TM
Winter 2022
A New Life in the ATL
Condo Living in Atlanta•Going Global in Chamblee • 2022 Economic Trends• Private School STEM Programs knowatlanta.com
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• Pickle Ball & Sports Court
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• Open Green for Outdoor Events
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I
I
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*Prices, features and incentives are subject to change without notice. Certain other restrictions may apply. ©2020 Traditions of Braselton. 12/23/19
CONTENTS KNOWAtlanta Winter 2022 VOLUME 36, NUMBER 1
24 Get to KNOW Atlanta
Get to KNOW Homes & Lifestyles
6 Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport Your Gateway to the World
24 Captivating Condos Atlanta’s condo market gears up for 2022
8 How Atlanta Stacks Up 9 How Metro Atlanta Cities Stack Up
32 Moving to Atlanta Timeline 33 Metro Atlanta Guide to Utilities
10 KNOW Where to Go Navigating metro Atlanta’s ITP and OTP locales
34 Metro Atlanta’s New Home Market in the New Year A Q&A with new home expert Lori Lane
12 A Toast to 2022 Enjoy couples night in three local cities
38 The Builders That Built Atlanta
16 Chamblee Going Global While Staying Local
Get to KNOW Business 18 Georgia’s Business Momentum 21 Big Business in Atlanta The metro area’s Fortune 500 companies and top 20 employers 22 On the Move Companies of all sizes choose metro Atlanta 23 Atlanta: The Tech Mecca of the Southeast
16
40 KNOWAtlanta’s Guide to New Homes 45 Builder and Developer Locator Map 46 Eight Ways to Buy a Home with Little or No Money Down 48 New Beginnings for Active Adults in 2022 Now is the time to consider active adult living in metro Atlanta
Get to KNOW Education 52 Spectacular STEM STEM programs in metro Atlanta’s K-12 private schools
64 Select Metro Atlanta Private Schools Map 65 Planting STEM Seeds Metro Atlanta universities engage K-12 students with STEM programs 69 Get to KNOW Metro Atlanta’s Counties 88 Ad Index
2 KNOWAtlanta WINTER 2022
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 4. Marietta Township 8. Hargrove Encore by DWH Central Living Lake Encore by DWH From the high $300s 2nd Phase Final Opportunities 404-481-3860
2. Glenhaven at Ridgewalk
Encore by DWH Model Now Open! 404-481-3892
3. Ashbury
Central Living Townhomes 2Model's Open Now! From the mid $400s 404-481-3890
Final Opportunities From the high $300s 404-481-3893
5. Woodbury
Central Living Townhomes From the low $400s 404-481-3889
6. Design Center
5775 Glenridge Drive Building B, Suite #150 Atlanta, GA
Final Opportunities From the mid $400s 404-481-3876
9. The Retreat at Sterling ont he Lake
Encore by DWH
2-Model’s Open
Now! From the mid $300s 404-481-3891
7. Broadview Place
Final Opportunities 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 © 2021-22 David Weekley Homes - All Rights Reserved. Atlanta, GA (ATLA112632)
FROM THE EDITOR Publisher
SHERRY GASAWAY
sherry@knowatlanta.com
Embracing Trends
I
President
don’t consider myself to be particularly trendy. I’m not always up on the latest fashion styles, and I don’t modify the way I talk with snappy catchphrases. But I do know a good trend when I see one in the city that I call home. In fact, there are
some great trends emerging across the metro Atlanta area as 2022 gets ready to make its big entrance. From real estate and business development to education at all levels, there are some impressive things happening here in town. And KNOWAtlanta magazine has the 411 on all of it.
LARRY LEBOVITZ
lebovitz@knowatlanta.com Vice President JOHN HANNA
hanna@knowatlanta.com Editor
AMY MEADOWS
ameadows@knowatlanta.com Associate Editor
CORY SEKINE-PETTITE
Business in the ATL continues to boom, and you can learn about all of the latest developments from the Georgia Department of Economic Development on page 18.
cory@knowatlanta.com Writers
Of course, as people move to the metro area for its myriad business opportunities, the
KEN ABRAMCZYK LINDSAY FIELD PENTICUFF
local real estate market is on its own upward trajectory, particularly when it comes to
Digital Marketing Coordinator
intown living. These days, condo developments are all the rage; we look at some of the
courtney@deninmarketing.com
best condominium living options in our feature on page 24. We also highlight one of metro Atlanta’s most vibrant and diverse cities—Chamblee—on page 16. When it comes to education, one of the biggest trends of the last few years involves the emphasis on STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) learning. Metro Atlanta’s private schools have embraced the movement and offer a host of outstanding
COURTNEY ROGERS
Art Director
JACK SIMONETTA
jsimonetta@knowatlanta.com Advertising Coordinator MEGAN WILLIS
production@knowatlanta.com
programs for K-12 students; you can find out more on page 52. And don’t miss our
Circulation Manager
article about local Atlanta universities and how they also are working to develop the
afine@knowatlanta.com
next generation of STEM leaders.
Controller
As always, we also cover a wide range of additional topics in this issue, including the best locales for date night, what’s new in active adult living in 2022 and eight ways to purchase a home with little or no money down, among many others. It’s everything you need to make a smooth transition to our fair city. Because if you’re ready to be a real trendsetter, then look no further than Atlanta. A move here is a move in the right direction. Amy Meadows, Editor
If you would like additional information from our relocation service providers, visit us online at knowatlanta.com.
@knowatlanta
knowatlanta
knowatlanta
On the cover: McKinley Homes, Seven88 West Midtown Photo: LaRuche Photo, LLC
4 KNOWAtlanta WINTER 2022
AMY FINE
knowatlanta
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. KNOW®Atlanta, Winter 2022, Volume 35, Number 4, 140th 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 2022 by New South Publishing Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A.
GET TO KNOW ATLANTA Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport YOUR GATEWAY TO THE WORLD
O
ne of metro Atlanta’s greatest assets is HartsfieldJackson 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
AIRPORT CODE: ATL
the world for the 22nd consecutive year. Of course, 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. Take a look at everything this outstanding airport has to offer.
AT A GLANCE 75+
international destinations in 50+ countries with nonstop service
80
percent of the U.S. population within a twohour flight
895,502
flights annually
2,700+
average daily flights
107
million passengers annually
275,000
daily passengers
107 million
passengers annually
Seven
concourses
167
domestic gates
40
international gates
Two
terminals
Five
runways 2019 statistics
6 KNOWAtlanta WINTER 2022
MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE
PASSENGER AIRLINES
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is a bona fide destination thanks to ATL
In addition to being the
Skypointe, a brand representing the world’s greatest shopping and dining experiences.
home of Delta Air Lines’
Throughout the facility and across its seven concourses, there are more than 300 restaurants,
corporate headquarters,
shops and services. Some of the well-known offerings include:
ATL welcomes flights from
RESTAURANTS: • Atlanta Stillhouse
SHOPS: • Brookstone
SERVICES: • UPS
• Papis East Cuban Cuisine
• Brighton Collectibles
• FedEx
• Cat Cora’s Kitchen
• Buckhead Books
• The Club ATL
• Grindhouse Killer Burgers
• 5th & Sunset
• XpresSpa
• The Varsity
• Brooks Brothers
• Minute Suites
• Bantam & Biddy
• Michael Kors
an array of domestic and international airlines: DOMESTIC: • Alaska Airlines • American Airlines • Boutique Air • Delta Air Lines • Frontier Airlines • JetBlue Airways • Southwest Airlines • Spirit Airlines
AIRPORT ACCOLADES
• United Airlines
• #1 Busiest Airport
INTERNATIONAL: • Air Canada
• #1 World’s Most Efficient Airport • Home to the tallest air traffic control tower in North America and the fourth tallest in the world
• Air France • British Airways • KLM Royal Dutch Airlines • Korean Air • Lufthansa German Airlines • Qatar Airways • Turkish Airlines • Virgin Atlantic
METRO ATLANTA’S ECONOMIC ENGINE Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is an economic juggernaut. It is the largest employer in Georgia and is one of the world’s most well-known global transport centers. And the economic impact can be felt throughout metro Atlanta. • The airport boasts more than 63,000 onsite jobs. • More than 18,000 South Fulton County residents work onsite at the airport, accounting for 28.8 percent of the county’s workforce. • The average income for an airport-based job is $71,500. • The airport supports more than 448,000 jobs across
the Southeast, accounting for 20 percent of the jobs in the region. • The facility provides a $51.5 billion economic boost for metro Atlanta. • Overall, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport generates over $82 billion in annual economic impact for the entire Piedmont Atlantic Megaregion (PAM). • More than 103,600 jobs support the airport’s cargo activity. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport Economic Impact Study, released in 2020
WINTER 2022 KNOWAtlanta 7
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
ATLANTA
major cities in almost every way that counts. AIRPORT CODE: ATL
More for Your Money
$50,000 Salary in Atlanta Equals
Save money on everything from movie tickets to a box of
Seattle
$77,108
cereal with a move to Atlanta,
Chicago
$60,539
one of America’s most affordable cities. This bustling metropolis offers world-class
New York City
$120,441
entertainment, shopping, sports and dining at a fraction
San Francisco
Washington DC
$95,686
of the cost of other cities. As
$78,998
your living expenses decline, relish your newfound access Atlanta
to the finer things— whether
$50,000
it be an Atlanta Braves game at Truist Park or a Broadway play at The Fox Theatre.
REDUCE 80% ENLARGE TYPE 120%
Source: CNN Money
Apartment Rent (2 Bedrooms)
2021 Median Sold Home Price
Atlanta
Atlanta $375,000
Chicago
Chicago $305,000 Seattle Washington, D.C.
San Francisco
$5,700
San Francisco
$1.5 million $600000
$3,512
New York City
$770,000
$900000 $1200000 $1500000
$4,638 $0
$1000
apartmentlist.com, August 2021
Realtor.com
Average Cost of Monthly Parking $130
Atlanta Chicago
$307 $237
Seattle
$318
Washington, D.C. New York City
$570
San Francisco
$350 $0
$100
SpotHERO and monthlyparking.org
8 KNOWAtlanta WINTER 2022
$3,949
Washington, D.C.
$705,000
$300000
$2,568
Seattle
$785,000
New York City
$0
$2,430
$200
$300
$400
$500
$600
$2000
$3000
$4000
$5000
$6000
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.
Cumming
Woodstock
Gainesville
Bartow
Hall
Forsyth
Cherokee
Alpharetta
Median Household Income
Suwanee
Fulton
Atlanta
$66,657
Lawrenceville
Marietta
Alpharetta
$113,802
Cumming
Paulding
$47,273
Decatur
Cobb
Gwinnett
Dunwoody
$106,000
Douglasville Dunwoody
$96,057
East Point
Douglasville
$43,453
DeKalb
$51,520
Lawrenceville
$52,585
Decatur
Douglas East Point
Fulton
Gainesville Marietta
Sandy Springs
Atlanta
$59,948
Rockdale Clayton Henry
Fayette
$57,452
Peachtree City
Peachtree City
$101,121
Sandy Springs
$78,613
Suwanee
$90,436 $76,191
Woodstock $0
$25000
$50000
$75000
$100000
$125000
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
Population Growth (2010-2019) Atlanta 506,811
18.7%
Alpharetta 67,213
Atlanta
17.1%
Cumming 6,547
30.9%
$475,000
Decatur
11.8%
$330,000
Douglasville
6.3%
$300,000
Dunwoody
East Point 34,875 4.3%
$550,000
East Point
Gainesville 43,232
27.0%
Lawrenceville 30,834
Marietta
$400,000
36.3%
Woodstock 33,039 15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
$599,000
Suwanee
38.8%
10%
$457,000
Sandy Springs
Suwanee 20,907
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
$344,000
Peachtree City 16.7%
5%
$365,000
Lawrenceville
7.8%
Sandy Springs 109,452
$249,000
Gainesville
13.3%
Peachtree City 36,223 5.4%
0%
$525,000
Cumming
Decatur 25,696
Marietta 60,867
$399,900
Alpharetta
18.2%
Douglasville 33,992 Dunwoody 49,356
2021 Median Sold Home Prices
$495,000 $396,000
Woodstock
40%
$0
$100000 $200000 $300000 $400000 $500000 $600000
Source: realtor.com
WINTER 2022 KNOWAtlanta 9
CHEROKEE
KNOW Where to Go
FORSYTH
ATLANTA
NAVIGATING METRO ATLANTA’S ITP AND OTP LOCALES
D
FULTON
o you want to live ITP? Or do you prefer to be OTP? If you’re new to metro
Atlanta, you may have no
COBB
idea what either of those acronyms mean. Fortunately,
PAULDING
KNOWAtlanta can help you
OTP ITP
GWINNETT
DEKALB
be in the know when it comes
Atlanta
to navigating the metro area’s most-loved locales and
FULTON
choosing the perfect place to call home.
FAYETTE
CLAYTON
Name That Acronym!
ROCKDALE HENRY
Location is Everything Some of the most popular ITP cities, towns,
The rest of metro Atlanta’s many counties
If you’re ITP, that means
districts and neighborhoods include Midtown
fall outside the Perimeter, including Cobb,
you are Inside the
Atlanta, Downtown Atlanta, Buckhead, Decatur,
Cherokee, Forsyth, Gwinnett, Henry and
Perimeter.
Brookhaven, Chamblee, Doraville, Virginia-
several others. Sought-after OTP cities are such
Highland, Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward and
spots as Sandy Springs, Roswell, Alpharetta,
East Point, among many others. The two main
Johns Creek, Duluth, Suwanee, Cumming,
counties that fall ITP are Fulton and DeKalb
Braselton, Gainesville, Woodstock, Kennesaw,
counties, while small portions of Cobb and
Marietta, Smyrna, Fayetteville, Peachtree City
Clayton counties also fall within the Perimeter.
and McDonough.
When you’re OTP, you’re Outside the Perimeter. So, what constitutes the Perimeter? That would be Interstate 285, or I-285, a major interstate highway
Savor Your Surroundings
loop that encircles Atlanta
The ITP lifestyle is synonymous with urban big city
Those who choose the OTP lifestyle typically
and connects I-75, I-85
life, complete with industry, entertainment, culture,
have an inclination for spacious homes with
and I-20 to the city. Any-
high-end residential offerings and more. The
yards, local parks and green space and room
thing that falls within the
bustling atmosphere inside the Perimeter is replete
to grow. And while these suburban spots often
loop is recognized as ITP.
with places to go and people to see. The area is
have been seen as providing a slower pace than
Areas beyond the borders
popular with young couples and professionals who
metro Atlanta’s core, there has been an evolution
of the loop are considered
enjoy condo and townhome living, yet single-fam-
in recent years, with many downtown areas
to be OTP.
ily homes are becoming more prevalent in the area
undergoing redevelopment efforts that mix
for those who want to enjoy the intown way of life.
small-town charm with urban convenience.
10 KNOWAtlanta WINTER 2022
n
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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.
ATLANTA
A Toast to 2022 ENJOY COUPLES NIGHT IN THREE LOCAL CITIES By Ken Abramczyk
A
s metro Atlanta rolls into
charm as welcoming locales
town Atlanta, is buzzing with
ton gin, is a brewpub with an
2022, metro Atlantans
for couples to relax and enjoy
activity, while preserving
impressive selection of craft
will be looking for new
an evening out. Check out
much of its history. What’s
beers, ranging from the easy
locales and communities to
these must-try spots for your
more, the downtown district
and light Fast Flyer cream
visit to start off the new year
next date night.
is brimming with delectable
ale to the robust Coffee Milk
food and drink options.
