A Place to Call Home
Discover Metro Atlanta's Top Neighborhoods
by Kevin Forest Moreau
Historic home in College Park, Georgia
Relocating to a new city is an exciting and terrifying time. After all,
there’s nothing more important (or nerve-wracking) than finding the perfect place to live. Well, good news! Whether you’re searching for great schools, accessible transportation or a happening restaurant or entertainment scene, metro Atlanta is overflowing with vibrant communities that have plenty to offer. We’ve spotlighted a dozen areas—thriving cities, charming towns and distinctive neighborhoods—well worth a look for their atmosphere, recreational activities, education options, convenience and quality of life. And our list of metro Atlanta’s top 100 neighborhoods features many more places to explore. One of them just might be your new home.College Park
Why: An appealing blend of history, convenience and small-town ambiance makes this South Fulton city an increasingly desirable destination. College Park boasts the fourth-largest urban historic district in Georgia, with more than 850 structures on the National Register of Historic Places, including homes, schools, churches and monuments. The world’s busiest airport sits partially inside the city limits, and the Georgia International Convention Center—the state’s second-largest convention facility—makes the city a prime destination for business travelers. College Park is also home to Woodward Academy, the largest independent college-preparatory school in the continental United States.
Perfect For: Families, Young Professionals
For More Info: www.collegeparkga.com.
Decatur
Why: Just east of Atlanta, Decatur is anchored by a pedestrian-friendly downtown filled with charming shops and boutiques, a historic courthouse and square and a centrally located MARTA station. Decatur also exudes a hip, literary air, thanks to a large influx of students from nearby Emory University and Agnes Scott College (the annual Decatur Book Festival doesn’t hurt). A strong restaurant and bar scene attracts young professionals. City Schools of Decatur, a charter school system, is one of the top-ranking school systems in the state.
Perfect For: Families, Empty Nesters, Young Professionals
For More Info: www.decaturga.com.
Duluth
Why: This prosperous Gwinnett County city is home to many family-friendly attractions, including a walkable downtown filled with historic buildings and humming restaurants and businesses. The Southeastern Railway Museum allows visitors to ride in and tour historic railroad cars and cabooses. The Hudgens Center for the Arts offers classes for adults and children year-round. The Duluth Fall Festival draws more than 100,000 guests each September. The Red Clay Theatre presents first-rate musical talent, and the nearby Arena at Gwinnett Center hosts concerts, circuses and the Gwinnett Gladiators hockey team.
Perfect For: Families, Empty Nesters
For More Info: www.duluthga.net.
East Point
Why: Affordable homes, a wealth of parks and convenient access to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and downtown Atlanta all make East Point an increasingly viable alternative to city living. Residents peruse locally grown goods at the East Point Farmers Market and flock to outdoor festivals including Taste of East Point. Aaron’s Amphitheatre at Lakewood hosts big-name concerts every summer. The Georgia Soccer Park provides natural-grass playing fields for youth and adult recreation leagues, while the Dick Lane Velodrome is one of the premier bicycle-racing facilities in the United States.
Perfect For: Families, Young Professionals
For More Info: www.eastpointcity.org.
Fayetteville
Why: Close to downtown Atlanta and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Fayetteville manages to preserve a peaceful, small-town feel. Its historic downtown is home to the state’s oldest courthouse. The Southern Ground Amphitheater hosts national musical acts. The Holliday-Dorsey-Fife Museum is one of Georgia’s premier historical attractions. Fayetteville also boasts one of the best school systems in the state, and has been recognized as a top 10 suburb for retirement by Forbes.
Perfect For: Families, Empty Nesters
For More Info: www.fayetteville-ga.gov.
