Atlanta’s 2026 World Cup Transformation: Why the City Will Never Be the Same

Atlanta, one of the host cities and home to eight matches of the 2026 FIFA^® World Cup™, is preparing to welcome soccer fans from around the world. Similar to the 1996 Olympics, which left a lasting impact on the city, this event is driving upgrades that will benefit residents for years to come. From improved transportation to revitalized neighborhoods and major new developments, Atlanta is becoming a more connected, livable, and attractive city, making it the perfect time to call it home.

Transportation and Connectivity: Getting Around Atlanta Has Never Been Easier

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is driving major improvements to Atlanta’s transportation network. MARTA is upgrading trains, stations, and payment systems, making commuting smoother and more convenient for residents and visitors.

Meanwhile, the Beltline’s Southside Trail, set to open in early 2026, will complete a continuous paved loop, connecting east and west Atlanta. This expansion is more than a way to get from point A to point B. It creates more opportunities for walking, biking, and enjoying green spaces, public art, and active recreation. The trail strengthens Atlanta’s sense of community and makes it easier for residents and visitors alike to explore the city on foot or by bike.

City Revitalization Projects: New Spaces for Work, Play, and Daily Life

Atlanta is transforming entire neighborhoods with new developments.

• Centennial Yards, formerly known as “The Gulch,” is a $5 billion mixed-use development right by Mercedes-Benz^® Stadium. The project will include office space, hotels, bars, restaurants, retail, and a Live Nation^®-operated concert venue, creating a walkable district for both residents and visitors.
• Underground Atlanta is being revitalized into a modern cultural and entertainment hub. Historic charm meets contemporary convenience, providing residents and visitors with an exciting place to shop, dine, and enjoy events.

These projects are not temporary World Cup attractions. They are lasting improvements that make Atlanta a better city for work, life, and recreation.

Long-Term Benefits: Atlanta Built for the Future

Looking back at the 1996 Olympics, Atlanta saw infrastructure upgrades that shaped the city for decades. The 2026 FIFA World Cup is expected to have a similar impact. Better transit, more green space, walkable districts, and revitalized entertainment areas are designed to make life easier, safer, and more enjoyable for residents.

Together, these improvements are reshaping how residents move through Atlanta, strengthening connections between neighborhoods, destinations, and experiences.

Make Atlanta Your Home: Rockhaven Communities Are Selling Fast

With Atlanta evolving for the World Cup and beyond, there is no better time to move to the city. Rockhaven Homes offers modern communities in prime Atlanta locations, ideal for taking advantage of all the new upgrades and amenities coming to the city.

• Cascade Ridge at Niskey Lake: Single Family Homes from the Low $400s
• Whisper Creek: Single-Family Homes from the Mid $400s
• Stonegate: Single-Family Homes in East Point from the Low $400s
• Notting Hill at Arlington: Townhomes from the Mid $200s (Final Opportunities)
• Broadlands: Single-Family Homes from the Low $400s (Final Opportunities. ONLY ONE HOME REMAINS!)

Atlanta’s transformation is already underway. With limited opportunities remaining in our Atlanta communities, now is the time to find a home that puts you close to everything the city’s next chapter has to offer.