Stout. When a snack is in
right. Braselton, Chamblee and Smyrna continue to evolve with new development yet manage to maintain their
Braselton Downtown Braselton, located 49 miles northeast of Down-
Braselton Brewing
order, you can try the fried
Company (braseltonbrewing.
pickles or sweet and smoky
com), housed in an old cot-
pork rinds; main dishes like a
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. 12 KNOWAtlanta WINTER 2022
visitbraselton.com
barbecue pork platter
only speakeasy, Blake’s serves
the site, and a 1969 45-foot
or fish and chips
Prohibition-style cocktails,
moving van was converted
elevate standard bar
red and white wines and beer
into the restaurant’s kitch-
food to new levels and
in a 1930s ambience.
en. The menu, described as
will make date night
Visit braselton.net or
“culinary but approachable,”
one to remember.
downtownbraselton.com
is a burger lover’s dream. The
The Cotton Calf
bar’s namesake burger, creat-
Kitchen (cottoncalf.
Chamblee
com), a contemporary
Fifteen miles northeast of
American steakhouse, serves top-notch
The Cotton Calf Kitchen
appetizers such as
weighs 48 ounces, while the
confit duck egg rolls,
ribeye tomahawk tips the
a charcuterie board and
scales at 32 ounces.
colossal lump crab meat. As
Additionally, friends and
one might expect, the dinner menu pleases the meat lover’s selective eye with the Wagyu New York strip, Delmonico ribeye, filet mignon and a special chef ’s cut. Hungry? The porterhouse for two
couples looking for a cozy lounge to savor the flavor of signature cocktails, wines and tapas can venture to Blake’s of Braselton (blakesofbraselton. com). Described as Braselton’s
ed with angus beef, is topped
Atlanta, Chamblee touts itself as a vibrant, urban city with an international flair. In addition to an array of boutiques and specialty stores, Downtown Chamblee boasts an array of sophisticated restaurants that are sure to please every palate. Bluetop (bluetopchamblee. com), a restaurant and bar, was named after the taxi stand that once operated on
with traditional burger toppings but also features bacon jam. Shrimp burgers, veggie burgers and more round out the menu. Hopstix (hopstix.com), an Asian brewpub, transports the Indonesian spirit into the heart of American cuisine. Beer connoisseurs are directed to a dazzling variety of brews, ranging from pales, ambers and malty lagers to the hearty flavors delivered
TOP 5 REASONS TO CHAMBLEE Outdoor
Chamblee is a vibrant, inclusive, multi-cultural city located just outside of Atlanta. With easy access to all that Atlanta has to offer, including unique dining experiences, seasonal events, outdoor attractions, and convenient accommodations.
Multi-Cultural
Shopping
Dining
Lodging
discoverdekalb.com WINTER 2022 KNOWAtlanta 13
Courtesy Chattahoochee Coffee Company
farmer with seasonal selections. Southbound’s hot small plates include grit fritters, fried green tomatoes, wild Georgia shrimp and Hot Chamblee chicken. Follow that with wood grilled lamb or steak, meat and
ATLANTA
two (pulled pork or sliced bris-
Chattahoochee Coffee Company
ket with two sides) or the pork Hopstix
for winter in the porters and stouts. The menu will delight adventurous taste buds with bluefin poke and the super bowl, which is a mix of sashimi, smoked eel, fresh octopus and grilled pork belly, among other ingredients. Southbound (southboundatl. com) serves Southern-inspired cuisine that celebrates the local
tenderloin with Oaxacan mole, and the evening is set to be an absolute culinary delight. Visit downtownchamblee.com.
Smyrna Only 17 miles northwest of Downtown Atlanta, Smyrna is a truly convenient option for your couples night out in metro Atlanta. Riverview Landing, the city’s newest sustainable mixed-use develop-
ment located right along the
an IPA; or Stark, a toasted
Chattahoochee River gives
porter. Those who want a
visitors an excellent place to
different flavor on their palates
relax, gather and socialize.
can try the sour or wheat-
Reformation Brewery
based brews, which change on
(smyrna-reformationbrewery.
a regular basis. The brewery
com), a Woodstock-based
schedules beer launches and
brewery, continues to expand
offers selections from the
its reach in metro Atlanta with
nearby Grand Champion BBQ
its Chamblee location at Riv-
on Tuesdays through Sundays.
erview Landing. Brew crews
Grand Champion BBQ
can try Jogr, a German pilsner;
(gcbbq.com), also located in
the Silver Comet Nolan V10,
Riverview Landing, smokes
THE HOME OF COLLEGE FOOTBALL
There’s only one home for the traditions, stories and iconic figures of the 150 years of Saturdays: The Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame.
14 KNOWAtlanta WINTER 2022
baby back ribs, brisket and chicken and serves some of the best pit-to-plate fare
Share Your Love of College Football
around. You can order meat by the pound
Looking for an outstanding day date idea? Look no further than the Chick-fil-A
and slather on sauces including tradi-
College Football Hall of Fame, the perfect destination for enthusiasts who share a
tional, vinegar-based North Carolina or
passion for this beloved American game. Located in the heart of Downtown Atlanta
mustard-based South Carolina.
and in the center of the city’s famed entertainment and attractions district, the College Football Hall of Fame is a 95,000-square-foot marvel, with a 45-yard
If you’re enjoying a day date, the Chattahoochee Coffee Company
indoor football field, more than 50 exciting and interactive exhibits, a helmet wall
(chattahoocheecoffee.com), located
display and the Kia Performance Challenge, where you can test your own football
at The Eddy in Riverview Landing,
skills. The venue honors the game itself, as well as the best of the best players.
is a perfect spot. This specialty coffee
So take a walk hand-in-hand through the history of college football and celebrate
shop is not only known for serving up
your favorite teams and players together. For more information, visit cfbhall.com. Photo courtesy Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame
a delicious cup of joe, but also for its commitment to bringing positivity into the world and offering an environment of community building. Grab a cappuccino or an espresso, along with a delectable danish or pastry, and sit down to enjoy an afternoon of coffee and conversation with your favorite person. Visit smyrnaga.gov or riverview-landing.com.
n
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.
WINTER 2022 KNOWAtlanta 15
Downtown Chamblee
Chamblee
Going Global While Staying Local By Amy Meadows
T
here’s good reason why the City of
progressive, vibrant, diverse, authentic
diverse cities in Georgia, and everyone is
Chamblee’s motto is “Community
and beautiful,” says Brittney Lindsay,
welcome. This is the place to be right now.”
Feel and Global Appeal.” Located
community engagement manager for the
only 14 miles northeast of Downtown
City of Chamblee. “It is one of the most
A Continental Crossroads
Atlanta, this DeKalb County gem is
Atlanta may have an impressive and
enjoying a remarkable renaissance as of
well-deserved reputation as an interna-
late, which has allowed it to become one
tional city, but Chamblee also has drawn
of the metro area’s most dynamic and
a preponderance of the metro area’s im-
sought-after cities. While Chamblee has
migrant community, creating a spectac-
always been renowned for its distinctive-
ular patchwork of cultures that co-exist
ness, it has recently found itself in the
in a way that most large regions simply
spotlight as DeKalb’s fastest-growing city
cannot duplicate. And those wonderful
and a multicultural mecca for those who
cultures are on proud display in a variety
want to live in a truly diverse community
of locations throughout the city.
with notable international flair and a
To start, Chamblee is home to a stretch
unique quality of life. “Chamblee’s spirit is creative, fresh, 16 KNOWAtlanta WINTER 2022
of the seven-mile-long Buford Highway Chamblee Rail Trail
International Corridor, known locally
as BuHi. Along this thoroughfare are
tional Airport. It also boasts top-quality res-
some of the area’s finest authentic and
idential options for everyone from young
diverse dining options. Local residents
families to single professionals, a bustling
and visitors can pick up Soboro bread at
business community that also includes one
a Korean bakery, have oxtail for lunch at
of the metro area’s top television and film
a nearby Dominican restaurant and enjoy
production areas and a burgeoning local
Chinese dim sum just down the street
entertainment scene that rivals anything in
for dinner. As many people note, dining
neighboring cities both inside and outside
in Chamblee is like having an invitation
the perimeter.
to sit at the world’s table. There’s nothing else like it in the metro area. Of course, the city’s more than
In the center of it all is Downtown Chamblee, a walkable urban area featuring charming shops and a host of acclaimed
30,000 residents also have access to
restaurants, including Bluetop (for distinct
Atlanta Chinatown Mall, located in
local fare), Hopstix (an award-winning
the heart of Downtown Chamblee. The
brewery with an Indonesian-inspired
55,000-square-foot venue, which opened
street food menu) and Gus’s World
in 1988 and has become a local mainstay,
Famous Fried Chicken, among many
serves as the cultural center for the grow-
others. The downtown area also presents
ing Chinese-American population in
a variety of popular annual events, such as
and around DeKalb County. An array of
the Summer Concert Series, the Taste of
tenants comprise the mall, with specialty
Chamblee and the Holiday Hoopla. What’s
stores, an Asian supermarket, an herbal
more, Downtown Chamblee is adjacent to
medicine shop and much more. China-
the Chamblee Rail Trail, a multi-use path
town Mall also is known for its incred-
that snakes through the city’s residential
ible food court and the delicious ethnic
and commercial districts and features
cuisine found there, which represents the
the city’s largest park, Keswick Park, at
many provinces of China.
its north end. In fact, Chamblee is home
Plaza Fiesta is another can’t-miss locale.
to ten beautiful parks, including Arrow
Nearly 300 stores can be found in this vi-
Creek Park, a new addition that includes a
brant and welcoming 350,000-square-foot
dedicated dog park and a multi-use field.
indoor Latin retail center, which draws
LaGarde American Eatery
DeKalb-Peachtree Airport
With so much available, it’s no wonder
4.4 million visitors per year. Walking
why businesses of all sizes have flocked
through the venue is like strolling through
to Chamblee, which is becoming known
a Central American street market, with
for its unique sense of entrepreneurship
everything from fashion and housewares
and optimism. Companies and organi-
to one-of-a-kind items crafted by village
zations in an array of industries—from
artisans available for purchase. And for the
hospitals and universities to management
kids, Plaza Fiesta boasts the largest indoor
and transportation firms—have chosen
playground in Georgia.
Chamblee as their home base. And one of
A Happening Town
Atlanta Chinatown Mall
Plaza Fiesta
the most recognizable institutions is the Centers for Disease Control and Preven-
it is refreshing, with so much to see and do
Even beyond its international appeal,
tion (CDC), which has a campus located
every day of the week. You don’t have to go
Chamblee is a bona fide hot spot and one of
just off of Buford Highway. As a whole,
far to feel like a citizen of the world when
the metro area’s most coveted intown loca-
the local business community is thriving,
you’re right around the corner from home.
tions. In addition to being easily accessible
and it shows no signs of slowing down.
There’s nothing else like it, and there’s
via its own MARTA station, Chamblee is
For people who come for a visit to those
nowhere else you’ll want to be.
n
home to DeKalb-Peachtree Airport (PDK),
who choose to stay for a lifetime, Chamblee
the second largest airport in Georgia be-
offers the best of all possible worlds. This
For more information, visit chambleega.gov
hind Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Interna-
hot city with a cool vibe is as surprising as
or discoverdekalb.com. WINTER 2022 KNOWAtlanta 17
GET TO KNOW BUSINESS Georgia’s Business Momentum
BUSINESS TRENDS FOR 2022 ARE POWERED BY INNOVATION AND DIVERSITY By The Georgia Department of Economic Development
ties—continue to diversify the state’s
Tech and Talent
population and economy, producing
In Atlanta, a variety of factors helped the
record results. Georgia now enters 2022
city achieve back-to-back titles as the
with the same foundation of assets and a
number one tech hub. Investments in
great deal of promise for generating new
education, targeted industry growth and
jobs and investment in metro Atlanta and
seamless partnerships led to this achieve-
every corner of the state.
ment from Business Facilities in 2020 and
New economic development projects
2021. Furthermore, Georgia startups in
and expansions resulted in a five percent
the metro Atlanta area alone raised nearly
increase in job creation above previous
$3 billion over the past year, according to
state economic development records,
PitchBook, the National Venture Capital
n 2021, Georgia achieved a banner
while investments increased by 46 per-
Association’s Venture Monitor report, for
year for economic development
cent between July 2020 and June 2021.
the third quarter of calendar year 2021.
despite a global pandemic. Georgia’s
By the numbers, this means the Georgia
Additionally, in 2020, the Partnership for
foundation of strong assets—including
Department of Economic Development
Inclusive Innovation was launched as a
the state’s highly skilled and educated
(GDEcD) and local communities secured
first-of-its-kind public-private partnership
workforce, existing logistics infrastruc-
nearly $11 billion in new investments in
to lead coordinated, statewide efforts to
ture and strong partnerships with other
projects that will create more than 33,400
encourage growth, entrepreneurship and
agencies, companies and communi-
direct jobs.
innovation across the state. These assets
I
18 KNOWAtlanta WINTER 2022
In fact, home to two of the nation’s top public universities—Georgia Tech and
As cybersecurity becomes a greater
the University of Georgia—and to two of
focus globally, Georgia’s specialized
the nation’s top five HBCUs – Spelman
education programs like the Georgia
College and Morehouse College, located
FinTech Academy continue to attract
in the heart of Atlanta—the state is re-
both companies and talent within indus-
nowned for the strong and diverse talent
try. The Georgia FinTech Academy is a
produced here. Georgia State Universi-
collaboration between Georgia’s FinTech
ty, also located in Atlanta, ranks in the
industry and the 26 public institutions
top 10 U.S. colleges and universities for
of the University System of Georgia. The
both racial diversity and for advancing
state Board of Education also recently
social mobility.
approved cloud computing as part of the
Atlanta’s “hotbed of talent from tradi-
Georgia Career Pathways program in
tionally underrepresented communities,”
public high schools. These courses were
as described by Harvard Business Review,
developed with several tech companies
has made Georgia a target state for tech
with a presence in Georgia including
companies looking to further advance their
AWS, Google Cloud, NCR, Accenture
diversity, equity and inclusion goals. In fact,
and Microsoft.
CBRE recently reported that Atlanta has the
Also in the FinTech space, Georgia’s
most diversity of the top 10 tech markets,
reputation as “Transaction Alley” also
with the highest growth rate of the top 50
only continues to grow. Home to major
tech hubs between 2015 and 2019.
payment processing companies like
In addition to the educational opporCODA building at Tech Square
the entire spectrum of vital industries.
InComm, NCR and Global Payments, 70
tunities available in Atlanta and across the
percent of global transactions are han-
state, ChooseATL, an initiative of the Metro
dled by payment processing firms located
Atlanta Chamber, was developed specifi-
in the state. This year, Georgia-based
have led companies like Airbnb, Team-
cally to attract and retain next-gen talent to
Global Payments moved onto the Fortune
Viewer, Visa and Deluxe to announce new
metro Atlanta. Built from a local grass-
500 list for the first time. Additionally,
hubs for innovation, creating thousands
roots movement, ChooseATL has reached
Georgia-based Greenlight, an all-in-one
of local jobs and investing millions in
millions of young professionals and has left
money management platform designed
new or expanded locations. In October
them inspired by Atlanta’s unique mix of
for families, was named one of Forbes’
2021, Cisco announced a new “Talent
careers, community and culture.
