KNOWAtlanta Summer 2021 - Metro Atlanta Relocation Magazine by New South Publishing

Summer 2021

Summer

IN THE CITY

INSIDE • A Tale of Three Cities • Atlanta’s Million Dollar View • The Best in Active Adult Living • Celebrating the 2020-21 Academic Year

knowatlanta.com

We’ve Got You Covered in Atlanta’s Most Coveted Neighborhoods. Emerson on Krog Townhomes | Portland Row Townhomes Oxley Edgewood Townhomes and Flats New Talley Station Stacked Flats and Townhomes | Park 108 Condos Eloise at Grant Park Townhomes and Stacked Flats | Beckham Place Townhomes

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY TollBrothers.com/KNOWAtlanta | 855-229-5676

Homes available nationwide. Brokers welcome. Prices subject to change without notice. Images are for representational purposes only and should not be relied upon to confirm applicable features. This is not an offering where prohibited by law. 603952 05/21

We Saved the Best for Last.

GATED & STAFFED COMMUNITY GREG NORMAN GOLF COURSE

For years, The River Club has been an icon of luxury in Atlanta. Now in its final phase, some of its finest homesites are coming available. Your opportunity to live in this exquisite community awaits. But not for long. Limited golf course homesites remain.

PRIVATE CLUBHOUSE & SPA ROLLING TOPOGRAPHY ALONG THE CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVER

Final Homesites Now Selling HOMES FROM $1 MILLION | ESTATE HOMESITES FROM MID $200,000s

Private tours by appointment. Homes and homesites offered by River Club Realty, LLC.

Our Neighborhoods

Decorated Model Homes Open Daily Cherokee

THE MAXWELL

Canton/Hickory Flat IDLYWILDE Single Family • From the $400s

Condos • From the $400s Townhomes • From the $600s

Atlanta PRATT STACKS

Woodstock

Condos • From the $500s

MASON MAIN Townhomes • From the $400s

Johns Creek BELLMOORE PARK

Dekalb

Single Family • From the $600s

Scottdale GLENDALE ROWES Townhomes • From the $400s

Gwinnett Duluth

GREYSOLON

Forsyth

The Providence Group builds neighborhoods with curated design options and a seamless experience

Townhomes • From the $400s

Alpharetta

Suwanee

CENTRAL PARK AT

ELLINGTON

DEERFIELD TOWNSHIP

Townhomes • From the $400s

Single Family • From the $500s

Fulton

HARVEST PARK Townhomes • From the $400s

Alpharetta

Single Family • From the $500s

from first look to move-in. With intelligently-crafted

ATLEY

townhomes, condos and single family home designs,

Condos • From the $400s

SUWANEE TOWNESHIP

Townhomes • From the $500s

Townhomes • From the $400s

high life, low maintenance communities, there is something for every lifestyle. Our Community Sales Managers are available to assist you with your new home search. Please visit TheProvidenceGroup.com to find your new Providence Group home.

ECCO PARK

Peachtree Corners

Townhomes • From the $400s

WATERSIDE

COMING SUMMER!

Master-Planned Community Condos • From the $400s Townhomes • From the $500s Single Family • From the $600s

678.472.0411

TheProvidenceGroup.com

Summer 2021

ENJOY YOUR DAILY DRIVE.

Traditions of Braselton offers exceptional homes in an array of architectural styles and price points. From low maintenance, ranch-style living

• 18-Hole Golf Course & Clubhouse • Private Owner's Clubhouse with Catering Kitchen • 24/7 Access to Fitness Center • Six Lighted Tennis Courts with Stadium Seating

to spacious two- and three-story homes or

• Pickle Ball & Sports Court

Traditions has it all.

• Open Green for Outdoor Events

even custom home offerings -

• Junior-Olympic sized pool with zero-entry splash zone • Sidewalks throughout

From the High $300s - $700s �

DiscoverTraditionsBraselton.com/KNOW Monday- Saturday: 11 am - 6 pm & Sunday: 1 pm - 6pm

706.684.0450

401 Delaperriere Loop, Jefferson, GA 30549

Make your move to America’s hub...

Atlanta!

From a great cost of living to true big-city culture, Atlanta never disappoints With skyrocketing job growth, world-class employers and a wide variety of experiences to enjoy, it’s no wonder people are moving to Atlanta, GA. Enjoy nearly year-round sunshine, great food and culture, a toprated airport and tree-lined natural beauty galore! In the city with a million opportunities for success and fun, Lennar has your needs covered. Whether you prefer a modern townhome, a traditional single-family home — including our new American Dream Series — or a cozy ranch-style home, we have the perfect design for you, from the Mid $300s to the Mid $700s. Don’t forget our Everything’s Included® package, finishes, fixtures, and stainless steel appliances to the Connected Home by Lennar® providing more peace of mind for our homeowners- with the Ring Video Doorbell Pro and Alarm Security Kit with the Neighbors by Ring app.

modern TOWNHOMES

american dream series HOMES

ranch style HOMES

single-family HOMES

To learn more, call 404-931-7462 or visit us online at Lennar.com/Atlanta.

The prices of our homes, included features and available locations are subject to change without notice. Stated dimensions and square footage are approximate and should not be used as a representation of the home’s precise or actual size. Photographs are solely for illustrative purposes and should never be relied upon. Existing and proposed amenities for the community are subject to changes, substitutions and/or deletions without notice. We reserve the right to make changes at any time without notice. Visit Lennar.com or see a Lennar New Home Consultant for further details and important legal disclaimers. This is not an offer in states where prior registration is required. Void where prohibited by law. Copyright © 2021 Lennar Corporation Lennar, the Lennar logo are U.S. registered service marks or service marks of Lennar Corporation and/or its subsidiaries. 05/21 LNATL1120

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Contents KNOWAtlanta Summer 2021 VOLUME 35, NUMBER 2

Features 20 A Tale of Three Cities

How three metro area locales are embracing their strengths and planning for the future

26 Hot Time in the City

Metro Atlanta’s Best Summer Outdoor Adventures

32 Metro Atlanta’s Million Dollar View Graydon Buckhead will take luxury condo living to new heights

Atlanta Basics

Homes

11 Welcome Home to Atlanta 12 How Atlanta Stacks Up 14 Your Gateway to the World 16 Where Business is Big 17 More Than a Century of Big Business 18 ATL is #1

34 Moving to Atlanta Checklist 36 Metro Atlanta Guide to Utilities 38 Guide to New Homes 46 55+ Living Choices

6 KNOWAtlanta SUMMER 2021

Education 50 The Year in K-12 Learning 56 Private School Map 54 The Guide to Colleges in Metro Atlanta

Metro Atlanta Information 60 Metro Atlanta Counties and Cities Complete county and city listings, contact information and much more

David Weekley Homeowners Lauren, Wynn, Sloane & Jason Adame with grandparents Neyda & Dick Sanger

Home is where you build memories for life. That’s why we’re here to help first-time homebuyers create the ideal environment to spend time with the people who matter most. Our EnergySaverTM homes save on energy usage and our FlexSpaceSM options allow your home to grow with your family. Let us help you turn your dream into your “forever home.” That’s The Weekley Way!

Homes from the mid $300s to the high $600s+ in the Atlanta area 844-819-6045 1. Heritage at Towne Lake

Encore by DWH From the high $300s 2nd Phase Now Open! 404-481-3860

2. Glenhaven at Ridgewalk

Encore by DWH Opening Spring 2021 404-481-3892

3. Ashbury

4. Marietta Township

8. Hargrove

5. Woodbury

9. The Retreat at Sterling ont he Lake

Encore by DWH From the high $300s 404-481-3893 Central Living Townhomes From the low $400s 404-481-3889

6. Design Center

5775 Glenridge Drive Building B, Suite #150 Atlanta, GA

Central Living Two collections From the mid $400s 404-481-3876

Encore by DWH

2-Model’s Open Now! From the mid $300s 404-481-3891

Central Living Townhomes Model Open Now! 7. Broadview Place From the mid $400s Final Opportunities 404-481-3890 404-481-3886

See a David Weekley Homes Sales Consultant for details. Prices, plans, dimensions, features, specifications, materials, and availability of homes or communities are subject to change without notice or obligation. Illustrations are artist’s depictions only and may differ from completed improvements. Copyright © 2021 David Weekley Homes - All Rights Reserved. Atlanta, GA (ATLA112632)

FROM THE EDITOR

A Time to Explore

Publisher

SHERRY GASAWAY

Summer is always one of the best times to embrace your wanderlust. Fortunately, there are so many places to explore in metro Atlanta that your desire to experience new things most certainly will be met. And that’s what this issue is all about: exploration. Whether you’re new to the area or a longtime resident, there’s undoubtedly something you’ve never seen before right around the corner. If you’re looking for ideas or some inspiration, be sure to check out our feature on page 26; it offers up 10 of metro Atlanta’s best summer outdoor adventures. From cycling the Atlanta BeltLine and shooting the Hooch to sipping on North Georgia’s best varietals during a delightful wine tour, you’ll be able to satisfy that need for a summertime excursion and some unforgettable fun. Of course, metro Atlanta also welcomes individuals to explore the many cities that comprise our fantastic area. In this issue, we look at three cities that have embraced their strengths amid the challenges of the last year and are in the process of planning their bright futures; don’t miss the article about Braselton, Peachtree City and Marietta on page 20. And if you’re exploring your options for a new home, check out our mini feature about Graydon Buckhead, the newest luxury condominium tower to takes its place among the Atlanta skyline, starting on page 32. As always, there’s even more. From the homebuilders you need to know in the active adult living market to the really cool things you can do with a flex room in your home, KNOWAtlanta has the 411 on everything residential. We also take a moment in this issue to celebrate the area’s private schools and the wonderful things they have been able to accomplish during in-person learning this year; check out our photo retrospective of the 2020-21 academic year on page 50. So, now it’s time. Get out there and see everything metro Atlanta has to offer this season. You’re sure to find what you’re looking for, and it will feed your soul in a way that nothing else can. For as test pilot and NASA astronaut Frank Borman once said, “Exploration really is the essence of the human spirit.” Amy Meadows, Editor

sherry@knowatlanta.com President

LARRY LEBOVITZ

lebovitz@knowatlanta.com Vice President JOHN HANNA

hanna@knowatlanta.com Editor

AMY MEADOWS

ameadows@knowatlanta.com Associate Editor

CORY SEKINE-PETTITE

cory@knowatlanta.com Contributing Writer KEN ABRAMCZYK

Digital Marketing Coordinator COURTNEY ROGERS

courtney@deninmarketing.com Art Director

JACK SIMONETTA

jsimonetta@knowatlanta.com Advertising Coordinator MEGAN WILLIS

production@knowatlanta.com Circulation Manager AMY FINE

afine@knowatlanta.com Controller

MARILYN WALKER

walker@knowatlanta.com NEW SOUTH PUBLISHING INC.

9040 Roswell Road, Suite 210 Atlanta, GA 30350 (770) 650-1102, (800) 536-5669 knowatlanta.com Direct all advertising, circulation and editorial inquiries to sherry@knowatlanta.com, (770) 650-1102, ext. 145.

If you would like additional information from our relocation service providers, visit us online at knowatlanta.com.

@knowatlanta

knowatlanta

On the cover: Courtesy of Atlanta Botanical Garden

8 KNOWAtlanta SUMMER 2021

knowatlanta

KNOW®Atlanta, Summer 2021, Volume 35, Number 3, 139th Edition. Published quarterly by New South Publishing Inc., 9040 Roswell Road, Suite 210, Atlanta, GA 30350. All information herein has been checked for accuracy to the best of the publisher’s ability. No responsibility is accepted for deletions, omissions, errors and/or inaccuracies. Unless special placement within the magazine is specifically purchased, publisher reserves the right to place any ad on a first-come, firstserved basis. No materials contained herein may be reproduced without the exclusive written permission of the publisher. © Copyright 2021 by New South Publishing Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A.

PR HOMES READY �Q'LY_ Open Daily

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in some of the mostsought-after locations in Metro Atlanta. From master-planned to active adult living, we have you covered.

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JACKSON Traditions of Braselton Golf Community From the High $200s - $700s Jefferson

PAULDING Oakleigh Pointe

From the High $200s Dallas

Moving to Atlanta? We Can Help Connect the Dots.

7 11

10 3

2 17 12

14 13

16 15

FREE

EasyMove Program

WE PROVIDE:

• Personal relocation advisor • Assistance with property searches • Help with mortgage pre-qualification and selecting a mortgage advisor

Ask our professionals how they can help. (678) 832-2854 KNOWAtlantaRealEstate.com

• Placement with proven, experienced real estate professionals

• Property valuations by licensed real estate brokers and appraisers

• Real estate and legal advice

throughout your entire move

Welcome Home to Atlanta YOU’RE TURNING THE PAGE. STARTING A NEW CHAPTER. Getting to know your new city. To help you along the way, KNOWAtlanta has compiled some of the most important details you need about the metro area, from how far your dollar will go to the companies that have relocated here. Before you know it, you’ll feel like Atlanta has always been home. So…welcome. We’re happy you’re here.

Downtown Atlanta

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

Fox Theatre

Georgia Tech

The Home Depot

Truist Park

SUMMER 2021 KNOWAtlanta 11

How Atlanta Stacks Up With affordable housing and a low cost of living, Atlantans get more while spending less. To understand why more than five million people call metro Atlanta home, see below how it surpasses other major cities in almost every way that counts.

SEATTLE $76,782

More for Your Money

Save money on everything from movie tickets to a box of cereal with a move to Atlanta, one of America’s most affordable cities. This bustling metropolis offers world-class entertainment, shopping, sports and dining at a fraction of the cost of other cities. As your living expenses decline, relish your newfound access to the finer things— whether it be an Atlanta Braves game at Truist Park or a Broadway play at The Fox Theatre. REDUCE 80%

SAN FRANCISCO $96,387

ENLARGE TYPE 120%

$50,000 Salary in Atlanta Equals Atlanta

2020 Median Sold Home Price Atlanta $366,300

$50,000

Chicago

$58,719

Chicago $325,000

Seattle

$76,782

Seattle

Washington, D.C.

$78,998

Washington, D.C.

New York City

$122,688

San Francisco

$96,387

$25000

$50000

$75000

$749,972 $645,000 $680,000

San Francisco

$100000

$125000

CNN Money

$1.4 million $300000

$600000

$900000

$1200000 $1500000

Realtor.com

How Metro Atlanta Cities Stack Up Metro Atlanta includes more than 50 cities. Compare some of these communities by median home prices, median household income, population and growth with the data below. GAINESVILLE

2020 Median Sold Home Prices

WOODSTOCK CUMMING

Atlanta Cherokee

Bartow

Forsyth

Hall

SUWANEE LAWRENCEVILLE

MARIETTA

Paulding

Cobb

Gwinnett

DOUGLASVILLE

DUNWOODY SANDY SPRINGS DECATUR

Atlanta

DeKalb EAST POINT

Rockdale

Decatur Douglasville

$265,000 $212,000 $429,900

Dunwoody East Point

$190,000 $285,000

Gainesville Lawrenceville

$260,000 $332,000

Marietta

$389,250

Sandy Springs

$432,250 $398,000

Suwanee

Clayton Fayette

$383,670

Peachtree City

Douglas Fulton

$450,000

Cumming ALPHARETTA

Fulton

$336,300

Alpharetta

$305,000

Woodstock

Henry PEACHTREE CITY

$0 Source: Realtor.com

12 KNOWAtlanta SUMMER 2021

$100000

$200000

$300000

$400000

$500000

Apartment Rent (2 Bedrooms)

$50,000 Salary in Atlanta Equals

Atlanta

CHICAGO $58,719

$1,187

Chicago

$1,335 $1,940

Seattle

NEW YORK CITY $122,688 WASHINGTON DC $78,998

$1,705

Washington, D.C.

$1,790

New York City

$2,592

San Francisco $0

$500

$1000

$1500

$2000

$2500

$3000

apartmentlist.com, September 2020

ATLANTA $50,000

Average Cost of Monthly Parking $130

Atlanta Chicago

$307 $237

Seattle

$318

Washington, D.C. New York City

$570

San Francisco

$350 $0

$100

$200

$300

$400

$500

$600

SpotHERO and monthlyparking.org

Median Household Income Atlanta

Atlanta 506,811

$55,279

Alpharetta Cumming

Dunwoody 49,356

$95,875 $40,882 $45,708

Gainesville 43,232

Lawrenceville

$47,169

Lawrenceville 30,834 Marietta 60,867

$54,983

Peachtree City

$75000

16.7%

Suwanee 20,907

36.3%

Woodstock 33,039

$70,997

$50000

13.3% 7.8%

Sandy Springs 109,452

$86,980

$25000

27.0%

Peachtree City 36,223 5.4%

$96,577 $74,093

Suwanee

11.8% 6.3%

East Point 34,875 4.3%

Gainesville

Woodstock

30.9%

Douglasville 33,992

$53,276

Sandy Springs

18.2%

Decatur 25,696

$93,039

Marietta

17.1%

Cumming 6,547

$43,790

Dunwoody East Point

18.7%

Alpharetta 67,213

$105,908

Decatur Douglasville

Population Growth (2010-2019)

$100000

$125000

38.8%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

40%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau

SUMMER 2021 KNOWAtlanta 13

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

Your Gateway to the World

ne of metro Atlanta’s greatest assets is Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Serving more than 100 million passengers each year, the airport boasts nonstop flights to over 150 domestic destinations and 70 international destinations in more than 50 countries. In 2020, the airport was recognized as the busiest airport in the world for the 22nd consecutive year, with 2019 alone seeing 107 million passengers traverse its terminals and concourses. Of course with so much happening in one location, including approximately 300,000 passengers moving through it every single day, everything at Hartsfield-Jackson must run like clockwork; fortunately, the airport also has been named the world’s most efficient airport, with 2020 marking its 17th year of that distinct designation. It may be hard to believe, but HartsfieldJackson Atlanta International Airport is located on what used to be the racetrack for the Atlanta Speedway. Abandoned in the early 1920s, the land became part of a deal that allowed the city to develop it into an airfield.

14 KNOWAtlanta SUMMER 2021

Today, the bustling airport is an economic juggernaut. In fact, Hartsfield-Jackson is the largest employer in Georgia, with more than 63,000 onsite jobs and an overall economic impact of $70 billion for the state. It is one of the world’s most well-known global transport centers, as well as home to the corporate headquarters of Delta Air Lines. It also is a bona fide gateway to the entire world, with the impressive Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal, a $1.4-billion, 1.2 million-square-foot, LEED gold-certified terminal that includes eight security checkpoints and five recheck lanes for domestic connecting passengers, exclusive retailers, restaurants and more. And because of the airport’s outstanding location, nearly 80 percent of the United States’ population can be reached within a two-hour flight. It makes sense that Atlanta, the leading city in the Southeast, offers such an incredible facility. Just as the city itself is a diverse locale with millions of residents who hail from all over the world, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is a welcoming sight for passengers from all walks of life.

