KNOWAtlanta Relocation Magazine Winter 2020

TM

Winter 2020

2020: New City.

New Vision.

Atlanta’s Condo Scene | Innovative Job Sectors | Braselton: A Town for the Ages knowatlanta.com

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Winner oF 38 Greater atLanta homeBuiLder oBie aWards!

Voted one oF the toP 20 home BuiLders in atL anta

by Atlanta Business Chronicle

CHEROKEE COUNTY Horizon at Laurel Canyon from the $400s 770-254-5357 | Canton Soleil Laurel Canyon from the high $300s 678-880-3071 | Canton

PAULDING COUNTY Governor’s Towne Club - The Reserve from the $500s 678-578-6771 | Acworth

COBB COUNTY Cambridge Preserve from the $400s - final opportunities 770-254-5361 | Marietta Kyle Farm from the $400s - $800s 770-254-5401 | West Cobb

FORSYTH COUNTY Wescott from the mid $600s Lambert High School 770-254-5358 | Suwanee

Live On A Different Level With the third generation at the helm, Patrick Malloy Communities has a

FULTON COUNTY West Main Townhomes from the high $900s 678-578-6811 | Alpharetta Milton Run from the $700s 678-352-3314 | Milton Hillandale from the $700s 770-254-5372 | Roswell

long-standing tradition of building high quality homes in neighborhoods that enhance people’s lives and cultivate a sense of community.

Welcome to life on a whole new level.

PMCOMMUNITIES.COM We Choose our Community LoCations the same Way you Choose your home . . .

With the Best sChooLs in mind

HERE’S TO NEW BEGINNINGS AND ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES At Empire, we create inspiring new places to live where comfort and style meets design with intent. It’s about giving you more with a commitment to making home ownership more attainable.

We are proud to partner with Edward Andrews Homes, Atlanta’s premier homebuilder, to begin a new chapter with a shared vision for quality living without compromise.

See where you belong at EmpireAtlanta.com

Contents KNOWAtlanta Winter 2020 VOLUME 34, NUMBER 1

26

36

16

Features

Atlanta Basics

26 A View from the Top

13 Welcome Home to Atlanta 14 How Atlanta Stacks Up 16 Your Gateway to the World 18 Where Business is Big 20 Atlanta by the Numbers 22 Atlanta Experiences 24 One Night In…

Atlanta’s top-notch condo developments are a sight to behold

36 Cutting Edge Careers

The Hottest and Most Innovative Job Sectors in Metro Atlanta

4 KNOWAtlanta WINTER 2020

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 VISIT US IN ALL OUR FINE NEIGHBORHOODS allow your home to grow with your family. Let us help you turn your dream into your “forever home.” That’s The Weekley Way!

AT L A N TA

369

20

140

Cant o

Hickory Road

4

9

7 wa

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2 2

Silver Comet Floyd Rd. Trai l

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8

5

70

70

6

285

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Three collections From the high $300s 404-481-3905

3. Broadview Place

285

Two collections From the mid $500s 404-481-3886

4. Heritage at Towne Lake

285

(

HartsfieldJackson International Airport

.

675

92 75 85

314

138

85

2. Enclave at Belmont

166

ek

166

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i de er s Camp Cr Ri v e

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Custom ClassicsTM Final opportunities!

404-481-3907

11

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Homes from the mid $300s to the high $800s+ in the Atlanta area

ck Br i dge

nR d.

Lake Aliatoona

e ri v eD ke

2

55+ community From the mid $300s 404-481-3860

5. Edgehill at Historic 9. Marietta Kirkwood Township Final opportunities!

404-481-3878

6. Hargrove

Two collections From the mid $400s 713-254-0895

7. Grand Reserve

From the mid $700s 404-481-3894

8. Windsor

Final opportunities!

From the high $400s 404-617-1414

55+ community From the high $300s 404-481-3893

10. Ellison Park

Coming Spring 2020!

Townhomes 404-789-3033

11. Woodbury

Coming Winter 2019!

Townhomes 404-789-3033

92

85 74

54

Les ter Rd .