Gainesville
Why: Known as the chicken capital of the world for its poultry industry, Gainesville offers close proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains and Lake Lanier. The Quinlan Visual Arts Center exhibits local artists and offers art classes. Interactive Neighborhood for Kids is a hands-on children’s museum where young learners can role-play different careers and climb aboard a real 1927 fire truck. Recreation options include Rock Creek Greenway, a 2-mile tree-canopied trail,and River Forks Park, which features a 40,000 square-foot beach. In 2011, Gainesville was named one of the top 10 affordable places to retire by AARP Magazine and a top 15 “most fun and affordable city” by Bloomberg Businessweek.
Perfect For: Families, Empty Nesters
For More Info: www.gainesville.org.
Lawrenceville
Why: The second-oldest city in the metro Atlanta area, Lawrenceville trades on its history without staying mired in the past. The revitalized historic downtown area, home to the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse and the Lawrenceville Female Seminary (both popular event spots), radiates a live-work-play feel, with new residences and an array of shops and restaurants. Entertainment options include the Aurora Theatre, Gwinnett County’s only professional theater; the Gwinnett Braves, the Atlanta Braves’ triple-A minor-league team; and Lawrenceville Ghost Tours, which conducts 90-minute walking tours of downtown, highlighting local lore.
Perfect For: Families, Empty Nesters
For More Info: www.lawrencevillega.org.
Midtown
Why: Lots of green space, walkable streets and historic homes give this bustling neighborhood a family-friendly appeal, and there’s plenty of big-city allure as well, thanks to towering highrises and mixed-use developments like Atlantic Station. Midtown is home to some of the city’s best clubs and restaurants, as well as the Woodruff Arts Center, the Fox Theatre, the Goat Farm and other attractions. And don’t forget Piedmont Park, the city’s sprawling recreational oasis.
Perfect For: Families, Young Professionals
For More Info: www.midtownatlanta.org.
Peachtree City
Why: Peachtree City has made Money’s list of the best places to live four times in the last eight years, twice ranking in the top 10. The city feels like a relaxing resort, with two lakes for canoeing, fishing and sailing, three golf courses and abundant nature areas and playgrounds. Golf carts are a frequent means of transportation along the 90 miles of multi-use paths, adding to the vacation-time aura. The Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater hosts outdoor concerts by pop, rock and country acts.
Perfect For: Families, Empty Nesters
For More Info: www.peachtree-city.org.
Smyrna
Why: Some residents call this Cobb County suburb the “Jonquil City” for the flowers that bloom along its streets each spring, but it’s more widely known for its Village Green town center, which features Smyrna’s city hall, community center and residential, retail and office space. The airy Market Village mixed-use development often hosts outdoor events. The Silver Comet Trail, a free, public, non-motorized trail, starts in Smyrna and runs to the Alabama state line. The city also boasts 33 acres of park space within a mile of downtown.
Perfect For: Families, Young Professionals
For More Info: www.smyrnacity.com.
Suwanee
Why: Roughly 30 miles from Atlanta, Suwanee is one of metro Atlanta’s best-kept secrets, though it’s not likely to stay below the radar for long. The heart of this growing community is its mixed-use Town Center, brimming with residential, retail and office space. It’s also home to the 10-acre Town Center Park, complete with an interactive fountain and a 1,000-seat amphitheater. In addition, Suwanee features 500 acres of parkland and miles of trails. In 2012, it was rated the third-best city to raise a family by Kiplinger magazine.
Perfect For: Families, Empty Nesters, Young Professionals
For More Info: www.suwanee.com.
Woodstock
Why: Woodstock, located northwest of Atlanta in Cherokee County, is one of the most family friendly suburbs in the metro area. Its historic downtown showcases locally owned shops and restaurants, which contribute to a cozy, small town vibe. The Elm Street Cultural Arts Village presents plays, concerts, workshops and exhibits, while the Dixie Speedway hosts stock car races May through October. Woodstock is also known for its proximity to Lake Allatoona, 13 public beaches, four city parks and an ongoing campaign to highlight the area’s natural resources and develop a network of multi-use trails and green space.
Perfect For: Families
For More Info: www.woodstockga.gov.
Atlanta's 100 Most Popular Neighborhoods
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