AIRPORT LOGISTICS To access the domestic terminal by car, follow Interstates 85 or 285 and exit onto a network of roads that lead to the North and South Domestic Terminals, baggage claim and airport parking. The airport is the final stop on MARTA’s Gold and Red lines. The airport MARTA station is connected to the domestic terminal and offers a Delta curbside check-in station. Hartsfield-Jackson includes a domestic and an international building — housing seven concourses (T, A, B, C, D, E and F). Travelers can then access the concourses and gates via The Plane Train, a speedy underground train that travels a 3.5-mile track.

Each month, millions of travelers fly in and out of Hartsfield-Jackson. Check out the most recent monthly passenger stats from April 2019: DELTA AIR LINES 6.7 million passengers SOUTHWEST AIRLINES 889,510 passengers AMERICAN AIRLINES 233,016 passengers

HARTSFIELD-JACKSON AT A GLANCE • 63,000+ employees • 2,700+ average daily flights • 75+ international destinations in 50+ countries with nonstop service • 80 percent of U.S. population within 2-hour flight of Atlanta • 263 total concessions • 33,350 parking spaces • 275,000 daily passengers • 5 runways • 2 terminals • 7 concourses • 40 international gates • 27 domestic security lanes • 167 domestic gates • 107 million passengers • 895,502 flights

2019 statistics

SUMMER 2021 KNOWAtlanta 15

Where Business is Big 30 Fortune 500 and Fortune 1000 Companies Call Atlanta Home

or a business, the distinction of being named to either the Fortune 500 or the Fortune 1000 list is a significant honor that reflects a truly impressive standard of performance and an unparalleled high mark of achievement. The companies on those lists not only serve their customers effectively with outstanding products and resources, but they also provide their employees with opportunities that are second to none. And they are welcome assets for the cities across the country that they choose to call home. Atlanta, which has a reputation for being one of the most business-friendly cities in the nation, is proud to be a popular destination for many renowned companies that appear on the annual Fortune list. In 2020, the City of Atlanta ranked third in the country for the number of Fortune 500 firms and fourth for companies on the Fortune 1000 list. In fact, today, Atlanta is home to 16 Fortune 500 companies and 14 Fortune 1000 businesses. The attraction to the city makes sense, as Atlanta offers access to a booming economy, a low corporate tax structure, a highly educated and skilled workforce, one of the world’s largest travel hubs, a right-to-work status, a growing innovation ecosystem and much more. And every day, numerous companies are either launching in or relocating to the metro area. In addition to the well-known names on the Fortune 500/1000 list, such as The Home Depot, The Coca-Cola Company and UPS, Atlanta also continues to draw many other top businesses in the nation, including State Farm, NCR Corporation, IHG, Porsche Cars North America and Mercedes-Benz, all of which have established headquarters here. That continued growth a testament to the city and its ongoing efforts to create a business climate that is ideal for companies of all sizes. For so many, it’s all about Atlanta, where business is big.

Atlanta Fortune 500 Companies COMPANY RANK

The Home Depot 26 United Parcel Service (UPS) 43 Delta Air Lines, Inc. 68 The Coca-Cola Company 88 The Southern Company 153 Genuine Parts Company 171 WestRock 177 PulteGroup, Inc. 309 Newell Brands Inc. 316 AGCO 350 Veritiv 412 Asbury Automotive Group, Inc. 428 NCR Corporation 439 Intercontinental Exchange 459 Graphic Packaging Holding Co. 477 HD Supply Holdings, Inc. 478

Georgia Fortune 500 Companies COMPANY RANK

AFLAC Incorporated Mohawk Industries Inc.

146 321

Atlanta Fortune 1000 Companies COMPANY RANK

Global Payments Inc. Aaron’s, Inc. Acuity Brands, Inc. Carters, Inc. Equifax Inc. GMS Inc. FleetCor Technologies, Inc. BlueLinx Holdings Inc. SiteOne Landscape Supply Gray Television Inc. Beazer Homes USA, Inc. Primerica, Inc. Floor & Decor Holdings, Inc. Rollins, Inc.

553 649 671 689 692 758 849 852 904 962 965 980 983 993

Georgia Fortune 1000 Companies COMPANY RANK

Total System Services Flowers Foods Source: Metro Atlanta Chamber 2020

16 KNOWAtlanta SUMMER 2021

626 631

More Than a Century of Big Business

or years, a buzz has been building around the business community in Atlanta. Its growth has been unprecedented, as new industries, market sectors and companies of all sizes have either launched in or relocated to the city and its surrounding areas. Yet, Atlanta has actually been a hub for big, thriving businesses for decades. In fact, for more than a century, the metro area has been home to some of the most successful companies in the world. And there are four in particular that stand out not only as big business juggernauts, but also as brand trailblazers.

The Coca-Cola Company

Founded in Atlanta by pharmacist Dr. John Stith Pemberton in May of 1886, The Coca-Cola Company put the city on the map in terms of business opportunities. Jacob’s Pharmacy in Downtown Atlanta sold nine Coca-Cola drinks per day in the company’s earliest days; today the company is worth more than $83 billion and sells more than 1.8 billion soft drink bottles per day. The Coca-Cola Company employs more than 86,000 people worldwide and continues to grow at an impressive rate. Its products are as beloved as they are widely known, and the company strives to innovate in an array of areas. It is one of Atlanta’s iconic brands, and it remains a symbol of Atlanta’s business community roots.

Delta Air Lines

Started as a crop dusting business in Macon, Georgia, in 1925, the now famous major airline began offering passenger service in 1929. It wasn’t until 1941, years after finding a way to offer affordable passenger service thanks to a new air mail contract, that Delta moved its headquarters to Atlanta from Monroe, Louisiana. It grew as a regional airline and, over time, expanded to become one of the world’s most prominent and well-known carriers. It is a $47 billion company that employs more than 91,224 employees, and its global headquarters can be found at Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. Today, Delta Air Lines serves as many as 200 million passengers per year.

The Home Depot

The first two Home Depot stores opened in Atlanta in 1978. Seeing great potential in the home repair DIY market, founders Bernie Marcus and Arthur Blank created a shopping experience unlike any other, complete with highly skilled employees that could offer advice, guidance and instructions for completing a wide array of home-based projects. Today, The Home Depot, with an annual revenue of more than $110 billion, is the leading home improvement retailer in the country. The Atlanta-based organization employs 413,000 salaried and hourly employees and boasts nearly 3,000 stores worldwide.

UPS

In 1991, the United Parcel Service (UPS) made a pivotal decision to move its corporate headquarters to Atlanta. The company, which originally was founded in 1907 as the American Messenger Company, recognized the huge benefit of being located in one of the most dynamic cities in the South: access to Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. The move initially brought more than 1,000 employees to Atlanta, and in only its first year in the city, UPS generated $325 million for the local economy. Now, with more than $71 billion in annual revenue and approximately 480,000 employees worldwide, UPS has become one of the most successful and celebrated members of Atlanta’s ever-growing business community.

SUMMER 2021 KNOWAtlanta 17

Atlanta is #1 #1 Metro Area Tech Hub

#1 City for

Availability of Internships

From business to lifestyle, take a look at a few of the areas where Atlanta and Georgia rank at the top

#1 #1 #1 State for Doing State for Black State for Film

#1 Sports Team

Business

Entrepreneurs

Production

(Atlanta United FC)

#1 World’s Most

#1 Best City for

#1 State for

#1 Sports Facility

Efficient Airport

Singles

(Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport)

Leading Workforce Development Programs

(Mercedes-Benz Stadium)

Information courtesy of Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and ATL Brand Box

Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Georgia Tech 18 KNOWAtlanta SUMMER 2021

Atlanta United FC

Workforce Development

There’s no “TREE” in our name

770-447-5121

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A Tale of Three Cities

Braselton

How three metro area locales are embracing their strengths and planning for the future

Marietta

Peachtree City

By Amy Meadows

ities across the country had to pivot in unexpected and unprecedented ways over the last year. It was no different in metro Atlanta, where towns and municipalities across the area went from enjoying a booming economy and an impressive influx of new residents to hunkering down and searching for ways to support anxious homeowners and local

20 KNOWAtlanta SUMMER 2021

businesses that feared the worst. However, those cities persevered, and as we begin to emerge from these extraordinary times, they are getting back on track and embracing their strengths as they look forward to flourishing once again. Here, KNOWAtlanta looks at three particular metro cities that have managed to rebound beautifully while maintaining and promoting the qualities that make them so unique.

BRASELTON: At a Crossroads

ituated 49 miles northeast of Atlanta, Braselton sits at the center of several major highways and roadways, including I-85, I-985 and state routes 211 and 347. Over the last several years, that location has brought a great deal of development to the area, with the opening of Northeast Georgia Medical Center and an array of subsequently developed medical facilities, commercial centers and residential offerings. Coupled with an already booming tourism industry, anchored by Château Élan Winery & Resort and Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, the town has been on a tremendous upswing. “Braselton is truly blessed by location,” says town manager Jennifer Scott. “As metro Atlanta has growth northward along I-85 and I-985, the town has become an increasingly desirable location to live and work. Companies see the logistical advantages of being at the crossroads of several transportation corridors that lead to Atlanta, Athens and Greenville. And Braselton’s distribution centers, manufacturers and industrial warehouses have brought thousands of jobs to the surrounding area.” During the pandemic, Braselton was

able to lean on the revenue increases it had already experienced prior to last year’s lockdowns. And today, the town, propped up by its unparalleled location and stellar reputation, already has seen a recovery in economic growth that rivals the preCOVID era. With that in mind, Braselton has been able to move forward with implementing a comprehensive planning process that will address land use and zoning, transportation and mobility, community facilities and services, housing, parks and green infrastructure, fiscal responsibility, community leadership and more. Also, the Georgia Department of Transportation has widened I-85 and will soon begin widening GA 211. According to Nikki Perry, tourism director for the Braselton Visitors Bureau Authority, “The GA 211 widening project is an extension of the beloved Braselton LifePath, a 10-foot-wide concrete pathway that residents use to access nearby businesses via golf cart, bicycle and foot. In addition, the Town is in permitting to build a multi-modal bridge over GA 211.” What’s more, Braselton plans to continue investments into the downtown area, where the historic Braselton Bros.

Department Store mercantile is being redeveloped to house multiple tenants to complement existing businesses. A new civic center will be completed in the fall of 2021, bringing more events and visitors to Downtown Braselton, which soon will be enhanced with a new public art master plan to strategically add art throughout the area. And with that perfect blend of development in the areas of residential options, restaurant and retail space, medical facilities and hospitality, Braselton is poised to enjoy even more explosive growth and overall great success in the coming years. For more information, visit braselton.net.

O N E TOW N . F O U R CO U N T I ES . U N L I M I T E D O P P O RT U N I T I ES .

Escape the big city. Leave your car in park. Welcome to wine country.

visitbraselton.com

SUMMER 2021 KNOWAtlanta 21

PEACHTREE CITY: Embracing Tourism

ccording to Kym Hughes, executive director of the Peachtree City Convention and Visitors Bureau, “It’s been obvious for the last several weeks, people are scratching their pent up travel itch and hitting the road. We started seeing a hustle and bustle in the Welcome and Visitors Center in early April as families made their way in with tons of questions about Peachtree City as they were looking to move here.” It’s really not surprising that tourists from as far away as Germany, Chicago, Los Angeles and Seattle are finding their way to the popular vacation spot of Peachtree City and discovering that it’s actually a place where they want to live. That phenomenon has been a prominent fixture for the city for many years, as a few days in town can give visitors get a glimpse of what life can be like in this master-planned metro area gem. The community is known for its high quality of life and its reputation as a close-knit community that features everything from a robust residential market to a thriving business community. It also has something that no other local city does: more than 100 miles of paved, wooded golf cart paths that allow residents and visitors alike to traverse the community with great ease and bit of whimsy, accessing everything from nearby lakes, parks, trails and playgrounds to local businesses and venues. “Where else can you avoid metro traffic, hop on a golf cart to explore over 100 miles of multi-use paths, grab a bite to eat and shop or go to a great concert? You

Frederick Brown Jr Amphitheater

22 KNOWAtlanta SUMMER 2021

can in Peachtree City,” Hughes observes. That simple quality of life feature is one of the biggest draws of this growing community. And it’s one that anyone can enjoy at any time. While many residents own their own golf carts, visitors can “grab and go” rented vehicles to check out everything Peachtree City has to offer. As Hughes recalls, “Back in April, I had several families that felt safely socially distanced on a rented golf cart. Then I had a motor coach tour group that got off the bus and rented golf carts. For three hours, they had so much fun. And when I filmed a live Facebook video during their tour, someone else called me from another metro city and planned a multifamily tour for the next weekend, renting five golf carts for a birthday party. They bought a picnic lunch at a local eatery and planned stops a local retailers. For us, tourism promotion plays a vital role in raising the profile of our city and contributing to its economic development.” That philosophy has been especially important for Peachtree City as the last year wore on. While the local hospitality industry certainly felt the impact of the economic downturn, it is beginning to come roaring back, and the needle continues moving in the right direction. That improvement is aided by a new program the CVB has instituted that is designed to

help businesses find applicants for open positions in local hotels, restaurants and other establishments. “It is a labor of love,” Hughes says. “Our city puts its best foot forward when we have talented and experienced frontline workers in our hotels and restaurants. And as funding returns, we will be investing in marketing, advertising and staffing to promote our destination and to service our potential guests.” Clearly, in Peachtree City, one thing leads to another. When tourism is on the rise, so is the number of incoming residents and the ensuing economic development. So today, this master-planned community plans to roll out the red carpet for visitors from across the country and around the world. All they need is a golf cart and a willingness to enjoy it all. “We are ready for you when you are ready to get out and breathe in some fun again,” Hughes concludes. “If you need a resort-style getaway, we welcome you.” For more information, go to visitpeachtreecity.com.

MARIETTA: A Focused Effort

istoric Marietta Square is one of the metro area’s most well-known and beloved hot spots. From Glover Park in the heart of the square to the unique shops and restaurants that surround it, people flock to this adored downtown attraction. However, there’s so much more to Marietta, and the city is making a concerted effort to bring attention to an array of new economic development efforts. “As a city, we cast a wide net. No single initiative receives our entire focus, as we are constantly looking for ways to engage our community in opportunities for improvement, both in the commercial and residential arenas,” says Daniel M. Cummings, economic development manager with the City of Marietta Department of Development Services. “Commercial corridor development and residential growth have been hallmarks of the city’s success. And we continue to invest in infrastructure improvements, beautification and redevelopment, as well as improve our development process.” Thanks to this approach, Marietta proved to be extremely resilient during the COVID crisis and actually saw multiple businesses form and expand as the pandemic continued through 2020. According to Cummings, coffee shops, butcher shops, a grocer, restaurants and even construction companies were established and grew during the course of the year. “There was never a time in which businesses and residents could not move forward on their projects,” he adds.

Marietta Square

24 KNOWAtlanta SUMMER 2021

This was particularly beneficial when it came to redevelopment effort that is occurring on the Roswell Street Corridor, where Atlanta Hard Cider has become one of the local alcoholic beverage manufacturing industry’s newest businesses, opening in early 2021. The facility, located near US-41 and The Big Chicken, will operate as a distillery, tasting room and local hangout space and will join Red Hare Brewing Company, Still on the Square, Ironmonger Brewing Company, Schoolhouse Brewing, Glover Park Brewery, Treehorn Cider and Shezmu Cellars in this burgeoning sector for Marietta. Together, these establishments have become a huge draw for the city, attracting new visitors and new residents to the area. And the development of the Roswell Street Corridor is in line with similar efforts along S. Marietta Parkway and Powder Springs Street, among others. “We constantly look for attractive opportunities for redevelopment that leverages the success of the Marietta Square and expands the quality retail and restaurant options throughout the community,” Cummings reveals. As the pandemic continues to recede, Marietta offers residents an exceptional quality of life in a community that boasts both small-town charm and outstanding opportunities. And it is positioned to prosper even more in the coming years. “We remain optimistic there will be continued growth and recovery. Economic

Atlanta Hard Cider

indicators like permitting, investment and unemployment have provided a lot of reason to be positive,” Cummings says. For instance, residential development has continued to flourish with over 900 new single-family homes currently in development, while four multifamily housing units also are being built. What’s more, Marietta will begin working on a comprehensive plan in the fall, allowing the city to consider new strategies for the growth and development of its already vibrant economy. “Our goal is to continue to build on our successes to make sure that our residents continue to enjoy a high quality of life,” Cummings states. “A rich history, strong local school system, active civic clubs and religious organizations, low crime rates, abundant amenities and a vibrant, walkable downtown square with an array of unique shopping and dining options help make Marietta an attractive place.” n For more information, visit mariettaga.gov or visitmariettaga.com.

@CityofMariettaGA

Metro Atlanta’s Best Summer Outdoor Adventures By Ken Abramczyk

t’s summertime, and the livin’ is easy in metro Atlanta. The area boasts an array of outdoor adventures that are perfect for people of all ages. From drifting down the river on a lazy afternoon to cycling along countless beautiful trails to taking in nine innings of America’s pastime, there’s really something for everyone.

26 KNOWAtlanta SUMMER 2021

Here, KNOWAtlanta looks at 10 entertaining summer outings that you just can’t miss. (Of course, communities across the area will each have their own COVID precautions in place, so please check event and venue websites to confirm the status of activities, fees and parking provisions.)

A Flowery Outlook: Atlanta Botanical Garden Located in Atlanta’s Midtown, the Atlanta Botanical Garden bursts with vibrant colors and illuminating hues. With 30 acres of outdoor gardens, the venue hosts various plant collections ranging from camellias, carnivorous plants and conifers to hydrangeas and magnolias. The Rose Garden tantalizes with its range of beautiful plants and delicate yet fragrant flowers. Visitors marvel at the lushness and richness of the plant life and impressive biodiversity at the Dorothy Chapman Fuqua Conservatory.