Shenandoah

34

85

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 © 2019 David Weekley Homes - All Rights Reserved. Atlanta, GA (ATLA112632)

Contents

42

63

60

70

Homes

Education

042 City Focus: Braselton 044 Real Estate: Your Home Purchase from Contract to Close 048 Guide to New Homes 060 Leasing 063 55+ Living Choices

068 How to Help Children Adapt and Learn During a Move 070 Showstoppers!: Metro Atlanta’s Private School Arts Programs Get Creative 076 2020 Summer Camps 082 Private Schools Map 084 NeuroLIFE Institute: Life University’s institute takes a holistic approach to neurological challenges

Healthcare 086 The Faces of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta: Meet four patients of this renowned pediatric hospital system

Metro Atlanta Information 090 Metro Atlanta Counties and Cities omplete county and city listings, contact C information and much more

6 KNOWAtlanta WINTER 2020

FROM THE EDITOR Publisher

SHERRY GASAWAY sherry@knowatlanta.com

Let’s Get Growing

President

LARRY LEBOVITZ lebovitz@knowatlanta.com

The beginning of a new year is the perfect time to take a step back, assess and make a plan for what you can do to grow and improve during the 12 months ahead. It’s what we all do as the calendar flips to January and we make those declarative resolutions that we just know will stick this time around. Yet, this annual tradition doesn’t apply only to people. In fact, for quite a while now, our fair city of Atlanta has put many of us to shame (including me), as it has stepped back, assessed and grown by leaps and bounds year after year. In fact, metro Atlanta’s impressive—and rather explosive—growth in just the last decade has been unparalleled. And it doesn’t show any signs of slowing down, from its increase in population to its booming economy, which has been marked by an influx of new industries, companies and job opportunities. In fact, even though it is nearly two centuries old, Atlanta is a bona fide boomtown, and it has been ranked as one of the fastest-growing large cities in the country, according to WalletHub. That’s why, in this issue, KNOWAtlanta Magazine looks at metro Atlanta’s splendid growth and all of the ways it continues to inspire the people who choose to call this area home.

To start, we take a look at the local job market. For all of the new residents coming into Atlanta (as well as long-established ones) who may be seeking the career of their dreams, the most recent article in our jobs series, found on page 36, introduces some of the metro area’s newest, hottest and most innovative job sectors. Of course, when you move to the ATL, you also need to have a great roof over your head, so be sure to check out our feature about Atlanta’s condo scene and the first-rate (often high-rise) developments that will take your living situation to new heights, found on page 26.

As always, we also cover an array of additional topics this time around, from the amazing arts programs that can be found at Atlanta’s private schools and this year’s can’t-miss summer camp options to everything you need to know about building a new home and taking your home purchase from contract to closing. Also, for a real feel-good moment to start your year, don’t miss this issue’s healthcare article, which focuses on Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and several young patients who have benefited from this unique and special hospital system’s exceptional care, found on page 86.

So, it’s the beginning of the year. Let’s do this! Let’s take our cue from our wonderful city and get growing! Whatever that means to you, may you have great success as you settle in to your new life as a resident of the ever-growing and ever-inspiring metro Atlanta.

Amy Meadows, Editor

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

@knowatlanta

knowatlanta

8 KNOWAtlanta WINTER 2020

knowatlanta

knowatlanta

Vice President

JOHN HANNA hanna@knowatlanta.com

Editor

AMY MEADOWS ameadows@knowatlanta.com

Associate Editor

CORY SEKINE-PETTITE cory@knowatlanta.com

Contributing Writers

KEN ABRAMCZYK, SUSAN FINCH, MARTY H. HOHMANN, STACY MOSER

Digital Marketing Coordinator COURTNEY ROGERS courtney@deninmarketing.com

Art Director

JACK SIMONETTA jsimonetta@knowatlanta.com

Advertising Coordinator

MEGAN WILLIS production@knowatlanta.com

Senior Account Executive GINGER ROBERTS ginger@knowatlanta.com

Circulation Manager AMY FINE afine@knowatlanta.com

Controller

MARILYN WALKER walker@knowatlanta.com NEW SOUTH PUBLISHING INC. 9040 ROSWELL ROAD, SUITE 210 ATLANTA, GA 30350 (770) 650-1102, (800) 536-5669 knowatlanta.com Direct all advertising, circulation and editorial inquiries to sherry@knowatlanta.com, (770) 650-1102, ext. 145.

