Indian Community in Atlanta

Atlanta, a vibrant and culturally rich city, offers a unique blend of Southern charm and modern amenities, making it an ideal place for those looking to settle down. Known as the “City in a Forest,” Atlanta boasts an abundance of green spaces, parks, and trails, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities and family-friendly environments. The city’s diverse neighborhoods, from the historic charm of Inman Park to the trendy vibe of Midtown, cater to a wide range of lifestyles and preferences.

With a thriving job market, particularly in sectors like technology, healthcare, and entertainment, Atlanta attracts professionals from various fields. The city also hosts a rich tapestry of cultural experiences, including world-class museums, music festivals, and a renowned culinary scene. Additionally, Atlanta’s strong sense of community and Southern hospitality creates a welcoming atmosphere for newcomers, making it a wonderful place to call home. Whether you’re drawn by the bustling economy, the diverse cultural landscape, or the family-oriented neighborhoods, Atlanta has something to offer everyone looking to establish roots in this dynamic city.

1. For Families with School-Going Kids

Top Neighborhoods for Families

• Alpharetta and Johns Creek: Known for their excellent school systems, safe environments, and access to Indian cultural resources like temples, grocery stores, and restaurants. These suburbs are the top choice for Indian families.
• Suwanee: Offers family-friendly parks and affordable homes, making it an ideal choice for those looking for spacious living with good schools.

Schools and Education

• Fulton County Schools: The school districts in Alpharetta and Johns Creek are highly rated, with schools like Northview High School and Chattahoochee High School consistently performing well academically.
• Private Schools: Families seeking private education have options like The Westminster Schools and Woodward Academy, offering both academic excellence and extracurricular diversity.

Safety and Community

• Safe Neighborhoods: Alpharetta and Johns Creek are considered some of the safest areas in Atlanta, with low crime rates and community policing. Families enjoy clean parks, organized sports, and cultural events.

Family-Friendly Amenities

• Temples and Cultural Centers:
  • BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir – Located in Lilburn, this grand temple is known for its intricate marble and limestone architecture. Built by the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, it attracts visitors for its beauty and spiritual ambiance. The temple hosts daily aarti, Sunday satsang, youth activities, cultural classes, and grand celebrations for festivals like Diwali and Janmashtami.
  • Shiv Mandir of Atlanta, located in the metro Atlanta area, is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, serving as a cultural and spiritual hub for the Indian community. This temple promotes Hindu traditions, fosters a sense of unity, and celebrates various festivals and cultural events. Shiv Mandir organizes a range of religious ceremonies, cultural events, and community services throughout the year.
  • ISKCON Atlanta (Hare Krishna Temple) – Situated in Decatur, ISKCON Atlanta, also known as New Panihati Dham, is dedicated to Lord Krishna and follows the teachings of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). The temple is popular for its vibrant Holi and Ratha Yatra festivals, weekly kirtan sessions, Bhagavad Gita classes, and community feasts.
  • Sri Shakti Mandir of Atlanta – Located in Lake City, this temple is dedicated to various deities, with a primary focus on Goddess Durga. It is a gathering place for the Indian community, hosting Navaratri and Durga Puja celebrations, as well as other festivals. The temple offers regular pujas, homas, and cultural events, serving as a hub for worship and community engagement.
  • Hindu Temple of Atlanta – Situated in Riverdale, this is one of the oldest and largest Hindu temples in Georgia, featuring shrines for Venkateswara (Balaji) and Shiva. It hosts numerous cultural and religious events, including major festivals like Pongal, Ugadi, and Ganesh Chaturthi. The temple also provides spiritual classes, community meals, and cultural activities for children and adults alike.
  • Sri Hanuman Mandir Atlanta – Located in Alpharetta, this temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and focuses on community service, yoga, and spiritual education. The temple celebrates Hanuman Jayanti, Ram Navami, and other festivals while offering regular bhajans, satsangs, and yoga classes.
• Parks and Recreation: Atlanta is known for its beautiful parks and recreational activities, offering a mix of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and cultural experiences. Here are a few popular parks and recreation spots in Atlanta:
  • Piedmont Park – One of Atlanta’s most famous parks, located near Midtown, Piedmont Park spans over 200 acres with picturesque trails, picnic areas, and sports fields. It hosts major events like the Atlanta Dogwood Festival, Music Midtown, and weekly farmer’s markets. The park also features playgrounds, dog parks, and access to the Atlanta Botanical Garden.
  • Atlanta BeltLine – This extensive urban trail network connects several neighborhoods across Atlanta, featuring walking, biking, and jogging paths. The BeltLine is popular for its scenic views, public art installations, restaurants, and parks along the route. It hosts various outdoor events, fitness classes, and seasonal festivals like Lantern Parade.
  • Chastain Park – Located in the Buckhead area, Chastain Park is Atlanta’s largest city park, offering jogging trails, tennis courts, playgrounds, and a golf course. It’s also home to the Chastain Park Amphitheater, where live concerts and performances are held throughout the year. Families enjoy the Chastain Park playgrounds, horse park, and picnicking areas.
  • Centennial Olympic Park – Built for the 1996 Summer Olympics, this downtown park is a must-visit, especially for families. It features the iconic Fountain of Rings, with scheduled water shows synchronized to music. The park hosts seasonal events, including outdoor concerts, festivals, and a popular holiday ice skating rink.
  • Stone Mountain Park – Located just outside Atlanta, Stone Mountain Park is known for its massive granite mountain and the famous Confederate Memorial Carving. It offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking trails, scenic train rides, and a cable car to the summit with views of the Atlanta skyline. The park also hosts annual events like the Stone Mountain Christmas and the Lasershow Spectacular.
  • Grant Park – One of Atlanta’s oldest parks, this charming green space is home to the Atlanta Zoo and features historic walking trails, picnic areas, and playgrounds. The park hosts the popular Grant Park Summer Shade Festival, with live music, art vendors, and food trucks. It’s a perfect spot for family outings, with plenty of open space for kids to explore.
    