And Dale Chihuly’s “Parterre Fountain Installation,” a sparkling blue-and-white display of glass illuminating a fountain, represents the artist’s interpretation of water, ice and sky. Additionally, the Atlanta Botanical Garden boasts a Gainesville location, which features an amphitheater, a children’s garden, a forest garden, a glade garden and a woodland promenade. Atlanta Botanical Garden atlantabg.org

The Cycle of Life: The Atlanta BeltLine Get acquainted with a variety of Atlanta neighborhoods this summer by cycling the Atlanta BeltLine, a repurposed, abandoned railway line and sustainable redevelopment project that, when completed, will span 22 miles via a loop of multiuse trails and connect visitors to 45 neighborhoods and dozens of parks, through which the civil rights movement is highlighted in great detail. While out on the trail, visitors also can enjoy coffeehouses, restaurants and shops housed inside renovated buildings on the Eastside Trail, which extends from Piedmont

Park past the Old Fourth Ward to Reynoldstown. Bike and bus tours are offered but were on hold during the pandemic, so be sure to check for current opportunities. Bike rentals are available at Clutch Bicycle Shop and Atlanta Bicycle Barn. Atlanta BeltLine beltline.org Clutch Bicycle Shop clutchbicycleshop.com Atlanta Bicycle Barn atlbikebarn.com

SUMMER 2021 KNOWAtlanta 27

Happy Trails: Take a Hike Hiking trails are prevalent throughout metro Atlanta and across Georgia. Hikers chat about their experiences online in social media groups devoted to the state’s winding trails up small hills, along rivers and through mountains. In metro Atlanta, Sweetwater Creek and Red Mountain state parks are among local destinations for residents to seek refuge from hectic dayto-day life. Sweetwater Creek’s trail takes hikers past ruins of a textile mill burned during the Civil War and onto rocky bluffs for views of rushing rapids. The Bamboo

Forest is located adjacent to the East Palisades Indian Trail, located on land overlooking the Chattahoochee River, not too far from I-285’s north loop and I-85. When the wind hits these long trees, they move gently like straws in a drink, stirring a sense of calm for the visitor who wants to chill out from the big city noise and rest in a sea of summer tranquility. Georgia State Parks gastateparks.org

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Locals know that there’s nothing like taking a warm afternoon to “Shoot the Hooch.” Whether tubing, rafting, kayaking or canoeing, families and friends can spend a few minutes or an entire day taking in the views of greenery along the banks while floating down the famed river, which can be accessed north of Atlanta near Roswell. For those who want a bit of excitement, head north along the river to catch some of the Chattahoochee’s famed Class I and II rapids, which are recognized as the biggest rapids east of Colorado. Revelers also can enjoy a picnic along the river’s banks, which offer an armada of color and relaxation on this urban waterway. Kayaks, canoes, rafts and tubes can be rented from several outlets. Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area nps.gov/chat/index.htm

hether a small or large company, Business Professional or Family; we can accommodate your requests. • Full size kitchen & appliances • Washer & dryer • Desk/work area • Separate Rooms with 2nd TV You don’t have to share with anyone, so it feels a little more like home.

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Way Down Yonder on the Chattahoochee

Chattahoochee River Tubing rivertubing.com High Country Paddle Shack highcountryoutfitters.com Nantahala Outdoor Center outposts noc.com/chattahoochee-river-ga Shoot the Hooch shootthehooch.com

Summer Swoon: Music in the Park There’s nothing that music lovers appreciate more on Atlanta summer nights than listening to tunes and enjoying a favorite beverage. Atlanta boasts topnotch musical events, including Music Midtown and the Atlanta Jazz Festival, as well as outdoor shows at large venues like Ameris Bank Amphitheater in Alpharetta and Chastain Park Amphitheater in Atlanta. Those who want to listen to music but find themselves on a tight budget can experience smaller crowds and small-town ambience at various Music in the Park events hosted throughout metro Atlanta. Check out this summer’s lineups at Avalon Nights Live or Matilda’s Music

Under the Pines in Alpharetta, the impressive acts coming to Woodstock’s Northside Hospital-Cherokee Amphitheatre, the Glover Park Concert Series on Marietta Square and Concerts by the Springs in Sandy Springs. Visit each local community’s website for more information. Ameris Bank Amphitheater awesomealpharetta.com/ play/attraction/amerisbank-amphitheatre/ Chastain Park Amphitheater chastainpark.org

Splish Splash: Six Flags White Water Atlanta summers can be hot and sticky due to high temps and humidity, so splashing and frolicking in the water can be a welcome respite for families. Six Flags White Water, located in Marietta, brings a little chill and relief with exciting thrill rides and family-friendly water slides for visitors of all ages. The Atlanta Ocean Wave Pool allows swimmers to feel like they are swimming in the ocean. The brand new Dive Bomber, Six

Flags’ tallest slide, creates an adrenaline rush as riders fall more than 10 stories to the splash landing below. Young children can cool off in the waters at Buccaneer’s Bay and Captain Kid’s Cove. And be sure not to miss the special events held each summer at the venue. Six Flags White Water sixflags.com/whitewater

Take Me Out to the Braves Game How ‘bout some baseball? Relax and watch a Braves game at Truist Park. Spectators can root for their home team and catch a glimpse of All Stars Freddie Freeman and Ronald Acuña Jr. as they help the Braves pursue the NL East Division crown and another trip to the playoffs. Fans can purchase souvenirs and Braves gear at several Clubhouse stores throughout the ballpark. Truist Park features statues of Hank Aaron and other Braves greats, an entire terrace dedicated to Aaron and other memorabilia

celebrating the team’s historic wins and moments. Truist Park anchors The Battery, a sports and entertainment complex that will turn your trip to the ballpark into an all-day affair, with plenty of dining, shopping and entertainment options. Truist Park mlb.com/braves/ballpark The Battery batteryatl.com

SUMMER 2021 KNOWAtlanta 29

Life on the Lake: Lake Lanier Islands Boating, fishing and soaking up rays on the beach are some of summer’s most beloved summertime diversions. Fortunately, all of them can be found in one place: Lake Lanier Islands, located 60 miles northeast of Atlanta. This resort complex, which is one of the hallmarks of Georgia’s largest lake, offers a chance to get out on the water and take in the beauty of North Georgia. Lake Lanier

Islands also features The Water Park at Margaritaville, offering a wide array of slides and rides for those who can’t wait to have some fun in the sun. Stay for a day or stay for a weekend and enjoy everything this picturesque lake destination has to offer. Lake Lanier Islands lanierislands.com

A Tasty Tour: North Georgia’s Wonderful Wineries Georgia’s wine industry is booming. According to georgiawineproducers.org, it boosts Georgia’s economy more than $4.1 billion, with $88 million spent by tourists at the state’s 60 wine producers. Traveling to one of the wineries and nearby communities makes for a great day trip, complete with spectacular views and relaxing moments. Sample Chardonnays and Sauvignon Blancs at Yonah Mountain Vineyards, located near Cleveland. Located in Dahlonega, Wolf Mountain Vineyards offers wine tours that include sampling wines in the tasting room with vineyard and mountain views. Closer to Atlanta, Château Élan Winery & Resort near Braselton features exclusive offerings of Muscadine

wines, along with Cabernet, Chardonnay, Merlot and Pinot Noir; advanced tickets are encouraged for tastings and reservations are required for tours. Several tour companies, including VIP Southern Tours, offer packages for individuals and groups that want to leave the driving to someone else. Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery wolfmountainvineyards.com Yonah Mountain Wineries yonahmountainvineyards.com Château Élan Winery & Resort chateauelan.com VIP Southern Tours vipsoutherntours.com

Up Close at the Zoo Located in Grant Park just minutes from downtown Atlanta, Zoo Atlanta is a perfect family-friendly summer destination spanning 30 acres and housing more than 1,000 species of animals, birds and reptiles, from African elephants, giraffes and ostriches to meerkats and warthogs. Visitors can feed giraffes from Twiga Terrace or see Mumbles, a southern white rhinoceros and one of Zoo Atlanta’s newest residents. For an additional fee, you also can participate in the zoo’s “Wild Encounters” to 30 KNOWAtlanta SUMMER 2021

get an up-close look at African elephants, the southern white rhino and lemurs, as well as a virtual visit with a giant panda. Interactive mystery hunts, stage presentations and hands-on and nature-based art activities will engage children and keep everyone delighted throughout the day. Currently, Zoo Atlanta only allows online ticket purchases and has a limited capacity during Covid, so check the website for information. Zoo Atlanta zooatlanta.org

Classic Buckhead Living. On A Whole New Level. In every room, everywhere you look, all of Buckhead’s canopy and Atlanta’s skyline stretches out before you. Stunning views are just the beginning at this boutique collection of 45 luxurious residences with floor-to-ceiling windows, expansive terraces and sophisticated interiors designed to maximize those incredible views. Here, residents enjoy maintenance-free, resort-style living along with the peace of mind that comes with a lock-and-leave lifestyle. This is Buckhead’s most sought-after new address. This is classic living, redefined. This is Graydon Buckhead.

Broker Participation is welcomed and encouraged. ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING REPRESENTATIONS OF THE SELLER. This project has been filed in the state of Georgia and no other state. This is not an offer to sell or solicitation of offers to buy the condominium units in states where such offer or solicitation cannot be made. Prices and availability are subject to change at any time without notice. Picture is an artist’s rendering and may not represent the final building.

Metro Atlanta’s Million Dollar View

Graydon Buckhead will take luxury condo living to new heights By Amy Meadows

or many years, Buckhead’s towering skyline has been dotted with an array of stylish and sophisticated buildings, which house some of the most opulent and well-appointed condominiums in the entire metro Atlanta area. The newest building to make its mark on that 32 KNOWAtlanta SUMMER 2021

renowned cityscape aesthetic is Graydon Buckhead, a 22-story residential building that will bring 45 amenity-rich condo residences to the famed upscale district. Construction on the building, which sits at 2520 Peachtree Road, began in early 2020 and is now in full swing, with a completion date slated for early 2022.

Graydon Buckhead is being developed by Palm Beach County, Florida-based firm Kolter Urban, which has expanded its presence in both waterfront and urban communities across the Southeast in recent years. The company is new to the Atlanta real estate market, and its first tower will be perfect addition to the Buckhead residen-

spa-like bathroom retreats and more. The finishes found throughout the residences are equally impressive, with local artisanal kitchen and bath cabinetry by Bell Cabinets, stone and quartz kitchen countertops and wide-plank flooring, among other features. What’s more, the residences boast private, access-controlled elevators. For someone who’s ready to elevate their living even more, Graydon Buckhead offers one exclusive penthouse residence with four bedrooms, five-and-ahalf baths and nearly 6,000 square feet of interior living space, as well as additional outdoor space that brings the total to more than 8,600 square feet. It is the epitome of five-star living, with a great foyer, family room, formal living room, three guest suites, a butler’s pantry, a gallery and much more.

Living the Life tial scene, offering magnificent homes that provide a spectacular blend of cultivated architectural and design features and unparalleled resort-style facilities and services. “We are extremely excited to enter the Atlanta market with Graydon Buckhead,” says Bobby Julien, CEO of the Kolter Group. “Similar projects we have developed in other downtown markets across the Southeast, we see great potential for residential growth in Atlanta and are looking forward to delivering luxury residences that offer access to the best Buckhead has to offer.”

Of course, owning a condo in Buckhead is all about living the life, and Graydon Buckhead does not disappoint. Private amenities abound at Graydon, with an elevated resort-style plaza, a large lap pool and heated spa, an outdoor summer kitchen complete with gas grills, an outdoor yoga lawn, a dog spa and park and more. Inside, residents can make use of everything from the state-of-the-art fitness center and spin studio to a residents’ social room that features a bar, large comfy chairs and televisions. There are even two exclusive guest suites that homeowners can use to

accommodate family, friends and other visitors throughout the year. And all of the amenities are complemented by an array of valet and concierge services that bring convenience to everyday life. What’s more, thanks to Graydon Buckhead’s ideal location in the heart of Buckhead, residents have access to everything this acclaimed commercial and residential district has to offer. Unrivaled shopping, excellent dining and sublime entertainment are an integral part of the Buckhead neighborhood and only moments away from the area’s newest residential marvel, which allows condo owners to be in the center of it all while having the chance to get away from it all.

On the Move Graydon Buckhead was named for one of the area’s most prolific and prominent landowners, Wesley Grey Collier, who previously resided on the west side of Peachtree Road just south of Muscogee Avenue. Today, the area has become a magnet for those seeking an exceptional living experience, and Graydon Buckhead is sure to delight residents of all ages as part of this remarkable tradition. Ansley Real Estate is managing the sales for Graydon Buckhead; interested home buyers can experience a private sales presentation at The Graydon Sales Gallery, which is found at No. 18 at The Shops Buckhead Atlanta. And as construction continues to make Graydon Buckhead a reality, there’s no better time to take a peek inside the life that could be yours in Buckhead. n For more information, visit thegraydon.com.

Home Sweet Home The residences of Graydon Buckhead, which start at $1.7 million and rise to $3.2 million and above, are a sight to behold. Offering two and three bedrooms, the condos range in size from just over 2,100 to 3,600 square feet. Each one boasts exceptional views of Buckhead, Midtown and Downtown courtesy of expansive terraces and unobstructed walls of floorto-ceiling glass windows. And inside, the features are second to none, with flow-through open floorplans boasting 10-foot ceilings, eight-foot decorative paneled entry and interior doors, chef’s kitchens with Wolf and Subzero appliances, owner’s suites with walk-in closets, SUMMER 2021 KNOWAtlanta 33

REAL ESTATE

Moving to Atlanta Checklist T

here’s a lot of work that goes into coordinating an organized move, and it’s smart to get a head start on planning long before the moving truck arrives at your door. Here’s our step-by-step guide to streamline your move to Atlanta.

Two Months Before

Six Weeks Before

Four Weeks Before

Research your options for moving or truck rental companies. Get on-site, written estimates and references from multiple companies — for moving and storage, if necessary.

Schedule a moving date or reserve a truck if you’re moving yourself.

Send your new address to friends and family members.

Complete a change of address with your local post office, or do it online at usps.gov.

Take inventory of everything in your home, room by room. Decide what you’d like to get rid of and determine what’s worth keeping, and make a list of all of the items you plan to take with you.

Start packing seasonal clothing and any other items not in immediate use.

Notify important parties of your move and provide your new address, including your bank, your employer’s HR department, magazines and subscription services, credit card, insurance and utility companies.

If you’re looking to purchase or sell a home, you should start the search four to six months before your move. At KNOWAtlanta Real Estate Services, we can provide you with access to the most up-to-date properties for sale in the Greater Atlanta area. knowatlantarealestate.com (678) 831--2854

34 KNOWAtlanta SUMMER 2021

Start a binder of all paperwork, estimates and receipts related to your move. These costs can later be taken as tax credits and deductions. Collect necessary records from your child’s school and your pet’s veterinarian, as well as family medical, dental and legal documents and keep them organized together.

Use up or give away food and supplies that can’t be moved, like frozen or perishable foods and cleaning supplies. Host a garage or moving sale for the items you decide not to keep, and give away leftovers to charitable organizations.

Schedule disconnection of services at your current home and reconnection at your new house, including phone, cable and internet. Contact insurance companies to obtain moving coverage and to transfer policies to your new home. Research new medical professionals for you and your family, including family doctors, dentists and veterinarians.

2-3 Weeks Before

1 Week Before

1 Day Before

Moving Day

Don’t leave it in the landfill. Research how you can recycle old electronics, plastics, metals and anything else you won’t be bringing with you that won’t naturally decompose.

Confirm dates and time of packing and moving if you’re using a mover. If you’re moving yourself, confirm moving truck arrangements.

Finalize all packing. Double-check that all closets, garage, attic and basement are cleared.

Verify the moving truck that shows up is the one you hired. The USDOT number on the side of the truck should match the number on the estimate/ confirmation paperwork. Scams can happen!

Transfer your automobile registration and driver’s license if you’re moving out of state. Create a folder of important information about your house for the next homeowner. Be sure to include your new address so that future residents can forward any mail.

Confirm travel arrangements and pack a travel kit for you and your family members with whatever you need, including cash, credit cards, travel documents, medications, etc. Don’t forget activities and toys for the kids!

Complete a house check. Defrost the freezer, drain the water hose, disconnect and prepare any major appliances you’re planning to move. Pack a “First Open/ Load Last” box. Include items you’ll need on the first day in your new home. Confirm hotel or temporary accommodations, if needed. Arrange for childcare and pet services.

PLANNINGSCANA A MOVE? AD Save money on your natural gas with SCANA Energy. Schedule your new service up to 90 days in advance by calling 1-866-353-7835 or visit SCANAENERGY.COM.

Sign the bill of lading/ inventory list before the movers leave, making sure to check boxes and note any missing items or damage. Keep a copy in a safe place. Be on hand for movers to answer questions and show where furniture and boxes should go. Be prepared to pay the mover and have cash on hand to tip workers.

Metro Atlanta Guide to Utilities Before you even put the key in the lock of your new home, you have to prepare the property for your arrival. This means getting all of your utilities up and running as soon as possible after your home closing. Here in metro Atlanta, there are a number of services you’ll need to set up as a new homeowner in the area. Be sure to put these on your list as you begin the process.

Natural Gas

Electricity

While metro Atlanta may have a temperate climate, you’ll definitely want to warm your home when the mercury dips during the winter months. Also, natural gas is one of the key methods for water heating, cooking, clothes drying and more. You’ll need to select a natural gas provider as you begin arranging your utility service. There are a few key providers that serve the metro Atlanta area, and you’ll want to do some research regarding rates, customer service offerings, possible discounts and more. Fortunately, most natural gas providers today allow you to learn about their service and sign up online, making the process quick and convenient.

Accounting for 48 percent of household energy use in Georgia, electricity needs to be at the top of your utility service list. Depending on where your home is located, you have options when it comes to selecting your energy provider. You can select a company like Georgia Power, which is the largest subsidiary of the Southern Company, or you may want to consider one of the many Electric Membership Cooperatives (EMCs) that also provide electricity across the metro area; these member-owned non-profit utilities serve more than four million customers and are part of the Georgia Electric Membership Corporation. Again, you can research provider options online.

Did You Know? Georgia deregulated its natural gas market in 1998. Atlanta Gas Light owns and controls the natural gas pipelines; natural gas marketers work with the company to access the pipelines and then provide gas rate plans and service for customers. Companies like Georgia Natural Gas and SCANA Energy offer both fixed rate and variable rate plans depending on your needs. Georgia Natural Gas: 888-258-5897 SCANA Energy: 866-353-7835

36 KNOWAtlanta SUMMER 2021

Water With the metro Atlanta area being so large and comprised of so many cities, towns and municipalities, it’s no surprise that there are various entities that provide water and sewer service. Typically, your home will be serviced by either the county water authority or, if you live within city limits, the city government. If you are moving into a previously

owned home, the former owners should be able to provide you with information. If it’s a new home, the builder can point you in the right direction.

Phone, Cable and Internet These days, phone, cable and Internet service is just as important as every other utility in your home. In metro Atlanta, major service providers like Xfinity and AT&T are going to be the most common options when it comes to selecting your service, as they cover the entire area. Some counties do offer alternatives, giving you the opportunity to personalize your selection and ultimate service. As with all other utilities, a bit of online research can make the process fast and seamless.

TIP

To see which providers serve the county in which your home is located, be sure to check out KNOWAtlanta Magazine’s County Pages, starting on page 60.

Simplify Your Utility Set Up T

here are so many time-consuming steps involved when you move to a new home. From dealing with the chaos of move-in day to unpacking all of your belongings, the entire process can be utterly exhausting. Fortunately, there’s

It’s a Deal! As you begin the utility setup process, be sure to check out some of metro Atlanta’s best deals, including these:

• Georgia Natural Gas (GNG) wants to give you a housewarming gift! Sign up using the promo code KNOWATLANTA and receive either a discounted rate or $120 in bill credits. And if you provide your real estate agent’s GNG Referral Code, he or she will get a thank you as well. Visit gng.com/knowatlanta or call (888) 258-5897 to get started.