Top 2021 FinTech Firms. In September
and Collaboration Hub” at Georgia Tech’s innovative CODA building at Tech Square. Also at Tech Square in Midtown Atlanta,
Impressive Industries At GDEcD, the Center of Innovation
2021, Visa, a world leader in digital payments, committed to opening a brand new office hub in Midtown.
more than 30 corporate innovation cen-
team continues to provide tailored ser-
ters have made a home for themselves,
vices and industry expertise to compa-
experienced growth at a pace of more
Another key sector, life sciences has
including those for renowned names
nies large and small in some of the state’s
than twice the national average for the
like Delta Air Lines, The Home Depot,
leading industries, including manufac-
last five years in a row. The newly formed
AT&T and Honeywell. Tech Square
turing, logistics, IT, aerospace, energy,
Global Heath Crisis Coordination Center
provides access to top talent in the metro
and agricultural technology (AgTech). A
(GHC3) became the latest addition to
Atlanta area, including institutions like
concierge service provided by the state,
the impressive roster of global health
Georgia Tech, Georgia State University,
the Georgia Center of Innovation’s staff
organizations headquartered in Georgia,
Emory University and the Historically
partners closely with businesses as part of
joining the Centers for Disease Con-
Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)
the state’s approach to economic develop-
trol and Prevention, American Cancer
found within Atlanta’s University Center.
ment. And the efforts can be found across
Society and other major healthcare and WINTER 2022 KNOWAtlanta 19
national food and beverage companies. In total, international partnerships accounted for the creation of nearly $2 billion in foreign direct investment in the state. What’s more, job creation from economic development projects in the state’s food processing industry increased by 232 percent, and the
BUSINESS
metro Atlanta area became home to two Freshly, Inc. locations, with one in Cobb County’s Austell and the other located in Clayton County. America’s leading meal kit company HelloFresh also established a distribution center in Newnan. Northeast of Atlanta, King’s Hawaiian has continued
Visa’s new hub will create 1,000 jobs.
to invest in expanding its operations in Oakwood over the past decade. Further, research centers. And as the pandemic
support vaccine development.
Coffee Café Bakery, a Dunkin’ supplier,
turned the world’s attention to healthcare
Georgia’s long-term leadership in agri-
announced a state-of-the-art production
and life sciences research and innovation,
business, its world-class ports system and
facility in Fulton County that will supply
Georgia’s life sciences community took a
its geographic location—within a two-hour
goods to Dunkin’ restaurants across the
leadership role in confronting COVID-19
flight or two-day truck drive from 80 per-
metro Atlanta area, while Sugar Bowl
head on, employing its symbiotic ecosys-
cent of the U.S. market—has also attracted
Bakery, one of the leading minority-owned
tem to develop plasma therapies and to
investment from both domestic and inter-
bakeries in the U.S., will locate its first East Coast location in DeKalb County.
Why a hotel room when you can have an apartment home?
Numerous automotive, advanced manufacturing, software and technology and logistics and distribution companies also made significant investments in the state. Almost every one of these companies,
W
ith a minimum 14-day stay, TP Corporate Lodging residents enjoy all the amenities of a full-size apartment home that costs less than a hotel room.
including Microsoft, Heliox, Danimer Scientific and Amazon, cited the state’s diverse and highly educated workforce. This past year, Georgia’s University System set a new record for degrees awarded. In fact, Georgia’s 85 accredited public and private universities award more than 132,000 degrees and
W
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.
800-428-9997 tpcorporatelodging.com 20 KNOWAtlanta WINTER 2022
certificates to its graduates annually. All of this economic development is a testament to Georgia’s strong economic recovery and to the array of resources Atlanta offers to entrepreneurs. Georgia’s diversity, strong relationships and innovative solutions continue to produce positive results and new opportunities for Georgians and communities statewide.
n
For more information, visit The Georgia Department of Economic Development at georgia.org.
Big Business in Atlanta THE METRO AREA’S FORTUNE 500 COMPANIES AND TOP 20 EMPLOYERS
A
tlanta, 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 500 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. The metro area also continues to draw many other top businesses in the nation, including State Farm, IHG, Porsche Cars North America and Mercedes-Benz, all of which have established headquarters here and often appear on the list of metro Atlanta’s top employers. Their dedication to being a part of the metro area’s
Atlanta’s Top 20 Employers Company
Full-Time Employees
for the local workforce, is a testament to the city and its ongoing
Delta Air Lines, Inc.
34,500
efforts to create a welcoming and robust economic climate.
Emory University & Emory Healthcare
32,091
The Home Depot
16,510
Northside Hospital
16,000+
Piedmont Healthcare
15,900
Publix Supermarkets
15,591 15,353
business community, as well as ensuring solid job opportunities
Atlanta Fortune 500 Companies Company
Rank
WellStar Health System
The Home Depot
26
The Kroger Co.
15,000+
United Parcel Service
43
AT&T
15,000
Delta Air Lines, Inc.
68
UPS
14,594
The Coca-Cola Company
88
Marriott International
12,000+
The Southern Company
153
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
9,000
Cox Enterprises
8,894
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
8,403
The Coca-Cola Company
8,000
Southern Company (including Georgia Power)
7,753
Grady Health System
7,600
SunTrust Bank (now Truist)
7,478
Georgia Institute of Technology
7,139
(TIE) State Farm
6,000
(TIE) Turner Broadcasting System
6,000
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
Source: Metro Atlanta Chamber 2020
WINTER 2022 KNOWAtlanta 21
On the Move BUSINESS
COMPANIES OF ALL SIZES CHOOSE METRO ATLANTA
I
t’s no secret that Georgia has been recog-
headquarters, global material handling and
nized for its exceptional business-friend-
logistics company Vanderlande Industries,
ly environment. In fact, Site Selection
Inc. will invest $59 million in its Cobb County
magazine has named it the number one state
location. The expansion will create 500 jobs in
for doing business for eight consecutive years.
Marietta, where the company has resided for
That kind of reputation undoubtedly attracts
more than 20 years. The company will move into
companies of all sizes to settle in the area every
a newly constructed 152,000-square-foot facility
year, establishing headquarters, distribution
and begin hiring for positions in engineering,
centers, customer service operations and more.
operations, supply chain, software development
And many of those organizations have found
and sales. With the expansion, Vanderlande will
a home right here in metro Atlanta. Here are
employ a total of 1,250 people in Georgia.
some of the most recent big business moves to our fair city and its surrounding areas.
Visa
Intuitive Medical technology company Intuitive, which is a pioneer in robotic-assisted surgery and a
A world leader in digital payments, Visa has de-
global leader in minimally invasive care, plans
cided to open a new hub in Midtown Atlanta. The
to invest more than $500 million to expand
company expansion, which will take advantage of
its current campus in Gwinnett County. The
Atlanta’s Transaction Alley resources, will com-
development will bring 1,200 jobs to the
prise a 123,000-square-foot office off Peachtree
Peachtree Corners location, which will expand
Street that is expected to open in 2022. The office
in phases through 2024. More than 750,000
will house a variety of teams and functions with a
square feet will be added to the campus for
particular focus on technology and client service.
manufacturing and engineering operations,
The hub will bring 1,000 new jobs to the region
as well as state-of-the-art training facilities for
over the next several years.
surgeons and hospital care teams. Positions
MBS Equipment Company MBSE, the largest studio-based equipment company in the world for film, television and
available will be in everything from manufacturing and production distribution to sales, training and customer service.
events, announced that it will open a new East
SUNGDO ENG USA
Coast headquarters in Georgia. The headquar-
SUNGDO ENG USA, an industrial plant con-
ters will take up residence at Trilith Studios
struction company, recently opened a corporate
in Fayette County, which has become one of
U.S. headquarters in Gwinnett County. The or-
Atlanta’s most prolific film production areas.
ganization, which is a subsidiary of Korea-based
The 100,000-square-foot space will be the com-
Sungdo Engineering & Construction, boasts
pany’s largest global hub and serve a growing
an 11,735-square-foot office and warehouse in
list of clientele, including more than 75 Atlanta
Suwannee, which will create 30 jobs in the me-
area stages and a satellite facility in Savannah,
chanical, electrical and process engineering fields.
with a 100-member onsite team.
SUNGDO provides highly technical construction
Vanderlande Industries, Inc. With a need to expand its North American 22 KNOWAtlanta WINTER 2022
services to many Georgia-based clients and wanted to have a high-tech facility that could serve a range of innovative companies.
n
Atlanta: The Tech Mecca of the Southeast
O
ver the last several years, Atlanta has garnered a reputation as one of the
country’s fastest-growing and most prolific technology hubs. Forbes Magazine named the
The Rankings Atlanta is racking up an impressive list of
#1 CITY FOR STARTUPS THAT IS NOT
accolades and acknowledgements in the tech
NEW YORK OR SAN FRANCISCO
arena. Here are just a few:
(FitSmallBusiness.com, 2018)
metro area as one of the world’s
#1 METRO AREA TECH HUB (Business
#1 GAMING ENVIRONMENT
elite tech towns, placing it in
Facilities, 2020)
(WalletHub, 2019)
the number three spot of cities
#4 STATE FOR PERCENT OF FEMALE
Atlanta also has the 11th largest tech talent
poised to become tech meccas in the near future. Cushman & Wakefield included Atlanta on its list of America’s 25 leading high-tech metro areas. The
WORKERS IN TECH OCCUPATIONS
labor pool nationally, as well as the highest
(CompTIA, 2020)
growth rate of tech degree completion rates
#4 METRO AREA CYBER CITY (Business
among the country’s leading tech hubs.
Facilities, 2020)
(CBRE, 2021)
city has even been called the “Silicon Valley of the South.” And that’s just the beginning of Atlanta’s story as it continues its rise to becoming one of the nation’s top tech destinations.
Atlanta’s Tech Hot Spots While the entire metro Atlanta area has the distinction of being integral to the growth of the local tech industry, there are a few
Metro Atlanta Incubators Finding success in Atlanta’s
Information Technology Programs
tech sector begins with finding
In recent years, students have
the best place to plant roots.
flocked to metro Atlanta
The metro area is home to an
to study a wide array of
array of incubators that are fos-
subjects under the technology
tering the development of the
umbrella. Here’s where they
city’s standout startups. Check
go to access some of the best
out these innovative spaces:
information technology and
locales that truly stand out.
Atlanta Tech Village
Midtown Atlanta: Home to Technology Square, Midtown has
Located in Buckhead
become one of the key districts of the local technology commu-
atlantatechvillage.com
nity. The area boasts 15 corporate innovation centers, several tech incubators and accelerators and more than 150 startups. Buckhead: Anchored by Atlanta Tech Village, a renowned technology incubator complex that is recognized as the fourth largest tech space in the nation, Buckhead is a major driver of Atlanta’s success in the tech arena. Alpharetta: Located 30 miles north of Atlanta, Alpharetta has emerged as a force to be reckoned with in the tech space. The metro city is home to 700 technology companies and has been called “The Technology City of the South.” Peachtree Corners: One of the first suburban areas to be
Atlanta Technology Development Center (ATDC) Located at Georgia Tech in Midtown Atlanta atdc.org The Farm Located at The Battery Atlanta thefarmatl.com
recognized for its technology opportunities, Gwinnett County’s
The Circuit
Peachtree Corners is home to such innovative spots as Atlanta
Located in Woodstock
Tech Park, which features space for more than 100 companies.
circuitwoodstock.com
computer science programs in the country: Georgia Institute of Technology: gatech.edu Morehouse College: morehouse.edu Emory University: emory.edu Georgia State University: robinson.gsu.edu Kennesaw State University: ksu.edu University of Georgia: uga.edu Gwinnett Technical College: gwinnetttech.edu
n
WINTER 2022 KNOWAtlanta 23
HOMES & LIFESTYLES
GET TO KNOW HOMES & LIFESTYLES
Captivating Condos
Graydon Buckhead
ATLANTA’S CONDO MARKET GEARS UP FOR 2022 By Amy Meadows
24 KNOWAtlanta WINTER 2022
major changes throughout 2021. Atlanta’s local
Photo by LaRuche Photo, LLC
I
t’s no secret that the real estate market saw market was no exception, as homes flew off the market like hot cakes. Now, as 2022 is upon us, those who are planning a move to or within
the metro area might wonder what that means when it comes to their residential choices. For individuals looking to move intown, there is an excellent option: condos. “Demand for ownership is soaring, and with the single-family market experiencing record-low inventory levels, there simply aren’t enough standalone homes to go around. Interested buyers are starting to look elsewhere in the market, and condos are an attainably priced substitute, which can also help ease the transition from renting to home ownership,” explains Christa Huffstickler, founder and CEO of Engel & Völkers Atlanta. “Atlanta has long been one of the hottest markets in the southeast and nationally, and as home prices continue to rise in areas where the cost of living is higher, people will continue to flock to this city and will want to
Seven88 West Midtown
establish roots by purchasing a home. Securing a home in an intown condo community will lock in substantial future returns, both in the short-term and long-term as home values keep skyrocketing in a tight and ever-evolving market.” With condos in Atlanta becoming one of the fastest-selling products in the metro area’s real estate market, it’s important to take a look at the options available if you’re ready to make a move as the new year gets underway. “In Atlanta, the condo market is set to enter the same space single-family is in right now, with supply hitting record lows and boosting the value of available product. Buy sooner rather than later,” Huffstickler adds. “Atlanta is unique in that we’re one of the cities where there are more people moving in than out, and the trend shows no signs of slowing. While developers are building new communities and adding supply, it will take years before things balance out—so it’s better to lock down a home now.”
J5 Midtown
WINTER 2022 KNOWAtlanta 25
HOMES & LIFESTYLES With that in mind, here are a few Atlanta condo developments that you should add to your list of must-see properties as you begin your intown home search in locales
Graydon Buckhead
Photo by LaRuche Photo, LLC
J5 Midtown
like Buckhead, Midtown Atlanta and Downtown Atlanta. You might just find the residence of your dreams somewhere within the city’s stunning skyline.
J5 Midtown 775 Juniper Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30308 (470) 589-5055, ownj5.com The J5 in Midtown Atlanta is located at
Seven88 West Midtown
the corner of Juniper and 5th streets and offers a mix of urban energy and at-home serenity. The six-story building’s contemporary, well-appointed condos start in the mid-$400s and are
sparkling saline pool, as well as two private elevated courtyards
as unique as they are spectacular, marked by neutral interiors
with central green space with terraced seating, summer kitchens,
with top-quality finishes, ample natural light and high ceilings
hammocks and fire pits; the property even has a sunset rooftop
that provide an open and airy feel throughout. The one- and
lounge with a kitchen, fireplace and flat-panel televisions. The
two-bedroom homes also boast livable outdoor space with spa-
onsite gym includes professional-grade equipment, and the
cious terraces and balconies, as well as numerous floor-to-ceiling
building takes things up a notch with 24-hour concierge service,
windows that are designed to bring the outdoors in. The building
electric charging stations, a pet spa with an elevated tub, a coffee
has actually undergone an impressive rebrand and transforma-
bar in the lobby and more. The recent transformation included
tion that speaks to the modern condo buyer with an array of
the addition of Wi-Fi-enabled shared spaces in the city garden
interior upgrades.
and the conversion of some hallway space into co-working spac-
J5 Midtown’s amenity package is equally impressive, with
es. What’s more, J5 Midtown is located in the heart of one of the
a host of resort-style features. To start, the property boasts a
metro area’s most coveted neighborhoods—the Historic Garden
26 KNOWAtlanta WINTER 2022
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 46 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. Move In Early 2022.
Virtually Staged
Move In Early 2022 | Schedule Your Private Sales Presentation 404.301.5302 | TheGraydon.com | Priced from $1.63 Million Sales Gallery Located in No. 18 at Buckhead Village | 3017 Bolling Way NE, Suite 122 | Atlanta, GA 30305
Virtually Staged
YOUR ANSLEY ATLANTA REAL ESTATE TEAM Heather Pitts, Bonneau Ansley, Chris Wegener
Virtually Staged
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.
