What Now, Atlanta? A Local’s Guide to What’s Happening and How to Plug In

If you live in Atlanta, are thinking about moving here, or you’re planning a visit, you might find yourself asking: “What now, Atlanta?”

In other words:
What’s going on? Where do I go? Who do I call? How do I actually navigate life in this city right now?

This guide pulls together practical, city-specific information to help you figure out “what now” in Atlanta—from transit and neighborhoods to events, public services, and everyday basics.

Getting Around Atlanta: What Now for Transportation?

Atlanta can feel spread out, but once you know your options, getting around becomes much easier.

MARTA: Rail and Bus

MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) is the core of public transit in Atlanta.

• Rail Lines: Red, Gold, Blue, and Green lines connect major spots like the airport, Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and parts of Decatur.
• Key Hubs:
  • Airport Station (inside Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport)
  • Five Points Station (Downtown)
  • Arts Center Station (Midtown)
  • Lindbergh Center Station (Buckhead area)

MARTA Headquarters:
2424 Piedmont Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30324
Customer service: 404-848-5000

If you’re asking “what now?” after landing at the airport, MARTA’s Airport Station is usually the fastest way to Downtown and Midtown.

Biking, Scooters, and the BeltLine

Atlanta is steadily becoming more bike- and pedestrian-friendly.

• Atlanta BeltLine: A growing network of paved trails connecting neighborhoods like Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, Midtown, and West End.
• Bike Lanes: Increasing in many intown neighborhoods, especially around Midtown and Downtown.

For short trips and exploring, especially on the Eastside or Westside BeltLine, walking, biking, or scooters are often more convenient than driving.

Driving and Parking

If you’re going beyond the urban core, driving is often still the most practical option.

• Major highways: I-75, I-85, I-20, GA-400, and I-285 (the Perimeter).
• Be prepared for rush hour traffic, especially 7–10 a.m. and 3–7 p.m.
• Many intown areas use paid street parking and decks, especially Downtown, Midtown, and near busy commercial districts.

If your “what now?” moment is about commuting, consider mixing MARTA + driving (park-and-ride) to avoid being stuck on the Connector every day.

Where Should I Go Now? Key Atlanta Neighborhoods to Know

Atlanta is a city of distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character. Where you go next depends on what you want.

For First-Time Visitors

If you’re here for a short time and wondering what to do now in Atlanta:

• Downtown – Major attractions, walkable sightseeing

  • Georgia Aquarium
  • World of Coca-Cola
  • Centennial Olympic Park
  • State Farm Arena and Mercedes-Benz Stadium

• Midtown – Arts, culture, and parks

  • High Museum of Art
  • Fox Theatre
  • Piedmont Park
  • Midtown’s restaurant and bar scene

• Old Fourth Ward & Inman Park – BeltLine access, trendy food and drink

  • Ponce City Market
  • Eastside BeltLine Trail
  • Historic neighborhoods with lots of local spots

For People Moving to or Living in Atlanta

If you’re thinking “what now?” from a housing or lifestyle perspective, you’ll hear a lot about:

• Intown neighborhoods: Virginia-Highland, Grant Park, West End, Cabbagetown, Reynoldstown, Edgewood, Kirkwood
• Northside suburbs: Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Roswell, Alpharetta
• East metro: Decatur, Avondale Estates, Tucker
• Southside options: East Point, College Park, Hapeville

Each area has different commute patterns, price points, and amenities, so your next step is usually to:

1. Decide where you’ll work or attend school.
2. Map out your daily commute options.
3. Visit potential neighborhoods at different times of day to feel out traffic, noise, and activity.

What’s Going On This Week? Events and Things To Do in Atlanta

Atlanta always has something happening. When you’re asking, “What now?” socially or recreationally, start with a few core areas.

Major Event Areas

• Downtown: Conventions, sports, big concerts, and festivals around Centennial Olympic Park.
• Midtown: Arts festivals, performances, parades, and nightlife.
• Little Five Points: Alternative, indie, and creative events, especially on weekends.
• Westside / West Midtown: Breweries, food halls, and live music.

