33 Facts Only Real Atlanta Locals Know are True

Everyone has an opinion of what the real Atlanta is today, but those opinions can run the gamut in a city full of transplants (especially about hidden gems). But, when it comes to knowing the roots of the city and how it grew to today, there are just some facts no one can dispute.

Whether Coca-Cola reigns supreme or Outkast is always playing somewhere in the city, there are just Atlanta facts that locals know are true. And, yes, it’s more than just knowing how many Peachtrees are in the city.

Get to know the real Atlanta

If you’re a true Atlantan, you’ll find yourself nodding non-stop as you go down this list of Atlanta facts everyone knows are true.

1. It’s not even Spring yet, and you’re already sneezing. Come March and April, as you wake up from your winter slumber, you’ll spend every three days in the car wash scrubbing that yellow blanket of pollen that envelopes your car.

2. Preparing for incoming snow is like preparing for the apocalypse — bread, water, snacks and booze. That’s because you remember that one time the city didn’t prepare, and well, we made headlines across the world.

3. The best people-watching in the city is anywhere within three blocks of the Marriott Marquis during Dragon Con.

4. You know that Downtown is not the heart and soul of the city, and while you push through yet another friend wants to go to the World of Coke, you also take them to other neighborhoods to experience the true Atlanta.

5. You used to get excited when your neighborhood was the backdrop for a movie, but now you’re just annoyed by the extra traffic.

6. Saturday football games are more important than Sunday football games. Although, you wear your Sunday best to Saturday football games.

7. Pepsi doesn’t exist in your vocabulary, and you’re always offended when you visit IKEA, and they don’t have Coke products.

8. As a city of transplants, native Atlantans are a rare breed. Every time you meet one (and we mean in the city, not the suburbs), you get excited.

9. You know the difference between ITP, OTP and the perimeter and have very strong opinions about it. Spaghetti Junction, anyone?

10. You know that the best place to get Mexican, Vietnamese, Chinese or Korean food is definitely Buford Highway, and you won’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

11. When you’re having a conversation at a bar and an Outkast song comes on, you can’t help but mouth a few of the words before you continue talking.

12. You remember Ponce de Leon before the tourist magnet that’s Ponce City Market. Did you ever think The Masquerade was going to collapse during a show? Or, what about snacks at Murder Kroger after a night of adult beverages? Both gems are now gone or relocated.

13. Speaking of PCM, you’ve seen at least one celebrity there or at Whole Foods across the street trying to buy something without getting recognized.

14. You have at least one story about trying to get out of Buckhead, but traffic was so crazy that it took you multiple hours.

15. You say Westside while everyone is renaming part of the neighborhood to West Midtown, Upper Westside and who knows what else.

16. Forget about the water stations during the Peachtree Road Race. You know every spot along the 6.2-mile course where you can snag a free beer.

atlanta marta train station

17. An important Atlanta fact is that MARTA is a great way to get to the airport or the football stadium. And, that’s about it.

18. You “Shoot the Hooch” every summer, even though you know that the water is questionable at best.

19. You used to brag about how many Music Midtown’s or Shaky Knees you’ve been to and the incredible bands you saw — before it went mainstream.

20. Winning the right to purchase passes in The Master’s ticket lottery is more challenging than winning the actual lottery.

21. Don’t call it Hotlanta, seriously. Just don’t do it.

22. You, or someone you know, won’t stop raving about how great Atlanta United games are. Vamos!

23. The best barbecue you’ll find in the city is definitely in a shack or a gas station. Just make sure to grab some fluffy biscuits and sweet tea to go with it.

24. Depending on your feelings about crowds, you either flock to or avoid Downtown on Labor Day weekend.

25. What’ll ya have? What’ll ya have? PC milk and a Regular C Dog All the Way, Sideways. You get to the Varsity counter, and you know all the lingo.

26. You know someone is not from here because they pronounce the last T in Atlanta. Atlanna or bust.

27. You’re walking and can’t help but smile at the chicken wing bones on the sidewalk. There’s no greater marker that you’re in Atlanta.

28. On rainy days, you avoid the Krog Street Tunnel because you know that it becomes a river and your car isn’t that kind of boat.

29. On Friday nights, when someone says they’re going to Church, you’re immediately in because you know they’re referring to the Edgewood bar.

30. The Atlanta Braves moved from Downtown to Cobb County, but you pretend Cobb is still Atlanta when you’re enjoying your hot dog and get stuck in traffic getting there.

31. While you love the trees all over town, you’ve forgotten one too many times after a bad storm to avoid Virginia-Highland since it always has downed trees.

32. After you get off the plane train at Hartsfield-Jackson, you tell your friend and anyone who will hear that there’s a river flowing under the airport.

33. You know what “scattered,” “smothered” and “covered” means because Waffle House has brought you back to life more than once after a long night of drinking.

Feel like a local in Atlanta

A city of transplants, everyone in Atlanta is out here trying to help each other out. With a bit of Southern hospitality, you’ll find that strangers become friends quickly, and you start feeling like a local soon. Especially if you know these Atlanta facts.

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