• SCANA Energy knows a great way to save you money during your move. When you set up a new natural gas service with the company, you’ll receive a $60 credit on your first bill. Simply use promo code MOVER60 when you call (866) 353-7835 or visit scanaenergy.com/MOVER60 to take advantage of this fantastic offer.

one crucial step that you now can streamline thanks to innovative Atlanta startup Cottage: setting up your utilities. According to co-founder and CEO Connor Stewart, the goal of Cottage is to provide homeowners with a one-stop shop for setting up and transferring gas, water and electricity services during the moving process. The company, which was launched in April of this year by Stewart and Zack Schmitz, wants to take what typically is a several-hour experience and transform it into a five-minute one courtesy of Cottage’s user-friendly website. In addition to providing a single interface for setting up all necessary utilities, Cottage also allows users to

compare gas provider plans and prices, showing rates and options from the metro area’s more than 10 natural gas companies and helping users find the best deals. It all begins at hicottage.com, where you fill out an application for as many utility services as you need (both new registrations and transfers), compare prices based on your address, make your selections and allow Cottage to handle the rest. The service is completely secure, and the process is managed with the utmost care. And when you’re done, you can focus on what’s really important: making your new house a real home. Getting started is just a click away, so visit hicottage.com today.

SUMMER 2021 KNOWAtlanta 37

KNOWAtlanta’s GUIDE TO NEW HOMES

Flex Your Design Muscles How to make the most of your home’s flex space By Amy Meadows

ithout a doubt, the first question home buyers ask about a property is, “How many bedrooms and bathrooms does it have?” In recent years, the second question has changed a bit. These days, people have one particular question in mind: is there a flex room? Rising in popularity, a flex room is extra space in a home that can be customized to serve a number of different functions, depending on your family’s needs. The space is seamlessly built into the floor plan as an “extra” room and typically is found in a very strategic location on either the main floor or an upstairs floor depending on a home’s layout and the homebuilder’s offerings. “Flex areas provide homeowners with flexibility as their needs and lifestyles evolve,” says Lora Jenkins, who works with Builder Services at Inspire Custom Homes, one of the renowned builders found in the Traditions of Braselton community. Heidi Schneider, director of marketing for Lennar Atlanta, adds, “Flex spaces are fun and another way to make your home ‘work smarter’ with dual purposes. It’s a ‘safe’ space to take design risks and one that will help to transform your home into one that you can enjoy and relax in for many years to come.” Here, KNOWAtlanta Magazine takes a look at the different ways you can use a flex room and the benefits it can bring to the overall function of your home’s interior space.

Lennar Atlanta

Work It Out Inspire Custom Homes

“A flex space can be used for an exercise room, a music room, a craft room or a game room.” — Lora Jenkins, Inspire Custom Homes

38 KNOWAtlanta SUMMER 2021

If the last year taught us anything, it’s that the kitchen or the dining room may not be the best place to be productive when it comes to working at home. A flex room can solve that problem when it is used as a home office—something many homeowners choose to do today. “In today’s pandemic environment, flex rooms have become more important than ever and provide a much-needed additional space for virtual learning or video conferencing,” Schneider explains. Fortunately, all it takes to turn a flex space into an ideal office space is a great desk, a sturdy chair, ample lighting and some efficient storage options. Of course, you can put your own spin

on the space with an array of decorative accents, from expressive paint colors to knick-knacks and more. And since flex rooms often range in size from 300 square feet to up to 1,000 square feet, according to Jenkins, there is plenty of space to settle in and get some solid work done.

Get Creative A flex room can be turned into so many things outside of a standard home office. “A flex space can be used for an exercise room, a music room, a craft room or a game room,” Jenkins reveals. For homeowners who use the space as a home gym, it’s a great opportunity to save time and money while getting a full workout at home. And you actually can get really creative with where you put something like a home gym; as Schneider notes, one townhome owner in Atlanta turned a rooftop deck into a mini gym with a meditation area thanks to its large size. That’s the beauty of this additional area in your home: whatever your interests may be, you can tweak the space to fit your personal needs. A craft or hobby room can hold a worktable, craft supply storage and much more. An entertainment room could feature comfy couches, a large television and even a pool table. Or you could use the space as a playroom to hold all of your children’s toys. You also might want to create a second family room to add to your home’s overall living space. Schneider has even seen someone turn their flex room into a cocktail room, allowing the homeowner to host happy hours safely from the comfort of home. And no matter what you do, you can always make a change down the line. “Home means different things to different people,” Schneider says. “The things you do at home and how you use your space is always changing, especially today. Flex space is just as it sounds: flexible. It’s the space in the home that can change too.” Jenkins agrees, concluding, “Most families would love to have more space, but building an addition isn’t always an option. Buying a new home with a flex space provides you with options because you never know what the future will bring.” n For more information, visit: • Inspire Custom Homes: inspirecustomhomes.com • Lennar Atlanta: lennar.com/atlanta • Traditions of Braselton: traditionsofbraseltonhomes.com

“Home means different things to different people. The things you do at home and how you use your space is always changing, especially today. Flex space is just as it sounds: flexible. It’s the space in the home that can change too.” — Heidi Schneider, director of marketing for Lennar Atlanta

Inspire Custom Homes

Lennar Atlanta

SUMMER 2021 KNOWAtlanta 39

KNOWAtlanta’s GUIDE TO NEW HOMES

Graydon Buckhead

Rocklyn Homes

From $1.7 Million

From the Low $200s-$500s

Stunning views are just the beginning at this boutique collection of 45 luxurious residences, which feature ﬂoor-to-ceiling windows, expansive terraces and sophisticated interiors designed to maximize those views. Here, residents enjoy maintenance-free, resort-style living with the peace of mind that comes with a lock-and-leave lifestyle. This is classic Buckhead living, redefined. Construction will be completed in early 2022. Schedule your private presentation today.

Rocklyn Homes is an award-winning, family-owned company with a unique vision and passion to build beautiful, awardwinning, single-family homes and townhomes at great prices in some of the most sought-after locations in Atlanta. Backed by years of experience, they will deliver quality, value and reliability in every home they build. Visit a Rocklyn community and discover the Rocklyn difference: “The Most Important Home We’ll Build Is Yours.”

(404) 301-5302

(770) 817-2185

thegraydon.com

Traditions of Braselton High $300s-$700s

rocklynhomes.com

Paran Homes

Mid $200s-$600s+

Welcome to Traditions of Braselton! Brimming with scenic beauty, this 1,140-acre master-planned community in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains features an 18-hole championship golf course, opulent clubhouse, junior Olympicsized pool, six lighted tennis courts, an active HOA, highly revered schools, convenience to I-85 and more! Stunning new homes crafted by the South’s finest builders are priced from the low $300s to $700s. Traditions has it all!

Boasting nearly a century of combined experience in new home construction and an award-winning team of industry veterans at the helm, Paran Homes builds homes of uncompromised quality in many of Atlanta’s most sought-after locations while delivering a stellar home buying experience. Buyers can select from an array of move-in ready homes or personalize their home with the latest options from our Design Studio. Schedule an appointment and tour one of our models today!

(706) 684-0450

(770) 648-3113

discovertraditionsbraselton.com/KNOW 40 KNOWAtlanta SUMMER 2021

paranhomes.com/know

The River Club Mid $200s-$1M+

Entering the gates of The River Club, you’ll find a community of serene natural beauty, exquisitely crafted custom homes on rolling topography and an exceptional living opportunity. Built around one of Greg Norman’s celebrated golf courses and nestled into the woodlands along the Chattahoochee River, The River Club is a sanctuary from the outside world. This is, quite simply, the finest lifestyle experience available anywhere in Atlanta.

(678) 541-6434

riverclub.com

Toll Brothers America’s Luxury Home Builder From the $400s to $1 Million +

Toll Brothers has you covered in Atlanta’s most coveted neighborhoods. Toll Brothers, an award-winning FORTUNE 500 company founded in 1967, is the nation’s leading builder of luxury homes. Our locations are second to none, offering residents access to amenities including the Atlanta BeltLine, parks, local restaurants, shops, entertainment venues and public transportation. Toll Brothers is currently building throughout the area in Inman Park, Edgewood, East Atlanta Village, Decatur and Oakhurst.

(855) 229-5676

tollbrothers.com/knowatlanta

Building Homes, Enriching Communities, Changing Lives www.AtlantaHomeBuilders.com

SUMMER 2021 KNOWAtlanta 41

KNOWAtlanta’s GUIDE TO NEW HOMES

David Weekley Homes Mid $300s-Mid $800s

David Weekley Homes has been delighting customers in Atlanta for more than 15 years with four decades of building experience across the country. Weekley is one of the most sought-after builders for home buyers seeking a quality home and unmatched customer service. David Weekley Homes is currently building in communities throughout the Atlanta area, including beautiful homes in Buckhead, Smyrna, Woodstock, Alpharetta and Decatur.

(844) 819-6045

davidweekleyhomes.com

Traton Homes/Courtyards at Camden High $300s-$400s

Nestled in a premier West Cobb location on Mars Hill Road is Courtyards at Camden, Traton Homes’ new 55+ community. Gorgeous ranch homes with private courtyards are perfect for relaxing, gardening or entertaining. Community amenities include a clubhouse, pool, firepit, bocce ball court and dog park. The community is located minutes from the area’s best shopping, dining, recreation and healthcare facilities.

(678) 391-9496

tratonhomes.com

The Providence Group Lennar

From the $400s-$1M

Lennar Homes creates safe, amenity-rich communities in Cherokee, Cobb, Coweta, DeKalb, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Hall, Henry, Jackson and Paulding counties. Our Everything’s Included® package adds extra value, including finish, appliance and technology upgrades. We also offer a simple home buying experience, enabling customers to make a lifestyle leap with ease. Tour our floorplans, see all the extras we include and move up to a brand new stylish Lennar home.

Proud to be the leading luxury homebuilder in Atlanta, The Providence Group offers 20+ communities in Atlanta’s most sought-after locations. The Providence Group features a home design and community to fit every lifestyle, with designs offering a range of options, including third-level retreats, finished terrace levels, main level owner’s suites, gourmet kitchens and more. Community amenity packages typically include gated entrances, pools, clubhouses and lawn care. The award-winning design center allows home buyers to personalize their new home.

(404) 931-7462

(678) 990-8561

From the High $300s-$700s

lennar.com/atlanta 42 KNOWAtlanta SUMMER 2021

theprovidencegroup.com

Davidson Homes From the $300s-$1M+

Lake Arrowhead From the $200s-$900s

New to Atlanta, Davidson Homes brings its homebuilding expertise to this fast-growing market. Offering homes with a wide variety of designer options and upgrades, Davidson allows home buyers to personalize their space, making their new home their dream home. The company builds a diverse range of floor plans in Bartow, Cherokee, East Cobb, West Forsyth, Gwinnett, Henry and East Paulding counties. Call or visit the website today!

Resort-style living keeps getting better. Welcome to Lake Arrowhead, a gated mountain, lake and golf community just outside of Canton. The community’s 540-acre lake showcases over 21 miles of shoreline, a marina, lakeside park and hiking trails. Its portfolio includes ranch homes, master-on-main townhomes, luxury lakeside villas and custom lakeside homes. Premier home sites are available. A low Cherokee County tax base and one of the state’s safest cities await you.

(404) 999-1579

(770) 720 -2700

davidsonhomesllc.com

lakearrowheadga.com

Need more information when making your move? Visit knowatlanta.com to learn more about metro Atlanta, including information on healthcare, housing options, educational opportunities, city and county details and maps to help navigate your way around the area.

KNOWAtlanta.com SUMMER 2021 KNOWAtlanta 43

Builder and Developer Locator Map David Weekley Homes 1. Ashbury

Paran Homes 18. Oakleigh Pointe

2. The Retreat at Sterling on the Lake 3. Hargrove 4. Woodbury 5. Marietta Township Davidson Homes 6. Tanglewood 7. Riverwood 8. Mountainbrook 9. The Village at Towne Lake 10. Manor Estates 11. Graydon Buckhead 12. Lake Arrowhead Lennar Atlanta

35. Oxley Edgewood

20. Seaboard Junction

36. Portland Row

21. Millwood Farms

37. Park 108

22. Gladstone

38. New Talley Station

The Providence Group 23. Waterside 24. Atley 25. Harvest Park 26. Pratt Stacks 27. Idylwilde 28. The River Club Rocklyn Homes 29. Cannon Trace 30. Bentley Estates 31. Princeton Ridge

14. Towns at Elevate

32. Renaissance of South Park

15. Dunwoody Village

33. Townes of Auburn

17. Promenade at The Square

44 KNOWAtlanta SUMMER 2021

34. Emerson on Krog

19. Magnolia Court

13. Towns at The Junction

16. Aspen Grove

Toll Brothers

39. Traditions of Braselton Traton Homes 40. Courtyards at Ebenezer 41. Courtyards at Camden 42. Kirk Ridge 43. Edgemoore at Milford 44. Tapp Farm

Lumpkin

Pickens Dawson

Bartow

Forsyth

Cherokee Hall

CARTERSVILLE

MILTON

1 9

24 6

JOHNS CREEK

Fulton

40 41 18

Cobb 10 5

Paulding

Barrow 29 13

Jackson

Gwinnett

17 4

MON

22 16

Atlanta 26

35 3 36

Walton

38 37 31 30

DeKalb

Douglas

SOCIA

Fulton 32

Carroll Coweta

Fayette

Clayton

Rockdale Newton Henry

SHARPSBURG

SUMMER 2021 KNOWAtlanta 45

55+ LIVING CHOICES

The Best of the Best

Lake Arrowhead

Get to know two of the finest builders in metro Atlanta’s active adult market By Amy Meadows

t’s no surprise that metro Atlanta is replete with incredible homebuilders. And in recent years, a number of them have become bona fide leaders in the active adult segment of the industry, providing outstanding options for residents aged 55 and older. They put great thought and care into creating communities and residences that speak to the specific lifestyle needs of active adults, and their suc-

46 KNOWAtlanta SUMMER 2021

cessful endeavors have endeared them to an ever-growing section of the metro area’s population. If you are one of those interested homebuyers who fall into the 55+ category, then you need to familiarize yourself with the builders that keenly understand what you are looking for in a new home. And two builders you undoubtedly need to know are Traton Homes and Majestic Lifestyle Builders.

Summer Breezes

WOODLANDS / HIGHLANDS VISTA

Majestic Lifestyle Builders Ranch-Style Homes from the High $200s - $400s

SANCTUARY COVE

PARK OVERLOOK / GOLF VILLAS

Rezide Properties Master On The Main Townhomes from the Mid $300s Luxury Golf View Villas from the Low $400s

Majestic Lifestyle Builders Luxury Lakeside Living from the Mid $400s - $900s Premier Lake Lots from the $200s

MARINA PARC VILLAS

WOODLANDS

BLUFFS AT HIGHLANDS VISTA

Rezide Properties Ranch Style Homes from the High $200s

Rezide Properties Luxury Lake View Villas from the Mid $400s DR Horton Single Family Homes from the Low $300s

D I S C O V E R Y T O U R S AVA I L A B L E I N O U R C H A R M I N G G O L F V I L L A 2419 Lake Arrowhead Drive | Waleska, GA 30183

S P EC I A L FI N A N C I N G AVA I L A B L E

L AKE ARROWHE ADGA .COM | 770 -720 -2700

L AK E AR ROWH E AD APPROVE D BU ILD E RS

55+ LIVING CHOICES

“Many active adult buyers move to metro Atlanta to be closer to their children and grandchildren. Atlanta has so many great schools that attract families, and parents and grandparents tend to follow them.” — Kimberly Garwood, director of marketing for Traton Homes

Traton Homes: New Kid on the Block While Traton Homes has been building in the Atlanta market since 1971, the company did not enter the active adult market until 2018. And it did so with an idea of what is bringing 55+ residents to metro Atlanta in the first place. “Many active adult buyers move to metro Atlanta to be closer to their children and grandchildren,” says Kimberly Garwood, director of marketing for Traton Homes. “Atlanta has so many great schools that attract families, and parents and grandparents tend to follow them. Atlanta also is a good market because of its pleasant weather, great healthcare and proximity to a major airport, making it easy to travel and enjoy their retirement.” With that in mind, Traton set out to up the ante for home buyers with first-rate homes in some of the metro area’s most coveted locations. Today, the company boasts three active adult communities: Courtyards of Camden in West Cobb, Kirk Ridge in Marietta and Courtyards at Ebenezer in East Cobb. Each community features its own unique style and fantastic amenities package. For instance, Courtyards at Camden offers a clubhouse, pool, bocce ball court, firepit gathering area and a dog park. Kirk Ridge’s location in the foothills of Kennesaw Mountain gives it an unparalleled atmosphere. And Courtyards at Ebenezer is only 15 minutes from Downtown Roswell, Downtown Woodstock and Marietta Square, opening 48 KNOWAtlanta SUMMER 2021

up all kinds of recreation opportunities. Of course, Traton Homes’ beautifully crafted and well-appointed ranch homes are the real stars of these age-restricted communities. From open floor plans and spectacular indoor and outdoor living spaces to affordable prices ranging from the $300s to the $500s, the residences are the epitome of elegant living. What’s more, the company is sensitive to the desires of the 55+ market segment. “We try to instill the comforts that [active adults] enjoy in their current homes and pair those with the easy living lifestyle and functionality of a new home designed with their needs in mind,” Garwood notes. “For example, our homes feature an owner’s suite, as well as an additional guest bedroom or two, all on the main level. We also maintain landscaping, which means home buyers can leave their lawnmowers behind and enjoy the freedom of a lock-and-leave lifestyle.” Fifty years of homebuilding experience coupled with a recently defined focus on the active adult market has allowed Traton Homes to become a real standout on the local real estate scene. For more information, visit tratonhomes.com.