    Each of these parks offers unique recreational activities and community events, making them great places for relaxation, exercise, and cultural enjoyment in Atlanta.

Tuition Center

• Kumon Math and Reading Center: Specializes in helping children improve their math and reading skills. The Kumon method promotes self-learning, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Locations are available throughout Atlanta.
• Sylvan Learning Center: Offers personalized tutoring for students from kindergarten through 12th grade in various subjects, including math, reading, writing, and SAT/ACT test prep. They also provide enrichment programs.
• Mathnasium: Focuses exclusively on math tutoring for students of all ages. Mathnasium helps students develop a strong mathematical foundation and boosts their confidence in the subject.

School Transportation Service

• MARTA (Metro Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority): Although primarily a public transit system, older students in Atlanta often use MARTA buses and trains to commute to school, especially in urban areas. MARTA offers bus and rail services throughout the city and surrounding areas.
• Zūm: Zūm offers safe, reliable transportation services specifically for school kids. It partners with school districts to provide school bus and van transportation services with flexible options for parents.
• HopSkipDrive: A ride-sharing service designed for children, HopSkipDrive provides highly vetted drivers to transport kids to and from school. The service emphasizes safety, with background-checked drivers and real-time tracking.
• Kid Car: Kid Car specializes in providing safe, child-focused transportation services, including school rides. Drivers are trained to handle car seats and children of various ages, ensuring a secure commute.
• CobbLinc: CobbLinc operates bus services in the Cobb County area, which some students in Atlanta use to get to school. The service is especially helpful for students attending schools in Cobb County and nearby areas.

Extracurricular Activities

• Shree Gurukul: Shree Gurukul provides a variety of extracurricular activities, including Hindi language classes, cultural workshops, and celebrations of Indian festivals. They aim to promote Indian heritage among children.
• Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Atlanta: This organization offers extracurricular activities focused on Indian arts, music, and culture, including dance classes, art workshops, and storytelling sessions, enhancing children’s cultural education.
• Bollywood Dance School Atlanta: Specializing in Bollywood dance, this school offers dance classes for children. It encourages physical activity, creativity, and appreciation for Indian dance forms.