KNOW®Atlanta, Winter 2020, Volume 34, Number 1, 133st 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, first-served basis. No materials contained herein may be reproduced without the exclusive written permission of the publisher. ©®Copyright 2020 by New South Publishing Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A..

love where you live L I V E A C T I V E , L I V E S O C I A L , L I V E AT H I C K O RY B LU F F S

An Active Adult Resort-Style Community in Canton Designed to meet your everyday needs, Hickory Bluffs is a private retreat of ranch-style homes that offer everything you could want in a home and more. Life at Hickory Bluffs is like a vacation at a 5-star resort filled with recreational and social amenities catered to the life you’ve always dreamed of.

Hickory Bluffs

Contact Our Internet Sales Consultant Team at 404-931-7462 to Schedule Your Visit Today

L e n n a r. c o m / At l a n t a

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 © 2019 Lennar Corporation Lennar, the Lennar logo are U.S. registered service marks or service marks of Lennar Corporation and/or its subsidiaries. 12/19 LNATL872

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Whether Relocating, Moving Up, or Retiring MAP NOT TO SCALE

Century Communities has the home for the path you are on

• Great locations around Metro Atlanta • Single Family, Town Home, Active Adult • Beautiful Move-in Ready Homes

• Homes & Communities for every path of life

CenturyCommunities.com/KnowAtlanta

678.775.1640

*All prices and offers subject to change without notice. Persons in photo do not reflect racial preference and housing is open to all without regard to race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin. Offers, incentives and seller contributions are subject to certain terms, conditions and restrictions, including financing through our affiliated lender, Inspire Home Loans Inc. NMLS# 1564276 Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee # 53910 (Branch location: 3091 Governors Lake Dr., Suite 440 Norcross, GA 30071) and cannot be combined with any other offer. Incentinves include standard closing costs. Pictures of home and site plans are conceptual in nature and are merely an artist’s rendering for illustrative purposes and should not be relied upon. Features, amenities and designs vary per plan and community and are subject to changes or substitution without notice. Sales and Marketing

by Century Communities of Georgia, Realty Group. © Century Communities. Cannot be combined with any other offer. (06/2019)

ATLANTA NEW HOMES

45+ Atlanta-area Communities from the $200’s to $600’s Build the home of your dreams in the Atlanta area with Century Communities.

Century Communities is currently building in ACWORTH, ALPHARETTA, ATLANTA, BRASELTON, BUFORD, CANTON, COVINGTON, CUMMING, DACULA, DALLAS, DECATUR, DORAVILLE, FAIRBURN, FLOWERY BRANCH, GRAYSON, HOLLY SPRINGS, LAWRENCEVILLE, LILBURN, LOGANVILLE, MARIETTA, MCDONOUGH, RIVERDALE, SNELLVILLE, and SUGAR HILL, GEORGIA. Building in the Atlanta area with Century Communities means access to a city filled with culture, entertainment, and family friendly activities. These activities range from a vast array of shopping districts which include Buckhead, Westside Provisions District, Atlantic Station, and Little Five Points, access to the landmark amusement park Six Flags Over Georgia, a variety of top sports and concert venues, such as Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Philips Arena, SunTrust Park, and Atlanta Motor Speedway, and guided tours through Atlanta’s famous parks and entertainment areas. Building with Century Communities gives you the availability to build your dream home among the peaceful beauty of the rolling hills and mountains of the Atlanta landscape while having the city’s resources at your fingertips. This includes building your dream home a short commute away from the corporate businesses of Coca-Cola, The Home Depot, UPS, and Delta, to name just a few. At Century Communities we want your custom home to be a place where memories are made, families are raised, and stories unfold.

NEW HOMES. NEW TRADITIONS.

When searching for a place

to call home,

you want to find the perfect place. Your home will be the

foundation for your family. Some of life’s greatest memories will be experienced there.