Majestic Lifestyle Builders: Filling a Need When Majestic Lifestyle Builders arrived in metro Atlanta more than eight years ago, the company immediately recognized a void in the local homebuilding market: a builder that offered an active adult prod-

uct with more customization options for buyers. So the company set out to become just that, settling into the master-planned Lake Arrowhead community, which has become one of the area’s most popular retirement destinations, and offering an unparalleled suite of 55+ homes. “We are in the business of delivering dream homes at an affordable price,” says Judie Woodall, a managing member of Strategic Real Estate Advisors. “We keep track of what buyers want versus what we want. And most active adults surveyed say that they want low-maintenance homes with a lawn care service. They also want a sense of community, as they are retired and want to have the ability to gather and have a social life outside of their families.” Majestic Lifestyle Builders found the perfect place to provide just that in Lake Arrowhead, a gated mountain, lake and golf community located outside of Canton that features a 540-acre lake with over 21 miles of shoreline, a marina, lakeside park, hiking trails and more. Homes from the company can be found in three of the community’s neighborhoods: Highlands Vista, Sanctuary Cove and The Woodlands. Ranch homes begin in the high $200s and include design-inspired choices, as well as features that may be needed for mobility issues. Additionally, the builder strives to provide access to finishes and options that buyers truly want so they can create the home environment they crave. And when it comes to homeowners’

social lives, there’s no better place than Lake Arrowhead, which has everything 55+ residents could possibly wish for in a lakeside resort-style community, including a fulltime lifestyle director who works on-site to maintain a bustling social calendar, with exercise classes, community events, seasonal workshops and more. The community also offers easy access to the championship Highlands Course, which is considered one of the best golf courses in Georgia. In addition, tennis and pickleball courts welcome active adults to participate in an array of seniors tournaments, while residents’ grandchildren can enjoy time with their beloved grandparents on a new state-of-the-art playground. “It has taken fun to the next level,” Woodall says. From its peaceful setting to its remarkable residential offerings, Lake Arrowhead

Traton Homes

is the complete package for active adult home buyers. And with Majestic Lifestyle Builders as part of that package, there’s no doubt interested buyers will find what they are looking for. As Woodall concludes, “The goals are to deliver a quality

home at an affordable price with features not found in other builders’ programs, as well as to create an environment where our property owners love where they live.” For more information, visit lakearrowheadga.com. n

I VERSAR

EB R ATIO

for 50 Years Strong! — Voted Cobb County’s Best Builder 2021 —

Since 1971, locally-owned Traton Homes had been giving Atlanta-area homebuyers “Altogether More!”…more desirable locations, more stylish home designs, more desirable features and more value! Visit our website to learn more about our beautiful new townhome, 55+ active adult and single-family detached home communities priced from the $300’s to the $500’s. See All of Our Communities at

TratonHomes.com

Winner

Sales and Marketing by Traton Homes Realty. All information is believed accurate but is not warranted. Subject to errors, omissions and changes without notice.

SUMMER 2021 KNOWAtlanta 49

EDUCATION

The Year in Photos See what metro Atlanta’s private schools were able to accomplish this year By Amy Meadows

hat a year it’s been! The 2020-21 academic year has had its challenges, but there have been many wonderful moments for students in all age groups from kindergarten through 12th grade. As many metro Atlanta private schools returned to in-person learning, they found ways to provide the normalcy that kids, teachers (and even parents) craved, blending the traditional offerings that students love with new and unique learning opportunities amid

the ongoing pandemic. Let’s take a moment to celebrate the amazing things that occurred during this most unusual school year and applaud the creativity and determination of the educators and administrators who helped make it all happen. Enjoy this photo retrospective of what went on between August 2020 and May 2021, which offers just a small sampling of the incredible effort put forth this year. As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words.

Annunciation Day School annunciationdayschool.org 1 Second graders at ADS were asked to write and illustrate their own storybooks and then present them to their parents via Zoom.

2 In music class, third through eighth

graders were taught to play xylophones and ukuleles and will be performing with these instruments at the Spring Musical during the next school year.

3 The school’s third graders participated in

a national planting project called “Journey North.” Schools from around the nation plant their favorite tulip flowers, document their work and submit it to the Journey North administrators. Their progress and plant growth are documented along with other schools on the Journey North website.

50 KNOWAtlanta SUMMER 2021

Atlanta Academy atlantaacademy.com 1 Collaboration with teachers and

students is a key part of Atlanta Academy’s curriculum. It was important to continue this in a safe way, so spaces were created inside the school to allow for this skill to be nurtured.

2 Atlanta Academy’s Head of School,

Shannon Dishman, was determined to bring joy and happiness to students every day. She loves connecting and bonding with every student and learning their different personalities.

3 The arts are an essential enrichment

at Atlanta Academy. On many days, performing arts classes headed outside so they could still sing and move freely.

Cumberland Academy of Georgia cumberlandacademy.org

1 Middle school students chalk painted outside on a lovely day.

2 Students signed the “No Place For

Hate” pledge for the school. Cumberland Academy is now one of two special needs schools to be a “No Place For Hate” school.

3 Students practiced coding and programming with robots.

The Galloway School gallowayschool.org 1 Galloway Middle Learning students were

overjoyed to still have their annual outdoor retreat with their grade level at Camp Twin Lakes in April of 2021. Students escaped the classroom for a day and enjoyed activities like horseback riding, rock climbing and canoeing with their classmates.

2 Galloway faculty members welcomed students

back to campus in August 2020 with masked smiles and elbow bumps.

3 Galloway students from PreK(3) through 12th

grade celebrated the 69 members of the Class of 2021 in the school’s inaugural senior parade, held on campus on May 21.

SUMMER 2021 KNOWAtlanta 51

EDUCATION

High Meadows School highmeadows.org 1 Each classroom at High Meadows has a

garden bed where students grow vegetables to use for cooking during class. Pre-K students not only learn to be good stewards of the planet, but they also learn so much academically from taking care of the plants.

2 High Meadows’ middle school program

provides an environment in which students are encouraged to take risks, try new things, learn through experience and embrace a growth mindset. Teachers value students as individuals, nurturing self-awareness and empowering them to take responsibility for their learning.

3 Thanks to a beautiful 42-acre campus,

middle years classes were able to meet in small cohorts and spread out all over campus as one of the school’s mitigation strategies.

King’s Ridge Christian School kingsridgecs.com 1 Lower School students donated money for Cape Day to raise

money for patients at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Samson, the school mascot, wore his own cape and greeted the morning carpool students with fist bumps.

2 Middle School students performed the musical “Newsies” for several sold-out shows. The Fine Arts department is outstanding and continues to raise the bar every year.

3 Upper School students came out to cheer the King’s Ridge

Tigers at many sports events this past year, as the school made history by making the state playoffs in the following sports: football, baseball, golf, swim, men’s basketball, women’s tennis, cross country, track, men’s lacrosse and women’s lacrosse.

Mount Paran Christian School mtparanschool.com 1 The show went on at MPCS in 2021 with audience distancing and livestream performances for shows such as “Beehive, The ‘60s Musical.”

2 The class of 2021 endured a

crazy year and was more than ready to graduate, racking up amazing accolades and college acceptances.

3 MPCS’s third grade girls were so

happy to be back in the classroom in person with their friends despite spreading out and wearing masks in the hallways. The year was extremely successful, with doors kept open while keeping kids healthy with the many protocols in place. 52 KNOWAtlanta SUMMER 2021

The Lovett School lovett.org 1 Lovett Upper Schoolers were

“Our classroom changed during quarantine. Our commitment to Education standards did not.”

so happy to be back on campus together!

2 Lovett Middle School teacher

Rachel Chou helped students with a science experiment.

3 Lovett Lower Schoolers enjoyed being back on the playground together.

• The largest class is 18 students & no more than 16 up through 5th grade • Superior Air Quality Control with Reme Halo UV Lighting • Real-time online schooling that works concurrently with on-campus education • Face shields provided to all students & staff Pre-K through 12th Grade • LyndonAcademy.org, 770-926-0166

Confidence

By Building Character

During this time of uncertainty, we are even more committed to empowering students as they design a better world. Schedule a virtual visit or call today. mountvernonschool.org/admissions

Photo Taken Fall 2019

SUMMER 2021 KNOWAtlanta 53

EDUCATION

North Cobb Christian School ncchristian.org

1 NCCS got creative about how to keep learning

hands-on and engaging. For the Preschool Petting Zoo, the NCCS softball field was transformed into a mini farm, complete with baby goats, pigs and even a tractor-pulled train ride.

2 In December 2020, North Cobb Christian School

opened a new cutting-edge 38,000-square-foot complex that includes a STEM center with a robotics lab, physics lab and makerspace, student collaborative spaces, classrooms, offices and an adjacent new parking lot.

3 In March 2021, students in 9th through 12th grades

participated in the school’s annual Spring Term, which is a week of mission trips, cultural immersions, service projects and more. This year’s options included Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Appalachia, a Florida STEM trip and Gulf Coast hurricane relief.

The Mount Vernon School mountvernonschool.org 1 Mount Vernon celebrated the 83 seniors who represent the school’s Class of 2021, who will head off to Harvard, Stanford, UGA, Georgia Tech, Purdue, UC Santa Barbara, Belmont College and more.

2 The visual and performing arts team reimagined how theatre

looks in the year 2020-21, pre-recording all dialogue in the Upper School recording studio, making theatrical (and safe) masks a vital part of the costumes and constructing a set outside to give space to a performance of “The Tempest” under the stars.

3 Even with masks, plexiglass and social distancing, Mount

Vernon’s students, faculty and staff, administrators and parents were thrilled to have the Mustangs back on campus this year. While things looked different, the Mount Vernon mission remained intact—to strive each day to design a better world.

1 Pace Academy paceacademy.org 1 In January 2018, Pace Academy launched the quiet phase of

2 3

Accelerate Pace, a $35-million capital campaign to build the Kam Memar Lower School. Construction on the 36,500-square-foot addition to Pace’s existing Lower School classroom building began in early 2020; students will move into the new, state-of-the-art space in Fall 2021.

2 Despite the challenges posed by the COVID pandemic and 10

new players—seven of whom were freshmen—the Pace Academy varsity volleyball team managed to capture its fourth consecutive GHSA state title.

3 Pace Academy adapted its production plans to accommodate

strict COVID protocols, which culminated in a full-scale outdoor production of “Mamma Mia” in April. Crews constructed a stage in the parking lot and welcomed sold-out (masked) crowds. 54 KNOWAtlanta SUMMER 2021

Springmont Montessori School springmont.com 1 Using dramatic interpretation and voice

intonation to bring their characters to life, Lower Elementary students performed readers’ theater scripts. This annual experience helps students build reading fluency, expression and confidence and, this year, was one of the first opportunities to have parents back on campus.

2 A beloved annual tradition that embodies one

of the school’s core values, Stewardship of the Environment, Springmont’s Earth Day Celebration allowed students ages 3 through eighth grade to voice their hopes and suggestions for a greener, more sustainable world.

3 Due to the pandemic, the Upper Elementary

Musical, “Matilde!” was presented virtually. In addition to learning their lines and songs, students learned about green screens and many aspects of video production.

1 2

Trinity School trinityatl.org 1 The fifth graders’ annual performance of “The

Nutcracker” was a huge hit. This beloved tradition was reimagined for the big screen as students filmed each scene individually over several days for a fullscale video production that was shared with the Trinity community.

2 Trinity School maintained in-person learning for

the entire school year, and students soaked up every minute with their friends, including these first graders who paused for a photo during recess.

3 Members of Trinity School’s Sixth Grade Leadership

Class and their siblings participated in the traditional first day of school caravan. The joy the students felt was on display as the school welcomed them on campus in August to begin the 2020–21 school year.

1 The Westminster Schools westminster.net 1 The Lower School Halloween Parade continued in

2020 thanks to the ingenuity of students and teachers. Fourth grade students constructed candy chutes in Design Thinking classes in order to safely distribute candy, while Upper School students in the WCAT broadcast program livestreamed the parade for the school and parents.

2 Performing arts classes began the year outdoors in tents

2 3

across campus, then moved indoors with special masks and aerosol-dampening tools during the winter. This allowed all of the usual concerts and events, including performances of Handel’s Messiah and the Christmas Pageant, to continue as scheduled either in person or streamed for the community.

3 To keep students active and to celebrate their

achievements, faculty and staff incorporated fun days, outdoor activities and respite days into the schedule.

SUMMER 2021 KNOWAtlanta 55

LUMPKIN PICKENS

EDUCATION

DAWSON Select Metro Atlanta Private Schools CHEROKEE

Gainesville

FORSYTH Canton

BARTOW

Cumming

Cartersville

HALL

17 Buford

15 Alpharetta 27

Woodstock Acworth 22 Kennesaw

9 12

Powder Springs

Sandy 21 Springs 10

GWINNETT

Duluth

316

Norcross Dunwoody Doraville 31

BARROW

Dacula Lawrenceville

8 28 Chamblee

Smyrna

Austell

Dallas

Roswell

34 Marietta

COBB PAULDING

400

JACKSON Suwanee

33 Mableton

29 32

24 14 11 Buckhead 4 5 6

Tucker

Lilburn

WALTON

Snellville

Stone Mountain

Loganville

DEKALB

Atlanta

Monroe

Decatur

Douglasville

Lithonia

DOUGLAS

ROCKDALE

East Point 35

Conyers

Hapeville

College Park Forest Park

FULTON

Morrow

Union City

OLL

Fairburn

CLAYTON COWETA

FAYETTE

Jonesboro

NEWTON

Stockbridge

HENRY

Fayetteville

McDonough

Peachtree City Newnan

1. The Alfred & Adele Davis Academy

13. High Meadows School

25. Riverside Military Academy

2. Annunciation Day School

14. Holy Spirit Preparatory School

26. Saint Francis School

3. Atlanta Academy

15. King’s Ridge Christian School

27. Saint Francis High School

4. Atlanta Girl’s School

16. The Lovett School

28. Springmont School

5. Atlanta International School

17. Lyndon Academy

29. Trinity School

6. Atlanta Speech School

18. Mill Springs Academy

30. The Walker School

7. Brandon Hall School

19. Mount Paran Christian School

31. Wesleyan School

8. Chastain School at St. Johns

20. Mount Pisgah Christian School

32. Westminster

9. The Cottage School

21. The Mount Vernon School

33. Whitefield Academy

10. Cumberland Academy of Georgia

22. North Cobb Christian School

34. The Wood Acres School

11. The Galloway School

23. Notre Dame Academy

35. Woodward Academy Main Campus

12. GRACEPOINT School

24. Pace Academy

36. Woodward Academy North Campus

The Walker School 56 KNOWAtlanta SUMMER 2021

DOCTOR OF CHIROPRACTIC MASTER’S DEGREES Clinical Nutrition Sport Health Science ONLINE MASTER’S DEGREES Positive Psychology BACHELOR’S DEGREES Biology Biopsychology Business Administration Computer Information Management Culinary Nutrition Dietetics Exercise Science Health Coaching Human Ecology Interdisciplinary Studies Nutrition Psychology ONLINE BACHELOR’S DEGREES Biology Psychology Interdisciplinary Studies ASSOCIATE DEGREES Computer Information Management Health and Wellness Pre-D.C. Degree Pathway ONLINE ASSOCIATE DEGREES Health and Wellness Pre-D.C. Degree Pathway

EXPLORE

the possibilities at LIFE UNIVERSITY LIFE.edu | Apply.LIFE.edu | LIFE.edu/VisitLIFE | LIFE.edu/Admissions 1269 Barclay Circle, Marietta, GA 30060 (800) 543-3202 | (770) 426-2600 #LifeUniversity #OurLifeU

EDUCATION

The Guide to Colleges in Metro Atlanta By Lindsay Field Penticuff Life University

ith more than 50 colleges and universities—both private and public—located right here in metro Atlanta, there’s bound to be a program that matches any local resident’s desire to further their education. From one of the country’s top engineering schools to a world-renowned chiropractic program, an esteemed research institution and a highly credentialed colleges of business, there’s sure to be an institution that meets the higher educational needs you may be searching for. Here is a glimpse at just a few of the top-ranked universities and college located throughout the area. While these centers of higher learning each offer a comprehensive educational experience and a wide range of majors and areas of studies, they are listed by their areas of specialization.

Chiropractic Life University 269 Barclay Circle Marietta, GA 30060 (770) 426-2600 life.edu What was originally established in 1975 with just 22 students attending their first chiropractic class has grown into the world’s largest single-campus chiropractic college. The rigorous 14-quarter program combines hands-on training and academics, helping develop students into highly skilled chiropractic healthcare clinicians. Additionally, the institute has become recognized for its impressive Division of Sport Health Science, which prepares students to work in fields related to nutrition and dietetics, athletic training, exercise science, health promotion and patient advocacy. 58 KNOWAtlanta SUMMER 2021

Engineering Georgia Institute of Technology North Avenue Atlanta, GA 30332 (404) 894-2000 gatech.edu Founded in 1885, Georgia Tech’s mission is to “develop leaders who advance technology and improve the human conditions.” The school’s College of Engineering offers 50-plus degree tracks at various educational levels, and the college is consistently ranked among the top 10 schools nationally by U.S. News & World Report.

Business Kennesaw State University Kennesaw Campus: 1000 Chastain Road Kennesaw, GA 30144 Marietta Campus: 1100 South Marietta Parkway Marietta, GA 30060 (470) 578-6000 kennesaw.edu The university’s Coles College of Business Master of Business Administration program ranks 19th nationally on the Princeton Review’s “Top 50 Online MBA Programs,” in addition to being among the top two percent of business schools around the world that maintains accreditation in both business and accounting by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International. University of Georgia–Terry College of Business Terry Executive Education Center Live Oak Square 3475 Lenox Road NE, Suite 300 Atlanta, GA 30326

Georgia Institute of Technology

(404) 842-4825 terry.uga.edu UGA’s Terry College of Business is ranked nationally among the top 15 business schools. As the first business school in the South, the university opened its Buckhead location as a convenience to residents across metro Atlanta. The 38,000-square-foot campus includes modern conference rooms, a special events space, interview suites, private breakout rooms and tiered executive classrooms. Reinhardt University 7300 Reinhardt Circle Waleska, GA 30183 (770) 720-5600 reinhardt.edu U.S. News & World Report has ranked Reinhardt—a private institution established in 1883—among the top universities and colleges in the South. One of its most popular programs is the university’s business administration program, which introduces students to accounting, economics, finance, information systems, management and marketing.

Medical Morehouse School of Medicine 720 Westview Drive Atlanta, GA 30310 (404) 752-1500 msm.edu Founded in 1975, Morehouse School of Medicine is among the nation’s leading institutions of primary care physicians. It was recently recognized as a top university and college among U.S. medical schools for its social mission, which is to improve the health and well-being of individuals and communities, increase the diversity of the health professional and scientific workforce and address primary

Gwinnett Technical College

Morehouse School of Medicine

healthcare through programs in education, research and service.

“Best Women’s Colleges” in the nation in recent years by BestColleges.com.

Liberal Arts

Agnes Scott College 141 E College Avenue Decatur, GA 30330 (404) 471-6000 agnesscott.edu Ranked as the No. 1 Most Innovative National Liberal Arts College by U.S. News & World Report, Agnes Scott serves more than 1,000 students with its SUMMIT approach to reinventing the liberal arts education. Students focus on global learning, leadership development, professional success, digital literacy and more across an array of academic programs. The well-known women’s college has also received the Colleges That Change Lives (CTCL) designation.

