Atlanta Neighborhoods, Continued

East Lake: A growing, diverse community located 6 miles east of downtown Atlanta. East Lake is home to a country club, and wonderful local eateries. They have a strong, active community association. East Lake housing is still fairly reasonable, and the neighborhood's easy access to downtown makes it an attractive neighborhood.

Grant Park: Yet another nationally recognized historical district, chock full of sites such as Zoo Atlanta, the Cyclorama, and Oakland Cemetery, where local figures such as Margaret Mitchell are buried. Many of the homes in the area are Craftsman bungalows. The neighborhood, located just minutes from downtown, was torn apart for the construction of Interstate 20, now a major thoroughfare for Atlanta traffic. This led to a temporary downslide, but concerned citizens have brought the neighborhood back and it now thrives.

Inman Park: This neighborhood has a remarkable history that could have ended tragically, but thankfully has resulted in the most triumphant of endings. Atlanta's first planned community, located just 2 miles east of downtown, the original developer of Inman Park worked tirelessly to create a beautiful neighborhood, and succeeded. It was the place to live in Atlanta at the turn of the century. But the neighborhood fell out of favor, residents left, and neglect moved in. Zoning problems led to the near destruction of the residential community. But loyal residents fought back, and now the neighborhood of Inman Park continues to go through a revitalization, and contains some of the most beautiful homes in the city.

Kirkwood: This neighborhood is unique in that it is both part of the City of Atlanta, and DeKalb County. An inner city community located just five miles from downtown, this area has been the focal point of gentrification issues in the city. The racial makeup of this community has gone from almost exclusively white at its inception, to almost entirely black in the 1960's and 1970's, to now a diverse racial makeup. While young white people looking for inexpensive places to call home have helped revitalize this community greatly, it has also led to the rise in property taxes, forcing some longtime black residents out. As more and more people move into the city, this issue will continue to exist. However, most residents of Kirkwood welcome the diversity and the quality of life improvements that the new residents have ushered in.

Midtown: One of Atlanta's premier neighborhoods. Located in the heart of the city, with both an active arts and business district, as well as a plethora of housing options, one can really live, work, and play in this neighborhood. Midtown has a large gay population, and prides itself on diversity and acceptance.

Morningside/Lenox Park: is another neighborhood that was established and directly affected by modes of transportation. Originally a streetcar suburb, the area successfully defeated the threat of an interstate project and now have special a special committee to deal with traffic in the area. Known for its lovely, well maintained homes, and excellent schools, this is a pricey but very respectable and friendly neighborhood.

S.A.N.D.: South Atlantans for Neighborhood Development represents six neighborhoods located just east of the downtown area. These include Benteen, Boulevard Heights, McDonough/Guice, North Ormewood Park, Ormewood Park, and Woodland Hills. This area blossomed with the introduction of the trolley in the early 1900's, and today these neighborhoods are going through a renaissance, thanks to the hard work of neighborhood organizations like S.A.N.D.

Sweet Auburn: is Atlanta's historical African American community, located in the downtown area. Auburn Ave, nicknamed the "greatest street on the planet" is home to many black owned businesses and is still the center of African American culture in Atlanta. With the creation of Studioplex, and other mixed-use complexes, the opportunity to live in this rich and vibrant community is now greater than ever.

Virginia Highland: is one of Atlanta's most popular neighborhoods. Located next to Midtown, the Highlands have a long and rich history. Originally created to be a trolley community with close access to commercial venues, this neighborhood has been able to retain the close proximity to residential and commercial areas. Everyone from local artists and musicians, students, and young families live in this area. Atlantans come here for some of the best dining and entertainment options in the city.

Decatur: Bordering Atlanta on the east in DeKalb County is this quiet, arts-focused city. Agnes Scott College is based in Decatur, and the Downtown Square offers historical information about the development of the city as well as a surrounding network of eclectic shops, cafes and restaurants. Eddie's Attic, a premier live-music venue, is also located in the downtown square area. Once primarily single-family homes, a new residential renaissance is bringing in a wave of townhouses and condos near the downtown square area. The area is pedestrian and mass-transit friendly.

Outside the Perimeter- Metro Atlanta Cities/Neighborhoods

Of course, not everyone lives inside the Perimeter (roughly bounded by I-285) of Atlanta. In fact, most people live in one of the many suburbs of Atlanta. Here is information on some of the larger metro Atlanta communities that are located OTP (Outside the Perimeter):

Alpharetta: One of metro Atlanta's most prosperous cities, the residential offerings tend to be primarily new construction, with plenty of exclusive, gated, golf course and tennis/swim to choose from. The school system is excellent, and crime is low. To learn more about Alpharetta's neighborhoods, use this interactive map created by REALTOR Ryan Ward.

Marietta: A thriving suburban city north of Atlanta with multiple identities- a quaint town square with eclectic shops and eateries, a large and vibrant immigrant community and commerce that rivals a larger city. Marietta offers plenty of parks and recreational activities (the North Georgia mountains aren't far off) and an excellent school system.