I've lived in both places - Atlanta for about 20 years and New Orleans for almost 10. They've been connected by rail forever and of course driving they're only about 7 hours apart. I'm not a historian, but I know both have some common characteristics. Black leadership and influence in both cities; both on the wrong side of the Civil War; Atlanta had a more extensive rail system but New Orleans has always been a large shipping port; both were major destinations and populations in the Old South that were always connected; and both had sports teams that faced each other very regularly - Falcons & Saints, Hawks & Jazz, UGA & LSUseless. The chartered bus rides and train rides between cities for sporting events were called "The Soul Patrol."

Living in both places I have to say I never really detected a huge amount of rivalry except for sports where on the larger stage, college and high schools are sometimes lumped into the same region/conference so again they play against each other a lot.

I truly loved both places for different reasons. New Orleans for the food, history, culture, and atmosphere (night life). Atlanta for vibrant business, Southern charm, hospitality, and attractions. Both places are awesome.