Photo by LaRuche Photo, LLC
HOMES & LIFESTYLES
Seven88 West Midtown
Graydon Buckhead
District, which is home to tree-lined sidewalks, the Atlanta Botanical Garden, Piedmont Park and a variety of green spaces that are perfect for picnics and family-friendly fun. In fact, the boutique condo development strives to celebrate the garden aesthetic that is all around it. According to Huffstickler, “[Condos like J5 Midtown] aren’t only focused on their high-end design and opulent features, but also on making sure that residents have a true lock-and-leave experience. When you buy, you’re getting both a home and a full
al views of Buckhead, Midtown and Downtown courtesy of
amenity program that caters to all your needs.”
expansive terraces and unobstructed walls and floor-to-ceiling
The brand new condos are selling fast. An excellent way to
glass windows. And inside, the features are second to none, with
get a feel for J5’s residential offerings is to visit the building’s two
flow-through open floor plans boasting 10-foot ceilings, eight-
model homes: the Habachy and the Musso. With one step inside,
foot decorative paneled entry and interior doors, chef ’s kitchens
you’ll experience the property’s spectacular blend of sophisticat-
with Wolf and Subzero appliances, owner’s suites with walk-in
ed design and contemporary flair.
closets, spa-like bathroom retreats and more. The finishes found
Graydon Buckhead
throughout the residences are equally impressive, with local artisanal kitchen and bath cabinetry by Bell Cabinets, stone and
2520 Peachtree Road, Atlanta, GA 30305
quartz kitchen countertops and wide-plank flooring, among oth-
(404) 301-5302, thegraydon.com
er features. What’s more, the condos boast private, access-controlled elevators.
The newest building to make its mark on Atlanta is Graydon Buck-
“Graydon Buckhead redefines elegance with state-of-the-art
head, a 22-story residential tower that will bring 47 amenity-rich
architecture that blends seamlessly into the neighborhood’s
condo residences to the area’s famed upscale district. Construction
historic character, in a prime Buckhead location, and it’s unlike
on the building, which is being developed by Florida-based devel-
anything else on the market right now,” says Ed Jahn, senior
opment firm Kolter Urban, began in early 2020 and is slated for
vice president for Kolter Urban. “This building was thoughtfully
completion in early 2022.
designed from every aspect of consideration. The covered porte
The residences of Graydon Buckhead, which start at $1.6
cochère, spacious and open floor plans, floor-to-ceiling glass that
million and rise to $3.2 million and above, are a sight to behold.
maximizes the stunning views afforded to all residents, a robust
Offering two and three bedrooms, the condos range in size from
amenity package, spacious terraces with fireplaces and expanded
just over 2,100 to 3,600 square feet. Each one boasts exception-
living space outdoors are just a few highlights.”
28 KNOWAtlanta WINTER 2022
TOWNHOMES
CONDOS
DREAM IN
Atlanta Whether you are looking for a modern townhome, contemporary condo, or the latest single-family home in the Atlanta market, McKinley Homes can deliver. All of our homes are open-concept floor plans from the mid $200s to $400s, and move-in ready condos are from the $300s to $1 million+.
SINGLE-FAMILY
Visit mckinleyhomes.com/KNOWAtlanta to learn more.
©2021 McKinley Homes US, LLC. Plans, features, pricing, and availability are subject to change without prior notice or obligation and may vary by elevation. Information including square footage is approximate and subject to change without prior notice or obligations. Please see our sales professionals for details and additional information.
Of course, condo living is about more than just a residence—it’s a bona fide lifestyle.
J5 Midtown
HOMES & LIFESTYLES
According to Jahn, “The amenity menu at Graydon Buckhead rivals that of a high-end resort. [Offerings include] an opulent lobby, indoor and outdoor elegant entertainment areas, formal and informal club rooms, a formal dining room for private events, a news room, a resort-style pool with full-sized lap lanes, a spa, poolside cabanas, a fitness center and personal training studio, an outdoor yoga lawn, a fire pit with a lounge area, a dog spa and park and two guest suites for residents to use for out-of-town or overnight visitors.” Ansley Atlanta Real Estate is managing the sales for Graydon Buckhead; interested home buyers can experience a private sales presentation at Ansley’s sales location, 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 of the life that could be yours in Buckhead.
Seven88 West Midtown
Kohler plumbing fixtures and timeless porcelain wall tile, as well as a backlit mirror and separate glass shower in the master bath. Additionally, Seven88 West Midtown puts one of Atlanta’s fast-
788 West Marietta Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
est-growing and most popular communities—West Midtown—in
(770) 863-8888, 788westmidtown.com
homeowners’ “front yard.” The property offers excellent access to area shopping, entertainment and restaurants, including
When construction began in 2018, Seven88 West Midtown was
Terminal West, Miller Union, The Optimist, Westside Provisions
the newest high-rise and only glass tower on Atlanta’s Westside.
District and the King Plow Arts Center. The building also offers
Today, the 22-story building offers a hip, urban lifestyle in
walkability to Georgia Tech’s campus and is just two miles to the
Atlanta’s most sought-after neighborhood. The unique all-glass
new Westside Park and the Atlanta BeltLine. Onsite, Seven88’s
exterior offers dramatic city views and open vistas from every
resort-style amenities set new standards for luxury living in
direction, and the bold, contemporary architecture includes
a high-rise condo. The beautifully designed lobby welcomes
floor-to-ceiling windows inside each of the property’s 279 luxury
residents, who also enjoy conveniences that include a concierge
residences, affording those views to everyone. Potential home-
service, smart package locker and cold storage for deliveries,
buyers can choose from 20 exceptional floor plans designed to
controlled-access parking, bike storage, a dog spa, an indoor play
maximize the building’s views and space, making each home and
area and more. An impressive fitness center and yoga facility
floor unique.
is located on the first floor, while the second floor is home to a
Priced from the mid-$300s to more than $1 million, Seven88
lounge area with a fireplace, dining space and a kitchen complete
West Midtown’s luxury condos include studio, one-, two- and
with a coffee and refreshments bar, as well as multiple game
three-bedroom options, as well as penthouses. Each residence
and gathering areas. Outdoor resort-style amenities includes a
is thoughtfully constructed with designer finishes presented in
saltwater swimming pool and whirlpool spa and a spacious deck
three distinct options and hardwood flooring throughout. Every
with outdoor dining and gathering spaces, private conversation
kitchen boasts European-style cabinetry with under-mount light-
nooks and cozy firepits. And 9,000 square feet of ground-level
ing, waterfall-edge quartz countertops and tiled backsplashes and
curated retail, restaurant and entertainment space offers home-
a luxury appliance package that includes a gas range with a con-
owners access to even more amenities.
vection oven, a full-sized dishwasher, a 36-inch counter-depth
Condominiums are available for immediate move-in, and
French door refrigerator and built-in wine storage. The luxurious
there’s no better time than now to see what 788 West Midtown
finishes continue in the bathrooms, which are outfitted with
has to offer as you make your move in 2022.
30 KNOWAtlanta WINTER 2022
n
Now Over 40% Sold
1 Bedrooms Selling From the $500,000’s 2 Bedrooms Selling From the High $500,000’s
Brand New, Move-in-Ready Midtown Condos Featuring a Suite of Full-Service Amenities City Garden Sanctuary Rooftop Terrace
Elevated Pool Terrace
Sunset Viewing Deck
Indoor/Outdoor Club Rooms
Health & Wellness Center
775 Juniper St NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30308 OwnJ5.com | ownj5@evatlanta.com | 470-589-5055 ©2021 Engel & Völkers. All rights reserved. Each brokerage independently owned and operated. All information provided is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. Engel & Völkers and its independent License Partners are Equal Opportunity Employers and fully support the principles of the Fair Housing Act.
HOMES & LIFESTYLES
Moving to Atlanta Timeline
T
here’s a lot of work that goes into coordinating an organized move, and it’s
ONE MONTH Before
ONE WEEK Before
n Research your options for moving or truck
n Confirm travel arrangements and pack a
rental companies and schedule your move.
smart to get a head start on planning before the moving
n Collect and organize necessary school, med-
ical and legal records.
truck arrives at your door. Here’s a handy guide to help you streamline some of the most important activities associated with your move to
n Complete a change of address with your
local post office or online at usps.gov. n Notify other important parties of your
change of address, including your bank,
Atlanta.
credit card companies, insurance companies and subscription services. n Schedule disconnection of services at your
current home and reconnection at your new house, including phone, cable and Internet. n Hold a garage sale or donate items that you
decide not to keep.
travel kit for you and your family members for the move. n Confirm dates and time of packing and
moving with the moving company. If you’re moving yourself, confirm moving truck arrangements. n Finalize your packing and double-check that
all areas (including closets, garage, attic and basement) are cleared. n Pack a “First Open/Load Last” box; include
items you’ll need on the first day in your new home.
ONE DAY Before n Complete a house check; defrost the freezer,
drain the water hose and disconnect and prepare any major appliances you’re planning to move. n Make sure to have cash on hand to tip the
team from the moving company. n Confirm hotel or temporary accommoda-
tions, if needed. n Check the moving company paperwork to
identify the USDOT number of the truck that is scheduled; the number appears on the side of the truck and should match on moving day.
PLANNING A MOVE? Save money on your natural gas with SCANA Energy. Schedule your new service up to 90 days in advance by calling 1-866-280-6236, or visit SCANAENERGY.COM. 32 KNOWAtlanta WINTER 2022
Metro Atlanta Guide to Utilities
B
efore you put the key in the lock of your new home, you have to prepare the property for your arrival. This means getting your
utilities up and running soon after your home closing. Here in metro Atlanta, there are a number of services you’ll need to set up. Be sure to put these on your list as you begin the process.
Natural Gas While metro Atlanta has a temperate climate, you’ll want to warm your home during the winter. Also, natural gas is used for water heating, cooking, clothes drying and more. You’ll need to select a natural gas provider, and there are several that serve metro Atlanta. You typically can research rates, customer service offerings and discounts and sign up online, making the process quick and convenient. Did You Know? Georgia deregulated its natural gas market in 1998. Atlanta Gas Light owns and controls the natural gas pipelines, and natural gas marketers work with it to access them. Companies like SCANA Energy offer both fixed rate and variable rate plans depending on your needs.
Electricity Accounting for 48 percent of household energy use in Georgia, electricity should be at the top of your utility service list. Depending on where your home is located, you have options. You can select a company like Georgia Power, which is the largest subsidiary of the Southern Company, or one of the Electric Membership Cooperatives (EMCs) that provide electricity to the area; these non-profit utilities serve more than four million
by either the county water authority or the city government. If you are moving into a previously owned home, the former owners can provide you with information. For new homes, 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 metro Atlanta, major service providers like Xfinity and AT&T are going to be the most common options, as they cover the entire area. Some counties do offer alternatives, allowing you to personalize your service. As with all other utilities, a bit of online research can make the process fast and seamless.
customers as part of the Georgia Electric Membership Corporation.
Water With metro Atlanta being comprised of so many cities and towns, it’s no surprise that there are various water and sewer service
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 69.
providers. Typically, your home will be serviced
WINTER 2022 KNOWAtlanta 33
HOMES & LIFESTYLES
Metro Atlanta’s New Home Market in the New Year A Q&A WITH NEW HOME EXPERT LORI LANE
N
ew year, new you…new home! Yes, the beginning of
What should people expect from Atlanta’s new home market
the year is an excellent time to consider your residential
in the coming year?
options. And in metro Atlanta, new home communities
2022 is shaping up to be a stellar year in the new home real estate
have become some of the most sought-after locales in the local
industry. Real estate sales increased over 14 percent last year, and
real estate market. Homebuilders across the area are working
new home construction was a large part of that. The good news
diligently to give home buyers a wide array of choices, and there’s
is that interest rates are predicted to remain at all-time lows, and
a good chance you’ll be able to find the perfect fit for you and your
the cost of materials is beginning to level off. The supply chain
family. Here, we ask Lori Lane, Senior Vice President of Berkshire
delays are leading to longer lead times in obtaining construction
Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties New Homes Divi-
materials, which is resulting in more demand than supply of new
sion, to share her insights on what to expect as you navigate your
homes in metro Atlanta. Obviously, we are all hoping that once
way through the local new home market in 2022.
the supply chain is back up to speed that construction delays will lessen and 2022 will not experience the construction slowdown that was prevalent in 2021. What are some of the hottest market segments in metro Atlanta for new homes? Right now we are seeing a large surge in the 55+ new home market. Whether the new home communities are age-restricted or age-targeted, these buyers are looking for low-maintenance homes, a sense of community and a social lifestyle where they can meet new friends. Staying healthy is a quest for many, and resort-style amenities with social sports like tennis and pickleball are extremely popular. 2022 will be a great year for active adults looking to downsize, as well-maintained homes in the right area will continue to sell for top dollar in a short period of time. What can homebuyers expect in terms of pricing within the new home market for 2022? I think that the prices will remain strong but will begin to level off a bit. Demand is expected to continue in sought-after locations and price points. The current pricing will most likely go up, which is normal when there is more demand than supply. What are your top tips for home buyers who want to purchase a brand new home in 2022? I think it is extremely important to be sure of the location and type of home that best suits your needs. Inventory will remain low for
34 KNOWAtlanta WINTER 2022
2021 OBIE AWARDS | GREATER ATLANTA HOMEBUILDER PROFESSIONALISM AWARD WINNERS
MILTON
FAYETTEVILLE
LOUDERMILK HOMES The Manor Golf & Country Club | $2 – $7 Million LOUDERMILKHOMES.COM | 404.491.7010
WEST COBB
TRILITH From $500’s – $2 Million LIVEATTRILITH.COM | 678.519.1008
WOODSTOCK
PATRICK MALLOY COMMUNITIES Kyle Farm | $600’s – $900’s PMCOMMUNITIES.COM | 770.254.5401
NEWNAN
JW COLLECTION South on Main | $400’s – $800’s JWCOLLECTIONHOMES.COM | 770.970.0200
CUMMING
MCKINNEY BUILDERS The Gardens at Arbor Springs | $600’s MCKINNEYBUILDERS.COM | 678.578.6822
ROSWELL
PATRICK MALLOY COMMUNITIES Hillandale | $900’s – $1 Million PMCOMMUNITIES.COM | 770.254.5372
FAYETTEVILLE
REYNOLDS DEVELOPMENT GROUP The Canoe Club | $500’s - $800’s | 770.843.1390 THECANOECLUB.NEWHOMESDIVISION.COM
CANTON
DAVID PATTERSON HOMES JW COLLECTION Fields Bridge | $600’s The Retreat at River Green | High $300’s DAVIDPATTERSONHOMES.COM | 678.578.6818 JWCOLLECTIONHOMES.COM | 678.321.4211
BHHSGANEWHOMES.COM | 678-352-3314 | Follow us: @bhhsnewhomes All information is believed to be accurate but is not warranted and subject to errors, omissions, changes or withdrawal without prior notice. ©2021 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently operated subsidiary of HomeServices of America, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, and a franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. Equal Housing Opportunity.
