What area in metro ATL has the most character (Atlanta: lofts, new house)

[Shane]

Where would I find the most culteral area of atlanta? Someplace that is family friendly, might have local festivals, historic housing and town. Currently we live in the midwest in a 19th century house in a great town, but I have an offer to move to Atlanta that is tuff to refuse.

Im a bit of a hsitory buff, so a place that has old housing and infrastructure would be great. I'm not a fan of strip malls and such.

we need safe with good schools and are looking to spend about 300k.

[sprtsluvr8]

Some intown neighborhoods are Candler Park, Inman Park, East Atlanta or Grant Park...also Morningside or Virginia-Highland...all have older restored homes and are very nice. I think each one of these has it's own website.

[TakeAhike]

Originally Posted by Shane

Where would I find the most culteral area of atlanta? Someplace that is family friendly, might have local festivals, historic housing and town. Currently we live in the midwest in a 19th century house in a great town, but I have an offer to move to Atlanta that is tuff to refuse.

Im a bit of a hsitory buff, so a place that has old housing and infrastructure would be great. I'm not a fan of strip malls and such.

we need safe with good schools and are looking to spend about 300k.

~~~
Historic Norcross --out Peachtree Industrial/Buford Hwy--south Gwinnett.

It seems to me that you could find 'Something' in/around Roswell, Alpharetta, Duluth, Stone Mountain and a number of other 'old southern towns' that seem to have embarked on a major 'Renewal' program.

There are posters here that know more about 'What is Going On' in metro Atlanta than I do---if they happen to see your post I am certain they will offer suggestions.

You could go North, South, East or West and find small southern towns with charm and character ---I would want the assistance of someone who knew houses/land myself. Just Too Much and Too Big--metro Atlanta.

<sigh> I saw a quaint 20/30's house in Avondale--similar to older houses in Garden Hills/Buckhead--was afraid to inquire of the price. $500,000 at least. Intown. It was my perfect house.
Saw another in Clarkston.
They are all around.

Ka ching---bring your checkbook.

[xxman777]

It is true that you will find something in places like Roswell, Alpharetta or Duluth but they are few and far between. If you are looking for the center of that activity, you're going to want to be intown. Neighborhoods mentioned by sprtsluvr8 would be a great place to start. The stuff out in the suburbs is surrounded by strip malls and subdivisions.

[south-to-west]

I would suggest Cabbagetown--a neighborhood near Downtown Atlanta. It was an old cotton mill town. The cotton mill has been converted into lofts and the old worker housing--everything from the managers' houses to the workers' shotgun houses-- are being beautifully restored. The neighborhood is very walkable with small restaurants and shops and it kind of has a New Orleans feel.

[Shane]

Thanks for your help!

Youve given me lots of great areas to research!

[Hotlantan]

Inman Park would be my first choice, although unless you can find a fixer-upper at a great price, it's beyond your stated price range. Homes average between $350K-$1.5M. Each year they have a spring festival and tour of homes, which showcases some of Atlanta's most beautiful examples of Queen Anne and Victorian architecture.

Neighboring Candler Park is cool too (and homes are priced slightly lower on average, ranging from $300K to $800K), but instead of Victorians, it is characterized mainly by its Craftsman bungalows. It has a funky, walkable vibe and is good for families. Neighboring Lake Claire has a similar feel and price range, but is slightly further out.

Grant Park is more affordable ($250K-$600K) and has a real historic authenticity to it. Houses run the gamut from Queen Anne and Victorian mansions to modest Craftsman bungalows. It has the added bonus of being the home of the Atlanta Zoo, but can sometimes feel a little removed from the rest of the intown neighborhoods.

Sweet Auburn (technically part of the Old Fourth Ward, a slowly gentrifying area) has special significance for African-American history in Atlanta, having been the focus of MLK's preaching and the civil rights movement. There are some very beautiful restored homes around the historic monument area, as well as some newer construction that is made to look antique. This area is still changing and hence is the most affordable out of what I've mentioned here ($150K-$600K).

[City Fanatic]

Perhaps Newnan in Coweta County

[sweettea1]

Second Inman Park. It's got everything...historic homes (authentic, not replicas), great park, amazing food, festivals, artists, recreation and MARTA.

[neil0311]

Well, I'm biased since I live in Marietta, but I also came from a historic small New England town. Marietta has much of what you described. The area is certainly family friendly, with good schools, good shopping, and good recreation. There are brand new homes and older homes throughout the area, and you've got history at Kennesaw Mountain and at the square. You have the Strand Theater, as well as other arts and theater resources, and the square has restaurants, stores, and festivals and cultural events, all year round.

Marietta

Welcome to Events On The Square - Marietta, GA

Milestone in Marietta: Old theater lives again | ajc.com