The city of Atlanta has long been a hub for both travelers and big business thanks to the state of Georgia’s various corporate incentives and the world’s busiest airport, Hartsfield-Jackson. Since its start as a railroad terminus in 1837, Atlanta has been growing and expanding. It quickly became the hub for four major railroads and was known as a major manufacturing center. Today, it is one of the nation’s most business-friendly cities.
The metro Atlanta area is home to 14 Fortune 500 companies, while the state of Georgia is home to 16 companies total. There are an additional 12 Fortune 1000 companies headquartered in metro Atlanta, bringing Georgia’s total of Fortune 1000 companies to 31. According to Fortune’s May 2013 list of cities with the most Fortune 500 companies, Atlanta is third following behind only New York and Houston.
Topping the list of firms headquartered in Atlanta are several homegrown companies, including The Home Depot, which lands at the lists No. 34 spot, UPS at No. 53 and The Coca-Cola Company at No. 57.
The remaining Fortune 500 companies based in metro Atlanta include:
- Delta Air Lines, No. 83
- Southern Company, No. 171
- Genuine Parts, No. 214
- SunTrust Banks, No. 239
- First Data, No. 254
- AGCO, No. 272
- Rock-Tenn, No. 291
- HD Supply, No. 330
- Coca-Cola Enterprises, No. 339
- Newell Rubbermaid, No. 433
- NCR, No. 441
Georgia and the city of Atlanta have become enticing destinations for businesses looking to expand or relocate thanks to its pro-business environment. Businesses can take advantage of low corporate taxes, a favorable employment climate, high bond ratings, right-to-work status and business development support that is offered by the state’s Department of Economic Development.
While residents and these Fortune 500 companies already know how great Atlanta and the state of Georgia are, they have garnered attention nationally by being included in several rankings and lists proclaiming the area’s strengths. Forbes recently ranked Georgia No. 8 for doing business, while Atlanta was awarded the top spot on NerdWallet’s “Best Cities to Start a Business” list. In addition, Atlanta ranked No. 4 on The Kaufman Foundation’s list of “Top Metros for Entrepreneurial People.”
Thanks to the continued growth of big business in metro Atlanta, the city was recently ranked No. 4 in the country on Axiometrics, Inc.’s list of top annual job producers. The job market is continuing to strengthen throughout the state, making metro Atlanta the perfect place to call home. Georgia State University’s Economic Forecasting Center predicts that in 2014, the state will add another 77,700 jobs, the majority of which will be in the metro area.
If you are searching for a new city to call home, Atlanta should undoubtedly be at the top of your list. With a favorable climate, excellent education opportunities, a strengthening real estate market and a strong business sector, Atlanta is a great place to live and work. For more information on real estate opportunities in Atlanta, click here.