Atlanta's skyline slowly becoming another Vancouver (Dallas, Buckhead: middle-class, real estate market, 2015)

[1lifealex]

Is Atlanta's Skyline Slowly Becoming Another Vancouver? - Architectural Contemplation - Curbed Atlanta

[AtlantaIsHot]

Interesting turn of events in the ATL. Who would of ever thought low density suburban sprawl Atlanta would ever be described as Vancouverization. The sheer number of buildings going up give me hope the city will finally see significant population growth. Seems to me I see more people on the streets these days in the pictures.

[JMatl]

Originally Posted by AtlantaIsHot

Interesting turn of events in the ATL. Who would of ever thought low density suburban sprawl Atlanta would ever be described as Vancouverization. The sheer number of buildings going up give me hope the city will finally see significant population growth. Seems to me I see more people on the streets these days in the pictures.

Oh, you will notice a difference - especially in Midtown. It just keeps getting more urban, and these really are exciting times here.

It's becoming pretty damn impressive to watch all of the changes.

[afonega1]

This is the thing about Canadian cities I am afraid us a trend here.High density skylines wuth absolutely very little character.

Vancouver looks like Miami without the mountains.
Atlanta does seem like it's on that path as many cities like Atlanta are.
Dallas and Houston are building the same crap just like Austin and Charlotte.
Novare Group is one of the main culprits in Atlanta.

[Pemgin]

Unlike Vancouver, Atlanta already has many high profile, distinctive buildings. This city desperately needs the infill buildings it's currently getting. I don't mind getting a lot of standard 20-30 story residential buildings if it gets people into the city and contributing to the urban fabric. I don't think these buildings are going to mar the skyline. I'm sure the skyline will eventually get some more interesting, taller buildings, anyway.

[MathmanMathman]

Vancouver has a waterfront making land less available and hence denser. Atlanta doesn't have that problem making density tougher as there are cheaper alternatives.

[JoeP]

Vancouver isn't about a skyline - it like other Canadian cities are denser than most U.S. cities.
The addition of condo buildings in Atlanta can't overcome the massive sprawl of the metro, though it's certainly a step in the right direction.

[evannole]

Be careful what you wish for, as you just might get it.

Real estate prices in Vancouver are absolutely absurd, judging by what I've seen on shows like Love It or List it, Too. The other day, I saw an episode where the house the people were renovating was valued at $700k, pre-renovation, and it was an absolute dump in a very nondescript looking area. It looked like a college-student flop house. I quite honestly don't understand how middle-class people - teachers, policemen and the like - can afford to live in such areas unless they've inherited a family home, and that's sad to me; you shouldn't have to be an investment banker to be able to live in a relatively nice home in a relatively good area.

We are very fortunate in ATL to have quality, affordable real estate throughout the metro area, particularly considering the large population. I would hate to see that change. I have been to Vancouver and love it - beautiful, walkable and fantastic weather - but I wouldn't want their real estate market for anything.

[cwkimbro]

Originally Posted by evannole

Be careful what you wish for, as you just might get it.

Real estate prices in Vancouver are absolutely absurd, judging by what I've seen on shows like Love It or List it, Too. The other day, I saw an episode where the house the people were renovating was valued at $700k, pre-renovation, and it was an absolute dump in a very nondescript looking area. It looked like a college-student flop house. I quite honestly don't understand how middle-class people - teachers, policemen and the like - can afford to live in such areas unless they've inherited a family home, and that's sad to me; you shouldn't have to be an investment banker to be able to live in a relatively nice home in a relatively good area.

We are very fortunate in ATL to have quality, affordable real estate throughout the metro area, particularly considering the large population. I would hate to see that change. I have been to Vancouver and love it - beautiful, walkable and fantastic weather - but I wouldn't want their real estate market for anything.

Well much of it is the neighborhood.

If you saw an episode that was centered on Buckhead or Ansley Park, you'd find the the $1 milllion+ price tags hard to stomach.

Even Virginia Highland is out of reach for most.

Take a look at Zillow.com in Vancouver and you will find plenty of more affordable areas.

I also think the Love it or List it episodes are centered on more expensive areas where doing an expensive re-model of a house makes financial sense.

[evannole]

Originally Posted by cwkimbro

Well much of it is the neighborhood.

If you saw an episode that was centered on Buckhead or Ansley Park, you'd find the the $1 milllion+ price tags hard to stomach.

Even Virginia Highland is out of reach for most.

Take a look at Zillow.com in Vancouver and you will find plenty of more affordable areas.

I also think the Love it or List it episodes are centered on more expensive areas where doing an expensive re-model of a house makes financial sense.

Agree entirely! I'm just stunned at what some of these really poor-quality houses cost in some of these areas. Even in Virginia Highland, this one would have been lucky to have fetched $400k; it was bordering on condemable. Even after the renovation, the upstairs remained uninhabitable (the owners ran out of money), and despite that, the new "estimated value" was $1M.

All I can say is that, as pretty as Vancouver is, I'm glad I don't live there.