Atlanta Neighborhoods
Alpharetta
Ansley Park
Brookhaven
Buckhead
Decatur
Druid Hills
Downtown
Grant Park
Little Five Points
Marietta Midtown
Roswell Virginia Highlands
Alpharetta
Originally a small country farmland community, Alpharetta has boomed within the last 20 years to become one of Atlanta's up and coming suburbs. Beckoning to those in search of stately developments with aristocratic sounding names, such as Foxworth, Thornhill and Windward. Homes range from elegant subdivisions to homes with acreage. Home to the extravagant Dean Gardens - a private residence that incorporated a 32,000 square foot homage to pink, located just off Old Alabama Road. Crabapple and North Valley are to the West, close to Wills Park, perfect for those interested in the equestrian lifestyle. Only those with major connections can make it past the gate at the Country Club of the South, an Alpharetta planned community that's home to several sports stars, high profile executives and celebrities. Visit some of the old stores on Main Street in the heart of Alpharetta or stop by the Alpharetta Soda Shoppe for your favorite treat. Alpharetta is a successful blend of old and new. A haven for singles, families, young or established professionals wanting a bit of country living with all the amenities that city dwelling has to offer. Easy accessibility to GA. 400, Northpoint Mall and Gwinnett Mall
Ansley Park
One of Atlanta's most popular neighborhoods, located just north of the downtown convention district. The neighborhood began construction in 1905 as Atlanta's first automobile oriented community and ended as one of Atlanta's premier residential areas. Developer Edwin Ansley patterned the entire neighborhood after the North Druid Hills area. The entire neighborhood is a National Historic District. Noted for spacious, renovated early American homes, with sloping manicured lawns and cobblestone walkways. The Ansley area is probably one of the most enmeshed neighborhoods in Atlanta, and only the brave should venture in without a map. Immense gardens and convenient parks encircle this majestic area creating a wooded oasis in the heart of the city. Easy accessibility to 75 and 85, nightlife attractions and superb restaurants.
Brookhaven
Originally developed around 1910 as Atlanta's first country club neighborhood, Brookhaven, located on the northern edge of Buckhead is an enclave of large, elegant Tudor, Colonial, Georgian and English cottage homes. Lush landscapes, beautiful arrays of gardens, and meandering streets are indicative of Brookhaven. In the 1980s, this area was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Solomon Goodwin, the area's first white settler, homesteaded this area in the early 1830s. The Goodwin home and a small graveyard at 3931 Peachtree Road were once a landmark for Federal troops closing in on Atlanta during the Civil War. The home is the oldest extant house in DeKalb County. Home to the elite Capital City Country Club on East Brookhaven and Club Drive; the area surrounding the golf course is a Mecca for walkers, joggers and bike riders. Minutes away from Buckhead's nightlife, the theatre, divine eateries and the shopping experiences of Perimeter Mall, Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza. This neighborhood is a haven for the established and upwardly mobile professional. Easy accessibility to all major expressways and Brookhaven and Lenox Marta stations.
Buckhead
Originally named Irbyville for the Irby family, owner of most of the land in the area and the local tavern/general store, which was located on the comer of Roswell Road and West Paces Ferry in 1839. The community was named after a "buck's head," when someone shot a buck and hung the head on a tree outside the tavern, thus becoming a popular landmark. The name Buckhead stuck despite numerous attempts to change the name. Buckhead is one of Atlanta's most prestigious neighborhoods, located north of Midtown. This neighborhood is composed of highrises, exclusive townhouses, many Swan House one of a kind Georgian and neoclassical mansions, as well as many uniquely styled homes from the 1950s and 1960s complete with meticulously manicured lawns. Home to the Governor's Mansion, Atlanta Historical Society, the historic Swan House and the Atlanta History Center. Home to Atlanta's hottest nightspots featuring over 100 restaurants and nightclubs, this has long been a young professional's paradise. Easy accessibility to all major expressways and Lenox Marta station.
Decatur
Originally called Dawson's Camp, Decatur, was named
for American naval officer Stephen Decatur, who fought in the War of
1812. Decatur was incorporated in 1822, making this the oldest city
in DeKalb County. Older brick homes, smaller bungalows and cottage
homes are abundant in this area. Renovation of Decatur has been
ongoing, giving a facelift to an area that was becoming a bit
shopworn. Renovation efforts of Decatur Square preserved the small
storefront motifs and provided the feel of a different era, with the
center of attention being the old CourtHouse. The square is the
gathering place for entertainment, shopping and dining. Host to
numerous festivals, town celebrations and neighborhood parties,
which provide entertainment for all ages. Local draws include
Mick's, Eddie's Attic and the Freight Room, for those that want
entertainment without having to travel too far. Decatur's population
is diverse, encompassing the young to the more mature, to the
college crowds. Home to Agnes Scott College, a prestigious all girls
school; and just outside the city limits, Emory University, well
known for its Medical and Law schools. Easy accessibility to all
major expressways.
Druid Hills
Druid
Hills is one of the most successful and affluent residential
communities in Atlanta, and is listed on the National Register of
Historic Places. Home to Callanwolde, built in 1920 for Asa Candler,
the founder of Coca-Cola. And 822 Lullwater, the house used in
filming "Driving Miss Daisy." Curving, winding roads circle around
the Tudor, Georgian and Traditional two story style architecture.
Many of Driving Miss Daisy, these elegant mansions, are situated on
large gently sloped lots, rolling hills and meadows, surrounded by
tall enchanting oaks, magnolias and numerous dogwoods. Druid Hills
is located close to Emory University and downtown Atlanta. The Druid
Hills Golf Club, Fernbank Museum, IMAX Theatre, and Emory Village
are all convenient to the residents, and provide shopping, dining
and cultural events. Druid Hills is an interesting combination of
older more established families and college students. Accessible to
most major expressways.