Childcare and after-school care agencies

• Little Einsteins Academy: Operated by Indian NRIs, this academy provides after-school care that combines educational activities with cultural learning. They focus on creating a safe and enriching environment for children.
• Indian American Cultural Association (IACA): While primarily a cultural organization, IACA collaborates with NRI-owned businesses to provide after-school care and enrichment programs focused on Indian culture and community involvement.

Tailors who specialize in Indian clothing

• Sew Special Boutique: Location – Alpharetta, GA
  
  Known for handling Indian ethnic wear, Sew Special Boutique offers custom tailoring for families, including men’s sherwanis, women’s sarees and lehengas, and children’s outfits. They also specialize in alterations and repairs for traditional outfits.
  
  Services: Saree blouse stitching, lehenga adjustments, men’s and boys’ kurta tailoring, wedding attire, and custom children’s outfits.
  
• Dream Couture: Location – Johns Creek, GA
  
  This boutique specializes in tailoring and design services for Indian and fusion outfits. They create custom garments for families and have expertise in designing intricate Indian bridal wear and coordinating outfits for family members.
  
  Services: Bridal lehenga design, saree blouse stitching, sherwanis, kurtas, kids’ attire, and Indian wedding outfit creation.

Medical Centres

Atlanta Indian Medical Center: Location – Norcross, GA

• This center provides comprehensive healthcare services, including general medicine, preventive care, and specialty services. They have a team of doctors who understand the cultural needs of the Indian community and often offer services in multiple languages.
• Services: Primary care, family medicine, vaccinations, health screenings, and referrals to specialists.

Sai Medical Center: Location – Lawrenceville, GA

• Sai Medical Center offers family medicine and urgent care services, catering to the diverse health needs of the Indian community in Atlanta. They emphasize a holistic approach to health and wellness.
• Services: Family medicine, preventive care, urgent care, laboratory services, and health management programs.

Northside Hospital Indian Medical Group : Location – Multiple locations in Atlanta

• This group is part of the larger Northside Hospital network, which is known for its comprehensive healthcare services. They have physicians who specialize in various fields and are sensitive to the health concerns of the Indian community.
• Services: A wide range of specialties including cardiology, orthopedics, pediatrics, and women’s health.

Pediatric and Family Medicine of Atlanta: Location – Atlanta, GA

• This clinic focuses on providing care for families and children. The staff is often familiar with cultural nuances and works to create a comfortable environment for Indian families.
• Services: Pediatric care, family medicine, vaccinations, wellness check-ups, and chronic disease management.

Wellstar Health System : Location – Various locations in Metro Atlanta

• Wellstar is a comprehensive healthcare provider with a commitment to serving diverse populations, including the Indian community. They offer various services from primary care to specialized treatments.
• Services: Primary care, specialty care, mental health services, and preventive health programs.

2. For Students Moving for Higher Education

Top Universities

• Georgia Tech: A highly regarded university with robust programs in engineering, technology, and business. Indian students thrive here, with student organizations offering networking and cultural events.
• Emory University: Known for its programs in medicine, business, and public health. Emory has a strong Indian student community with annual cultural celebrations such as India Night.

Student Housing and Costs

• On-Campus Housing: Available at both Georgia Tech and Emory, offering convenient access to classes and campus life.
• Off-Campus Housing: Affordable apartments can be found in Midtown and Decatur, areas that provide easy access to public transportation and are close to Indian grocery stores and restaurants.

Cultural and Social Life

• Indian Student Associations: Both universities have active Indian student associations that organize events for Indian festivals, offering a home away from home experience. Students can also access networking opportunities within these organizations.