Brock Built Homes offers you a home with unmatched

quality, five-star craftsmanship and exceptional customer service.

Brock Built has been building dreams in Atlanta for more than 30 years. Let us build your perfect place.

Visit brockbuilt.com today.

575

75 400

141

75 285

85

CHEROKEE

FULTON

OAKHURST From the $400s 770.778.0877

SYLVESTER CIRCLE From the low $400s 770.301.6690

WEST TOWN From the $550s 770.301.6690

COBB

WEST HIGHLANDS From the low $400s 678.557.5287

GWINNETT

MANGÊT From the $400s 407.792.8629

WESTSIDE STATION From the High $400s 770.301.6690

ADAMS VINEYARD From the $500s 615.598.5150

COMING SOON: CASTLEBERRY STATION MAIN STREET COMMONS OLIVER STREET TOWNHOMES

20

404.472.5707 | brockbuilt.com

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

WINTER 2020 KNOWAtlanta 13

How Atlanta Stacks Up With affordable housing and a low cost of living, Atlantans get more while spending less. To understand why more than 5 million people call metro Atlanta home, see below how it surpasses other major cities in almost every way that counts.

SEATTLE $73,655

More for Your Money

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

REDUCE 80%

SAN FRANCISCO $91,523

ENLARGE TYPE 120%

$50,000 Salary in Atlanta Equals Atlanta

2019 Median Sold Home Price Atlanta $329,000

$50,000

Chicago

Chicago $342,000

$60,711

Seattle

Seattle

$73,655

Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C.

$76,244

New York City

$520,000

San Francisco

$91,523 $0

$606,000

New York City

$116,142

San Francisco

$700,000

$1.5 million $0

$20000 $40000 $60000 $80000 $100000 $120000

CNN Money

$300000

$600000

$900000 $1200000 $1500000

Realtor.com

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

GAINESVILLE

2019 Median Sold Home Prices

WOODSTOCK CUMMING

Atlanta Cherokee

Bartow

Forsyth

Hall

SUWANEE LAWRENCEVILLE

MARIETTA

Paulding

Cobb

Gwinnett

DOUGLASVILLE

DUNWOODY SANDY SPRINGS DECATUR

Atlanta

DeKalb EAST POINT

Rockdale

Decatur Douglasville Dunwoody East Point

$427,000 $168,000

Gainesville Lawrenceville

$250,000 $235,000

Marietta

$300,000 $342,000

Sandy Springs

$495,000 $376,000

Woodstock

Henry PEACHTREE CITY

$0 Source: Realtor.com

14 KNOWAtlanta WINTER 2020

$242,000 $190,000

Suwanee

Clayton Fayette

$300,000

Peachtree City

Douglas Fulton

$415,000

Cumming ALPHARETTA

Fulton

$329,000

Alpharetta

$289,000

$100000

$200000

$300000

$400000

$500000

Apartment Rent (2 Bedrooms)

$50,000 Salary in Atlanta Equals

Atlanta

CHICAGO $60,711

$1,200

Dallas

$1,120 $1,670

Seattle

NEW YORK CITY $116,142 WASHINGTON DC $76,244

$1,570

Washington, D.C. New York City

$2,540

San Francisco

$3,100 $0

$500

$1000 $1500 $2000 $2500 $3000 $3500

apartmentlist.com, June 2019

ATLANTA $50,000

Average Cost of Monthly Parking $80

Atlanta Chicago

$309

Seattle

$288 $429

Washington, D.C.

$732

New York City San Francisco

$320 $0

$100

$200

$300

$400

$500

$600

City Observatory

Median Household Income Atlanta Alpharetta

$51,701 $98,489

Cumming

$92,263

Douglasville

$51,039

Dunwoody East Point

$39,131

$50,963

Marietta 60,806

Peachtree City

$94,106

Sandy Springs

$70,920

Suwanee Woodstock $45000

$60000

21.8% 9.4% 7.4%

Peachtree City 35,766 4.1% 16.0%

Suwanee 20,569

$69,247

$30000

10.4% 6.9%

Sandy Springs 108,797 $85,306

$15000

31.1%

Gainesville 41,464 Lawrenceville 29,795

$43,339

Marietta

16.8%

East Point 34,849 4.2%

$41,250

Lawrenceville

16.7% 15.5%

Decatur 25,732 Douglasville 34,190 Dunwoody 49,459

$87,252

Gainesville

Atlanta 498,044 Alpharetta 66,255 Cumming 6,376

$47,125

Decatur

$0

Population Growth (2010-2018)