Downtown
A busy, thriving business sector during the day, downtown became a virtual ghost town at night. For years, downtown was a place to work, not live, but the greatest boost to downtown was the Summer Olympics and the major revitalization campaigns and efforts, giving downtown its modern transformation. New sculptures, attractice streetlights and landscaping have encouraged downtown migration. The "Downtown Ambassadors" patrol the streets offering security and assistance, affiliated with the police, they keep the area rid of potential harm. Old abandoned buildings, and former downtown businesses, like The William Oliver Building, Metropolitan Building, former Muses department store, King Plow Arts Center, and Fulton Bag and Cottton Mill, now have been utilized and converted into spacious loft apartments. This creative housing has encouraged the young, artistic crowd to dwell in the downtown area, while combining loft space for work and play. The City Plaza apartments are a recent addition to downtown's housing, as is the recently renovated Imperial Hotel, which provides affordable low-income housing. Home to the Atlanta Convention Center, CNN, and the Georgia Dome. Restaurants, nightlife, art and cultural events are all within close proximity. Accessible to most major expressways.
More Atlanta Downtown Information
LittleFive Points
Named
after the "five points" intersection between Moreland, Euclid, and
McLendon. Little Five Points is Atlanta's example of eclectic
dining, shopping and artistic creativity, reminicent of New York's
Greenwich Village or Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles. Older homes fill
this community, however these homes have not been refurbished. Often
a Mecca for bargain hunters who want to find a reasonably priced
home and still live in town. Most residents are young trendsetters
who are contemptuous of mainstream values. The creative artsy types
and the eclectics. Little Five Points offers a vast array of
shopping and nightlife activities. Best known for its rows of off
beat shops, trendy bars, music stores, vintage clothing, and obscure
artwork. Body piercing, or tattooing are prominent in this creative
atmospheric neighborhood. "Slacker's Island," a concrete mall
outside the Point, is a club that draws numerous alternative bands
and is noted for the colorful characters it attracts. Accessible to
most major expressways.
More Little Five Points Information
Marietta
A large community, northwest of Atlanta, which still offers the small town Southern atmosphere in a bustling community. Occupied by Union troops until about 1864, when they joined Sherman in his march to the sea, Marietta withstood the Civil War and prospered. Neighborhoods of 19th century Victorian homes, Antebellum homes, modest bungalows, and ranch type houses encompass all of Marietta. The Square is Marietta's historic area and cultural district, complete with shops, buildings of yesteryear, the Theatre in the Square and the art museum. Marietta has grown tremendously in the last 30 years, encouraging newcomers into the area Big Chicken with numerous restaurants, shopping, easy accessibility to downtown, and excellent values in housing to first time buyers. Marietta gained notoriety recently for its "pro-family" resolutions, denouncing alternative lifestyles. Home to the Big Chicken, a well known landmark. Convenient to Cumberland, Galleria and Town Center Malls. Easy accessibility to 75, 20 and 285.
Midtown
Just north of downtown is the city's cultural center and sanctuary for the alternative lifestyle crowd, singles and young professionals. Midtown is aptly named due to its location, being the midpoint between Downtown and Buckhead. This charming area is full of old, refurbished homes, loft and warehouse apartments and condos. Lacking the large rolling lawns and mansions of Buckhead, Midtown has its own special appeal. Atlanta's legendary past is immortalized by the Margaret Mitchell House, home of Atlanta's famous author. Also convenient to the area is the High Museum of Art, and Woodruff Arts Center (Atlanta High Museum Symphony and the Alliance Theater). Piedmont Park offers a gathering place, and weekends find crowds of joggers, bikers and rollerbladers. During the spring and summer months, visitors and locals alike attend various festivals and concerts hosted by the park. Convenient to both amenities of Downtown and Buckhead, Midtowners want for nothing. Accessible to all major expressways and the Marta rail system.
Roswell
Like Buckhead, Roswell was developed in 1839. Roswell is a historic area known for older antebellum homes and its historic founders' cemeteries. Named after Roswell King, a well to do planter from Georgia, Roswell initially started as a cotton mill on the banks of the Chattahoochee River. The community eventually developed around the mill. It wasn't long before large Tudor, Georgian, Colonial, and sprawling mansions with lovely gardens began to line parts of the Chattahoochee River. Roswell is another premier residential area comparable to Buckhead. All the conveniences of a large city, Roswell offers shopping, antique boutiques, a delightful historic section in the Roswell Square and nearby Canton Street. Festivals, equestrian events and an active community embrace the new arrivals in Roswell. The Historic Roswell Convention and Visitors Bureau offers self guided tours and information for those interested in learning more about the area. Accessible to 285 and GA. 400.
Virginia Highlands
Named
after its location at the intersection of Virginia and North
Highland avenues, this district still remains a popular spot for
Atlanta's young professionals. At one time this prime area was in
danger of becoming part of a planned highway system, but with the
efforts of community leaders and activists, the area revitalized
itself to become the urban professionals dream. This eclectic
neighborhood is a mix of older homes, smaller bungalows, and homes
divided into apartment living. Noted for its renovations of 60 to 80
year old homes as well as its 50 year old shopping district, with
family owned, one of a kind ethnic eateries. Once an affordable
place to live, it has recently become a bit pricey. The neighborhood
has its own unique charm and drawing power. The streets are lined
with a variation of blues and jazz clubs, unique boutiques and
retail stores. The perfect place to go for a day of shopping or
leisurely stroll. It has also become the second most popular
nightlife destination in Atlanta, after Buckhead. Most residents
enjoy the ability to walk to their favorite stores or eateries,
since parking is generally scarce on the weekends. Accessible to
most major expressways.