These are some very powerful statistics about Atlanta. The source is the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce. This is without a doubt one of the best places nationally to be right now in terms of jobs, real estate stability, and quality of life. The Metro Atlanta economy has been strong, despite a slow national period:

* Atlanta is 9th largest MSA in the nation with 5,138,200 population

* The metro adds aprox. 150,000 people per year

* Population growth is largest in nation with 20% growth from 2000-2006

* Income growth continues to be higher than the national average

* Metro home to 43 colleges / universities and 9 technical colleges

* Nearly 140,000 businesses operate in the area

* Job growth of 60,000 jobs in 2006 (no # yet for 2007)

* #4 best place in the nation to invest in Real Estate (CNN Money 2007)

* #1 in the Nation as top City for Young Professionals (Forbes 2007)

* #1 in the Nation as Best Place to LIve for Retirees (AARP 2007)

* #1 Busiest Airport in Nation for 3rd year in a row

* #1 Best Cities for Married with Kids (Kiplinger 2007)

* #3rd Top Cities with Most Fortune 500 Headquarters (Fortune 2007)

* #1 Least Costly large City for Business in U.S. (KPMG 2006)

* #4 in Top Ten North American Cities of the Future (FDI 2007)

* #3rd America’s 50 Hottest Cities (Expansion Management 2006)

Netherworld Haunted House: Netherworld has received recognition for its ingenious haunted attraction from Haunted Attraction Magazine and was named the #1 haunted attraction in America by Hauntworld Magazine. Netherworld is located at the Georgia Antique & Design Center.  Netherworld’s 2007 dates of operation are: Fridays and Saturdays starting September 21 and nightly October 5-November 3 from 7pm -11pm. Fridays and Saturdays in October and on Halloween, Netherworld will be open from 7 p.m. - Midnight.

 Creepers Haunted House. Creepers, located in Smyrna features two of the largest haunted houses in Georgia under one roof: “VooDoo” and “The Dungeon”. Take a real boat ride through an eerie 10,000 square foot moss infested swamp. Visit their Web site for ticket prices and hours of operation.

ScreamWorks Atlanta: From the designers of the Madison Scare Garden, they feature 4 haunted houses at one location! Located at the Chamblee Plaza.

Horror Hill in Newnan includes a creep and ghoul filled trail and maze with plenty of special effects. One can also take a ride in the Horror Hill Hearse.

Lyonsgate Mortuary: The Jasper Lions Club presents this great haunted experience. Location: 254 Chambers Street in Jasper. Cautiion! The tour of the Lyonsgate Mortuary is not for the faint of heart or the very young. For more information, contact the Jasper Lions Club at: 706-253-LION or melanieeffler@yahoo.com.

House On Horror Hill: Presented by the North Fulton Jaycees. Open every weekend in October and on Halloween. Admission: $9. This is one of the state’s oldest and scariest haunted houses as well as one of the few surviving Jaycee houses.

Fright Fest:This annual event takes place at Six Flags Over Georgia.

The Echo Project, a three day festival in Fairburn, GA, roughly 20 miles from Atlanta, will be happening this weekend–October 12-14. This eco-friendly event will feature over 60 bands on four stages. The event is being billed as “the south’s first green music and arts experience.”

The concert will feature Phil Lesh and Friends, The Killers, The Roots,moe., Umphrey’s McGee, Polyphonic Spree, Rodrigo and Gabriela, and Perpetual Groove among many others.  Tickets for all three days are going for $178.50 in advance, and $200 at the gate.  Tickets for Saturday and Sunday can be purchased for $135, and passes for Sunday only are available for $85.

 Don’t miss out on this fantastic music festival!

Saturday, October 20 • 1-6 pm • Tickets $30
Limited to 5,000 people • No tickets sold at gate 

More than 100 of the finest local, American and international beers are showcased at this annual event sponsored by area distributors and Decatur’s restaurants and pubs. Enjoy live music on the bandstand and food from local restaurants available for sale.

Admission is $30 per person and includes a commemorative tasting glass. The festival is limited to the first 5,000 people. All tickets will be sold online. No tickets will be available for purchase at the gate. You must be 21 or older to attend. No children or animals allowed in the festival area. No exceptions!

The 10th Annual Oakhurst Arts & Music Festival is Saturday, October 13 from 10 am until 7 pm at the center of the Oakhurst community in Harmony Park. This event is presented by the Decatur Arts Alliance in association with the South Decatur Community Development Corporation.

The Oakhurst Arts & Music Festival provides opportunities to reach out to one another and strengthen the bonds within our diverse community. It is also an occasion to share our community with people from outside the area. The day’s event offers a safe, fun environment for children and adults to enjoy.

Taste of Atlanta is the city’s 2-day outdoor food festival.  Held in the streets of Atlantic Station, it will take place on Saturday, October 13 & Sunday, October 14. This event will feature more than 70 of the city’s best restaurants, live cooking demonstrations from national and local celebrity chefs, live entertainment and a Wine Experience at Ten Pin Alley.  Some of the fabulous restaurants participating include: Strip, Geisha House, Daileys, Maggiano’s, OK Cafe, Capital Grille, and much more!

 Tickets are $25 in advance, or $35 the day of the event.  Don’t miss out on this food lover’s food event!