Myth busting real estate-style
It seems like when I talk to young couples and young families they just assume they can’t afford to buy in Westside Atlanta, but yet they are paying the high rents here. With mortgage rates so low, despite recent spikes, renters might easily make the same monthly payment but be investing it in a home in one of these hot, up-and-coming neighborhoods. So, I decided to write a post to bust some of the myths about living and owning on the Westside by breaking it down neighborhood-by-neighborhood. So, here goes:
Berkeley Park
Deeply historical area. Has been farmland and a civil war battlefield. Officially established in 1920 to house workers of the Atlantic Station Steel Mill.
Myth busted: Renovated 2 bed/1 bath bungalows sell for under $300,000!
Best feature: Lots of great features but I love that it’s a close-knit community and very walkable to dining and shopping.
Schools: E. Rivers Elementary School, Sutton Middle School, North Atlanta High School.
If you have elementary-aged children, this is the place to be on the Westside as the city is investing heavily in this area and school. Check out what Great Schools says, which rates it a 7 out of 10. Parents I talk to with children at E. Rivers love the school and teachers.
Insider tip: Get into this neighborhood at very affordable levels now because in five years it will be as expensive to buy here as in the surrounding neighborhoods because the Beltline will run through the neighborhood. Read other quick stats about Berkeley Park here.
Riverside
Used to be a working plantation and the original residence and carriage house can still be seen at the intersection of Spink St. and Hollywood Rd. There are several neighborhoods around Riverside that are very affordable too, like Bolton, Whittier Mills and DuPont Commons, but I’m just sticking to Riverside for this post.
Myth busted: Median home price so far this year is $239,800*!
Best feature: Very walkable, urban environment balanced by the beauty of nature being right on the banks of the Chattahoochee River.
Schools: Bolton Academy Elementary, Westside Charter School, Sutton Middle School, North Atlanta High School.
Insider tip: Popular neighborhood for young professionals and growing families that love the city life but appreciate escaping to the beauty of the river. Read other quick stats about the Riverside here.
Underwood Hills
Originally known as Northside Park, this in-town neighborhood used to be home to many employees of the Seaboard Coastline Railroad. The two-bedroom cottages and bungalows that used to house them have been renovated or replaced with new residential homes.
Myth busted: Diverse neighborhood, with lots to offer in the way of housing from single-family housing to apartments, townhomes and condos. Prices range from $300,000 to $860,000.
Best feature: Great for families. Best known for its amazing park and playground.
Schools: E. Rivers Elementary, Sutton Middle School and North Atlanta High School.
Insider tip: Commercial redevelopment in the area will bring more dining options and possibly higher prices in the not too distant future. More info about Underwood Hills can be found here.
Channing Valley
This neighborhood sits in West Buckhead between Collier Road and I-75. It’s a little pricier than the neighborhoods above but this little gem of a neighborhood is walkable to shopping and dining along Howell Mill. Median home value is $478,500*.
Myth busted: There are still affordable single family homes available in the Morris Brandon Elementary school district, in Channing Valley!
Best feature: Rated one of the best neighborhoods to live in Atlanta based on schools, crime and safety, great for families, great nightlife and diversity.
Schools: Morris Brandon Elementary—a wonderful school, rated 10 out of 10 by Great Schools and where my children attend; I can’t say enough great things about the teachers and community—Sutton Middle School, North Atlanta High School.
Insider tip: This is my neighborhood and homes sell fast—sometimes before they hit the market—because of affordability and the friendly, welcoming neighbors. If you want to buy in this neighborhood, you better know someone on the inside!
Well, renters, have I piqued your interest? There are lots of great neighborhoods on the Westside! Give me a call and we can talk about which one might be right for you. And if you’d like to learn more about market activity for these and other popular neighborhoods, check out The Hatch Neighborhood Report.
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