Oglethorpe University 4484 Peachtree Road NE Atlanta, GA 30319 (404) 261-1441 oglethorpe.edu Oglethorpe is ranked nationally as one of the best liberal arts colleges in the country, according to U.S. News & World Report. Its program allows students to study broadly, take classes in many different subject areas and build skills geared toward more than just one career. Georgia Gwinnett College 1000 University Center Lane Lawrenceville, GA 30043 (678) 407-5000 ggc.edu Established just 16 years ago and located northeast of Downtown Atlanta, Georgia Gwinnett College is the first liberal arts college founded in the 21st Century. The school boasts small class sizes, affordable tuitions and more than 45 degree options for students, whether you’re a traditional student or returning from the workforce. Spelman College 350 Spelman Lane SW Atlanta, GA 30314 (404) 681-3643 spelman.edu Founded in 1881 and first named the Atlanta Baptist Female Seminary, Spelman College is a historically black college and university and a global leader in educating African American women. The school is dedicated to academic excellence in liberal arts, as well as in the sciences. The college also was named among the top 20

Research Emory University 201 Dowman Drive Atlanta, GA 30322 (404) 727-6123 emory.edu Emory University prides itself on being one of the nation’s top research institutions. Students can participate in summer programs researching biomedical or biological projects at Oxford College, apply for individual grants to workshops to help pursue research interests or apply for opportunities to research and graduate with honors as seniors. Georgia State University Atlanta, GA 30302 (404) 413-2000 gsu.edu One of the University System of Georgia’s four research universities, Georgia State boasts six campuses throughout metro

Clayton State University

Atlanta and serves more than 51,000 students. It has been noted by the U.S. News & World Report as the No. 3 Most Innovative University in the country. and the No. 8 Most Ethnically Diverse University in the nation. It offers more than 250 degree programs covering 100 fields of study.

Film Production Clayton State University 2000 Clayton State Blvd. Morrow, GA 30260 (678) 466-4000 clayton.edu Clayton State offers a Bachelor of Arts in film production that helps prepare students for careers in the film industry. Throughout the four-year degree program, students are introduced to the entire filmmaking process, including storytelling, compositing, editing, visual effects, motion graphics and sound effects.

Technical Gwinnett Technical College Lawrenceville Campus: 5150 Sugarloaf Parkway Lawrenceville, GA 30043 (770) 962-7580 Alpharetta-North Fulton Campus: 2875 Old Milton Parkway Alpharetta, GA 30009 (470) 282-5400 gwinnetttech.edu The 140-plus programs—degree, diploma and certificate options—at Gwinnett Technical College allow students to focus on real-world education for real-world jobs. The school’s technical degrees include vocation skills like air conditioning technology, automotive technology, drafting technology, accounting technology and business technology, just to name a few. n SUMMER 2021 KNOWAtlanta 59

The Counties of Metro Atlanta

he Atlanta region is one of the most unique metropolitan areas in the country thanks in large part to the fact that it is comprised of so many flourishing counties. In fact, according to the Atlanta Regional Commission, by 2040, the 20-county Atlanta region will be home to more than eight million people. The Whitfield counties those individuals choose to call home are as distinctive Murray as the people themselves, as each one has its own personality and remarkable features. In the pages that follow, KNOWAtlanta will

Walker

introduce you to more than a dozen of the most sought-after and highly populated counties in today’s metro Atlanta area. You’ll learn everything from proximity to the city and basic facts toFannin the major cities and neighborhoods located within each county. Consider it your primer for getting to know Atlanta and Union the various communities that you’ll want to consider when you choose to relocate to the area. All of the information you need is right here at your fingertips.

Gilmer

White

Habersham

Lumpkin

Chattooga

Step

Gordon

Pickens Dawson

Lake Sydney Lanier

Banks

Floyd

Forsyth Bartow

Hall

Cherokee

CARTERSVILLE FLOWERY BRANCH

Allatoona Lake

WOODSTOCK

Fulton

BRASELTON JOHNS CREEK

SUWANEE

ROSWELL

KENNESAW

Polk

Cobb

DULUTH

SANDY SPRINGS DORAVILLE CHAMBLEE BROOKHAVEN

SMYRNA

Haralson

Barrow

Oconee

LILBURN

Atlanta

Walton

DeKalb Douglas Fulton

Carroll

EAST POINT

UNION CITY

G FOREST PARK

Clayton

Rockdale STOCKBRIDGE

Heard

Newton

PEACHTREE CITY

Jasper Spalding

60 KNOWAtlanta SUMMER 2021

Morgan

Henry

Fayette Coweta

Clarke

Gwinnett

DUNWOODY NORCROSS

Paulding

Jackson

ALPHARETTA

Butts

Putnam

Getting Around Atlanta METRO ATLANTA HIGHWAYS

LOCAL TRANSIT

FLYING

Navigating the metro area via its numerous roadways can be a bit challenging. But it’s completely doable when you know which highways and interstates are which and where they go. Here are the fundamentals.

MARTA: Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority MARTA is the dominant public transportation system in metro Atlanta with about 500,000 riders every weekday. Buses run from 5 a.m. to 1 a.m. Monday through Friday and from 5 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. weekends and holidays. Times may vary on individual routes. The train operates from 4:45 a.m. to 1 a.m. weekdays and from 5 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. weekends and holidays. MARTA provides ADA-Compliant Paratransit Service to eligible persons with disabilities. Bus/rail fee is $2.50 one way including transfers. MARTA schedule & route information: (404) 848-5000 or itsmarta.com

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the city’s major gateway to the skies, though private air fields and county airports do exist. atl.com Location: Off I-85, 10 miles south of the city.

Interstate 75 I-75 runs northwest to southeast straight through the City of Atlanta and traverses north into Tennessee and south into Florida. Interstate 85 I-85 runs northeast to southwest and converges with I-75 to form the Downtown Connector. It traverses east into South Carolina and west into Alabama. Interstate 20 I-20 is a major artery running east to west through the City of Atlanta. It also traverses the state into South Carolina on the east and Alabama on the west. Interstate 285 Often referred to as “The Perimeter,” this interstate highway loop encircles Atlanta and connects I-75, I-85 and I-20 to the city. Georgia State Route 400 This former toll road known as GA 400 runs north to south through the north-central suburbs of Atlanta; it is concurrent with U.S. Route 19 from Exit 4 up through its ending point near Dahlonega in the North Georgia Mountains. Interstate 675 This 11-mile-long auxiliary highway runs through the southeast part of the metro Atlanta area connecting Stockbridge on the south end to I-285 on the north end. Interstate 575 A 30-mile interstate highway spur route, I-575 branches off of I-75 in Kennesaw and traverses up through the northwestern suburbs and into the North Georgia Mountains.

Georgia Regional Transportation Authority The GRTA leads Georgia’s effort to set clear expectations for the performance of the state’s transportation network. (404) 463-3000, grta.org Corporate Transportation Casey Corporate Transportation is a specialist in corporate travel with 24-hour local, nationwide and airport service, corporate discounts and group rates. Wi-Fi equipped. (866) 688-5720

Parking DOMESTIC Park-Ride $3/hr; $10/day Economy: $3/hr; $14/day Daily: $3/hr; $19/day Hourly: $3/hr - 1st and 2nd hour $$4/hr - 3rd - 6th hour $36/day after 6 hours $36/day each additional day INTERNATIONAL Hourly: $3/hr - 1st and 2nd hour $4/hr -3rd - 6th hour $36/day after 6 hours $36/day each additional day PARK-RIDE: $3/hour $14/day maximum

Carpools Find a carpool, sponsored by the Atlanta Regional Commission, at ridefind.com or call 1-87-RIDEFIND. Public Routes Search online for public transportation, maps and directions at publicroutes.com Cobb Community Transit Bus service throughout Cobb County connects to MARTA via Midtown train stations and various MARTA bus stations. (770) 528-1600 cobbdot.org Gwinnett County Transit Monday through Saturday local bus service, plus Express Routes to Downtown Atlanta. (770) 822-8000, gctransit.com

SUMMER 2021 KNOWAtlanta 61

BARTOW COUNTY CITIES OF BARTOW:

EDUCATION: PUBLIC SCHOOLS Bartow County Schools bartow.k12.ga.us

Adairsville

Bartow

White

Cartersville City Schools cartersvilleschools.org

Kingston

Atlanta

Euharlee Taylorsville

Distance from Cartersville to Downtown Atlanta 43 Miles Distance from Cartersville to HartsfieldJackson Atlanta Int’l Airport 53 Miles POPULATION 106,408 MEDIAN HOME PRICE $144,000 COMBINED SALES TAX RATE 7% ONLINE bartowga.org Bartow County features the best parts of big city life and small-town living with Civil War and Native American sites, excellent dining experiences, a business-friendly economy, unmatched arts, shopping and excellent educational opportunities.

MAJOR EMPLOYERS: • Shaw Industries Group, Inc. • Voestalpine Automotive Components • Toyo Tires • Cartersville Medical Center • Anheuser-Busch • Trinity Rail

ATTRACTIONS:

PRIVATE SCHOOLS Turn to page 56 for the independent schools listing and a map.

Cartersville Emerson

Adairsville adairsvillega.net Recognized as one of the safest cities in Georgia, Adairsville was the first town in Georgia to be placed on the National Register of Historic Places in its entirety. Cartersville cityofcartersville.org Offering access to an array of North Georgia’s natural wonders and a beautiful historic downtown, Cartersville blends the best of yesterday and today. Emerson cityofemerson.org This growing city is quickly becoming one of the nation’s hot spots for youth travel sports thanks to the LakePoint Sports Complex, which spans 1,300 acres. Euharlee euharlee.com Euharlee is a small town located just west of Cartersville and home to the Euharlee Covered Bridge, the oldest covered bridge in Georgia. Kingston cityofkingston.org Kingston is a city steeped in Antebellum history and keeps it alive through a variety of artifacts and photographs in two museums. Taylorsville Taylorsville is home to Plant Bowen, a coalfired power station that has the second largest generating capacity of any coal-fired power plant in North America. White cityofwhitega.com A bedroom community of neighboring Cartersville, White covers one square mile of land—referred to as “The Friendliest Mile in Georgia.”

To view annual SAT scores by district and school, as well as Georgia Milestones scores, visit the Georgia Department of Education at gadoe.org.

UTILITIES: NATURAL GAS Georgia Natural Gas gng.com/knowatlanta H SCANA Energy scanaenergy.com H PHONE/CABLE/INTERNET Xfinity xfinity.com AT&T att.com ELECTRICITY Georgia Power georgiapower.com H Cartersville Electric System cityofcartersville.org Cobb EMC cobbemc.com Greystone Power Corporation greystonepower.com WATER City of Cartersville cityofcartersville.org Bartow County bartowga.org

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• Red Top Mountain State Park • Tellus Science Museum • Booth Western Art Museum • LakePoint Sports Complex • Barnsley Resort

Booth Western Art Museum 62 KNOWAtlanta SUMMER 2021

Red Top Mountain State Park

Downtown Cartersville

CHEROKEE COUNTY CITIES OF CHEROKEE : Waleska

Cherokee

Ball Ground

Canton

Atlanta

Holly Springs Woodstock

Distance from Canton to Downtown Atlanta 40 Miles Distance from Canton to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Int’l Airport 50 Miles POPULATION: 254,149 MEDIAN HOME PRICE: $220,200 COMBINED SALES TAX RATE 6% ONLINE cherokeega.com Dubbed the place “Where Metro Meets the Mountains,” Cherokee County benefits from its status as a region that’s business savvy, environmentally alluring and undergoing tremendous growth.

MAJOR EMPLOYERS: • Georgia Northeastern Railroad • Inalfa Roof Systems • Pilgrim’s Pride • Adidas • Yanmar America

ATTRACTIONS: • Lake Allatoona • Dixie Speedway • Gibbs Gardens • The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta • Cherokee Arts Center • Chukkar Farm Polo Club

Gibbs Gardens

Ball Ground cityofballground.com Ball Ground is a beautiful city in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains that’s home to quaint shops, eateries and a mix of residential options. Canton canton-georgia.com The county seat of Cherokee, Canton offers the perfect blend of historic charm and progressive opportunity, with a revitalized downtown that features a museum, arts center, heritage center and theater. Holly Springs hollyspringsga.us Recognized as one of the best places to raise a family in Georgia, Holly Springs is a beloved community that also was named the number three city for new families in the U.S. by Pennygeeks.com. Nelson nelsongeorgia.com Located in both Cherokee and Pickens counties, Nelson was established in 1891 and is the “First Georgia Marble City.” Waleska cityofwaleska.com Home to Reinhardt University, Waleska is a small community alive with industry, including the lumber and agriculture businesses. Woodstock woodstockga.gov Once a farming village, Woodstock has transformed into a bustling and diverse community with a revitalized downtown, a worldclass trail system and excellent shopping and dining options.

EDUCATION: PUBLIC SCHOOLS Cherokee County Schools cherokee.k12.ga.us

Canton

PRIVATE SCHOOLS Turn to page 56 for the independent schools listing and a map. Lyndon Academy lyndonacademy.org To view annual SAT scores by district and school, as well as Georgia Milestones scores, visit the Georgia Department of Education at gadoe.org. MAJOR COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES Reinhardt University reinhardt.edu

UTILITIES: NATURAL GAS Georgia Natural Gas gng.com/knowatlanta H SCANA Energy scanaenergy.com H PHONE/CABLE/INTERNET Xfinity xfinity.com AT&T att.com Windstream windstream.com ETC Communications etcnow.com Nelson-Ball Ground Telephone (770) 735-2000 ELECTRICITY Georgia Power georgiapower.com H Amicalola EMC amicalolaemc.com Cobb EMC cobbemc.com Sawnee EMC sawnee.com WATER Cherokee County Water Authority ccwsa.com City of Ball Ground Cityofballground.com City of Canton canton-georgia.com City of Holly Springs hollyspringsga.us City of Waleska cityofwaleska.com City of Woodstock woodstockga.gov

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Woodstock SUMMER 2021 KNOWAtlanta 63

CLAYTON COUNTY • The Beach at Clayton County International Park • Atlanta State Farmers Market • Georgia Archives

CITIES OF CLAYTON: Atlanta

Forest Park Lake City Morrow Riverdale Jonesboro

Clayton Lovejoy

POPULATION: 289,615 MEDIAN HOME PRICE: $89,400 COMBINED SALES TAX RATE 8% ONLINE claytoncountyga.gov Located 30 minutes south of Atlanta, Clayton County offers easy access to Interstates 75, 85, 285 and 675, along with rail service from Norfolk Southern and CSX and HartsfieldJackson Atlanta International Airport. It is the only county in the Atlanta area to be classified as a Foreign Trade Zone.

MAJOR EMPLOYERS: • Southern Regional Medical Center • FedEx Ground • Clayton State University • Gate Gourmet • Chime Solutions • Fresh Express

ATTRACTIONS: • Porsche Cars North American Experience Center • Road to Tara Museum • Clayton County Performing Arts Center

Lake City 64 KNOWAtlanta SUMMER 2021

EDUCATION: PUBLIC SCHOOLS Clayton County Schools clayton.k12.ga.us PRIVATE SCHOOLS Turn to page 56 for the independent schools listing and a map. To view annual SAT scores by district and school, as well as Georgia Milestones scores, visit the Georgia Department of Education at gadoe.org.

Distance from Jonesboro to Downtown Atlanta 18 Miles Distance from Jonesboro to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Int’l Airport 15 Miles

Riverdale riverdalega.gov Riverdale is located only about five miles south of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and serves more than 14,000 residents, deeming it the second largest city in the county.

Forest Park forestparkga.org Forest Park was originally founded by farming families with an influx of railroad employees, but today is home to more than 20,000 people and has become a viable center for commerce. Jonesboro jonesboroga.com The county seat of Clayton, Jonesboro is known as the official “home” of Margaret Mitchell’s “Gone With the Wind” and maintains its historic atmosphere with stately homes and beautiful landscapes.

MAJOR COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES Clayton State University clayton.edu

UTILITIES: NATURAL GAS Georgia Natural Gas gng.com/knowatlanta H SCANA Energy scanaenergy.com H

Lake City lakecityga.net Lake City’s pride and joy is the Lake City Community Center, a nearly 5,000-squarefoot multi-use facility designed for weddings, birthday parties, reunions and city meetings.

PHONE/CABLE/INTERNET

Lovejoy cityoflovejoy.com Lovejoy, known as “The City of Peace,” is growing rapidly but strives to maintain the small-town community atmosphere that continues to attract residents and businesses.

Georgia Power Company georgiapower.com H

Morrow cityofmorrow.com Morrow is home to Clayton State University, the Southeast Region Branch of the U.S. Archives, the Georgia Archives, Reynolds Nature Preserve and Spivey Hall, a stunning performance center.

Clayton County Water Authority ccwa.us

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Int’l Airport

Xfinity xfinity.com AT&T att.com ELECTRICITY Central GA EMC cgemc.com WATER

Select provider

Porshe Experience Center

COBB COUNTY ATTRACTIONS:

Cobb

Atlanta

• Truist Park/The Battery Atlanta • Six Flags Over Georgia/White Water • Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park • Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History • Silver Comet Trail • Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

CITIES OF COBB: Acworth Kennesaw

Marietta

Distance from Marietta to Downtown Atlanta 20 Miles Distance from Marietta to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Int’l Airport 30 Miles POPULATION 756,865 MEDIAN HOME PRICE: $219,700 COMBINED SALES TAX RATE 6% ONLINE cobbcounty.org Long regarded as one of the best places to live in metro Atlanta, Cobb County captures the best of all worlds with growing businesses, neighborhoods and more just beyond the I-285 Perimeter. It provides easy access to recreation and entertainment opportunities, as well as a thriving commercial center.

MAJOR EMPLOYERS: • WellStar Health System • Cobb County School District • Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company • The Home Depot • RaceTrac Petroleum • Aaron’s Inc. • Genuine Parts Company

Truist Park

Power Springs

Smyrna

Austell

Powder Springs cityofpowdersprings.org The town motto, “Small enough to know you, large enough to serve you,” speaks volumes about Powder Springs. Once a gold mining town, the city now boasts several parks, as well as a museum that chronicles its rich history. Smyrna smyrna.ga.us One of the fastest-growing cities in metro Atlanta, the “Jonquil City” is home to a wealth of family-friendly neighborhoods, upscale dining establishments, pristine public parks and a vibrant Village Green.

NEIGHBORHOODS OF COBB: Cumberland Situated 10 miles northwest of downtown Atlanta, this unincorporated community serves as the region’s fifth largest business district and is home to the Atlanta Braves’ Truist Park. Mableton At more than 20 square miles, Mableton is the largest unincorporated community in the metro area, as well as the hometown of former Georgia Governor Roy Barnes.

Acworth acworth.org Known as “The Lake City,” Acworth makes good use of its prime location on the banks of Lake Acworth with a full calendar of events centered around the water.

Vinings Unincorporated Vinings has become a go-to spot for a city-meets-the-suburbs experience, with upscale boutiques, exceptional restaurants and the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre.

Austell austellga.gov Although it’s located just 18 miles from Downtown Atlanta, Austell’s revitalized downtown and population of just over 7,000 still give it a small-town feel.

EDUCATION:

Kennesaw kennesaw-ga.gov Kennesaw is a bustling business center in Cobb County known as a great place to raise a family, while also being home to more than 5,000 companies and Kennesaw State University. Marietta mariettaga.gov Historic Marietta Square serves as the city center for this vibrant and ever-growing community, boasting quaint shops, delectable eateries, numerous museums, green space and more.

