KNOWAtlanta Relocation Magazine Winter 2022

Page 1

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



ENJOY YOUR DAILY DRIVE.

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to spacious two- and three-story homes or

• Pickle Ball & Sports Court

Traditions has it all.

• Open Green for Outdoor Events

even custom home offerings -

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

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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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Visit TollBrothers.com/KNOWAtlanta for more information

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.

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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,

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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

USE YOUR PHONE’S CAMERA TO INTERACT WITH US APPLICATION DEADLINE:

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

Half Day 3 - 5 year olds January 10, 2022

Kindergarten - 12th February 1, 2022

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

H

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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

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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

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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.

SCANA Energy scanaenergy.com H

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

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

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

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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

Mall of Georgia WINTER 2022  KNOWAtlanta  83


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

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

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

Atlanta

Distance from Dallas to Downtown Atlanta 33 Miles

UTILITIES:

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

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

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EDUCATION: PUBLIC SCHOOLS Paulding County Schools paulding.k12.ga.us PRIVATE SCHOOLS Turn to page 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.

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

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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

55+ LIVING CHOICES 35

David Weekley Homes

3

Davidson Homes

IBC

J5 31 Graydon Buckhead

27

Lennar Atlanta

41

McKinley Homes

29

Paran Homes

IFC

Rocklyn Homes

5

Toll Brothers

11

Traditions of Braselton

1

INTERIM HOUSING TP Corporate Lodging

20

The Paideia School

61

Lake Arrowhead

51

Riverside Military Academy

60

Traton Homes

45

Saint Francis Schools

59

Wesleyan School

63

Woodward Academy

62

EDUCATION Atlanta International School

57

Brandon Hall School

54

UTILITIES

The Galloway School

58

SCANA Energy

High Meadows School

54

Holy Spirit Preparatory School

56

Lakeview Academy

61

Landmark Christian School

55

Life University

67

Lyndon Academy

56

The Mount Vernon School

60

FINANCE/MORTGAGE

Pace Academy

58

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

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

KNOWAtlanta.com

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

88  KNOWAtlanta   WINTER 2022

@knowatlanta

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BARTOW | CHEROKEE | EAST COBB WEST FORSYTH | GWINNETT | HENRY EAST PAULDING

We build where you want to be. YOUR COMMUNITY BUILDER Davidson Homes offers the home buyer a quality home with professionally designed features and options selected with their needs in mind, as well as, the ability to choose from designer options and upgrades to allow for personalization, making their new home, their dream home. Our local sales and construction teams are committed to customer service, paying attention to every detail to ensure a pleasant home buying experience.

1,400-6,000 sqft | Low $300s to $1M+ Call us today or visit us online to schedule a tour in one of our upscale communities!

404.999.1579

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