To celebrate 95 years of helping people find homes in Atlanta, Harry Norman, REALTORS® decided to take a more personal route. They asked their agents and staff to share what they love most about living and working in Metro Atlanta — the small moments, the hidden spots, and the everyday places that make this city feel like home.

From quiet nature trails to rooftop brunch spots, block parties to skyline views, these are the places, experiences, and local gems that make life in Metro Atlanta so easy to love. Whether you’re a lifelong local or just getting to know the area, you’ll probably find a few of your own favorites on this list, too.

Local Neighborhoods & Destinations
Atlanta’s neighborhoods each carry their own rhythm; some laid-back, some buzzing, and all full of life. Whether you’re sipping coffee on a town square, shopping local boutiques, or catching a weekend concert, these destinations are the heartbeat of the metro Atlanta area.

1. Alpharetta City Center: charming, walkable, and full of local spots

2. Avalon: shopping, dining, and events all in one place

3. Brookhaven’s Town Brookhaven: casual and convenient with a neighborhood vibe

4. Buckhead Village District: upscale shopping meets lively nightlife

5. Buford Highway: the foodie’s dream for global eats

6. Cumming City Center: small-town charm with modern updates

7. Downtown Roswell: historic streets and can’t-miss restaurants

8. Downtown Woodstock: vibrant, colorful, and full of character

9. Historic Norcross: Southern charm with local art and dining

10. Marietta Square: perfect for weekend strolls and farmers markets

11. Every suburb has its own mini downtown — one of metro ATL’s underrated perks

12. Midtown: where sleek high-rises meet 1920s homes

13. The view from Jackson Street Bridge: classic Atlanta skyline

14. The Battery Atlanta: where sports, food, and fun all collide

15. The Works in Upper Westside: industrial edge meets trendy eats

16. Druid Hills: tree-lined streets and historic homes

17. Inman Park: walkable, artsy, and full of personality

18. Grant Park’s Victorian homes: charm that never goes out of style

Dining, Food & Beverage
Atlanta’s food scene is reason enough to fall in love with the city. From tucked-away taquerias to sleek spots serving five-star fare, you’ll find something memorable on nearly every corner.

19. Aqua Terra in Buford for lake-town dining with polish

20. Bacchanalia for an unforgettable night out

21. Brunch culture that turns weekends into events

22. Doraku Sushi in Buckhead

23. Rooftop vibes at Fado in Midtown

24. Family-run restaurants that remember your order

25. Fellows Café in Roswell (don’t skip the French toast)

26. il Giallo Osteria: handmade pasta worth the drive

27. Bars, boutiques, and bites that never feel cookie-cutter

28. Jalisco’s Mexican: the neighborhood classic

29. Java Lords in Little Five Points

30. Late-night dancing at Johnny’s Hideaway

31. King of Pops on a summer afternoon

32. Cozy nights at La Grotta, a true Atlanta icon

33. Late night eats at Waffle House

34. Lucian Books and Wine, where the vibe is as good as the wine list

35. Milton’s in Crabapple for cocktails under the trees

36. Poblanos Mexican Grill: casual, fast, fantastic

37. Ponce City Market’s food hall favorites

38. Speakeasy energy at Roaring Social

39. Superica for bold flavors and great energy

40. Dining + shopping = one great day out

41. The Select in Sandy Springs: elegant, but never fussy

42. Hidden coffee shops that feel like second homes

43. Wine tastings at Château Élan

44. The hum and buzz of Your DeKalb Farmers Market

Arts, Culture & Entertainment
There’s something about Atlanta’s creative energy that’s hard to explain — until you experience it. From world-class museums to neighborhood festivals and everything in between, the arts are alive here in a way that’s woven into daily life.

45. The Atlanta Botanical Garden: where nature meets art

46. Atlanta Streets Alive: turning city blocks into pedestrian playgrounds

47. Big Shanty Festival: small-town fun with local flavor

48. College Football Hall of Fame: because sports are culture here

49. Dragon Con: costumes, fandom, and downtown excitement

50. Eleanor’s Place: where women gather, work, and grow

51. The glow of the Fox Theatre’s iconic marquee

52. Strolling the galleries at the HIGH Museum

53. Historic charm in downtown Norcross

54. Local productions at Horizon Theatre

55. National Center for Civil and Human Rights: powerful and inspiring

56. Oakland Cemetery: more than history, it’s a quiet treasure

57. Porsche Experience Center: fast cars, big thrills

58. The Swan House at the Atlanta History Center

59. That unmistakable “Atlanta lifestyle” vibe

60. The BeltLine Lantern Parade: glowing, joyful, unforgettable

61. The Georgia Aquarium: a favorite for locals, too

62. Catching a show at one of the many live music venues

63. Murals, street art, and galleries — art is everywhere here

Outdoor Escapes & Green Spaces
Atlanta didn’t get the nickname “City in a Forest” for nothing. With its winding trails, expansive parks, and shaded sidewalks, it’s one of the greenest urban areas in the country. These outdoor favorites are where locals go to recharge, move, and make memories.

64. Walking trails everywhere you turn

65. Atlanta’s endless patios for sipping and people-watching

66. Braselton’s luxury golf courses

67. Chastain Park Arts Festival weekends

68. Kennesaw Mountain’s Civil War-era hiking trails

69. Scenic drives like Lake Forest Drive

70. Lazy afternoons in Piedmont Park

71. Roswell Area Park’s tennis courts and walking paths

72. Sandy Springs City Center green space

73. Swift-Cantrell Park in Kennesaw

74. The tree canopy that makes every drive prettier

75. That perfect mix of city access and nature

Lifestyle & Community Vibes
At its core, Atlanta is all about connection. It’s the porch hangs and neighborhood block parties. The way people say hello at the dog park. The energy of a city that keeps growing but still finds room for warmth, friendliness, and Southern charm.

76. Recreational sports leagues for every age and skill level

77. Getting to know the neighborhoods we serve

78. Living in a city that always finds ways to evolve

79. The balance of big-city amenities and a small-town feel

80. Block-by-block pride in where we live

81. The cultural diversity you feel everywhere

82. Independent businesses with passionate owners

83. Constantly exploring and still finding new favorites

84. The legacy of the 1996 Olympics

85. How easy it is to meet new people here

86. “Lemon pepper wet” as a cultural cornerstone

87. A short drive from both the mountains and the coast

88. Clients who turn into lifelong friends

89. Porch parties that last well past sunset

90. Proximity to weekend getaways in every direction

91. A real sense of community you can feel

92. Southern hospitality that lives up to the hype

93. The distinct personality of every neighborhood

94. The city that gave us Coca-Cola

95. The fact that we’re still discovering more reasons to love it every day

Cheers to 95 Years!
After 95 years of serving Atlanta, one thing is clear: this city keeps giving the Harry Norman, REALTORS® team new reasons to love it. Whether it’s the people, the neighborhoods, or the everyday experiences, there’s something uniquely special about life here.

Harry Norman, REALTORS® is proud to live, work, and grow in a city with so much heart. A huge 'thank you' to the Harry Norman, REALTORS® agents for sharing their local favorites, and to the community for being part of their story. Here’s to 95 more years of celebrating the places (and people) that make Atlanta feel like home.