PUBLIC SCHOOLS Cobb County Schools cobb.k12.org Marietta City Schools marietta-city.org PRIVATE SCHOOLS Turn to page 56 for the independent schools listing and a map. GRACEPOINT School gracepointschool.org Mount Paran Christian School mtparanschool.org North Cobb Christian School ncchrisitan.org The Walker School thewalkerschool.org

Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre SUMMER 2021 KNOWAtlanta 65

COBB COUNTY Whitefield Academy whitefieldacademy.com The Wood Acres School woodacresschool.org

UTILITIES:

To view annual SAT scores by district and school, as well as Georgia Milestones scores, visit the Georgia Department of Education at gadoe.org.

SCANA Energy scanaenergy.com H

MAJOR COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES Chattahoochee Technical College chattahoocheetech.edu Kennesaw State University kennesaw.edu Life University life.edu

Xfinity/Comcast xfinity.com

Marietta

NATURAL GAS Georgia Natural Gas gng.com/knowatlanta H

PHONE/CABLE/INTERNET AT&T att.com Spectrum spectrum.com

ELECTRICITY Georgia Power georgiapower.com H Acworth Power acworth.org Cobb EMC cobbemc.com GreyStone Power Corp. greystonepower.com Marietta Power mariettaga.gov WATER Cobb County Water System cobbcounty.org Marietta Water marietta.gov

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Vinings

We are alive with community spirit and a quality of life that is at once beau�ful, playful, fearless, unique and joyful. Smyrna has great courage, determina�on, ﬂexibility and adap�bility, ac�vely seeking the “sweetest nectar” for our residents and businesses. We believe that seemingly small ideas and concepts o�en possess the greatest poten�al and power. Get to know our surprising and cap�va�ng quality of life, our diverse neighborhoods, our rich community spirit, our beau�ful streetscapes, our robust services, and so much more. Seek the good in life and the beauty in each day in Smyrna.

66 KNOWAtlanta SUMMER 2021

DEKALB COUNTY • DeKalb Medical Center • Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta

ATTRACTIONS: Atlanta DeKalb

• Stone Mountain Park • Fernbank Museum • DeKalb Farmers Market • Callanwolde Fine Arts Center • Eddie’s Attic • Arabi Mountain

CITIES OF DEKALB: Dunwoody

Distance from Decatur to Downtown Atlanta 7 Miles Distance from Decatur to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Int’l Airport 17 Miles POPULATION: 756,558 MEDIAN HOME PRICE: $176,000 COMBINED SALES TAX RATE 6% ONLINE dekalbcountyga.gov Access to suburban settings, a fast-paced city lifestyle, hip locales and one of the region’s most diverse populations makes DeKalb County a popular option for young professionals, students and established business executives. More than half of the Fortune 500 companies with a presence in Atlanta also have operations in DeKalb.

MAJOR EMPLOYERS: • Emory Healthcare • Delta Air Lines • UPS • AT&T Mobility

Fernbank Museum

Doraville Chamblee Brookhaven Tucker Clarkston Decatur

Stone Mountain

Pine Lake Avondale Estates

Chamblee chambleega.com Chamblee is a vibrant city with a diverse community and plenty of international flair, with the Southeast’s only Chinatown and the Chamblee Motor Mile, a large antique district. Clarkston clarkstonga.gov Clarkston, known as a welcoming walking and biking community, is noted for its diversity, having been named “The Most Diverse Square Mile in America” by Time Magazine. Decatur decaturga.com Decatur Square is a hub for “indie” boutiques and galleries, as well as trendy restaurants and pubs that attract foodies for some of the best culinary experiences in metro Atlanta. Doraville doravillega.us With one of the largest concentrations of midcentury modern homes in metro Atlanta and located where interstates 285 and 85 meet, the city of Doraville is convenient for Atlanta commuters. Dunwoody dunwoodyga.gov Dunwoody is a bona fine shopping, dining and cultural hotspot in metro Atlanta, making it a

Lithonia

Stonecrest

Avondale Estates avondaleestates.org Known for its close-knit community, beautiful setting and diverse architectural styles, Avondale Estates has a large number of local businesses operated from homes and shops in the commercial district. Brookhaven brookhavenga.com The urban town center of Brookhaven on Dresden Drive features many mixed-use developments and is bordered by residential neighborhoods.

Decatur

Avondale Estates SUMMER 2021 KNOWAtlanta 67

DEKALB COUNTY popular travel destination for both business and leisure. Lithonia cityoflithoniaga.org Made up of less than one square mile, Lithonia includes some of the most affluent neighborhoods in DeKalb County. Pine Lake pinelakega.sophicity.com Pine Lake, the smallest city in DeKalb, is a community close to nature, where residents treasure and work diligently to protect the environment. Stonecrest stonecrestga.gov Stonecrest is the first majority-black city to form from the cityhood movement in DeKalb County, achieving its official status in 2017. Stone Mountain stonemountaincity.org Nestled on the west side of Stone Mountain Park, the City of Stone Mountain is known as a family-friendly place to visit and live. Tucker tuckerga.gov One of the largest and oldest unincorporated communities in Georgia, Tucker welcomes visitors year-round to its revitalized Main Street for outdoor events, activities and more.

NEIGHBORHOODS OF DEKALB: Candler Park candlerpark.org Candler Park is an area that hosts fancifully painted houses with yards, quirky shops and restaurants. Druid Hills Druid Hills is a beautiful urban neighborhood that is often referred to as Atlanta’s “second suburb” and boasts four National Register of Historic Places districts. East Atlanta The charm of East Atlanta is its ability to be eclectic and edgy, while also comfortably suburban. Edgewood Edgewood’s unique housing, booming retail and entertainment sectors and diverse residents contribute to its vibrancy. Kirkwood historic-kirkwood.org Kirkwood is home to an array of quirky, locally owned shops, galleries, unique restaurants and more, as well as the Kirkwood Historic District.

EDUCATION: PUBLIC SCHOOLS DeKalb County Schools dekalbschoolsga.org City Schools of Decatur csdecatur.net PRIVATE SCHOOLS Turn to page 56 for the independent schools listing and a map. To view annual SAT scores by district and school, as well as Georgia Milestones scores, visit the Georgia Department of Education at gadoe.org. MAJOR COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES Agnes Scott College agnesscott.edu DeVry University devry.edu Emory University emory.edu

UTILITIES: NATURAL GAS Georgia Natural Gas gng.com/knowatlanta H SCANA Energy scanaenergy.com H PHONE/CABLE/INTERNET Xfinity/Comcast xfinity.com AT&T att.com Spectrum spectrum.com ELECTRICITY Georgia Power georgiapower.com H Snapping Shoals EMC ssemc.com Walton EMC waltonemc.com WATER DeKalb County Water System dekalbcountyga.gov

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Emory University

Stone Mountain Park 68 KNOWAtlanta SUMMER 2021

Concourse at Landmark Center , Dunwoody

DOUGLAS COUNTY Atlanta Douglas

ATTRACTIONS:

EDUCATION:

• Sweetwater Creek State Park • Clinton Nature Preserve • Boundary Waters Recreational Complex • O’Neal Plaza • Ben’s Antique Mall • L&R Alpaca Haven Farm

PUBLIC SCHOOLS Douglas County Schools dcssga.org

CITIES OF DOUGLAS: Lithia Springs Villa Rica

UTILITIES:

Douglasville

NATURAL GAS Georgia Natural Gas gng.com/knowatlanta H SCANA Energy scanaenergy.com H

Distance from Douglasville to Downtown Atlanta 27 Miles

PHONE/CABLE/INTERNET Xfinity/Comcast xfinity.com AT&T att.com

Distance from Douglasville to HartsfieldJackson Atlanta Int’l Airport 23 Miles POPULATION: 145,331 MEDIAN HOME PRICE: $140,100 COMBINED SALES TAX RATE 7% ONLINE celebrateddouglascounty.com With the lowest property taxes in the metro area and an energetic business environment to boot, Douglas County is an ideal place to work and live, and it’s located just 20 minutes from Downtown Atlanta.

MAJOR EMPLOYERS: • WellStar Douglas Hospital • Silver Line Building Products • APL Logistics • Wal-Mart • Kroger

Sweetwater Creek State Park

PRIVATE SCHOOLS Turn to page 56 for the independent schools listing and a map. To view annual SAT scores by district and school, as well as Georgia Milestones scores, visit the Georgia Department of Education at gadoe.org.

Douglasville douglasvillega.gov Downtown Douglasville is listed on the National Register of Historic Places because of its rich Victorian, Romanesque and Queen Anne-style buildings and has become a destination for specialty shops and restaurants. Lithia Springs The crown jewel of this charming unincorporated community is Sweetwater Creek State Park, which is home to the ruins of the New Manchester Manufacturing Company, a textile mill that was burned during the Civil War. Villa Rica villarica.org Villa Rica is home to the first gold strike in the United States and an historic downtown that has maintained authentic architecture, including Wick’s Tavern, the oldest commercial structure in West Georgia.

ELECTRICITY Georgia Power Company georgiapower.com H GreyStone Power Corp. greystonepower.com WATER Douglasville-Douglas County Water & Sewer Authority ddcwsa.com

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Foxhall Resort SUMMER 2021 KNOWAtlanta 69

FAYETTE COUNTY Atlanta

• Holliday-Dorsey-Fife Museum • Line Creek Nature Area • The City Gardens of Southern Oaks • Georgia Renaissance Festival • Serenbe Farms

EDUCATION:

CITIES OF FAYETTE:

Tyrone

Fayettville

PUBLIC SCHOOLS Fayette County Schools fcboe.org

Fayette

Peachtree City Woolsey

Distance from Fayetteville to Downtown Atlanta 25 Miles Distance from Fayetteville to HartsfieldJackson Atlanta Int’l Airport 15 Miles POPULATION: 113,459 MEDIAN HOME PRICE: $255,300 COMBINED SALES TAX RATE 7% ONLINE fayettecountyga.gov Fayette County combines rural beauty and urban convenience with a rich history and offers residents a variety of amenities and recreational activities, as well as the highest net worth index in the State of Georgia.

MAJOR EMPLOYERS: • Panasonic Automotive Systems Co. • Eaton Lighting Solutions • Hoshizaki America Inc. • Osmose Utility Services Inc. • Ply Gem Industries Inc.–Window Division • Gerresheimer–Peachtree City LP

ATTRACTIONS:

Brooks

Brooks brooksga.com Brooks is well-known for its friendly people, active churches, wholesome and casual outdoor lifestyle and pastoral wide open spaces. Fayetteville fayetteville-ga.gov Fayetteville has been recognized as one of the best towns in Georgia for young families, according to NerdWallet.com, as well as one of the best suburbs for retirement, according to Forbes. Peachtree City peachtree-city.org Georgia’s oldest and largest master-planned community, Peachtree City features a sprawling network of golf cart paths and family-friendly neighborhoods that are home to residents who enjoy a small-town feel near a global hub. Tyrone tyrone.org A high priority on finding a balance between smart economic development and functional green spaces in this small town of 7,000 people. Woolsey woolseyga.com The smallest town in Fayette County, Woolsey is primarily a residential community that offers a pastoral setting with quaint shops and small businesses.

UTILITIES: NATURAL GAS Georgia Natural Gas gng.com/knowatlanta H SCANA Energy scanaenergy.com H PHONE/CABLE/INTERNET Xfinity/Comcast xfinity.com AT&T att.com ELECTRICITY Georgia Power Company georgiapower.com H Coweta-Fayette EMC utility.org WATER Fayette County Water fayettecountyga.gov/water

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• Atlanta Regional Airport • Old Fayette County Courthouse

Trilith Studios

Trilith 70 KNOWAtlanta SUMMER 2021

Peachtree City

FORSYTH COUNTY Forsyth

Atlanta

ATTRACTIONS:

UTILITIES:

• Sawnee Mountain Preserve • Big Creek Greenway • Cumming Fairgrounds • Kinsey Family Farm • Cumming Aquatic Center and Water Park • Buford Dam

NATURAL GAS Georgia Natural Gas gng.com/knowatlanta H SCANA Energy scanaenergy.com H

CITIES OF FORSYTH:

PHONE/CABLE/INTERNET Xfinity xfinity.com AT&T att.com Spectrum spectrum.com ELECTRICITY Georgia Power Company georgiapower.com H Sawnee EMC sawnee.com

Cumming

Distance from Cumming to Downtown Atlanta 38 Miles Distance from Cumming to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Int’l Airport 49 Miles POPULATION: 236,612 MEDIAN HOME PRICE: $301,100 COMBINED SALES TAX RATE 7% ONLINE forsythco.com Forsyth County has been recognized as the 13th wealthiest county in the nation, as well as the seventh-fastest growing county nationwide by Forbes magazine, largely due to the 8,000-plus businesses in the community.

MAJOR EMPLOYERS: • Scientific Games International Inc. • Northside Hospital-Forsyth • Tyson Foods, Inc. • Siemens Industry, Inc. • Koch Foods • Walmart

Cumming cityofcumming.net Cumming, the county seat of Forsyth, became one of metro Atlanta’s most popular commuter towns upon the completion of Georgia State Route 400 and continues to experience impressive growth year after year, welcoming both new residents and businesses regularly.

WATER City of Cumming Water Department cummingutilities.com Forsyth County Water forsythco.com

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EDUCATION: PUBLIC SCHOOLS Forsyth County Schools forsyth.k12.ga.us PRIVATE SCHOOLS Turn to page 56 for the independent schools listing and a map. To view annual SAT scores by district and school, as well as Georgia Milestones scores, visit the Georgia Department of Education at gadoe.org.

HALCYON

Big Creek Greenway

Cumming Fairgrounds SUMMER 2021 KNOWAtlanta 71

FULTON COUNTY • High Museum of Art • The Fox Theatre • Ponce City Market

CITIES OF FULTON: Atlanta Fulton

South Fulton

Distance from Atlanta to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Int’l Airport 10 Miles POPULATION: 1.05 million MEDIAN HOME PRICE: $268,900 COMBINES SALES TAX RATE 8.9% ONLINE fultoncountyga.gov Stretching across the heart of metro Atlanta, Fulton County is broken up into several main areas and offers an array of options for its more than one million residents. The county is home to an ever-growing economy, thriving industries, renowned universities, significant cultural opportunities and much more.

MAJOR EMPLOYERS: • Delta Air Lines • UPS • Emory Healthcare • The Home Depot • Piedmont Healthcare • Publix Super Markets

ATTRACTIONS: • Mercedes-Benz Stadium • The Georgia Aquarium • Atlanta Botanical Garden • Centennial Olympic Park • Zoo Atlanta • Piedmont Park

Mercedes-Benz Stadium 72 KNOWAtlanta SUMMER 2021

Atlanta atlantaga.gov As the Peach State’s capitol and county seat of Fulton, Atlanta serves as the regional, national and global headquarters for many Fortune 500 and 1000 corporations. Alpharetta alpharetta.ga.us Named one of the best suburbs to live in Georgia by Niche.com, Alpharetta offers a full spectrum of attractions, excellent schools, sensible housing costs and growing industries. Johns Creek johnscreekga.gov Nestled along the banks of the Chattahoochee River, Johns Creek’s beautiful landscape offers additional aesthetic appeal to an already beautiful metropolis. Milton cityofmiltonga.us A highly affluent city, Milton strives to maintain its rural heritage while looking to the future and offering residents an exceptional quality of life. Mountain Park mountainparkgov.com Mountain Park is an officially designated wildlife refuge that protects all wildlife, including birds, animals and reptiles — some rare. Roswell roswellgov.com With 13 parks, many well-preserved historical sites and a ranking as the 14th safest city in Georgia, Roswell is a family-oriented community. Sandy Springs sandyspringsga.gov Located just outside of the 285 perimeter, Sandy Springs is the second largest city in the

Ponce City Market

metro Atlanta area and offers varied real estate options, competitive schools, outstanding outdoor recreation and more. South Fulton cityofsouthfulton.gov South Fulton elected its first mayor in March 2017 after the Georgia General Assembly voted in 2016 to approve the creation of this new city. Chattahoochee Hills chatthillsga.us Chattahoochee Hills is home to Serenbe, an agrarian community that is close to HartsfieldJackson Atlanta International Airport and makes it the ideal place to live, work and play. College Park collegeparkga.com Top employers in College Park include the Federal Aviation Administration and Woodward Academy, one of metro Atlanta’s top-performing independent schools. East Point eastpointcity.org In recent years, East Point has flourished due to its proximity to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, restaurants, hotels and shopping. Fairburn fairburn.com Fairburn has a rich cultural heritage enjoyed by residents and visitors alike and has the feel of a city coupled with small-town sensibilities. Hapeville hapeville.org Hapeville is home to the busiest airport in the world, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, as well as being the location for Delta Air Lines’ corporate headquarters. Palmetto cityofpalmetto.com Palmetto is located 25 miles south of Atlanta right on the former Atlanta and West Point Railroad, which is now owned by CSX Transportation. Union City unioncityga.org Some of Union City’s leading national firms include Newell Rubbermaid, General Electric, Costco, Caterpillar, Dendreon and Kraft Foods.

INTOWN NEIGHBORHOODS:

Ansley Park ansleypark.org An affluent residential neighborhood, Ansley Park sits astride Peachtree Street and is adjacent to the famous Piedmont Park. Atlantic Station atlanticstation.com With countless choices for apartments, condos, homes and Class A office space, as well as entertainment opportunities, Atlantic Station is one of the area’s most popular live-work-play developments.

College Football Hall of Fame

Buckhead buckhead.com Buckhead is rich with elegant high-rise hotels and complexes, beautiful homes and mansions and is one of the city’s most attractive areas for business. Cabbagetown cabbagetown.com Many murals and street art pieces, maintained by the Living Walls Street Art Association, keep Cabbagetown’s love of the arts alive. Castleberry Hill castleberryhill.org Known as Atlanta’s historic creative district, Castleberry Hill is made up of early 20th century warehouse buildings that have been converted into lofts. Downtown atlantadowntown.com Downtown Atlanta is home to many corporate and regional headquarters, government facilities, sporting venues and Georgia State University. Grant Park grantpark.org Grant Park’s Victorian neighborhood is home to Zoo Atlanta, which welcomes almost one million visitors each year. Inman Park inmanpark.org Known for its shops, public parks and dedicated Tree Watch, Inman Park comes alive with festivals, parades and a focus on all things local. Little Five Points littlefivepoints.net Little Five Points (L5P) is known at Atlanta’s hippest neighborhood and a popular alternative shopping and dining destination with consignment and costume shops, a local co-op and a diverse range of eateries. Midtown midtownatl.com Home to more than 200 acres of parks and gardens, as well as restaurants and shops, Midtown Atlanta is considered the city’s center for the arts. Old Fourth Ward Known as one of Atlanta’s most historic neighborhoods and the home and resting place of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Old Fourth Ward has become a bustling and diverse district since the opening of Ponce City Market. Poncey-Highland ponceyhighland.org Poncey-Highland is rich with urban living, quality restaurants, shops and galleries, great schools and a variety of housing options. Virginia-Highland virginiahighland.com This vibrant neighborhood is a popular spot for Atlanta’s young professionals and families

thanks to its seven distinct commercial villages full of upscale shops, restaurants and pubs, nightlife and local entertainment.

