Living the Condo Lifestyle
By Gwyn Herbein
With its myriad of distinctive neighborhoods, restaurants and cultural attractions, Atlanta is a city that has something for everyone. The same can be said for the city’s selection of condominiums. From couples looking to downsize from a house, first-time homebuyers craving a slice of city life, or those who want the slower pace of suburban living without the maintenance of owning a house, the condo market in Atlanta can fit any budget and lifestyle.
At the height of the housing boom, neighborhoods like downtown, Midtown and Buckhead built up the skyline with high-rise condos. These properties continue to offer residents the best of Atlanta’s culture, sports and dining just steps from their front door. For those looking to take a break from the hustle and bustle of city living, there is no shortage of properties in Smyrna, Marietta and other neighborhoods that offer their own charm and activities to keep residents busy. No matter what your lifestyle, Atlanta’s condo market has the right home for you.
Bright Lights, Big City
Many buyers are lured to condos in established intown neighborhoods like Midtown and Buckhead because of their proximity to the city’s restaurants and nightlife. At TWELVE Centennial Park, a 39-story high-rise, residents are just minutes away from some of Atlanta’s best sports and event venues like Phillips Arena and the Georgia Dome. “There’s convenience to living intown that you can’t get in a suburban, single-family community,” says Matt Smith of TWELVE. “There’s a huge variety of restaurants and shops within walking distance. Our homeowners love being in the heart of the city with all the activities, nightlife and sporting events.” For those who enjoy spending time outdoors, Gay Bennett, also of TWELVE, notes that the complex is situated right between Atlanta’s two biggest parks: Centennial Olympic Park and Piedmont Park. Another draw to intown living is the ease of getting around, both on foot and with MARTA. From TWELVE, which is just a block from the Civic Center MARTA station, it’s an easy 13-minute ride to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
Several intown properties have the added benefit of being mixed-use facilities, offering residents multiple shopping and dining options right outside their front door. “Condominiums promote efficiencies for people’s typical routines as they are typically located in city centers or mixed-use properties where retailers, restaurants, parks, dry cleaners, banking, grocery stores, etc., are located a block or two away,” explains Jason Winburn of Daniel Corporation, developers of the 12th and Midtown complex. This complex includes the 1010 Midtown condos, a 35-story high-rise with units that feature panoramic views of nearby Piedmont Park, as well as the Midtown and Downtown skylines. For those who like a little culture, 1010 is only blocks away from the Woodruff Arts Center, home to the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, the Alliance Theater and the High Museum of Art.
One of the most unique aspects of the Atlanta condo market is that no two properties are the same. While properties may share some of the same amenities, each integrates itself into its respective neighborhood in a different way. Over the past several years, the Westside neighborhood of Atlanta, also known as West Midtown, has grown into the city’s go-to destination for boutique, furniture and art gallery shopping. It’s also one of the city’s best dining destinations, with well-established fine dining classics like Bacchanalia and newcomers like JCT Kitchen serving up some of Atlanta’s best cuisine. Living in a complex like the White Provision Residences puts homeowners right in the heart of the action.
Another area to consider is the Peachtree Battle neighborhood, which lies just north of Midtown and south of Buckhead. Residents at the Astoria at the Aramore can relax in their own private cabana at the development’s pool, or enjoy dinner at the renowned Restaurant Eugene next door. “Our residents love being able to walk their dog or jog in the historic Peachtree Battle neighborhood,” says Jack Williams of Kairos Development Corporation. “Anyone who tours these homes feels that there is nothing like it in Atlanta—unique plans, large rooms and finishes that surpass expectations.”
Getting Away From It All
Because of all the intown building that occurred during the housing boom, new residents may be tempted to think that luxurious condo living doesn’t exist outside of Midtown or Buckhead. But the Atlanta condo market reaches beyond the borders of these neighborhoods. Neighborhoods like Marietta, Vinings and Sandy Springs boast beautiful properties with all the necessary amenities and spectacular views of the city.
