Living in Atlanta: Life in the Heart of the Southeast
6/7/2022 - By Adrienne White - Stories and Insights
Updated: 2/5/2026
Atlanta, Georgia: where Southern charm and progressive innovation walk hand in hand.
Known as the capital of the Southeast, Atlanta is more than just endless sweet tea and southern slang. The bustling city wouldn’t be complete without its nature-loving residents, vibrant restaurant scene, and empowering contributions to the historic civil rights movement.If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to live in the “city in the forest,” look no further. We sat down with Adrienne White, SouthState Vice President of Commercial and Not-for-Profit Banking, to find out why she loves living in Atlanta.
When you think of Atlanta, you might think of juicy peaches, the immaculate Atlanta Botanical Gardens, or the beloved Atlanta Braves, who were 2021 World Series Champions. While there is certainly no shortage of things to do here, the most impressive aspects of the city lie within its rich history, culture, globally competitive economy and innovative spirit. A shared desire to develop leaders, inspire others and lead the way to a better tomorrow makes Atlanta extra special.
Take a stroll down the Sweet Auburn Historic District, and you can’t help but be inspired. Late activists Martin Luther King Jr and Congressman John Lewis walked these very streets to make incredible civil rights progress for our nation. Today, the district elevates and honors its history and contributions to the civil rights movement, while also motivating the next generation to step up to leadership.
“There’s an entrepreneurial spirit in our community you just don’t find anywhere else,” White said. An example of the entrepreneurial spirit she’s referring to is the Atlanta Beltline, one of the largest urban development programs in the country. The Beltline is a network of public parks, multi-use trails, transit, and affordable housing along a historic 22-mile railroad corridor. The project is enhancing mobility, connecting intown neighborhoods and improving economic opportunity and sustainability.1 If the sun is shining, the walking trail is a popular place to be. It’s lined with restaurants, breweries and more. Ponce City Market and Krog Street Market are among the local favorites.
“It (the Beltline) has transformed the city and inspired community members and leaders to innovate ways to welcome neighbors and small business owners of different income levels.” The groundbreaking initiative allowed organizations like the Grove Park Foundation and FCS Urban Ministries to take community development to new levels by constructing 200 affordable homes and building a new public school campus.
As if the community engagement and inspiring history aren’t compelling enough, Atlanta is routinely recognized as one of the fastest growing metro areas in the country, making it rife with opportunity for folks of various ages and career aspirations.
Atlanta has a unique focus on connecting people in an equitable way. It’s one of the reasons our economy is so strong.
Nestled in a state with a booming business climate, metro Atlanta attracts businesses of all sizes, being home to 31 Fortune 1000 companies and 17 Fortune 500 companies.2 From bioscience to supply chain management to fintech, the city has positioned itself to maintain unparalleled momentum and economic growth.
It's not just big corporations that thrive here though; the entrepreneurial ecosystem is the heartbeat of Atlanta communities. The city prides itself on being one of the best cities in the country for startups and small businesses.3
“In a town that moves at the speed of relationships, SouthState’s commitment to relationships over transactions sets us apart from other banks. We’ve got a beautiful mix of sophistication and personal touch to match our clients’ needs for efficient solutions to complex challenges.”
Whether you’re relocating, doing business, or just exploring, SouthState has convenient Atlanta-area locations with knowledgeable and friendly bankers ready to serve your financial needs – and help you make the most of life in this vibrant city.
It's not just big corporations that thrive here though; the entrepreneurial ecosystem is the heartbeat of Atlanta communities. The city prides itself on being one of the best cities in the country for startups and small businesses.3
“In a town that moves at the speed of relationships, SouthState’s commitment to relationships over transactions sets us apart from other banks. We’ve got a beautiful mix of sophistication and personal touch to match our clients’ needs for efficient solutions to complex challenges.”
Whether you’re relocating, doing business, or just exploring, SouthState has convenient Atlanta-area locations with knowledgeable and friendly bankers ready to serve your financial needs – and help you make the most of life in this vibrant city.
- https://beltline.org/about-us/
- https://www.metroatlantachamber.com
- https://www.inc.com