EDUCATION: PUBLIC SCHOOLS Fulton County Schools fultonschools.org Atlanta Public Schools atlantapublicschools.us PRIVATE SCHOOLS Turn to page 56 for the independent schools listing and a map. The Alfred & Adele Davis Academy davisacademy.org Atlanta Academy atlantaacademy.com

To view annual SAT scores by district and school, as well as Georgia Milestones scores, visit the Georgia Department of Education at gadoe.org. MAJOR COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES Clark Atlanta University cau.edu Emory University emory.edu Georgia Institute of Technology gatech.edu Georgia State University gsu.edu Morehouse College morehouse.edu Spelman College spelman.edu

Atlanta Girl’s School atlantagirlsschool.org

UTILITIES:

Atlanta International School aisschool.org

NATURAL GAS Georgia Natural Gas gng.com/knowatlanta H SCANA Energy scanaenergy.com H

Atlanta Speech School atlantaspeechschool.org Brandon Hall School brandonhall.org The Cottage School cottageschool.org Cumberland Academy of Georgia cumberlandacademy.org The Galloway School gallowayschool.org High Meadows School highmeadows.org The Howard School howardschool.org King’s Ridge Christian School kingsridgecs.org The Lovett School lovett.org Mill Springs Academy millsprings.org The Mount Vernon School mountvernonschool.org Pace Academy paceacademy.org Saint Francis Schools saintfrancisschools.com Springmont springmont.com Trinity School trinityatl.org Wesleyan School wesleyanschool.org

Midtown

Woodward Academy woodward.edu

Westminster Westminster.net

PHONE/CABLE/INTERNET Xfinity xfinity.com AT&T att.com Spectrum spectrum.com ELECTRICITY Georgia Power Company H georgiapower.com Cobb EMC cobbemc.com GreyStone Power Corp. greystonepower.com Sawnee EMC sawnee.com City of College Park collegeparkga.com City of Fairburn fairburn.com City of Palmetto citypalmetto.com WATER Fulton County Water fultoncountyga.gov City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management atlantawatershed.org Mountain Park mountainparkgov.com Roswell Water Department roswellgov.com

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SUMMER 2021 KNOWAtlanta 73

GWINNETT COUNTY ATTRACTIONS:

Atlanta

Gwinnett

• Coolray Field • Infinite Energy Center • Lake Lanier • Southeastern Railway Museum • Freeman’s Mill Park • Château Élan Winery & Resort

CITIES OF GWINNETT: Buford Sugar Hill Braselton Suwanee

Distance from Lawrenceville to Downtown Atlanta 31 Miles Distance from Lawrenceville to HartsfieldJackson Atlanta Int’l Airport 42 Miles POPULATION: 927, 781 MEDIAN HOME PRICE: $185,200 COMBINED SALES TAX RATE 6% ONLINE gwinnettcounty.com Continually listed as one of Atlanta’s fastest-growing counties, Gwinnett County is prized for its access to bustling city life, booming communities, a nationally recognized school system and gorgeously maintained natural spaces. Only 30 minutes away from Downtown Atlanta, Gwinnett’s economic opportunities span far and wide for area workers.

MAJOR EMPLOYERS: • Gwinnett County Public Schools • Gwinnett County Government • Publix Super Markets • Gwinnett Health Care System • Walmart • Primerica Inc.

Suwanee 74 KNOWAtlanta SUMMER 2021

Duluth Dacula Berkeley Lake Peachtree Corners Lawrenceville Norcross Lilburn

Grayson

Snellville Loganville

Berkeley Lake berkeley-lake.com In 2017, Berkley Lake was recognized among the Top 10 Best Suburbs to Live in Georgia by Niche.com. Braselton braselton.net Home to Château Élan Winery & Resort, Braselton rests in four counties, including Gwinnett, Hall, Jackson and Barrow. Buford cityofbuford.com A city where recreation and art abound, the streets of downtown Buford are filled with art shops that show off local talents in every medium. Dacula daculaga.gov Dacula is best known for its large Memorial Day Parade and Little Mulberry Park and has experienced immense growth over the years. Duluth duluthga.net Duluth is home to retail and cultural centers,

top-notch healthcare facilities and a high quality of life and was named the number six safest city in Georgia by the National Council for Home Safety and Security. Grayson cityofgrayspon.org Grayson is a popular city for families, with excellent schools, quality housing, parks, restaurants and plenty of shopping. Lawrenceville lawerencevillega.org Gwinnett’s oldest city, Lawrenceville’s mixture of recently established buildings co-exist with Antebellum homes, the town’s original square and the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse. Lilburn cityoflilburn.com Lilburn has a small-town, neighborly feel that sets it apart from other urban cities and was named the number one diverse place to live in Georgia by Niche.com Loganville loganville-ga.gov The unique blend of hometown feel combined with modern conveniences draws companies and organizations to open their doors and prosper in Loganville. Norcross norcrossga.net Norcross has restored many of the town’s historic sites to their full glory and boasts an array of businesses, restaurants and recreational venues that help the city remain dutifully progressive. Peachtree Corners peachtreecornersga.gov Known for its picturesque parks, lush green spaces and plenty of outdoor activity, Peachtree Corners offers residents unparalleled quality of life. Snellville snellville.org Snellville is a hub for arts and recreation, including the highly anticipated annual Snellville Days Festival, which draws crowds from all over the Southeast and has been ranked as one of the top 20 tourism events by the Southeastern Tourism Society. Sugar Hill cityofsugarhill.com Considered one of the premier communities in metro Atlanta, Sugar Hill is mere minutes away from Lake Sidney Lanier and the North Georgia Mountains. Suwanee suwanee.com With an array of housing options, the largest school system in Georgia, stellar green spaces, and more, Suwanee is a great place to work, play and live.

Château Élan Winery & Resort

EDUCATION:

UTILITIES:

PUBLIC SCHOOLS Gwinnett County Schools gwinnett.k12.ga.us Buford City Schools bufordcityschools.org

NATURAL GAS Georgia Natural Gas gng.com/knowatlanta H SCANA Energy scanaenergy.com H

PRIVATE SCHOOLS Turn to page 56 for the independent schools listing and a map. Greater Atlanta Christian greateratlantachristian.org Killian Hill Christian School khcs.org To view annual SAT scores by district and school, as well as Georgia Milestones scores, visit the Georgia Department of Education at gadoe.org. MAJOR COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES Georgia Gwinnett College ggc.edu Gwinnett Technical College gwinnetttech.edu

PHONE/CABLE/INTERNET Xfinity xfinity.com AT&T att.com Spectrum spectrum.com ELECTRICITY Georgia Power H georgiapower.com Jackson EMC jacksonemc.com Sawnee EMC sawnee.com Walton EMC waltonemc.com

City of Buford cityofbuford.com City of Lawrenceville lawrencevillega.org City of Norcross norcrossga.net WATER Gwinnett County Department of Water Resources gwinnettcounty.com City of Buford Water Department Cityofbuford.sophcity.com City of Lawrenceville lawrencevillega.org City of Norcross norcrossga.net City of Loganville Loganville-ga.gov

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BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir

Chattahoochee River

Georgia Gwinnett College

Mall of Georgia SUMMER 2021 KNOWAtlanta 75

HALL COUNTY CITIES OF HALL:

for growth with a vision for the future known as “Oakwood 2030.” Clermont

Hall

Lula

Atlanta

Gainesville

Oakwood Flowery Branch Braselton

Distance from Gainesville to Downtown Atlanta 54 Miles Distance from Gainesville to HartsfieldJackson Atlanta Int’l Airport 64 Miles POPULATION: 202,148 MEDIAN HOME PRICE: $171,900 COMBINED SALES TAX RATE 7% ONLINE hallcounty.org Bordered by the beautiful Lake Sidney Lanier and the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Hall County is a vibrant, growing and diverse community that offers an unparalleled quality of life and a sound economic base for business and industry.

MAJOR EMPLOYERS: • Northeast Georgia Medical Center • Hall County School System • Fieldale Farms Corporation • Kubota Manufacturing of America • Victory Processing LLC

ATTRACTIONS: • Château Élan Winery & Resort • Road Atlanta • Lake Lanier Islands and Golf Resort • Atlanta Botanical Gardens, Gainesville • Buford Corn Maze • Northeast Georgia History Center

Lake Lanier 76 KNOWAtlanta SUMMER 2021

Braselton braselton.net Braselton spans four counties, including Barrow, Gwinnett, Hall and Jackson, and is home to Château Élan Winery & Resort, which attracts more than half a million visitors each year. Buford cityofbuford.com Home to more than 12,000 residents, Buford sits on the Hall-Gwinnett line with residents, employees and students from both counties. Buford is situated at the southern tip of Lake Lanier at Buford Dam. Clermont clermontga.com The rural farming community of Clermont comprises a total area of three square miles and is known for its many festivals that are held throughout the year. Flowery Branch flowerybranchga.org Flowery Branch is home to the Atlanta Falcons Training Complex and a revitalized historic downtown area known as Old Town. Gainesville gainesville.org As the county seat, Gainesville serves as the business, government and cultural center of the region with a daytime population of more than 150,000 commuters. Gillsville gillsvillega.com Gillsville is known for its iconic Hewell’s Pottery shop that began operating in 1850 as a family venture and is celebrated during an annual festival. Lula cityoflula.com Lula spans two counties, Hall and Banks, and once a railroad hub, it is well known today for its annual Railroad Days Festival. Oakwood cityofoakwood.net With more than 60 percent growth in the last 15 years, Oakwood city leaders are planning

EDUCATION: PUBLIC SCHOOLS Hall County Schools hallco.org Gainesville City Schools gcssk12.net PRIVATE SCHOOLS Turn to page 56 for the independent schools listing and a map. Riverside Military Academy riversidemilitary.com To view annual SAT scores by district and school, as well as Georgia Milestones scores, visit the Georgia Department of Education at gadoe.org. MAJOR COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES Brenau University breneau.edu Lanier Technical College laniertech.edu

UTILITIES: NATURAL GAS Georgia Natural Gas gng.com/knowatlanta H SCANA Energy scanaenergy.com H PHONE/CABLE/INTERNET Xfinity xfinity.com AT&T att.com Spectrum spectrum.com ELECTRICITY Georgia Power Company georgiapower.com H Jackson EMC jacksonemc.com Sawnee EMC sawnee.com WATER Gainesville Water Dept. gainesville.org Flowery Branch City Hall flowerybranchga.org

Atlanta Botanical Gardens, Gainesville

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Atlanta Falcons Training Facility

HENRY COUNTY • Army Aviation Heritage Foundation & Flying Museum • Southern Belle Farm

CITIES OF HENRY:

UTILITIES:

Stockbridge

McDonough Hampton Locust Grove

Distance from McDonough to Downtown Atlanta 30 Miles Distance from McDonough to HartsfieldJackson Atlanta Int’l Airport 27 Miles POPULATION: 230,220 MEDIAN HOME PRICE: $154,900 COMBINED SALES TAX RATE 7% ONLINE co.henry.ga.us With Southern neighborhoods, a solid education system and plenty of recreational and economic opportunities, Henry offers something for everyone and is recognized as one of the fastest-growing counties in Georgia.

MAJOR EMPLOYERS: • Piedmont Henry Hospital • Federal Aviation Administration • Henry County Schools • Luxottica Retail Group • Briggs & Stratton • PVH Corp

Strong Rock Christian School strongrockchristianschool.com To view annual SAT scores by district and school, as well as Georgia Milestones scores, visit the Georgia Department of Education at gadoe.org.

Atlanta

Henry

Eagles Landing Christian Academy elaonline.org

Hampton hamptonga.gov Best known as home to the Atlanta Motor Speedway, Hampton has more visitors than any other city in the county, and races draw more visitors than any other sporting event in Georgia. Locust Grove locustgrove-ga.gov Located within 35 miles of Downtown Atlanta, Locust Grove offers a growing selection of retail, dining, lodging and business opportunities. McDonough mcdonoughga.org Attractions in this Civil War-era town include Southern Belle Farm, a 200-acre working farm with seasonal family activities like a corn maze, pumpkin patch and strawberry picking. Stockbridge cityofstockbridge.com Known as the “Gateway to Henry County,” Stockbridge offers excellent economic opportunities and public services coupled with small town hospitality.

NATURAL GAS Georgia Natural Gas gng.com/knowatlanta H SCANA Energy scanaenergy.com H PHONE/CABLE/INTERNET Xfinity xfinity.com AT&T att.com Spectrum spectrum.com ELECTRICITY Georgia Power Company georgiapower.com H Snapping Shoals EMC ssemc.com Central Georgia EMC cgemc.com WATER Henry County Water Authority Hcwa.com City of Hampton hamptonga.gov City of Locust Grove locustgrove-ga.gov City of McDonough mcdonoughga.org City of Stockbridge cityofstockbridge.com

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EDUCATION:

ATTRACTIONS:

PUBLIC SCHOOLS Henry County Schools henry.k12.ga.us

• Atlanta Motor Speedway • Panola Mountain State Park • Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary • Cubihatcha Outdoor Center

PRIVATE SCHOOLS Turn to page 56 for the independent schools listing and a map.

Eagles Landing Country Club

Atlanta Motor Speedway

Panola State Park SUMMER 2021 KNOWAtlanta 77

PAULDING COUNTY • The Dallas Theater • High Shoals Falls • Moonlight Stables Equestrian Center

CITIES OF PAULDING: Paulding

Braswell Dallas Hiram

Distance from Dallas to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Int’l Airport 37 Miles POPULATION: 164,044 MEDIAN HOME PRICE: $150,400 COMBINED SALES TAX RATE 7% ONLINE paulding.gov Once devoted to agriculture, including livestock, corn, oats, pecans and poultry, Paulding County has diversified and taken an industrial path in recent years, leading to substantial growth in the county.

MAJOR EMPLOYERS: • WellStar Paulding Hospital • Publix Super Markets • The Kroger Company • Interroll MDR Conveyers • Walmart

ATTRACTIONS: • Paulding Northwest Atlanta Airport • Silver Comet Trail • Pickett’s Mill Battlefield State Historic Site

Silver Comet Trail 78 KNOWAtlanta SUMMER 2021

NATURAL GAS Georgia Natural Gas gng.com/knowatlanta H SCANA Energy scanaenergy.com H

PHONE/CABLE/INTERNET Xfinity/Comcast xfinity.com AT&T att.com

Atlanta

Distance from Dallas to Downtown Atlanta 33 Miles

UTILITIES:

Braswell With city limits in both Polk and Paulding counties, Braswell is a rural community of less than 500 residents that welcomes bicyclists, joggers and walkers along the Silver Comet Trail. Dallas dallasga.gov Paulding’s county seat, Dallas is known for its quaint and friendly historic downtown community, as well as its reputation for being a great place to raise a family and start a business. Hiram cityofhiramga.gov Hiram was established in 1891 as a rural railroad town but has progressed into a commercial corridor for Paulding County with a downtown business district that offers dining, shopping and entertainment.

ELECTRICITY Georgia Power Company Georgiapower.com H Cobb EMC cobbemc.com GreyStone Power Corp. greystonepower.com Oglethorpe Power Corp. opc.com WATER Paulding County Water Department paulding.gov City of Dallas Water Department dallasga.gov/utilities

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EDUCATION: PUBLIC SCHOOLS Paulding County Schools paulding.k12.ga.us PRIVATE SCHOOLS Turn to page 56 for the independent schools listing and a map. To view annual SAT scores by district and school, as well as Georgia Milestones scores, visit the Georgia Department of Education at gadoe.org.

Hiram

WellStar Paulding Hospital

ROCKDALE COUNTY Atlanta

ATTRACTIONS:

UTILITIES:

• Panola Mountain State Park • Monastery of the Holy Spirit • Georgia International Horse Park • Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area • Lewis Vaughn Botanical Garden • The Dinky

NATURAL GAS Georgia Natural Gas gng.com/knowatlanta H SCANA Energy scanaenergy.com H

CITIES OF ROCKDALE:

ELECTRICITY Georgia Power georgiapower.com H Snapping Shoals EMC ssemc.com

Rockdale

Conyers

Distance from Conyers to Downtown Atlanta 25 Miles

MAJOR EMPLOYERS: • Pratt Industries • Acuity Brands Lighting • Hill-Phoenix • Golden State Foods • Rockdale Medical Center

WATER Rockdale Water Resources Rockdalecountyga.gov

Distance from Conyers to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Int’l Airport 27 Miles POPULATION: 90,594 MEDIAN HOME PRICE: $148,600 COMBINED SALES TAX RATE 7% ONLINE rockdalecountyga.gov Despite being Georgia’s second smallest county, Rockdale County has experienced substantial growth in recent years. Twenty-five miles away from Downtown Atlanta, Rockdale offers commercial diversity for business and a variety of opportunities for families.

PHONE/CABLE/INTERNET Xfinity xfinity.com AT&T att.com

Select provider

Conyers conyersga.com Conyers is a combination of small town and big city, with rural scenes and urban shopping, and the community reflects an amazing legacy of progress, involvement and society.

EDUCATION: PUBLIC SCHOOLS Rockdale County Schools rockdaleschools.org PRIVATE SCHOOLS Turn to page 56 for the independent schools listing and a map. To view annual SAT scores by district and school, as well as Georgia Milestones scores, visit the Georgia Department of Education at gadoe.org.

Costly Mill Park

South Rockdale Community Park

Georgia Int’l Horse Park SUMMER 2021 KNOWAtlanta 79

Advertiser Index Contact our advertisers for helpful information about your move. NEW HOMES & CONDOS David Weekley Homes Davidson Homes

7 IBC

Graydon Buckhead

Lennar Atlanta

Paran Homes

The Providence Group

The River Club

Rocklyn Homes

Toll Brothers Traditions of Braselton

Before you make a move … Visit the hottest address in town

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INTERIM HOUSING TP Corporate Lodging

55+ LIVING CHOICES Lake Arrowhead

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EDUCATION Life University

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The Mount Vernon School

UTILITIES Cottage 37 SCANA Energy

35, BC

AREA INFORMATION Braselton Visitors Bureau

City of Marietta

City of Smyrna

Peachtree City Convention & Visitors Bureau

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For more than 30 years, KNOWAtlanta has been the premier source of information for those who are calling Atlanta home. With updated information on the cities and counties of the metro area and profiles on topics spanning education, health care, economics and housing, KNOWAtlanta’s point is clear: to keep you in the KNOW.

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80 KNOWAtlanta SUMMER 2021

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KNOWAtlanta Summer 2021 - Metro Atlanta Relocation Magazine

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