NEW HOME 55+ COMMUNITIES ABOUND IN METRO ATLANTA Are you ready to find your dream home in metro Atlanta? Check out these fantastic new home 55+ communities
HOMES & LIFESTYLES
around metro Atlanta as you begin your search: The Gardens at Arbor Springs: Recently honored by the Greater Atlanta Homebuilders Association as the 2021 55+ Community of the Year, The Gardens at Arbor Springs features European courtyard homes built by award-winning McKinney Builders. Located in Newnan and priced from the $600s, buyers can downsize without downgrading in homes that include high-end features such as Geo-thermal heating and cooling, Pella windows and Bosch appliances. TheGardensatArborSprings.com The Gardens at Arbor Springs
Soleil Belmont Park: A 55+ community built by Patrick Malloy Communities and located between Milton and Canton, Soleil Belmont Park will feature 471 low-maintenance homes situated on 1/3-acre+ home sites. Priced from the $400’s, Soleil offers an array of resort-style amenities, including a 9,800-square-foot clubhouse with a coffee and cocktail bar, a health and fitness center, a catering kitchen, an arts and crafts studio, a club/card room and a post office. Homeowners also will enjoy a resort-style pool, tennis and pickleball courts, Soleil Belmont Park
bocce ball, a community garden and walking trails. In addition, Soleil Belmont Park will have its own lifestyle and travel director. SoleilBelmontPark.com Lakeside at River Green: This is the newest development from John Wieland and his experienced team at the JW Collection. Located in Canton’s best master-planned community of River Green, Lakeside at River Green is a gated active adult community featuring luxury single-family homes from the $400s to the $700s. Homeowners will enjoy River Green’s wide array of resort-style amenities and exclusive access to
Lakeside at River Green
Evermore, a new members-only, age-qualified clubhouse. JWCollectionHomes.com
Sales and Marketing by Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties New Homes Division www.BHHSgaNewHomes.com
36 KNOWAtlanta WINTER 2022
“Wherever you decide to purchase, it is important to have an experienced agent who can help you navigate the buying process and help find the perfect fit for your lifestyle.” the unforeseen future, and homes are not staying on the market for
are specifically trained in new construction. With 26 offices, over
very long, so make sure to get prequalified to establish how much
1,400 agents and the top relocation department, we have experts
you can afford. Many buyers opt to purchase a new construction
all over Atlanta working with buyers and sellers that help support
presale where they can take their time, customize their home and
our new homes team. This past October, our new homes team
avoid the resale bidding war environment. Wherever you decide
and builder/developer clients won an astounding 37 gold and 25
to purchase, it is important to have an experienced agent who can
silver awards at the 41st Greater Atlanta Homebuilders Profes-
help you navigate the buying process and help find the perfect fit
sionalism Awards. Working with awarding-winning builders,
for your lifestyle.
along with the support of alliance partners like Weismann Law, Prosperity Home Mortgage and HSA Home Warranty, ensures
How can Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices make buying a
we provide a seamless new home buying process.
n
new home as easy as possible? Our New Homes Division represents the most respected builders
For more information, visit Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
and developers in the metro Atlanta area. Our sales associates are
Georgia Properties’ New Homes Division at BHHSgaNewHomes.com.
some of the top new home specialists in the Atlanta market and
KNOWAtlanta’s Guide to New Homes
Lake Arrowhead From the $200s-$900s
David Weekley Homes
The lifestyle you’ve dreamed about. The home you’ve earned. Welcome to Lake Arrowhead, a gated mountain, lake and golf community outside of Canton. The community’s private lake features 21 miles of shoreline, a marina, floating pavilion, lakeside park, 11+ miles of hiking trails, fishing and pickleball. Home plans include ranch homes, maintenance-free golf villas and master on the main lakeside homes. A low Cherokee County tax base and one of the safest cities await you.
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.
(770) 720-2700
(844) 819-6045
lakearrowheadga.com
Mid-$300s-Mid-$800s
davidweekleyhomes.com WINTER 2022 KNOWAtlanta 37
HOMES & LIFESTYLES
J5
McKinley Homes
From the $500s
From the Mid-$200s-$400s
Welcome home to our new condominiums, located in Midtown’s Garden District. From quality construction to full-service amenities and unmatched lifestyle, residents have access to all Midtown has to offer. Enjoy open-concept living spaces, complete with stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops and wide-plank hardwood flooring. Your evening wind-down awaits on our sunset viewing terrace where you can enjoy fireside chats. J5 welcomes you to a place as unique as you.
McKinley Homes has over 45 years of experience developing and building commercial and residential communities, including townhomes and single-family subdivisions, apartment complexes and multi-family high-rises in Atlanta. The company produces quality homes with standard features and amenities that go above and beyond expectations. Visit the website or one of our many metro Atlanta communities and see why McKinley Homes is “Where Dreams Come Home!”
(470) 589-5055
(770) 334-9951
ownj5.com
mckinleyhomes.com
Patrick Malloy Communities
Lennar
From the $400s-$1 Million+
From the High $300s-$700s
Patrick Malloy Communities was founded in 1994 by Patrick Malloy in an era when your home was part of your neighborhood and your neighborhood part of your life. Over the past 25 years, PMC has built over 5,000 exceptional homes in metro Atlanta and developed more than 7,000 lots with a total of $2.5 billion in sales. PMC continues its long-standing commitment to building highquality homes that offer exceptional features in neighborhoods that enhance people’s lives.
Find a home you’ll love! Lennar builds communities all around the metro Atlanta area, and we have a dream home for YOU. Enjoy our single-family or townhome designs with open-concept layouts and plenty of indoor/outdoor living space. Our Everything’s Included® package offers upgrades and appliances at no additional cost to you. We also offer a simplified home buying experience through Lennar Mortgage, enabling you to make your lifestyle leap with ease.
(770) 635-4090
(404) 931-7432
www.pmcommunities.com 38 KNOWAtlanta WINTER 2022
lennar.com/atlanta
Graydon Buckhead From $1.63 Million
Stunning views are just the beginning at this boutique collection of 46 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. Construction is well underway with luxury residences scheduled to deliver in early 2022. Schedule your private presentation today.
(404) 301-5302
Toll Brothers, America’s Luxury Home Builder From the $400s-$1M+
Toll Brothers has you covered in the Atlanta area with new homes ranging from single-family homes in highly amenitized communities to townhomes and condominiums in desirable urban neighborhoods. Our locations are second to none, offering residents access to the Atlanta BeltLine, parks, local restaurants, shops, entertainment venues, public transportation and highly rated schools. Toll Brothers is building in Alpharetta, Atlanta, Decatur, Cumming, Marietta and Woodstock.
(855) 229-5676
thegraydon.com
tollbrothers.com/knowatlanta
Rocklyn Homes
Davidson Homes
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.”
Builder Magazine’s Biggest Mover in 2021, Davidson Homes is proud to offer homebuilding expertise to the fast-growing Atlanta market with a variety of incredible home plans in Bartow, Cherokee, East Cobb, East Paulding, Gwinnett, Henry and West Forsyth counties. Davidson Homes builds where you want to be. Enjoy professionally designed selections or customize your home with quality design options and upgrades, making it your dream home. Call or visit the website today!
From the Low $200s-$500s
(770) 817-2185
rocklynhomes.com
From the $300s-$1M+
(404) 999-1579
davidsonhomesllc.com WINTER 2022 KNOWAtlanta 39
HOMES & LIFESTYLES
Traditions of Braselton
Paran Homes
High $300s-$700s
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 high $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
(678) 726-9646
discovertraditionsbraselton.com/KNOW
paranhomes.com/know
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.
Traton Homes/Kirk Ridge From the $400s-$500s
Kirk Ridge is a 55+ age-restricted community located in a premier Marietta (Cobb County) location near outstanding dining, shopping, recreation and world-class healthcare. Kirk Ridge offers gorgeous ranch home designs with two- or three-car garages, private courtyards, 10-foot ceilings, stunning kitchens, elegant owner’s suites and options including second-level living for even more space. Built by Atlanta’s Local Builder for 50 years STRONG!
(678) 391-9487
tratonhomes.com 40 KNOWAtlanta WINTER 2022
KNOWAtlanta.com
Find a home you’ll love....
Atlanta
From an attractive cost of living to inspiring big-city culture, Atlanta never disappoints! With substantial job growth, world-class employers and a wide variety of cultural and recreational experiences to enjoy, it’s no wonder people are moving to Atlanta, Georgia. Enjoy nearly year-round sunshine, quintessential Southern food and culture, a top-rated international airport and tree-lined natural beauty galore! In a city with a million opportunities for success and fun, Lennar has all of 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 high $800s. Best of all, our signature Everything’s Included® package pre-loads your new home with upgraded finishes, fixtures and stainless steel appliances to the Connected Home by Lennar®.
MODERN TOWNHOMES
AMERICAN DREAM SERIES HOMES
SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES
RANCH STYLE 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. 11/21 LNATL1120
Dawson
KNOWATLANTA GUIDE TO NEW HOMES BUILDER AND DEVELOPER MAP Bartow
Forsyth
17
Cherokee
23 46
37
Hall
49
24
5
CARTERSVILLE
2 31
MILTON
8
48
1
36
45
19
Jackson
35
JOHNS CREEK
52
Cobb 10
51
Fulton
34
26
42
Barrow
28 27
Gwinnett
25
7
Paulding
50 4
33 29
MONROE
53
16 18
15 12
32
44
21
43 13
14 Atlanta 11 38
47 3
30
Walton
39 40
DeKalb
Douglas
SOCIAL CIRCLE
Fulton
Rockdale
Clayton Carroll
41 9
Coweta Fayette
Newton
Henry
20
22
SHARPSBURG
David Weekley Homes 1. Ashbury 2. The Retreat at Sterling on the Lake 3. Hargrove 4. Woodbury 5. Glenhaven at Ridgewalk Davidson Homes 6. Everleigh 7. Riverwood 8. Mountainbrook 9. Reverie at East Lake 10. Manor Estates Engel & Völkers Atlanta 11. J5 12. Atlantic 13. 40 West 12th
6
Paran Homes 14. Harper on Piedmont 28. Oakleigh Pointe 15. District Lofts 29. Creekwood 16. Graydon Buckhead 30. Seaboard Junction 17. Lake Arrowhead 31. Traditions of Braselton Lennar Atlanta 32. Gladstone Landing 18. Cumberland Station Patrick Malloy Communities 19. Whispering Woods 33. Kyle Farm 20. Fayette Meadows 34. Hillandale 21. Aspen Grove 35. Wescott 22. Braemore 36. Governor’s Towne Club McKinley Homes 37. Horizon at Laurel Canyon 23. Estates at Starr Creek Rocklyn Homes 24. Hellen Valley 38. Hawthorne Station 25. Summit at Peachtree Corners 39. Beverly Heights 26. Rivière 40. Princeton Ridge 27. Towns at Enclave 41. Renaissance of South Park
42 KNOWAtlanta WINTER 2022
42. Townes of Auburn Toll Brothers 43. Emerson on Krog 44. Beckham Place 45. Edgewood East 46. Holbrook Reserve 47. New Talley Station 48. Traditions of Braselton Traton Homes 49. Courtyards at Hickory Flat 50. High Parc at Smyrna 51. Kirk Ridge 52. Haven at Stanley 53. Tapp Farm
The Builders That Built Atlanta KNOWAtlanta Magazine is excited to celebrate the local homebuilding industry by shining a spotlight on some of the area’s most established and renowned companies in metro Atlanta. In this issue, award-winning Traton Homes takes center stage.
Tell us about your company. Traton Homes is a family-owned builder based in Marietta, Georgia. We have been building homes of enduring value in metro Atlanta for 50 years strong. As proud homebuilders in metro Atlanta, we’re also one of the most innovative local companies, combining traditional building practices with a passion for the latest systems and styles. From full-featured townhomes and 55+ active adult homes to coastal homes in Florida, we build outstanding quality and value into every Traton home. How has the company evolved to fit the ever-changing metro Atlanta market? For many years, Traton primarily built large single-family homes in the suburbs of Atlanta. In recent years, we have changed our product offering and currently build luxury townhomes, active adult homes and intown housing near popular town centers such as Marietta, Smyrna and Woodstock.
What sets your company apart in the local real estate market today? Traton continues to offer buyers the opportunity to purchase a presale home while many builders are only offering inventory homes for sale. When buyers purchase a presale home from Traton, they are able to visit our Design Center and select items to personalize their homes. In response to the current supply chain issues our industry is facing, we have streamlined options and are offering the options that our buyers choose most.
TratonHomes.com (770) 427-9064
for 50 Years Strong!
S
ince 1971, locally-owned Traton Homes has been giving Atlanta homebuyers “Altogether More!”…more great locations, more beautiful home designs, more desirable features and more value! Visit a Traton Homes community today and discover the difference that “Altogether More!” will make in your Atlanta home search!
Kirk Ridge
Haven at Stanley
Marietta – Foothills of Kennesaw Mtn. 55+ Age Restricted Mid 400’s to $500’s • 678-391-9487
Kennesaw – Owner’s Suite on Main Clubhouse, Pool, Dog Park From Mid $400’s • 678-391-9482
Tapp Farm
Courtyards at Hickory Flat
Powder Springs Master Planned Community Pool, Cabana, Pickleball $300’s to $500’s • 678-391-9494
Canton - 55+ Age Restricted Clubhouse, Pickleball From the $400’s
High Parc at Smyrna
Smyrna – 2 and 3 Story Townhomes Pool and Cabana From the $400’s • 678-391-9492
Edgemoore at Milford
Marietta – Luxury Townhomes Pool, Cabana, Dog Park From the Mid $300’s
See All of Our Communities at
TratonHomes.com
Sales and Marketing by Traton Homes Realty. All information is believed to be accurate but is not warranted. Subject to errors and changes.
Winner
HOMES & LIFESTYLES
Eight Ways to Buy a Home with Little or No Money Down
By Ameris Bank
M
any home buyers still believe that
ans, reservists, active duty personnel and
sistants, dentists, pharmacists, veterinarians,
they need to put down at least a 20
select family members. This loan features
chiropractors, podiatrists and optometrists
percent down payment in order
flexible credit requirements, no down
(including residents and fellows). Because of
to purchase a home. Whether you are a
payment requirement and no mortgage
the unique needs of medical professionals,
first-time home buyer or moving up to your
insurance requirement. It also allows down
this loan takes into account the needed flexi-
next home, there are grants, programs and
payment assistance and closing cost funds to
bility surrounding student loan debt, time on
assistance available for qualified buyers. Get
come from a gift or grant. For more details,
the job and down payment requirement. For
started by learning more about your options.
visit banker.amerisbank.com/when-you-ap-
more program details, visit amerisbank.com/
ply/mortgage-options/#VA-Loan.
Personal/Borrow/Mortgage-Loans.
The United States Department of Agricul-
3. Ameris Dream Loans
5. Down Payment Assistance Programs
ture (USDA) Rural Development depart-
Ameris Bank offers the Ameris Dream
Ameris Bank is proud to partner with many
ment offers 100 percent financing for homes
loan, which provides up to 100 percent
state and county government agencies that
located in rural areas. This loan requires a
financing for first-time home buyers with
provide down payment assistance in the
one-time guaranteed fee that can be rolled
no mortgage insurance requirement. This
form of forgivable or repayable grants or
into the loan amount and an annual fee that
loan allows gift funds to assist with a down
forgivable or repayable second mortgages. A
is added to the monthly payment. There are
payment and closing costs, but the borrow-
forgivable grant or second mortgage means
restrictions based on income and location.
er must contribute at least $500. Income
that the down payment assistance funds
To see if you may be eligible for a USDA
and location restrictions apply. Contact an
are forgiven over a pre-determined length
loan or to find USD-eligible locations, visit
Ameris Bank mortgage banker for details.
of time that you own the home. Repayable
1. USDA Rural Housing Loans
eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov.