Located less than 20 miles from downtown Atlanta, the city of Marietta offers residents just the right mix of small-town charm (the city was established in 1834) with big-city sensibilities. The gem of Marietta is Marietta Square, which is often bustling with concerts, parades or other community-oriented events. The newly opened Emerson Overlook is situated right in the heart of downtown Marietta, just steps away from the square. “At Emerson Overlook you can enjoy all that the Marietta Square offers, from Art Walks to concerts in Glover Park, brunch in the local restaurants, buying fresh produce at the Marietta Farmers Market and enjoying a play at Theater on the Square,” says Leslie Williamson of NRT Development Advisors. Emerson Overlook also provides great views of the nearby North Georgia Mountains, most notably Kennesaw Mountain. Emerson Overlook offers one-, two- or three-bedroom units that range in size from 1,093 to 2,648 square feet and have hardwood floors, 10-foot ceilings and spacious balconies.
Located just northwest of downtown Atlanta and across the Chattahoochee River lies the historic town of Vinings. Convenient to I-285, I-75 and Georgia 400, Vinings is an up-and-coming condo market with lots of options. In addition to being close to all that Atlanta’s intown neighborhoods have to offer, Vinings is also convenient to the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, the Cobb Galleria shopping complex and various parks around the Chattahoochee River. At One River Place, the amenities rival anything that can be found in Buckhead. The benefit to owning a condo in these areas may be more of a “neighborhood feel.” “Condominium living in Sandy Springs or Cobb County allows purchasers to fulfill their ‘lifestyle’ need while not having to leave the comfort zone of their current neighborhood,” explains Pace Halter of Halter Realty/ST Residential.
Amenities Galore
In Atlanta, exceptional amenities are an integral part of condo living. From fitness centers to lap pools, conference rooms to dry cleaning services, condo living ensures that homeowners can do all their errands and still have time to enjoy their respective surroundings.
While amenities like fitness centers, a 24-hour front desk staff, wi-fi access and pools have become standard at most properties, other more specialized services and facilities are unique to each property. For instance, residents of The Mansion on Peachtree not only have access to a 4,500-square foot fitness facility, but they also have an English garden to relax in after a workout. On the weekends, TWELVE Centennial Park staffs their poolside tiki bar with a bartender. The 12th and Midtown complex has a rooftop pool and sky gardens. One River Place takes the common area to a whole new level with the Meeting House, an “[exceptional] 8,000-square foot ‘heart of the community’ consisting of full-time concierge, 24-hour health club, spa treatment facility, two swimming pools, TV and entertainment room, full catering kitchen with outdoor seating overlooking the concert park and lawn and a fenced private residents’ dog park,” according to Halter.
Living the Lifestyle
Condo living is no longer a lifestyle reserved for carefree twenty-somethings or retirees, as Atlantans at all stages of life have made condos their residences of choice. “A condo is a wonderful option for anyone at any stage in life,” says Anna Marissa Fetz of the SkyRise Group, a division of Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty. “We have worked with families with young children, empty-nesters and grandparents in their search for a condo.” Williamson, of NRT Development Advisors, agrees. “People are trying to simplify their lifestyles,” she explains. The social aspects of condo living combined with amenities make maintaining a healthy work-life balance much easier. “The condominium lifestyle gives you time for all the things that you never had time for in the past,” says Kairos’ Williams. He lists time for community service, a new hobby, walks in the park, trying new restaurants and travel as some of the perks of condo living.
In the current economy, a condo means you get more for your money. “People are willing to scale down in square footage, in order to live in the city’s core and all that entails, while still living in an exquisite property with the finest finishes,” says Karen Rodriguez, associate broker with Doresy Alston, Realtors, whose properties include the Ritz-Carlton Residences.
Another important aspect of choosing to purchase a condo is that it provides all the benefits of homeownership (building equity, a true sense of home) without many of the hassles. There are no lawns to mow or gutters to clean, and you can feel confident knowing that when you leave your home, things are taken care of. This is especially important for those who crave a sense of permanence. “Apartments make a better fit for those who are only going to be in the area for less than five years,” says Rodriguez. “A condo investment should be for someone longer term.”
Into the Future
Because of the variety of properties available, the Atlanta condo market is alive and well. “There seems to be a shift taking place in the way people live,” says Halter Realty’s Halter. “This shift is driving the need for the choices of lifestyle that condominiums offer.” Whatever your needs and preferences, you can be sure that the Atlanta condo market offers the perfect home to fit your lifestyle.