hear about anything as ordinary as a fender bender happening anywhere on 400 as early as 2 hours before you usually drive on 400 in the morning, leave right then — you can put your make-up on in the car. Lastly, when traveling on 75 through Atlanta during rush hour, don’t use your blinker until you’re halfway into the next lane. NO ONE will let you over out of the goodness of their heart.

By shari

May 17, 2005 12:39 PM | Link to this

don’t listen to any of the other comments. Just Smile and Wave.

By Renee

May 17, 2005 12:48 PM | Link to this

Purchase a city map and learn the difference between the Peachtree’s. Peachtree Rd, W Peachtree St, etc.

By Stephanie

May 17, 2005 01:22 PM | Link to this

I have been in tears laughing because all of the comments are so true!

By Tricia

May 17, 2005 01:25 PM | Link to this

For all of you Atlanta bashers, why exactly do you stay? Please, leave now!

By nativeATLalien

May 17, 2005 01:28 PM | Link to this

i love Atlanta, i’ve lived everywhere, far and near, and it’s still my favorite. but i would be remissed if i didn’t mention visiting the King Center Memorial, as well as the birth home of our native son- Martin Luther King Jr. southern cooking, southern hospitality, southern accents, southern history……

By Tim Taylor

May 17, 2005 01:52 PM | Link to this

Just remember these few things:

Never travel south on I-75 or I-85 between the hours of 6-10am

Never travel north on said roads between the hours 3-6:30pm

and

Never, never go under 75mph on I-285 or you will get run over.

By Bill

May 17, 2005 02:43 PM | Link to this

No, that rainbow sticker you see on all the cars in Buckhead doesn’t mean they are members of the rainbow coalition…

By Jen

May 17, 2005 03:07 PM | Link to this

Live Downtown! There’s no traffic, the people are friendly, and, YES, it’s safe! The gang problems and violent crimes are in Gwinnett and Cobb!

By Vanessa

May 17, 2005 03:49 PM | Link to this

Bad Traffic…GO BACK HOME.

By Angelina

May 17, 2005 04:33 PM | Link to this

Don’t use a blinker- it is a sign for other motorists to speed up and not let you into the traffic flow. Ramps that merge onto a highway are for that reason- back off and let folks on! Get off the cell phone and pay attention to your driving.

By Jeff

May 17, 2005 04:49 PM | Link to this

Stay OTP! It’s the only SAFE place to be!