Call it poor urban design, or call it our unique charm: In a city carved up by busy roads and highways, each Atlanta neighborhood is a world unto itself. Community pride runs deep here—you often know where you are by the porch signs alone—driven by Atlantans’ neighborly spirit and a love of shared good times. From porch parties to street fairs, every Atlanta enclave has its own way to gather and its own story of what makes it special.

This type of togetherness matters, perhaps now more than ever. As metro Atlanta grows ever larger, rates of loneliness continue to climb. If our fast-paced, hyper-online lifestyles draw us apart, then building relationships where we live can be the key to coming together. Getting to know our neighbors helps turn a big city into a small town—and transforms our fellow Atlantans into friends and family.

Here, we explore neighborhoods all over the city where community comes first: Places that are attracting newcomers while honoring legacy residents and hosting celebrations you won’t find anywhere else. Plus, we have tips on other ways to gather, whether traversing one of the city’s best outdoor trails or socializing at a cozy third space.

Read on, Atlantans: We hope you enjoy meeting your neighbors as much as we did.