I'm originally from NC and moved to Atlanta 12 years ago. Atlanta's traffic and urban sprawl sucks plus the housing prices in the city are ridiculous. I think Charlotte is like Atlanta about 20-30 years ago.

Cycling wise, Atlanta's roads inside the perimeter are rideable and there are many good areas to ride, most notably the Decatur area. The main problem areas are the areas right around the perimeter and just a bit outside. The roads are all massive and traffic is awful. Hardly rideable IMO. Once you get a fair ways outside the perimeter, there are GREAT roads around Atlanta...plus an hour 15 minute drive north you have the gaps. We have a good racing scene - most notably the Georgia Cup series.