I moved from OH to FL when I was 19. I wanted to get away from the snow! I had the best time and wouldn't trade the experience for the world.
I lived in Atlanta for 5 years, moved from there 5 years ago. The area was way too congested for my liking. Just to go to the grocery store was bumper to bumper traffic. As a matter of fact, there was traffic any time of the day or night. Even when you leave Atlanta and go 1 hour in any direction, you are STILL in traffic! It was ridiculous.
The other thing about Atlanta that we did not like is that because of the rapid growth, we had trouble hiring anybody to do anything. We would get estimates for work on our house. They would want the money up front and then say "we'll be here when we get here and don't bug us until then". It was awful. We ended up always hiring illegals (which there is also an abundance of in Atlanta and surrounding area) who always did a good job and always showed up! It even took 6 weeks to get a phone line put in.
I could rant and rave for a long time about Atlanta but you get the picture. I really cannot recommend it.
On the other hand, I am feeling a little jealous of your freedom. Do it while you can! Good luck.