By: Lauren Bell

Atlanta has entered a new phase of its data center boom, shifting from an emerging market to one of the country’s most active hubs and drawing new attention to how these facilities fit into local communities.

CBRE’s latest North American Data Center Trend Report ranks Atlanta among the Top 10 nationally for net absorption, with 705.8 megawatts (MW) of positive net absorption. (Net absorption reflects how much data center capacity is being leased and put to use, minus what’s vacated.) The leap is dramatic: Atlanta ended 2023 at just 18 MW, meaning the market expanded nearly 39x year over year. 

That growth is fueled by a business-friendly environment, robust power infrastructure, and tax incentives, such as Georgia’s sales tax exemptions on data center equipment. Big Tech is moving quickly: Microsoft has acquired at least 480 acres in the region for at least $171 million, including a 136-acre Union City site purchased in April for $53.5 million.

Growth Brings Questions Closer to Home

As data centers move from industrial corridors into suburban and semi-rural parts of metro Atlanta, the conversation inevitably shifts from economic development headlines to neighborhood-level concerns. Residents want to know what these massive facilities mean for noise, land use, power demand, property values, and—most importantly—what their communities gain in return.

This is where new national research offers timely insight. The Airedale by Modine Data Center Community Acceptance Report suggests that public opposition to data centers is far more conditional than the familiar “not in my backyard” label implies. Americans, it turns out, are willing to support nearby data centers if projects are designed with clear local benefits and minimal disruption.

One of the clearest signals is how respondents chose between proximity and value. Given a choice between a data center about a mile away that improves internet reliability and creates local jobs versus one farther away that offers nothing, most picked the closer option. The takeaway for a market like metro Atlanta, where sites increasingly border residential corridors, is that community response can be shaped by design decisions and benefit packages, not just distance.

For Atlanta, where growth is unfolding at record speed, that distinction matters. It suggests that community acceptance is not predetermined—it is earned.

What Turns Neighbors into Supporters

The Airedale survey points to a clear ranking of what shapes public support, and the takeaways map well onto metro Atlanta’s current reality.

Local economic impact leads the list. In the survey, job creation generated the strongest support, with tax benefits close behind, especially when those dollars are tied to schools, infrastructure, and public services. These were not mild reactions. Many respondents expressed strong support, suggesting that people could champion projects publicly rather than merely accept them.

In areas like South Fulton, Clayton County, and other parts of South Metro Atlanta, where large land acquisitions are underway, that finding is particularly relevant. Clear commitments to local hiring and transparent explanations of how tax revenue will be used can shift the tone of public discussions.

Second, technology decisions, especially those tied to noise, matter more than proximity. Data centers are often assumed to be loud industrial neighbors, yet the survey suggests a more measured reality. Only a small share of respondents consider data centers extremely loud. Concern drops further when developers commit to quieter cooling systems and sound-reduction strategies, and a majority said those steps would help.

For communities evaluating rezoning requests or conditional use permits, that shifts the conversation. Noise becomes something that can be addressed through engineering and design, rather than treated as an inevitable tradeoff. Equipment choices, site planning, and operating standards shape how a facility feels in everyday life.

Third, tangible benefits move opinions. Many respondents connect data centers with more reliable internet, which carries weight in a region positioning itself as a hub for logistics, fintech, film production, and remote work. When residents view data centers as infrastructure that strengthens daily connectivity, the story moves from abstract industrial development to a shared community asset.

A Nuanced Perspective on Property Values 

Property values often dominate local conversations, yet the survey adds nuance to the usual narrative. A plurality of respondents expect a nearby data center not to affect property values, while many others predict only minor shifts. Some even anticipate small increases. Only a limited share foresees meaningful declines.

That doesn’t mean property-value concerns should be brushed aside. It suggests they may be less fixed than many assume and more influenced by clear, credible information. Notably, 21% of respondents said they don’t know enough about data centers, highlighting an awareness gap that proactive outreach can help close before uncertainty hardens into opposition.

Listening as Atlanta’s Advantage

Atlanta’s rise as a data center powerhouse is no longer in question. The scale of investment, the pace of leasing, and the commitment from hyperscalers make that clear. What remains to be seen is how smoothly the next wave of projects moves forward.

The Airedale research points to a simple but often overlooked conclusion: listening early is an essential strategy. Explaining benefits clearly, designing for quiet and efficiency, and showing how facilities contribute to local priorities can reduce friction and build trust.

In a market growing as fast as Atlanta’s, the difference between delay and momentum may come down to whether developers treat communities as obstacles or as stakeholders.

Atlanta’s data center moment is here. How it’s shaped, neighborhood by neighborhood, will determine whether growth feels imposed or earned.

Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only and reflects the author’s opinions based on publicly available sources at the time of writing. It does not constitute legal, financial, tax, engineering, or real estate advice, and readers should consult qualified professionals before making decisions related to zoning, development, investments, or property transactions. Any references to third-party research, statistics, or organizations are included for context and do not imply endorsement or verification beyond the cited materials.