34.0%

Woodstock 32,234 $75000

$90000

0%

35.6%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

40%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau

WINTER 2020 KNOWAtlanta 15

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

Your Gateway to the World

O

ne of the area’s greatest assets is Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport — the world’s busiest and most efficient airport and the largest employer in Georgia. More than 275,000 passengers fly through Atlanta each day, and it was the world’s first airport to hit 100 million passengers in a year in 2015, directly impacting metro Atlanta’s economy by $32.5 billion and the state by $68.3 billion.

It was also recently named the No. 1 U.S. airport by TripAdvisor.

“Hartsfield-Jackson is a key part of what makes Atlanta the leading city in the Southeast,” says former Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed. “Our airport is a global transport and economic center that will see continued growth in the next several years as we secure new business opportunities, as well as new developments near the airport like Porsche’s new North American headquarters and on-site test track.

“As we work to start new international routes to destinations not already available

16 KNOWAtlanta WINTER 2020

from Atlanta, we’ll also stimulate new international air cargo and passenger growth.

Atlanta is already a diverse city with tens of thousands of people from all over the world choosing to live here, and this growth in our international transportation will strengthen our connections with cities and countries around the world, which will strengthen our city’s culture in turn.”

In addition to being the global headquarters for Delta Air Lines, Hartsfield-Jackson’s Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal, which opened in 2012, is the Southeast’s gateway to the world. The $1.4-billion, 1.2 million-square-foot terminal includes eight security checkpoints and five recheck lanes for domestic connecting passengers, exclusive retailers and restaurants — and for a small fee, passengers can seek refuge in the airport lounge. The international terminal has also been awarded gold LEED status, and numerous art installations line the terminal’s hallways, making it a welcoming site for visitors. n

AIRPORT LOGISTICS To access the domestic terminal by car, follow Interstates 85 or 285 and exit onto a network of roads that lead to the North and South Domestic Terminals, baggage claim and airport parking.

The airport is the final stop on MARTA’s Gold and Red lines. The airport MARTA station is connected to the domestic terminal and offers a Delta curbside check-in station.

Hartsfield-Jackson includes a domestic and an international building — housing seven concourses (T, A, B, C, D, E and F). Travelers can then access the concourses and gates via The Plane Train, a speedy underground train that travels a 3.5-mile track.

Each month, millions of travelers fly in and out of Hartsfield-Jackson. Check out the most recent monthly passenger stats from April 2018: DELTA AIR LINES 6.7 million passengers SOUTHWEST AIRLINES 889,510 passengers AMERICAN AIRLINES 233,016 passengers

HARTSFIELD-JACKSON AT A GLANCE • 63,000+ employees • 2,700+ average daily flights • 75+ international destinations in 50+ countries with nonstop service • 80 percent of U.S. population within 2-hour flight of Atlanta • 263 total concessions • 33,350 parking spaces • 275,000 daily passengers • 5 runways • 3 terminals • 7 concourses • 40 international gates • 27 domestic security lanes • 167 domestic gates • 104.2 million passengers in 2018 • 895,502 flights in 2018

WINTER 2020 KNOWAtlanta 17

Where Business is Big 26 Fortune 1000 Companies Call Atlanta Home

A

tlanta’s reputation as one of the nation’s most business-friendly cities keeps the metro area on the short list for start-ups and Fortune 500 and 1000 companies. From its early beginnings as a railroad terminus in 1837, Atlanta quickly expanded. Just two decades later it became the hub for four railroads, as well as a major manufacturing center.

Today, the state’s capitol is home to 16 Fortune 500 and 11 Fortune 1000 companies. Topping the list of Atlanta’s homegrown Fortune 500 firms are The Home Depot, the world’s largest home improvement specialty store, and UPS, a global company and world leader in specialized transportation, logistics and package delivery. The Coca-Cola Company, the world’s best-known soft drink company, is also listed among the nation’s top Fortune 500 companies.

