We’ve all heard the title’s axiom about buying real estate, but what does that exactly mean for buyers of luxury real estate in Atlanta? As a 3rd generation Atlantan, I’ve seen lots of changes in this city and I’ve had the chance to experience many of our city’s neighborhoods in many different phases of my life and my family’s lives.
Now as a Realtor® it’s fun to get to share with my clients – and now you – all I’ve learned over the years about the best places to live for the various seasons of life. I cover my top picks in this article and soon will be publishing a downloadable map that you can take with you as you go and explore these neighborhoods yourself. And, of course, I’m always happy to chat with you about finding the right Atlanta neighborhood and home for you and your family.
Smyrna/Vinings
Nicknamed “Smynings,” these two adjacent suburbs have become the latest “it” communities thanks to the new, SunTrust Park, home of the Atlanta Braves as well as new neighborhoods, dining, and entertainment popping up. Smynings is located just across the Chattahoochee River from Atlanta.
My Insider Info: Smyrna is a city, Vinings is not, it’s a small portion of town and in Cobb County. This is a great area for families, very family-friendly; plus, Cobb County taxes are the lowest in metro-Atlanta. With the new Braves stadium in the area there are lots of new restaurants and entertainment options. For example, The Battery is a new live-work-play development. There’s fun galore and you’re close to both the airport and downtown.
West Midtown
Once largely an industrial area, the Westside of Atlanta is experiencing a re-birth and being developed into a hip scene of urban living, working, and playing. There are numerous new housing and mixed-use developments popping up as vintage warehouses are being given make-overs and becoming home to new businesses flooding into Atlanta. This area is generally defined as west of Northside Drive and Georgia Tech, south of Buckhead, east of Marietta Blvd, and north of Hollowell Parkway.
My Insider Info: This is a booming, newer area that’s got lots of hot, new restaurants; a Whole Foods Market is coming. It’s also adjacent to the Beltline above ground trail system, which is nice for those that like to get around on foot or bicycles as Atlanta doesn’t have a great mass transit system. This area is perfect for young professionals that want to be in a fun, up and coming area.
Buckhead
Buckhead now comprises 22 Atlanta neighborhoods that make up the northern fifth of the city of Atlanta. The area is summed up in one word: upscale. The area is known for its elegant residential areas, Rodeo-Drive-like shopping experiences, and awe-inspiring architecture and landscapes. Buckhead is also a major economic and financial center of the Southeast.
My Insider Info: There’s something for everyone in Buckhead, if you have the budget – from skyrise condos on Peachtree Street to sprawling family homes in Kingswood (where the Governor’s mansion is), to the family feel of Garden Hills. The best shopping in Atlanta is in Buckhead at Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza!
Brookhaven
This area is a northeastern suburb of Atlanta that just recently, in 2012, became a city. Even though it’s a newly minted ‘city,’ it’s full of history as well as historic homes, cottages, and bungalows. With a population around 50,000, it is now the largest city in DeKalb County. The area is known as an affluent area with spacious homes and high-quality public and private schools.
My Insider Info: Brookhaven is a booming suburb, north and east of Buckhead. It has a mix of fantastic traditional homes and new construction options. The area is great for professionals and families. Residents love that it’s close to Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Buckhead, and lot of shopping options.
Midtown
This area of Atlanta is sandwiched between Buckhead to the north and Downtown Atlanta to the south. It’s all that you’d expect of an urban lifestyle – cultural attractions, great dining and entertainment as well as high-rise residences. It’s also home to Georgia Tech University and Georgia State University. Midtown is also known for being easily walkable and bike-friendly; and many of the young hipsters that live here enjoy Piedmont Park.
My Insider Info: Midtown is Atlanta city living at its best. It has tremendous walkability, Piedmont Park, and Ansley park. This area is perfect for those who want intown living, an intown commute, and the joys of living in the city.
Old Fourth Ward
Called O4W for short, this is one of the oldest and most historic areas of Atlanta. Martin Luther King Jr. grew up here and delivered many sermons at Ebenezer Baptist Church located here. You can still visit his boyhood home, now known as the MLK Jr Historic Site. Most recently, this area, on the eastside of Atlanta has experienced a renaissance as its abandoned warehouses are being converted to lofts and mixed-use commercial spaces for small businesses. With attractions like Beltline Trail, Ponce City Market, and lots of new homes, this area is one of the top 10 best places to live in America.
My Insider Info: This area has seen so much change and is now teeming with new construction. It’s close to midtown with the feel and livability similar to midtown but without midtown prices. It’s got great walkability, the Ponce City market, and lots of very cool attractions. It offers newer and additional opportunities compared to midtown. It’s still developing so it’s a great option for home buyers wanting to be in up and coming, fun, new area. It also has great proximity to Interstate.
I could go on and on about all the wonderful neighborhoods in our fine city. Hopefully this provides you with some ideas of areas that fit into your lifestyle and season of life. I’m happy to further explore with you personally which areas and communities within them might be the best fit for you and your family. Reach out today. I’m here to help!
~Jess