Seasonal Highlights (Typical Patterns)

While exact dates change, Atlantans commonly look for:

• Spring:

  • In-town festivals, neighborhood tours, outdoor concerts
  • Popular time for walking the BeltLine and visiting Piedmont Park

• Summer:

  • Outdoor movie nights, concerts, and food events
  • Plenty of indoor, air-conditioned attractions due to heat and humidity

• Fall:

  • College and professional football
  • Arts festivals and neighborhood events
  • Pleasant weather for parks and hikes just outside the city

• Winter:

  • Holiday markets and light displays
  • Indoor performances, symphony, and theater

If you’re here now and want to know what’s happening this week, most locals check city event calendars, venue schedules (like the Fox Theatre or State Farm Arena), or their favorite neighborhood social channels.

Everyday Life Questions: City Services and “Who Do I Call Now?”

When “what now?” means “Who’s responsible for this?” these are the core Atlanta-area contacts you should know.

City of Atlanta – General Help and Non-Emergencies

If you live within the City of Atlanta limits:

• ATL311 (City of Atlanta Customer Service)
  • Dial: 3-1-1 from inside city limits or 404-546-0311
  • Typical issues: trash pickup questions, potholes, code enforcement, water service questions, and other city services.

City of Atlanta main address:
55 Trinity Avenue SW, Atlanta, GA 30303

Emergencies and Public Safety

• Emergency: 911
• Non-emergency police line (Atlanta Police Department): 404-614-6544
• Atlanta Police Headquarters:
  226 Peachtree Street SW, Atlanta, GA 30303

For fire or medical emergencies, call 911 anywhere in the metro.

New to Atlanta? What Now for Official Paperwork and Basics

If you just moved here, there are a few “what now?” tasks most people tackle within their first weeks.

1. Driver’s License and ID

Handled by the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS).

Popular full-service location near Atlanta:
Georgia DDS Customer Service Center – Decatur
2211 Lawrenceville Highway, Decatur, GA 30033
General DDS customer line: 678-413-8400

You generally need to update your driver’s license or state ID after moving to Georgia, and many people schedule an appointment to save time.

2. Vehicle Registration and Title

Handled by the county tax commissioner’s office where you live. For many Atlantans:

• Fulton County Tax Commissioner – Main Office
  141 Pryor Street SW, Suite 1085, Atlanta, GA 30303
  Main line: 404-613-6100

If you live in DeKalb, Cobb, Gwinnett, or another county, you would work with that county’s tax commissioner instead.

3. Voter Registration

If you’re asking “what now?” about voting in Atlanta:

• Voter registration is managed at the county level, but there is also a Georgia Secretary of State voter services office.
• For City of Atlanta residents, you are typically voting in Fulton County (sometimes DeKalb if you’re on the eastern side of the city limits).

A common next step:
Register or update your address through your county elections office or state voter registration channels so you’re ready for city, county, and state elections.

Utilities and Essential Services: Setting Up Life in Atlanta

When you’ve found a place to live, the next “what now?” is usually utilities and services.

Water and Sewer (Inside City of Atlanta)

If your address is within the City of Atlanta:

• Department of Watershed Management
  City Hall East
  72 Marietta Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  Customer service (typical): 404-546-0311 (via ATL311)

Electricity

In most of the Atlanta metro, electricity is provided by Georgia Power (though some areas have local providers or cooperatives).

Georgia Power general customer service often handles:

• Starting, stopping, or transferring service
• Billing questions
• Outage reporting

Natural Gas

Atlanta has a natural gas market with multiple certified providers. Many residents choose a supplier and have billing separate from electric and water. If your home uses gas, your “what now?” step is to:

1. Confirm whether your address uses gas or electric for heat/cooking.
2. Choose and set up a natural gas provider if needed.

Healthcare and “What Now?” for Medical Needs in Atlanta

While this guide doesn’t give medical advice, it helps to know your local options and next steps in Atlanta.

