Question about metro Atlanta (transplants, neighborhoods, tax)

[am2]

Atlanta grew by leaps and bounds over the last 30 yrs. Why do many people say that Atlanta didn't develop smart?

[bizchick86]

That critique is usually applied to the metro as a whole and not necessarily the city of Atlanta. With that in mind, the basis for it is that Atlanta has grown out instead of in. Commonly referred to as "sprawl."

Consequently, infrastructural needs of the city (public transpo linking urban neighborhoods, public spaces like parks, sidewalks, and paved streets, etc.) have been underfunded and lacking.

Racial politics, along with economic reasons and personal tastes, have made suburban living very desirable among past Atlanta residents who moved to the burbs in the last 30 years and new transplants. This, along with decreasing the tax base that can support the city, has also encouraged the incorporation of cities formerly a part of Atlanta, lending to even fewer resources for public and private developments in the city.

Just my .02.