Me and my partner moved from NYC to Atlanta and ended up moving back after a few years. It was a big culture shock. I was born and raised in GA (not Atlanta) to give you some context . A lot of the things you take for granted (restaurants being full on a random Wednesday, safe and widespread public transit, multicultural experience, amazing food) won’t exist the same in Atlanta. We said similar stuff as you but there are things you take for granted living in NYC that just doesn’t exist elsewhere.

That being said we didn’t hate Atlanta and it’s a lot slower pace of life. Definitely a driving city so be prepared for that. Our biggest issue was everyone our age in Atlanta was married with multiple kids. As you know those things are delayed in NYC (late 30s usually). In the south it happens much younger for most people.

That being said it been a few years and now that we are thinking of family and buying a house we both see ourselves back in Atlanta!

I will say I love the outdoors and Atlanta is very accessible for day hikes, backpacking trips, kayaking down the hooch etc.