Major Hospital Systems in the Atlanta Area

Commonly used full-service systems include:

• Emory Healthcare – Several hospitals and clinics, including Emory University Hospital and Emory Midtown.
• Grady Health System – Grady Memorial Hospital (major trauma and safety-net hospital for the region).
  • Grady Memorial Hospital:
    80 Jesse Hill Jr Drive SE, Atlanta, GA 30303
    Main switchboard: 404-616-1000
• Piedmont Healthcare – Piedmont Atlanta Hospital and other metro locations.
• Wellstar Health System – Facilities across the metro region.

If you need urgent or emergency care now, your immediate next step is typically to call 911 for emergencies or go to the nearest urgent care or emergency department, depending on the severity of the issue.

For non-urgent medical questions, most Atlantans:

• Check which systems are in-network for their insurance.
• Choose a primary care provider near home or work.

Jobs, Business, and “What Now?” for Work in Atlanta

Atlanta is a regional hub for corporate headquarters, film and television, logistics, and tech, along with a strong small-business community.

Looking for Work in Atlanta

When “what now?” means “How do I find a job here?” many people:

• Focus on major employment corridors:

  • Downtown and Midtown: Corporate, government, law, tech, and nonprofit offices.
  • Perimeter Center (Sandy Springs/Dunwoody area): Corporate and healthcare.
  • Cumberland/Galleria: Offices and retail near Truist Park.
  • Alpharetta/Johns Creek: Tech and corporate campuses.

• Use:

  • General job boards for postings.
  • Atlanta-specific professional organizations and meetups.
  • Local career centers and workforce development agencies.

Starting a Business in Atlanta

If you’re asking “what now?” about launching a business:

• You’ll typically work with the City of Atlanta (if located within city limits) for business licenses and permits.
• City of Atlanta business services are generally coordinated through offices at:
  • 55 Trinity Avenue SW, Atlanta, GA 30303

You may also interact with county offices (for tax and property questions) and the state of Georgia (for forming LLCs, corporations, and trade names).

Education and Schools: What Now If You Have Kids (or Are a Student)?

Atlanta offers a mix of public, charter, and private schools, plus several major colleges and universities.

K–12 Public Schools

If you live inside the City of Atlanta:

• Atlanta Public Schools (APS) oversees the public K–12 system.
  • APS main office:
    155 Garnett Street SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
    Main line: 404-802-3500

If you live in Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, or Gwinnett counties but outside city limits, your child will typically attend that county’s school system.

What now for families?

1. Confirm exact address and county.
2. Look up the zoned school for that address.
3. Review enrollment requirements, such as proof of residency and immunization forms.

Colleges and Universities

Major institutions in and around Atlanta include:

• Georgia State University (Downtown Atlanta)
• Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) (Midtown)
• Emory University (Druid Hills area)
• Morehouse College, Spelman College, Clark Atlanta University (Atlanta University Center near West End)

If you’re a student asking “what now?” your next step is usually to:

• Check your school’s student services for housing, transportation, and health resources.
• Learn your campus-to-city commute options (MARTA, shuttles, bike/scooter routes).

Quick “What Now, Atlanta?” Cheat Sheet

Below is a simple reference for common “what now” moments and where to start.

Making Sense of “What Now, Atlanta?” in Your Situation

The phrase “What now, Atlanta?” can mean different things depending on whether you’re:

• Visiting and trying to fill an afternoon.
• Moving and handling ID, car, and housing tasks.
• Settled here and figuring out schools, work, or local government.

In almost every case, your next step is to:

1. Pin down your location (city vs. county, neighborhood, and commute patterns).
2. Identify the right local office or resource (city services, MARTA, county offices, or schools).
3. Plan around how Atlanta actually works—its transportation, spread-out layout, and neighborhood-focused life.

Once you know who to call, where to go, and how to get there, “What now, Atlanta?” becomes a lot easier to answer day by day.