The metro region is so large (8,376 square miles, as our back page notes) and far-reaching that would-be homebuyers can’t possibly familiarize themselves with every neighborhood. So we asked Realtors to recommend their favorite areas—from intown blocks packed with high-rises to (way) OTP suburbs—for every buyer and budget.
For the 20-something first-time homebuyer
$149,900, East Point, 3 BR, 2 BA, Alice Williams, A&T Real Estate
under $200,000
East Point
East Point offers a great opportunity for investment, says Egypt Sherrod. “We’re seeing a lot of rezoning from commercial and industrial to residential, which is a big sign to watch,” she says. “They’re also really building up their main street.” Nearby, the new Tyler Perry studios at Fort McPherson and the Porsche headquarters could bring more jobs and eyes to the area. An important bonus for millennials: It’s located on the red and gold MARTA lines.
Also consider: Doraville, Historic West End, Castleberry Hill
$200,000 to $350,000
Smyrna
With the Braves’ move to Cobb County, this area will be close enough to benefit from all the incoming development around the stadium—but far enough away to avoid traffic. “You can still get into the city without getting on I-75, which is key,” says Mary Anne Walser. The town just launched metro Atlanta’s first bike-share program, and Smyrna Market Village has plenty of retail and restaurants.
Also consider: Kirkwood, downtown
$425,900, Glenwood Park, 4 BR, 4 BA, Kevin L. Palmer, PalmerHouse Properties
$350,000 to $500,000
Glenwood Park
This mixed-use community between Grant Park and Ormewood Park has a lot to offer: a variety of ecofriendly housing options (condos, townhomes, and single-family homes), walkability to shops and restaurants (like Kevin Gillespie’s Gunshow), and private amenities you don’t often see ITP (like a community pool and park). Down the street, a large Kroger-anchored shopping center is slated to open later this year. Plus it’s right on forthcoming southeastern stretch of the Atlanta BeltLine.
Also consider: Reynoldstown, Buckhead, Westside
$639,900, Virginia-Highland, 3 BR, 2 BA, The Graham Seeby Group
$500,000 and up
Virginia-Highland
Perfect for active 20-somethings, this neighborhood is close to both Piedmont Park and the completed Eastside Trail of the BeltLine, and chock-full of dining, shopping, and nightlife options. And as John Makarewicz notes, when it’s time to start a family, Springdale Park Elementary and Inman Middle are some of Atlanta’s best public schools.
Also consider: Brookhaven, Morningside
For the family with school-age children
under $200,000
Suwanee
It can be tough to find good public schools and a decent-sized family home at this price point, but Suwanee, which is part of the Gwinnett County school system, offers both. Lambert High made Newsweek’s list of America’s Top 500 High Schools in 2015, and Burnette Elementary is one of the best in Georgia. At the mixed-use town center, you’ll find Suwanee’s city hall, along with restaurants, shops, and a 10-acre park with an amphitheater and kid-friendly interactive water fountain.
Also consider: Woodstock, Canton
$275,000, Chamblee, 3 BR, 1 BA, Jana Trueblood, Chapman Hall Premier Realtors
$200,000 to $350,000
Chamblee
If you’re looking for a future investment, there’s a lot of growth happening in Chamblee, says Mary Anne Walser. Nearby in Doraville, the old General Motors assembly plant has been razed, and there are plans for a mega mixed-use development—one of several in the works (there’s even a Whole Foods slated to come in 2017). Serviced by the MARTA gold line, the famously diverse community is also home to well-regarded Chamblee Middle and Chamblee Charter High.
Also consider: Cumming, Roswell, Newnan
$365,000, Oakhurst, 2 BR, 2 BA, Butch Whitfield, Harry Norman Realtors
$350,000 to $500,000
Oakhurst
Part of Decatur’s renowned
public school system, Oakhurst is a family-friendly community with great walkability. It’s also tight-knit: At last year’s first annual Porchfest, the neighborhood staged a series of outdoor concerts on residents’ front porches and yards. Within walking distance of the East Lake MARTA station, Oakhurst is also a short stroll to downtown Decatur’s shops and restaurants.
Also consider: Brookhaven Heights, Lake Claire, Sagamore Hills
$500,000 and up
Alpharetta
Mixed-use dining and shopping mecca Avalon has made this affluent North Fulton suburb hotter than ever. It may even eventually join MARTA’s red line. Plus, the public schools are some of the highest-ranked in the metro area, including three of U.S. News & World Report’s best high schools in America: Milton High, Alpharetta High, and Chattahoochee High.
Also consider: Dunwoody, Johns Creek, Ansley Park
For empty nesters
$165,000, Dawsonville, 4 BR, 2 ½ BA, Fran Christie, Coldwell Banker
under $200,000
Dawsonville
Retirees who don’t need to worry about an intown commute can find low property taxes and beautiful surroundings in this community about 50 miles north of Atlanta. Prime leaf peeping and apple picking are 40 minutes away in Ellijay, while Lake Lanier is just 10 miles to the southeast. The city also offers primo outlet shopping, and Atlanta is easily accessible via Georgia 400.
Also consider: Kennesaw, Tucker, Scottsdale
$349,900, Peachtree City, 5 BR, 2 ½ BA, Wade Lester, Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Partners
$200,000 to $350,000
Peachtree City
This Fayette County community offers a small-town, resort-like feel, says Egypt Sherrod, thanks to its 90 miles of interconnected trails for walking, biking, and golf carting, making it easy to get to shopping, restaurants, and parks without a car. For active seniors, the city sits on three lakes (Peachtree, McIntosh, and Kedron) and is home to a number of golf courses. There’s also the Gathering Place, a city-owned recreational center with special programming for adults 50 and over.
Also consider: Avondale Estates, North Druid Hills
$425,000, Midtown, 2 BR, 2 BA, Erik Fortner, The Real Estate Company
$350,000 to $500,000
Midtown
If you want to be in the middle of everything, there’s no place like Midtown, says John Makarewicz. From the High Museum to Symphony Hall to the Fox Theatre, it’s the city’s cultural capital, while Piedmont Park and the BeltLine are prime strolling destinations. One of Atlanta’s most walkable neighborhoods, it’s also convenient to MARTA’s red and gold lines.
Also consider: Inman Park, Lake Lanier
$500,000 and up
Vinings
Cobb County’s hefty tax break for senior citizens is just one reason empty nesters are drawn to this ITP suburb. Located about 10 miles from Midtown along the Chattahoochee River, Vinings offers a variety of property types (high-rise condos, townhomes, and single-family homes), many of which are walking distance to retail and dining hub Vinings Jubilee.
Also consider: Historic Roswell, Johns Creek, Peachtree Park
The real estate experts
Egypt Sherrod
Egypt Sherrod Real Estate Group
John Makarewicz
Mark Spain Real Estate
Mary Anne Walser
Keller Williams Realty
Chad Carter
Harry Norman Realtors
This article originally appeared in our March 2016 issue.
