Why Atlanta, GA is the Perfect City for Young College Graduates

Forbes.com ranked Atlanta third among best cities for young professionals, thanks to its relatively high salaries compared to the low cost of living. For recent college graduates, Atlanta is the ideal city to consider. Criteria that won Atlanta its high rank is the large number of never-married people in their 20's and early 30's. Forbes used this as an indicator that the nightlife young professional is full and lively. They also rank Atlanta fourth among the best cities for singles, as 32% of the population is unmarried, and seventh for cost of living alone. However, the city also provides ample benefits to those who are looking to settle down and have a family after experiencing the fun life of Atlanta after college.

Atlanta houses the headquarters of giant corporations such as CNN, TBS, Coca Cola, and Home Depot. Most major national firms have offices here. Additionally, Atlanta is home to Atlanta Hartsfield Airport, which has direct international flights all over the world. If you have to travel for business, the Atlanta airport provides convenience and good food to eat while you're waiting.

All sorts of restaurant options are available in Atlanta, from traditional southern barbecue to exotic international fusion meals. During the fall, the weather is perfect for outdoor dining, at restaurants such as the Atlanta Fish Market, Max Lagers, an independent brewery, and The Food Studio, which offers superb American cuisine. You really have to live in the city to have enough time to sample every menu.

Forbes also ranks Atlanta ninth for culture. Atlanta holds a wealth of southern historical areas and museums to commemorate history. The Martin Luther King, Jr. was born in Atlanta, and the home, which is a recognized national historic site, can be toured. There are museums of African American heritage, art museums, theatres, art galleries, and dance halls. Culturally-inclined residents of Atlanta can spend their free time attending the ballet, opera, or symphony orchestra. Also, there is always a traveling Broadway show available for viewing.

For those with a taste for the sciences, Atlanta now has the world's biggest aquarium, huge botanical gardens, and a zoo. Sports lovers will have a chance to watch the Atlanta Braves play baseball at Turner Field, or the Atlanta Falcons play football in the Georgia dome. Other sports teams are the Atlanta Thrashers hockey team, and the Atlanta Hawks baseball team, which both play in Phillips Arena.

Finally, the Atlanta music scene will keep you close to all of your favorite artists. Small venues host local acoustic shows, in addition to large venues such as The Arena at Gwinnett Center hosting world-famous stars. In the coming months, Atlanta will play host to stars like Kelly Clarkson, Keith Urban, Bruce Springsteen, and Elton John. Atlanta is a stop on most artists' national tours.

So, college graduates and job searchers, consider moving to Atlanta. The city has something to offer to everyone, from singles to families to retirees.