3. For Young Professionals Moving for Work

Best Neighborhoods for Young Professionals

• Buckhead: A trendy, upscale neighborhood with high-rise apartments, excellent dining, and vibrant nightlife. It is a great option for professionals who enjoy city life and want to live near work hubs.
• Midtown: Known for its business centers, proximity to major corporate offices, and an active nightlife scene, Midtown is a popular area for professionals.
• Sandy Springs: An emerging suburb with a mix of corporate offices and residential spaces, offering a balance between work and recreation.

Job Opportunities

• Corporate and Tech Hubs: Atlanta hosts a variety of Fortune 500 companies like Coca-Cola, Delta, and many tech startups, making it ideal for professionals in IT, finance, and engineering. There are also strong Indian professional networks, providing career growth and leadership opportunities.

Public Transport and Commuting

• MARTA: The public transport system connects areas like Midtown and Downtown, providing easy access to work hubs, while those living in Alpharetta or Johns Creek often commute by car.

Professional Networking

• Indian Professional Networks: Organizations like TiE Atlanta offer mentorship, leadership development, and networking events for Indian entrepreneurs and professionals, making it easier to grow your career in Atlanta.

Legal Help Centers and Organizations

• Indian American Legal Advocacy Center (IALAC) :
  Focuses on providing legal assistance to the Indian community, including NRIs, particularly in areas such as immigration, family law, and civil rights.
• Georgia Alliance of Indian American Community (GAIAC) :
  This organization often hosts events and provides resources related to legal issues faced by the Indian community.
• American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) :
  Use the AILA’s lawyer search tool to find qualified immigration attorneys in Atlanta who can assist NRIs.

Car Dealerships

• Atlanta Luxury Motors: Specializes in luxury vehicles and offers a wide selection of cars, including foreign models.
• Peachtree Automotive: Offers a range of pre-owned vehicles and financing options tailored for different budgets.
• AutoNation Toyota Mall of Georgia: One of the largest automotive retailers, offering new and used Toyota vehicles and services.
• Gordon Chevrolet: Offers new and certified pre-owned Chevrolet vehicles along with maintenance services.

Car Services and Repair Centers

• Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center: Provides tire and auto service, including oil changes, brakes, and other maintenance services.
• Tire Kingdom: Offers tire sales and installation, along with a full range of auto repair services.
• Midas: Offers a variety of automotive services, including brake repair, exhaust, and maintenance.
• Goodyear Auto Service: Provides tire services, maintenance, and repair for various vehicle types.

4. Cultural and Community Life

Cultural Events

• Festival of India: A prominent annual event that celebrates Indian culture with music, dance, and food. It’s one of the biggest gatherings for Atlanta’s Indian community.
• Bollywood Film Festivals: Regular screenings of Bollywood films and concerts featuring Indian artists take place across the city, offering great entertainment for the community.
• Indian American Cultural Association: IACA organizes a variety of cultural events, festivals, and programs aimed at promoting Indian heritage and culture within the Atlanta community. They celebrate festivals like Diwali and Holi with community gatherings and cultural performances.
• Hindu Temple of Atlanta: The temple organizes various cultural and religious events throughout the year, including festivals, spiritual lectures, and cultural programs for children and adults, fostering a sense of community.

Indian Grocery and Dining

• Patel Brothers and Cherians International Groceries: These grocery stores are the go-to places for Indian ingredients and spices. They also stock a wide range of ready-to-eat Indian foods.
• Indian Restaurants: Whether you’re craving North Indian kebabs or South Indian dosas, Atlanta’s Indian restaurants like Madras Chettinaad and Bhojanic offer a wide variety of authentic Indian cuisine.

Personal Assistance and Organizing Services

• TaskRabbit: Connects you with local freelancers who can help with cleaning, organizing, moving, and other household tasks.
• The Home Edit: Specializes in home organization and decluttering services tailored to your needs.
• Fabulously Organized: Offers organizing services for homes and offices, helping you create functional and stylish spaces.

Lawn Care and Maintenance

• Lawn Love: Provides lawn care and landscaping services, connecting you with local professionals.
• Green Thumb Lawn Care: Offers a variety of lawn care services, from mowing to landscaping.