2. VA Loans
4. Ameris Medical Professional Loan
grants or second mortgages offer the buyer a chance to borrow the down payment
Ameris Bank also offers the Ameris Medical
and pay it back over time at an affordable
The Veterans Administration offers a 100
Professional loan, which provides up to 100
interest rate. The funds can range from a
percent financing loan for military service
percent financing with no private mortgage
few thousand dollars to several thousand
members. Eligible members include veter-
insurance for MDs, osteopaths, physician as-
dollars towards down payment and closing
46 KNOWAtlanta WINTER 2022
cost assistance. The assistance can be used
which can save you money over the length of
8. Ameris Edge
to subsidize the down payment needed for a
the loan. For income qualifications and more
The Ameris Edge was specifically de-
97 percent conventional or FHA loan. Many
details, visit HomeReady by Fannie May or
signed to offer those needing big loans a
of these programs have income restrictions,
HomePossible by Freddie Mac online.
small down payment option. At just five
so check with your local Ameris Bank
percent down, jumbo buyers can finance
county government agencies for eligibility
7. FHA (Federal Housing Administration) Loans
requirements.
FHA loans are one of the most flexible loan
Ameris Edge can finance up to $3 million
programs available because there are no in-
with just 30 percent down. This product
come restrictions, they only require 3.5 per-
is available for primary as well as second
mortgage banker or your local state and
6. HomeReady or HomePossible Mortgage Loans
up to $850,000. For those buyers with even bigger homeownership dreams, the
cent down (which can be gifted) and allow a
homes. Mortgage insurance is required
These loans are conventional loans that are
co-applicant on the loan to help you qualify
for all LTV’s over 80 percent. For more
ideal for borrowers with limited savings.
for the home even though they may not live
details, visit amerisbank.com/jumbo.
They require only a three percent down pay-
in the home with you. This loan charges an
ment and allow the down payment and clos-
upfront fee, which can be rolled into the loan
The opinions voiced in this material are
ing costs to be gifted. It also offers reduced
amount and requires mortgage insurance.
for general information only and are not
rates on the private mortgage insurance
As stated, mortgage insurance on an FHA
intended to provide specific advice or
required. Unlike FHA loans, private mort-
loan cannot be removed and remains for the
recommendations for any individual. For
gage insurance for conventional loans can be
life of the loan. For more information, visit
more information about Ameris Bank’s
cancelled after the loan balance drops below
banker.amerisbank.com/when-you-apply/
mortgage programs, visit amerisbank.com.
80 percent of a home’s appraised value,
mortgage-options/#FHA-Loan.
n
THE RIGHT HOME STARTS WITH THE RIGHT MORTGAGE. With a variety of loan programs to offer, our team is fiercely committed to serving you and helping you choose the best home loan option to fit your unique needs. THE RIGHT Loan programs include: • Construction-to-Permanent Loans • Jumbo Loans • Medical Professional Loans • Renovation Loans • FHA/VA/USA Loans • First-Time Homebuyer Loans
1800 Parkway Place, Suite 820 Marietta, GA 30067 770.578.3600 | amerisbank.com
HOME STARTS WITH THE RIGHT MORTGAGE.
WE OFFER THE FOLLOWING LOAN PROGRAMS: CP Jumbo Por tfolio Lot Loans Conventional Bank Statement FHA / VA / USDA Medical Professional
Give us a call today. (770) 578-3600 All loans subject to credit approval.
All loans subject to credit approval.
WINTER 2022 KNOWAtlanta 47
HOMES & LIFESTYLES
David Weekley Homes
New Beginnings for Active Adults in 2022 By Amy Meadows
A
dam Cornett, Atlanta Division vice president for David Weekley Homes, knows exactly what home buyers
over the age of 55 want for themselves in the coming year. “Today’s active adults are looking for new beginnings,” he says. “They want opportunities to socialize with their
NOW IS THE TIME TO CONSIDER ACTIVE ADULT LIVING IN METRO ATLANTA
community offers its own unique take on the active adult lifestyle. All you have to do is find one that’s the right fit. To help you get your search underway, check out the following builders and developments and how they can help make 2022 the year of you.
David Weekley Homes
neighbors, beautiful homes where they can make memories of this great chapter
active adult real estate. Communities for
davidweekleyhomes.com
of their lives and surrounding communi-
those 55 and older are popping up seem-
“If we’ve learned anything from 2020 and
ties where they can explore.”
ingly everywhere, as local homebuilders
2021, it’s the value of thoughtfully crafted
recognize the specific needs of home buy-
homes in well-rounded communities,”
luck, as metro Atlanta has become one
If this sounds like you, then you are in
ers in this purchasing segment and strive
Cornett notes. And to serve the 55+ market
of the hottest markets when it comes to
to accommodate them. And each new
in particular, David Weekley Homes has a
48 KNOWAtlanta WINTER 2022
Lake Arrowhead
dedicated adult division: Encore by David
pools, community gardens and clubhouses
Estate Advisors. “It’s a new journey, new
Weekley Homes. This division of the
with dedicated lifestyle directors. Addition-
friendships, new beginnings and plenty
45-year-old company strives to create active
ally, every neighborhood is conveniently
of options to remain active—physically,
adult communities that offer a vibrant life-
located close to shopping, dining, entertain-
mentally and socially—which could lead
style paired with low-maintenance living.
ment, recreation and medical facilities in
to a longer, healthier and more fulfilling
Currently, the company is building three
the surrounding area, which speaks to the
quality of life.”
55+ communities in metro Atlanta; they are
exclusive needs of mature adults.
Lake Arrowhead, a gated mountain,
Heritage at Towne Lake and Glenhaven at
“David Weekley Homes is continually
lake and golf master-planned commu-
Ridgewalk in Woodstock and The Retreat
striving to improve for the benefit of our
nity located just outside of Canton, has
at Sterling Lake in Flowery Branch.
home buyers and homeowners,” Cornett
become one of the area’s most popular
concludes. “We’re extremely proud of
destinations for home buyers 55 and
with the way we address one-level living
“Buyers have been exceedingly pleased
the three active adult communities we
older, as the ever-growing develop-
so intentionally, including our focus on
have in place, but we’re also eager to see
ment offers an unparalleled suite of 55+
entertainment-friendly open floor plans,
what the future holds for our 55+ home
homes. According to Woodall, there are
outdoor living spaces, gourmet kitchens,
buyers. Because this is such a rapidly
exciting new plans and neighborhoods
walk-in super showers, zero-entry door-
growing segment for us, there will likely
slated to be released in Lake Arrowhead
ways and the option to add an upstairs
be more 55+ communities for Atlanta
in 2022, all of which would be ideal
bonus room or additional bedrooms to
home buyers from David Weekley Homes
for a primary residence, second home,
accommodate overnight guests like grand-
in the near future.”
weekend getaway or rental opportunity.
kids,” Cornett states. When you work with
The options will include lakeview homes,
the company during the building process,
Lake Arrowhead
you have the opportunity to collaborate
lakearrowheadga.com
ranch homes, estate homesites with acre-
with a professional interior designer to
“The great news about downsizing is
age, expansive mountain and golf view
pick the fixtures and finishes that will
that every year is a great year to consider
homes and golf villas. Within the homes,
make your space unique to you and your
active adult communities, as they are not
you’ll find such features as larger walk-in
tastes.
retirement homes, but populated with
showers, hands-free faucets, larger pantry
modern mountain cottages, lakeview
What’s more, each of David Weekley
residents who love life, value their inde-
space for expanded storage and more.
Homes’ active adult communities offers an
pendence and wish to remain as active as
Additionally, outdoor living features like
array of community amenities, from bocce
they can possibly be,” says Judie Woodall,
fireplaces, kitchens and large sliding glass
ball and pickleball courts to fitness centers,
a managing member of Strategic Real
doors create a warm and welcoming enviWINTER 2022 KNOWAtlanta 49
HOMES & LIFESTYLES
Traton Homes
ronment that can have a huge impact on
variety of communities in metro Atlanta’s
nity gathering areas. And the beautifully
mood, health and overall happiness.
most desirable locations,” says Kimberly
crafted and well-appointed ranch homes
Garwood, director of marketing for Traton
are a study in outstanding active adult
lake with over 21 miles of shoreline, a
Lake Arrowhead features a 540-acre
Homes. “And in 2022, many active adult
living, with open floor plans and spectac-
marina, lakeside park, hiking trails and
buyers will move in order to be closer to
ular indoor and outdoor living space.
more. In addition to the peaceful setting,
their children and grandchildren. They
the community has everything 55+ resi-
also will seek the sense of community that
that active adult buyers enjoy in their
dents could possibly wish for in a lakeside
comes from having neighbors that are in a
current home and pair those with the
resort-style community, including a full-
similar stage of life. It’s like college without
easy living lifestyle and functionality of a
time lifestyle director who works onsite
all of the school work!”
new home designed with their needs in
to maintain a bustling social calendar.
While Traton Homes has been build-
“At Traton, we try to instill the comforts
mind,” Garwood notes. “For example, our
Outdoor and boutique fitness options
ing in the Atlanta market since 1971, the
homes feature an owner’s suite, as well as
like Tai Chi, yoga and walking clubs are
company entered the active adult market
an additional guest bedroom or two, all on
popular, and Lake Arrowhead offers easy
in 2018. Today, the company boasts three
the main level. We also maintain landscap-
access to the championship Highlands
active adult communities: Courtyards
ing, which means home buyers can leave
Course, which is considered one of the
of Camden in West Cobb, Kirk Ridge in
their lawnmowers behind and enjoy the
best golf courses in Georgia.
Marietta and Courtyards at Ebenezer in
freedom of a lock-and-leave lifestyle.”
“We are in the business of delivering
East Cobb. And Traton plans to begin
Fifty years of homebuilding experience
dream homes at an affordable price,”
building several more 55+ communities
coupled with a recently defined focus on
Woodall says. “We are driven to create an
in 2022, including Courtyards at Hickory
the active adult market has allowed Traton
environment where our property owners
Flat in Canton in Cherokee County and
Homes to become a standout on 55+ real
love where they live.”
Courtyards at Traditions off of Majors
estate scene. Garwood concludes, “From
Road in Forsyth County. Each active
fantastic local amenities such as proxim-
adult community features its own unique
ity to great shopping, dining and health-
tratonhomes.com
style and fantastic amenities package,
care to exciting in-community amenities,
“2022 will be a great year to consider ac-
including such features as clubhouses,
there is an active adult community to suit
tive adult living because of the wonderful
pickleball courts, dog parks and commu-
every need.”
Traton Homes
50 KNOWAtlanta WINTER 2022
n
THE LIFESTYLE YOU WANT. THE HOME YOU’VE EARNED.
WOODLANDS
GOLF VILLAS
WOODLANDS / HIGHLANDS VISTA
SANCTUARY COVE
BLUFFS AT HIGHLANDS VISTA
DISCOVERY TOURS AVAILABLE IN OUR CHARMING GOLF VILLA
Rezide Properties Ranch Style Homes from the High $200s Majestic Lifestyle Builders Ranch-Style Homes from the $300s - $400s DR Horton Single Family Homes from the Mid $300s
Rezide Properties Luxury Golf View Villas from the Low $400s Majestic Lifestyle Builders Luxury Lakeside Living from the High $500s - $900s
COMING SOON! New Home Plans, New Neighborhoods, New Amenities and New Hiking Trails. Same Perfect Place to Call Home. 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 Information is believed accurate but not warranted and is subject to changes, omissions, errors, prior sales and withdrawal without notice.
L AKE ARROWHE ADGA .COM | 770 -720 -2700
L AK E AR ROWH E AD APPROVE D BU ILD E RS
GET TO KNOW EDUCATION
Spectacular STEM
Trinity School
52 KNOWAtlanta WINTER 2022
HOW METRO ATLANTA PRIVATE SCHOOLS ARE DEVELOPING STUDENTS’ LOVE FOR SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING AND MATHEMATICS
Mount Paran Christian School
By Lindsay Field Penticuff “
W
hen you think about it, STEM is at
Atlanta Girls’ School
carrying out and presenting a science fair
the root of everyone’s daily lives,”
3254 Northside Parkway NW
project at the regional and subsequent levels.
shares Emily Adams, Science
Atlanta, GA 30327
Department Chair and Innovative Teaching
(404) 845-0900
Atlanta International School
Chair at The Walker School in Marietta. In
atlantagirlsschool.org
2890 N Fulton Drive
fact, teaching students to think logically,
Atlanta, GA 30305
evaluate data, weigh the value of evidence,
“By integrating STEAM into the K-12 ex-
(404) 841-3840
draw conclusions and communicate
perience, students are ready to take on fur-
aischool.org
their insights to others are skills that will
ther opportunities in these areas as soon as
benefit them as they enter adulthood and
they start their next chapter.” ~Lisa Rios,
“Several alumni have mentioned that their
contribute to the well-being of their families
Computer Science and STEAM Teacher,
involvement and leadership in our STEAM
and communities. “Our brains are wired to
Robotics Coach, Atlanta Girls’ School
programs was key in their acceptance to top universities.” ~Dr. Peluchi Flores, Director
delight in the natural world around us,” she adds. “STEM education, when done with
An all-girls’ school, Atlanta Girls’ School
of STEAM and Interdisciplinary Learning
intention, immerses kids in the joy and
(AGS) sees STEAM as an integral part of its
3K-12, Atlanta International School
wonder in the exploration of their world.”
academic program. One of the best signs of
The Walker School is just one of many
its commitment is that all sixth graders are
At Atlanta International School (AIS),
metro Atlanta private schools that is dedi-
required to take a year-long STEAM course
the administration believes that every
cated to educating their students about the
in addition to their required science and
important issue—and the actions needed
importance of STEM (Science, Technology,
math courses for the year. AGS also began
to address them—comes back to STEM
Engineering and Mathematics) or STEAM,
offering AP Computer Science Principles
education in some way. That’s why the
which features the addition of the arts.
for the first time this year, and the school
school feels that it is critical for students to
KNOWAtlanta Magazine asked schools
has had competitive middle and high school
be able to apply and synthesize what they
across the area about their approach
robotics teams in the last four years. Addi-
learn in different STEM disciplines. There
to STEM; here, they explain why they
tionally, one of its other signature programs,
are many STEAM-related programs, clubs
prioritize these academic disciplines and
Leadership Labs, includes STEAM-based
and societies at AIS—everything from
share the offerings they have for students in
options, including an intensive course for
robotics to filmmaking and the Space
kindergarten through the 12th grade.
students who are interested in designing,
Program, which is hugely popular and WINTER 2022 KNOWAtlanta 53
Brandon Hall School CONVENIENTLY LOCATED IN SANDY SPRINGS OFF SPALDING DRIVE
GRADES 6 TO 12 8:1 CLASS SIZES IB AND AP COURSES 24-ACRE CERTIFIED WILDLIFE HABITAT
place while having the freedom to tinker makerspaces. This is where students can design, create, engineer, build and present their solutions to real-world problems individually and in collaborative teams. Several alumni have mentioned that their
Day + Boarding Options Available for Rolling Admissions! www.brandonhall.org For more information, please contact admissions@brandonhall.org
LEAD THE WAY!
dents say their most innovative ideas take and explore in one of the on-campus
Self confidence and life skills development Student-led service and passion projects College counseling and prep
FIND YOUR PASSION
always evolving. Many of the school’s stu-
involvement and leadership in the school’s STEAM programs were key in their acceptance to top universities.
