17 Things You're Addicted to After Living in Atlanta

3. Scheming new ways to avoid the MARTA

How far away are we going? 2 miles? I’ll walk.

4. Trees

Between its abundant supply of magnolias, Southern pines, oaks, and dogwoods, it’s no wonder Atlanta is often referred to as the “City in a Forest.” Not to mention, trees cover 36% of the city, inspiring National Geographic to name Atlanta as a “Place of a Lifetime.”

5. All the rappers and hip-hop artists who got their start here

B.o.B., Childish Gambino, Outkast, Trinidad Jame$, Waka Flocka, Soulja Boy, 2 Chainz, Ying Yang Twins, Future, Ludacris, Gucci Mane… the list goes on and on.

6. Feeding the meter

It’s like PARKatlanta hides in bushes next to your car, just waiting for the meter to run out. Seriously. Those guys are dicks.

7. Gladys Knight’s Chicken and Waffles

Because those two food items go together like shrimp and grits.

8. A/C

It isn’t called “Hotlanta” for nothin’!

Forgive me, Atlanteans.

9. Food trucks

A french toast bun, beef dog, apple-maple slaw, spicy mustard, and maple syrup from Good Food Truck. Salted watermelon, peanut butter banana caramel, pecan and bourbon, and mango-peach flavors from Honeysuckle Gelato. Lobster Mac & Cheese from Ibiza Bites. Bacon infused waffles from Nana G’s Chicken & Waffles. Spicy Jamaican collards from Sweet Auburn BBQ. ‘Nuff said.

10. The HOV lane

How else are you going to bypass those clogged up highways than by riding in the slightly less clogged HOV Lane?

11. Church the bar

We sing organ karaoke on Wednesdays and wear complimentary choir robes, compete in ping pong tournaments surrounded by blasphemous decor, and drink cold beer while getting our tarot cards read — we’re very religious here in Atlanta.

12. Waffle House

The night isn’t complete without having to choose whether or not you want your hash browns should be scattered, covered, smothered, chunked, diced, peppered, capped, or topped.

Or all the way. Because why not? You’re drunk.

13. Your GPS

There’s 71 narrow streets within the city limits that have a variation of the word “Peachtree” in their names. To name a few, there’s Peachtree Lane, Peachtree Avenue, Peachtree Circle, Peachtree Plaza, Peachtree Drive, Peachtree Way, Peachtree Walk, Peachtree Parkway, West Peachtree, and New Peachtree Road.

Your GPS is one of your best friends.

14. Sweet tea

Syrupy sweet, orange, iced, and served in a glass beaded with condensation. It’s the only way.

v15. The BeltLine

One of the largest urban redevelopment programs in the United States, the Atlanta BeltLine is a green, historic 22-mile, pedestrian friendly railroad trail that fastens the city together. And since the traffic and public transportation sucks so bad, taking a stroll past local shops, art pieces, and glimpses of the skyline to get to your destination is the better choice by a long shot.

16. Allergy medicine

When we get more inches of pollen per year than snow, allergy medicine is your saving grace.

17. Atlanta, in general

Duh. World of Coke, Atlanta Film Festival, The Walking Dead, famous strippers, unique and historic neighborhoods, Sweetwater 420 Fest, sticky-floored dive bars, Atlanta Dogwood Festival, a restaurant older than Gone With The Wind, the Starlight Drive-In theatre. Really, what’s not to get hooked on?