Landmark Christian School 50 SE Broad Street Fairburn, GA 30213 (770) 306-0647 landmarkchristianschool.org “STEM is important because it teaches the principles that will be applied to the jobs that are not even in existence today— critical thinking, problem-solving skills, collaboration and more.” ~Baffour Osei, Lead STEM Faculty Member, Landmark Christian School. In the elementary school at Landmark Christian, the technology, engineering and design (TED) class serves students in first through fifth grades. The TED teacher encourages elementary students to use 21st Century skills to complete hands-on projects, as well as think holistically and in a more connected way to solve problems. In addition to the school’s engineering, coding and automation classes, Landmark Christian now has machine learning, 3D printing and machining as part of its STEM curriculum. And Landmark Christian recently opened a new makerspace in the new high school; it features state-of-theart computer numerical control (CNC) machining technology that includes a CNC lathe, CNC mill and CNC router. This technology allows the school’s students to expand their interests in working with tougher materials like steel and aluminum.
54 KNOWAtlanta WINTER 2022
The Lovett School 4075 Paces Ferry Road NW Atlanta, GA 30327 (404) 262-3032 lovett.org “We believe that the integrative approach of STEM education has impacted other content areas in a profound way. Educators from all disciplines have always looked for ways to make learning more relevant and expand their teaching repertoire.” ~Rebekah Daniell, K-12 Director of Academic Technology, The Lovett School In The Lovett School’s Lower School, students spend time meeting with classroom teachers to integrate InGen makerspace projects with their English/Language Arts, social studies or math units. They
Atlanta Girls’ School
also have a GlowForge laser cutter that
HEY YOU! I t ’ s t Ime
tO VIsIt
$13.7 million
2
in scholarships excluding Zell Miller, HOPE, and GTEG
National Merit Finalists
Class of 2021 | 83 graduates
7
of 83 graduates will play a collegiate sport
29
Honors College acceptances
4th Best Christian high sChool in georgia
Attend an Open House or Tour
Scan the QR Code to Visit or Learn More PK3-12 | Fairburn | Peachtree City
TO LEARN MORE WINTER 2022 KNOWAtlanta 55
“Building future leaders through a commitment to excellence.”
• The largest class is 18 students & no more than 16 up through 5th grade • Spanish and Mandarin Chinese taught daily • Rigorous, college-prep curriculum • Well-rounded Fine Arts and Athletic programs
“The Future is Our Priority” Pre-K through 12th Grade • LyndonAcademy.org, 770-926-0166
Pace Academy
they are working to integrate into student projects, allowing them to utilize their vision and creativity in various ways. What’s more, the school is currently expanding the Robotics Program in the Upper School. Led by 11th and 12th grade students, the program allows the older students to share their knowledge with ninth and 10th graders to help prepare students for future team competitions. Lovett also plans to expand STEM opportunities within the community and create references and how-to’s for teams. And as part of Lovett’s upcoming capital campaign, the school plans to reimagine its STEM spaces and find ways to make them more accessible and cohesive for all members of the Lovett community.
Mount Paran Christian School 1275 Stanley Road NW Kennesaw, GA 30152 (770) 578-0182 mtparanschool.com
holyspiritprep.org
“There has been a focus within the last 10 years for STEM education to become a key part of the curriculum as an effort to ensure that students are well-rounded and fully prepared with 21st Century skills.”
56 KNOWAtlanta WINTER 2022
School, Mount Paran Christian School Mount Paran Christian School is proud to be an official Project Lead the Way school. With a K-12 Project Lead the Way curriculum, learning experiences are authentic, hands-on and application-oriented, and students are engaged as investigators, experimenters, designers and makers. The school is currently awaiting the opening of the Murray Innovation Center (MIC), a 23,000-square-foot expansion that will offer innovative spaces for enhanced programming and instruction for an enriched high school educational experience; the expansion will almost double the size of the high school and is expected to open this spring. The final design offers improved layouts for student experiences in every STEAM discipline, and the MIC will include a dedicated
The College Football Hall of Fame STEAM Playbook The best way to engage students is to find a way to connect learning to the things they love. The Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame has done just that with its new STEAM Playbook, which provides a resource for educators to combine the passion for football with learning in an interactive and immersive way. With the hands-on “T.E.A.M.S.”(Technology, Engineering, the Arts, Mathematics and Science) curricula, students can experience the unique exhibits and interactives at the Hall of Fame from anywhere, from the classroom and the football field to their very own homes. Kids of all grade levels learn while having fun as STEAM is brought to life through real-world applications and the best of football history is blended with interactive technology. Educators can access the studentfriendly curriculum online. The Playbook also includes a special financial literacy experience for students in grades
Photo courtesy Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame
~Tina Baker, Assistant Head of Lower
9 through 12, courtesy of Regions Bank, which offers a curriculum designed to prepare students with early financial planning tools. Visit cfbhall.com to learn more and cfbhall.com/groups/fieldtrips/educational-resources to download the playbook.
robotics field, new science labs, technol-
JOIN US FOR A WORLD-CLASS EDUCATION • AIS offers the rigorous International Baccalaureate curriculum from Preschool to Grade 12 • Ours is a welcoming community with local roots and a global reach • Full or part immersion in Chinese, French, German and Spanish in the Primary years • Exceptional STEM, Arts and Athletics programs
aischool.org 2021AISAd_KnowAtlanta_7.25x4.875_NOV.indd 1
@aischool 11/12/21 9:40 AM
WINTER 2022 KNOWAtlanta 57
Galloway students confidently embrace challenges while developing the knowledge, skills, and cultural competence to thrive as enlightened contributors in their chosen pathways.
PRE-K3 – GRADE 12
Atlanta International School
ogy-rich collaborative areas, a digital lab, a makerspace, a fabrication lab, the Roost Café for entrepreneurship classes and a
Schedule your family’s tour at gallowayschool.org/visit! paceacademy.org/admissions
CONNECTING LEARNING TO LIFE AT EVERY LEVEL.
lake-facing quad with picturesque spots for outdoor teaching and community events.
Pace Academy 966 West Paces Ferry Road NW Atlanta, GA 30327 (404) 262-1345 paceacademy.org “I do think that STEAM education has impacted other areas of the curriculum—that’s the goal. We want students to problem solve, collaborate and think critically in every classroom and beyond, and cross-curricular collaborations have become much more common here at Pace,
WE THINK
which is exciting.” ~Katie Sandlin, Lower School Technology Teacher, Pace Academy The overall goal of the STEAM and Design programs at Pace Academy is to develop in students the mindset and practical skills for identifying and tackling pressing challenges, both globally and locally. Educators want to help address what students need today in order to be successful in their futures. This is evidenced in the growth of the school’s Lower School Robotics Pro-
58 KNOWAtlanta WINTER 2022
gram over the past few years, which has been phenomenal; members participate in the First Lego League, and the program has added fourth and fifth grade teams in recent years. Additionally, Pace’s new Kam Memar Lower School just opened and includes state-of-the-art classrooms and makerspaces for science, design thinking and the arts. In these spaces, students can build awareness and understanding of real world problems through a human-centered, hands-on and team-based approach to learning.
The Paideia School 1509 S Ponce De Leon Avenue NE Atlanta, GA 30307 (404) 270-2300 paideiaschool.org “STEM creates the opportunity for teachers
The Lovett School
to enrich their curriculum with innovative,
SAINT FRANCIS SCHOOLS
An exceptional college preparatory education
ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2022-2023 SCHOOL YEAR
Schedule your tour today! ROSWELL CAMPUS Grades K - 8
Marc Weiss Director of Admissions mweiss@sfschools.net
770.641.8257 x51
MILTON CAMPUS Grades 9 - 12
BrandonBryan High School Admissions bbryan@sfschools.net
678.339.9989 x33
FULL DAY KINDERGARTEN! • Cognia Accredited (AdvancEd, S.A.I. S) • No Religious Affiliation • SB 10 Scholarship Funds Accepted • Challenging College Preparatory Curriculum • AP/Honors, Traditional, Support and Academic Enhancement Courses • Small Class Size • Low Student/Teacher Ratio • Study and Organizational Skills • Google Apps for Education • Intensive Writing Approach
• Wilson Reading System® • S.T.E.A.M., Robotics, Broadcasting, and Video Production • Laptops Required Grades 4 - 12 • After School Homework Hour • GHSA Sports Program Football and Equestrian • Bus Service Available
Saint Francis Elementary and Middle Schools 9375 Willeo Road | Roswell, GA 30075 Saint Francis High School | 13440 Cogburn Road | Milton, Georgia 30004 www.saintfrancisschools.com
WINTER 2022 KNOWAtlanta 59
Apply Now | Grades 6-12
ENROLL TODAY!
YOUR FUTURE
LEADER’S SEAT IS WAITING. 2001 Riverside Drive, Gainesville, GA 30501 apply@riversidemilitary.com | 1.877.692.2338
Wood Acres School
hands-on approaches. For example, our students have created interactive 3D maps, Minecraft simulations of ancient Rome and VR experiences based on their literature books.” ~Dave Fergemann, STEAM Coordinator, The Paideia School
Innovating Education from Preschool to Grade 12
At Mount Vernon, learning is amplified through real-world problem solving. Your student will be empowered to explore, discover, learn, design, create, and effect change.
The high school science program at The Paideia School has some of the most diverse offerings in the Atlanta area, including Forensic Science, Medical Botany, Oceanography, Neuropsychology, Humans and the Environment, Disease and the Modern World and AP courses in Physics, Chemistry and Biology. And at the upper elementary level, the school recently added a weekly class called Inquiry, which focuses on developing critical thinking skills through handson activities that connect to the science curriculum. Additionally, each spring, students participate in the Atlanta Science Festival by hosting the Family Science Carnival, in which students from all levels of the school create science-based
SCHEDULE YOURVISIT mountvernonschool.org/admissions
60 KNOWAtlanta WINTER 2022
games and activities. Paideia is also in the midst of a capital campaign that will allow the school to build new, fully equipped makerspaces and other STEAM facilities for all three division levels.
Challenging Children to Reach Further Than They Thought Possible 4301 Northside Parkway NW
Our students’ curiosity is sparked through a rigorous curriculum, and interpersonal relationships are developed through extensive extracurricular activities including award-winning fine arts, athletics, and robotics. Our school culture encourages students to take educational risks and understand that failure is a critical step along the path to growth, success, and becoming a lifelong learner.
Atlanta, GA 30327
Gainesville, GA — 4 minutes off I-985 | PreK 3 - Grade 12
Trinity School (404) 231-8100 trinityatl.org
Learn More at lakeviewacademy.com
“Now that we have a deeper awareness of what STEAM is and how it’s implemented, teachers are seamlessly using STEAM instructional practices in all classes, across all subject areas, to create hands-on learning experiences driven by student inquiry and creative exploration.” ~Martha Harris, Director of Curriculum, Trinity School Over the years, STEAM education has evolved from a standalone course or unit of study to a broad integration into the overall program at Trinity School, as the administration wants the school’s students to see how interconnected all learning is
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Half Day 3 - 5 year olds January 10, 2022
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and how their strengths in one academic arena can support and propel their learning and understanding in other areas. Trinity is fortunate to have materials and resources that support STEAM education throughout the school, including experts, materials and spaces that engage students in intentional learning experiences in which they all have an opportunity to
Celebrating 50 Years
PAIDEIASCHOOL.ORG 1509 Ponce de Leon Ave . Atlanta . 404/270-2312 Paideia does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, ethnic group, gender, or sexual orientation.
create, design and problem-solve. This WINTER 2022 KNOWAtlanta 61
Wonder and inquiry are infused in all
(770) 971-1880
nology lab and outdoor learning spaces
areas of the curriculum at The Walker
woodacresschool.org
that engage and ignite curiosity for young
School. The school has created an eighth
learners. And in recent years, the school
grade Physical Science Seminar course
“STEAM learning at Wood Acres promotes
has developed a curriculum and innova-
that allows students who are deeply
team collaboration, develops critical
tion hub (iHub) that educates each student
passionate about science to take a deeper
thinking and problem-solving skills and
on the foundations of engineering and
dive into the fields of physics and chem-
nurtures the social-emotional side of stu-
design principles.
istry through collaborative, open-ended
dents.” ~Sarah Paquette, Science Director,
projects. And in order to continue to
Wood Acres School
The Walker School
strengthen the vertical connections with
700 Cobb Parkway N
the Lower School science program, Walker
At the Wood Acres School, the mission is
Marietta, GA 30062
has incorporated some FOSS (Full
to educate and prepare students for situ-
(678) 540-7229
Option Science System) inquiry-based
ations that they will encounter in higher
thewalkerschool.org
units in the sixth and seventh grade
education and in their chosen careers. All
classes to keep the questioning going. In
topics covered in the classroom are always
“Our brains are wired to delight in the nat-
the Upper School, Walker has created a
discussed as they relate to the real world.
ural world around us. STEM education,
Science Policy elective to engage students
Early STEAM exposure is key to a future
when done with intention, immerses kids
in the vital connections between scien-
filled with new technology and improved
in the joy and wonder in the exploration
tific knowledge and application of that
ways of life. That’s why all kindergar-
of their world.” ~Cristi LeBron, Technology
knowledge in society. This year, students
ten through eighth grade students take
Department Chair and Director of Educa-
are grappling with public health, energy,
designated STEAM classes. And last year,
tional Technology, The Walker School
climate change, the environment and
the school added a STEAM spring tinker
space by participating in conversations
class for pre-K students. Wood Acres also
with subject matter experts across the
offers gender-split STEM/STEAM classes
country.
in middle school and has a designated
Wood Acres School Marietta, GA 30062
that students work through in the HIVE.
IS ABOUT FINDING WAYS TO MAKE POSITIVE IMPACTS.
We look forward to getting to know your child and their passions.
WOODWARD ACADEMY
62 KNOWAtlanta WINTER 2022
campus. Freedom for creative vision is encouraged and integral to each activity
WOODWARD WAY
woodward.edu/visit
STEAM lab building called the HIVE on
1772 Johnson Ferry Road
THE
EDUCATION
includes a dedicated makerspace, a tech-
Landmark Christian School
n
Where authentic Christian mission and academic excellence aren’t mutually exclusive E XPLOR E WE SLEYA N SCHOOL AT WW W. WESL EYAN SCHOOL. ORG/A DMI S S I ONS
LUMPKIN PICKENS
KNOWATLANTA GUIDE TO METRO ATLANTA PRIVATE SCHOOLS DAWSON CHEROKEE
26 15
FORSYTH Canton
BARTOW
Cumming
Cartersville
HALL
18
28
Acworth 23 Kennesaw
11
27
35
COBB
Marietta
Powder Springs
37
GWINNETT
Duluth
21
1
316
Norcross
Sandy Dunwoody Springs 22 Doraville 32
BARROW
Dacula Lawrenceville
29 Chamblee
Smyrna
Austell
3
7
31
Dallas
JACKS Suwanee
400
Roswell 8
10 20
Buford
14 Alpharetta
19
Woodstock
PAULDING
Gainesville
24 12
34 Mableton
30 17 33
Tucker
9 4
13
6
25
Atlanta
WALTON
Snellville
Stone Mountain
2
5
Lilburn
Loganville
DEKALB
Monroe
Decatur
Douglasville
Lithonia
DOUGLAS
ROCKDALE
East Point College Park
36
Forest Park
FULTON
Morrow
Union City Fairburn 16
COWETA
Conyers
Hapeville
CLAYTON
FAYETTE
Jonesboro
HENRY
Fayetteville
1. The Alfred & Adele Davis Academy
14. King’s Ridge Christian School
2. Annunciation Day School
15. Lakeview Academy
3. Atlanta Academy
Peachtree City16. Landmark Christian School
4. Atlanta Girl’s School Newnan
NEWTON
Stockbridge
McDonough 27. Saint Francis School
28. Saint Francis High School 29. Springmont School
17. Lovett School
30. Trinity School
5. Atlanta International School
18. Lyndon Academy
31. The Walker School
6. Atlanta Speech School
19. Mill Springs Academy
32. Wesleyan School
7. Brandon Hall School
20. Mount Paran Christian School
33. Westminster
8. The Cottage School
21. Mount Pisgah Christian School
34. Whitefield Academy
9. The Galloway School
22. The Mount Vernon School
35. The Wood Acres School
10. GRACEPOINT School
23. North Cobb Christian School
36. Woodward Academy Main Campus
11. High Meadows School
24. Pace Academy
37. Woodward Academy North Campus
12. Holy Spirit Preparatory School
25. The Paideia School
13. The Howard School
26. Riverside Military Academy
64 KNOWAtlanta WINTER 2022
Georgia State University
Planting STEM Seeds METRO ATLANTA UNIVERSITIES ENGAGE K-12 STUDENTS WITH CLASSROOM AND VIRTUAL STEM PROGRAMS By Ken Abramczyk
A
s science, technology, engineer-
solving the greatest problems of our time
Georgia Institute of Technology. “They can
ing and math fields advance at
and understanding the world around us.”
work on messy, big projects that a teacher
mind-numbing speeds, educators
may not want to take on in a classroom.”
know K-12 STEM instruction is critical
The Georgia Institute of Technology
in that tomorrow’s leaders must mas-
The Georgia Institute of Technology,
kids to Georgia Tech’s campus last year.
ter these topics. While all of Georgia’s
or Georgia Tech, hosts a multitude of
Students dissected a squid, built a roller
colleges and universities recognize the
programs through its Center for Educa-
coaster and worked on game development
importance of STEM education at the
tion Integrating Science, Mathematics and
at some of the workshops. Students are
collegiate level, many of them are work-
Computing (CEISMC). Now in its 30th
interested in robotics as well, DeStefano
ing to promote STEM at the K-12 level as
year, CEISMC brings high-quality STEM
says. “We get them to think of robotics
well, upgrading programs, initiatives and
education to PreK through grade 12
and technology as a way of solving soci-
offerings to K-12 students and teachers.
students. Georgia Tech students help with
ety’s problems,” she explains. “We try to
instruction and coordination of some of
expose them to robotics and technology,
the programs.
get them excited about these fields and put
“Research shows that science and engineering instruction often is not prioritized in elementary schools, and this lack of
For instance, CEISMC schedules a KIDS
The STEAM workshops drew 300
them on a path to do great things.”
priority is exacerbated in underserved and
Club for younger elementary students and
CEISMC’s programs encourage in-per-
under-resourced schools,” says Amanda
STEAM for grades seven through 12 on
son, hands-on learning, but COVID-19
Buice, executive director of the Georgia
Saturdays. These programs are “designed
changed all of that. To keep students
Youth Science and Technology Centers,
to give students STEM experience,” says
involved, CEISMC launched the STEAM
headquartered at Kennesaw State Univer-
Lizanne DeStefano, executive director of
whistle online program in March 2020,
sity. “Yet, STEM skills are essential tools for
CEISMC and professor of psychology at the
compiling and distributing kits for stuWINTER 2022 KNOWAtlanta 65
EDUCATION
dents with projects to complete at home.
Georgia State University
when they take a psychology class,” says
The kits included building materials for
Georgia State University’s Center for
Jennifer Walcott, project coordinator for
a civil engineering project, and a coding
Behavioral Neuroscience (CBN) offers
the Center for Behavioral Neuroscience.
project used Earsketch, a software that
pre-college initiatives for students who
“There are not many neuroscience pro-
helps students learn core topics in com-
are interested in the human brain,
grams at that level.”
puter science, music and music technolo-
nervous system and neuroscience. High
The Neuroscience School fills that
gy. “The kids learn coding through music
school students can attend short courses
need. Courses include a neurological
mixing,” DeStefano says. Students also
at the school during the summer. The
boot camp, advanced courses on neuro-
can lease iPad, tablets or Chrome books,
CBN focuses on state-of-the-art research
logical disorders and an optogenetics lab
then ship them back or drop them off at
on the brain mechanisms that underlie
in which students study the technique
schools for this project. The program was
behavior and recruits young people from
scientists use to manipulate neurons
so beneficial in the fall of 2020, as many
all over metro Atlanta to join in science
using light. A scientific communication
students remained at home, that CEISMC
education programs.
camp to examine scientific writing and
extended it through this year. For more information, visit ceismc.gatech.edu.
“High school students often have their interest in neuroscience piqued
data visualization is expected to be scheduled for the summer of 2022. Addition-
LIFE UNIVERSITY SETS THE GROUNDWORK FOR TOMORROW’S STEM LEADERS Students seeking STEM careers can look to Life University in
all organisms to be conscious, self-developing, self-maintaining
Marietta to forge a path toward success.
and self-healing.” Graduates are equipped to enter occupations
While known as a leader in chiropractic education, Life offers an array of programs that are geared toward creating the next generation of STEM leaders, whether it is instructing the critical basics of biology or outlining the complex interdependence of mind and body in biopsychology. In fact, those are just two of
such as botanist, marine biologist, animal technician or environmental technician. Biopsychology: Students explore the impact of human behavior, emotion and cognition on health. Courses help students prepare for chiropractic or medical
Life University’s 14 undergraduate degrees in everything from
school, dentistry, physical
health and social sciences to business and interdisciplinary
or occupational therapy,
studies. Life University’s STEM instruction establishes a learning
or they follow career
foundation and appreciation for impacting the lives of others,
tracks in business, edu-
the community and the world.
cation, research or other
“We have some very unique opportunities for student learn-
industries.
ing” says Catherine Faust, associate dean of academic administration, College of Graduate and Undergraduate Studies. “For
Human Ecology: This pro-
example, students in the exercise science-sport health science
gram instructs students
programs are using equipment to assess human performance that you may not find in large state schools.” What’s more, she adds, “What sets us apart from other schools is our size. We have small class sizes where there is ample opportunity for the students to interact with the faculty in an environment that utilizes the latest technology.” The following Bachelor of Science programs are just some of the undergraduate programs at Life University that provide an entrance into STEM fields: Biology: This curriculum is “grounded in a philosophy that is deeply respectful of the innate intelligence of life—the ability of
66 KNOWAtlanta WINTER 2022
on advancing methods to achieve sustainability. Students can focus on People, Politics and Social Change or Science Sustainability and Resource Management. Computer Information Management: Students studying for associate’s or bachelor’s degrees prepare for positions in technology development to create mobile apps, interactive websites and databases for businesses and healthcare organizations. Additional STEM programs are available in dietetics, culinary nutrition, exercise science, health coaching, nutrition and psychology. For more information, visit life.edu.
ally, graduate students visit high school classrooms during STEM nights or science nights at local high schools. The Yerkes National Primate Research Center also loans out a model of the brain for discussions with students.
EDUCATION
High school students interested in neuroscience are also drawn to the Atlanta Regional Brain Bee, a national brain trivia competition for high school students hosted by CBN. CBN co-sponsors the event with the Atlanta Chapter of the Society for Neuroscience. The 2022 competition is scheduled for March 5, with workshops for participating students
Kennesaw State University
on Feb. 5 and Feb. 22. GYSTC offers in-class field trips,
and marine environmental issues at the
which offers an eight-week summer
The Institute on Neuroscience (ION),
virtual classes, Saturday science events,
center. Additionally, according to Anne
internship for high school students
after-school activities and summer camps.
Lindsay, associate director for Marine
who excel in science and are interested
The regional centers serve as lending
Education, many Atlanta-area students in
in research, was put on hiatus due to
libraries for equipment for teachers, as well
grades five and up visit and stay onsite for
COVID. “We believe it will be back in
as host Family Science and STEM Nights.
two or three days.
2023,” Walcott says. High school students
A recent lesson highlighted how organisms
who excel in science and are interested in
adapt to live in a certain geographic region,
ipate in field exploration and hands-on
research should check for updates for the
while another demonstrated how light
labs in which they study plankton or
2023 school year.
travels as students constructed a kaleido-
invertebrates, Lindsay says. They also can
For more information, visit cbn-atl.org/
scope. The center also hosts STEM Teacher
ride in the Sea Dawg, a 43-foot research
education.
Academies and other sessions for teachers.
vessel, on which they can gather field
Kennesaw State University
enable students to ask questions, obtain
ter quality. “They can study plankton and
The Georgia Youth Science and Tech-
information and think critically,” Buice
document invasive species,” Lindsay says.
nology Centers (GYSTC), a private,
says. “Scientific thinking and understand-
The students also familiarize themselves
not-for-profit educational organization
ing are essential not just for STEM profes-
with lab equipment.
designed to increase interest in STEM
sionals, but for all people as they navigate
subjects, is headquartered at Kennesaw
the world.” Buice says that by providing
COVID, as the center initiated pilot pro-
State University and has eight regional
young children with problem-solving
grams. “We can use it to engage students
centers across the state. The centers are
skills, more of them are encouraged to
and teachers, who aren’t able to travel to
managed by science educators to plant
pursue STEM studies and careers.
the coast, and meet their needs,” she notes.
the STEM “seeds of knowledge” early in
For more information, visit gytsc.org.
“It helps us build bridges with the public
students’ education. “Realizing that high school is often too
“Skills gained from exposure to STEM
University of Georgia
During their visit, students can partic-
data and take river samples to study wa-
Virtual learning expanded during
and helps us expand our programs.” The general public also can attend
late to develop a love for STEM subjects,
Students who want to study marine
workshops to learn about microplastics
GYSTC focuses on increasing interest and
science and coastal ecology can partic-
surveys, phytoplankton monitoring and
enthusiasm in grades K through eight,”
ipate in classes and workshops at the
marine debris surveys. In addition, the
says Buice. “Waiting until middle school to
University of Georgia’s Marine Educa-
center hosts a Youth Conservation Sum-
give students equal access to science means
tion Center and Aquarium, located on
mit in February for sixth to ninth graders
they have less time to develop important
Skidaway Island just 20 minutes from
to learn about ocean conservation from
thinking and problem-solving skills.”
downtown Savannah. UGA students
experts and network with other students.
and researchers study coastal ecology
For information, visit gacoast.uga.edu.
For students, teachers and families, 68 KNOWAtlanta WINTER 2022
n
GET TO KNOW METRO ATLANTA’S COUNTIES The Counties of Metro Atlanta
Fannin
According to the Atlanta Regional Commission, the 20-county Atlanta
a dozen of the most sought-after counties in metro Atlanta. You’ll learn
Union
Whitfield
region will be home to more than eight million people by the year 2040. Murray
about each county’s proximity to the city, basic facts, the major cities and
The counties that comprise the area are as distinctive as the people who live
neighborhoods, school information and more. Consider it your primer for
Walker within them, as each one has its own personality, features andGilmer resources.
getting to know Atlanta and its beautiful communities. When you relocate,
In the pages that follow, KNOWAtlanta will introduce you to more than
all of the information you need is right here at your fingertips. Habersham
White
Lumpkin
Chattooga
Stephens
Gordon
Pickens Dawson
Lake Sydney Lanier
Banks
Floyd
Forsyth Bartow
Franklin
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
Greene FOREST PARK
Clayton
Rockdale STOCKBRIDGE
Heard
Morgan Newton
Henry
Fayette Coweta
Clarke
Gwinnett
DUNWOODY NORCROSS
Paulding
Jackson
ALPHARETTA
PEACHTREE CITY
Jasper Spalding
Putnam
Butts
METRO ATLANTA HIGHWAYS Interstate 75 I-75 runs northwest to southeast straight through the City of Atlanta.
Interstate 20 I-20 is a major artery running east to west through the City of Atlanta.
Interstate 85 I-85 runs northeast to southwest and converges with I-75 to form the Downtown Connector.
Interstate 285 Known as “The Perimeter,” this interstate loop encircles Atlanta and connects I-75, I-85 and I-20 to the city.
Georgia State Route 400 GA 400 runs north to south through the north-central suburbs of Atlanta and is concurrent with U.S. Route 19.
Interstate 575 I-575 is a 30-mile spur route that branches off of I-75 and traverses the northwestern suburbs.
Interstate 675 This auxiliary highway runs through the southeast part of metro Atlanta connecting Stockbridge to I-285. WINTER 2022 KNOWAtlanta 69
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 $250,000 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 86 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
H
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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 70 KNOWAtlanta WINTER 2022
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: $399,000 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 86 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 WINTER 2022 KNOWAtlanta 71
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: $200,000 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 72 KNOWAtlanta WINTER 2022
EDUCATION: PUBLIC SCHOOLS Clayton County Schools clayton.k12.ga.us PRIVATE SCHOOLS Turn to page 86 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
H
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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: $379,000 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 86 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
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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.
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NATURAL GAS Georgia Natural Gas gng.com/knowatlanta H
MAJOR COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES Chattahoochee Technical College chattahoocheetech.edu Kennesaw State University kennesaw.edu Life University life.edu
Marietta
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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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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: $359,000 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
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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 86 for the independent schools listing and a map. Annunciation Day School annunciationdayschool.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 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
Emory University
WATER DeKalb County Water System dekalbcountyga.gov
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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: $270,000 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 86 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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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:
PRIVATE SCHOOLS Turn to page 86 for the independent schools listing and a map.
Tyrone
Fayettville
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: $407,000 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.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS Fayette County Schools fcboe.org
Landmark Christian School landmarkchristianschool.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.
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
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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: $479,000 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 86 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
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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: $400,000 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
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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 86 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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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: $350,000 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.
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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 86 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 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
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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: $339,000 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 84 KNOWAtlanta WINTER 2022
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 86 for the independent schools listing and a map. Lakeview Academy lakeviewacademy.com 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
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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: Atlanta
PRIVATE SCHOOLS Turn to page 86 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.
UTILITIES: Stockbridge
McDonough
Henry
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: $299,000 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
ATTRACTIONS:
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: PUBLIC SCHOOLS Henry County Schools henry.k12.ga.us
• Atlanta Motor Speedway • Panola Mountain State Park • Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary • Cubihatcha Outdoor Center
Eagles Landing Country Club
Atlanta Motor Speedway
Panola State Park WINTER 2022 KNOWAtlanta 85
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: $300,000 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 86 KNOWAtlanta WINTER 2022
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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 86 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
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Distance from Conyers to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Int’l Airport 27 Miles POPULATION: 90,594 MEDIAN HOME PRICE: $270,000 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.
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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 86 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 WINTER 2022 KNOWAtlanta 87
Advertiser Index Contact our advertisers for helpful information about your move. NEW HOMES & CONDOS Berkshire Hathaway
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David Weekley Homes
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Toll Brothers
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Traditions of Braselton
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INTERIM HOUSING TP Corporate Lodging
20
The Paideia School
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Lake Arrowhead
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Riverside Military Academy
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Traton Homes
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Saint Francis Schools
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Wesleyan School
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Woodward Academy
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EDUCATION Atlanta International School
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Brandon Hall School
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UTILITIES
The Galloway School
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SCANA Energy
High Meadows School
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Landmark Christian School
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Life University
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Lyndon Academy
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The Mount Vernon School
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FINANCE/MORTGAGE
Pace Academy
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Ameris Bank
BC, 32
AREA INFORMATION Braselton Visitors Bureau
12
City of Chamblee
13
City of Smyrna
15
College Football Hall of Fame
14
47
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