Atlanta continues to draw top business names such as State Farm, NCR, Pandora, IHG, Porsche Cars North America and Mercedes-Benz, all of which have established headquarters in the metro area.

Through various incentives, including the state’s low corporate tax structure, favorable employment climate and right-to-work status, metro Atlanta is an enticing destination for businesses looking to expand or relocate.

Atlanta Fortune 500 Companies COMPANY

The Home Depot UPS Delta Air Lines The Coca-Cola Company The Southern Company Genuine Parts Company WestRock SunTrust Banks Inc. PulteGroup Inc. AGCO Corporation Veritiv Asbury Automotive Group Inc. NCR Corporation Intercontinental Exchange HD Supply Holdings Inc. Graphic Packaging Holding Co.

RANK

27 41 69 100 131 169 190 304 312 335 347 439 465 469 479 480

Georgia Fortune 500 Companies COMPANY

AFLAC Incorporated Mohawk Industries Inc.

RANK

137 315

Atlanta Fortune 1000 Companies COMPANY

Aaron’s Inc. Acuity Brands Inc. Carter’s Inc. Equifax Inc. Global Payments Inc. Blue Linx Holdings GMS FleetCor Technologies SiteOne Landscape Supply Beazer Homes

RANK

647 665 689 696 703 786 852 872 955 956

Georgia Fortune 1000 Companies COMPANY

Total Systems Flowers Source: Metro Atlanta Chamber 2019

18 KNOWAtlanta WINTER 2020

RANK

626 633

B R O O K H A V E N

DISCOVER YOUR HAVEN PHASE TWO NOW SELLING

new Brookhaven townhomes

from the high $400's SALES GALLERY OPEN DAILY

1857 Falling Sky Court Brookhaven GA 30319 www.skylandbrookhaven.com ©2019 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. If your property is currently represented by a real estate broker, this is not an attempt to solicit your listing.

Engel & Völkers and its independent License Partners are Equal Opportunity Employers and fully support the principles of the Fair Housing Act.

Atlanta by the Numbers Facts About the City 71 STREETS with the name “Peachtree.”

400 BUILDINGS survived Gen. William T. Sherman’s burning of Atlanta during the Civil War. Atlanta is the only city in North America destroyed as an act of war.

1,023 FEET make up the 55-story Bank of America Plaza, the tallest building in Atlanta and ninth tallest in the U.S. 85 INCORPORATED CITIES make up metro Atlanta.

37 SKYSCRAPERS more than 400 feet tall call the Atlanta skyline home.

10 MILLION GALLONS of marine and fresh water hold aquatic creatures in the Georgia Aquarium.

43 OUNCES of locally mined gold sits atop the Georgia State Capitol.

64 MILES make up the Interstate 285 perimeter.

5.9 MILLION PEOPLE live in the Atlanta area.

104.2 MILLION PASSENGERS passed through HartsfieldJackson Atlanta International Airport in 2018.

23 YEARS ago Atlanta hosted the Centennial Olympic Games.

1.9 BILLION COCA-COLA BEVERAGES are served daily around the world.

500-plus NAMES were considered when an NFL team moved to Atlanta 52 years ago. A teacher came up with the “falcons” mascot name.

83,000 SEATS make up the new Atlanta Falcons Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

66 COLLEGES and universities are located in the Atlanta region.

32,082 STUDENTS attend downtown Atlanta’s Georgia State University, the second largest in the state.

113,000 TREES have been planted by Trees Atlanta, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving the city’s greenspaces.

189 ACRES make up Piedmont Park. $672 MILLION went into building SunTrust Park, the Atlanta Braves’ new Cobb County baseball stadium, where the team played its first game April 13, 2017.

1,023 FEET

83,000 SEATS 20 KNOWAtlanta WINTER 2020

189 ACRES

10 MILLION GALLONS

Atlanta Experiences

W

elcome to Atlanta, a city known for its distinctive mix of urban and Southern charms. With its fast-paced lifestyle in the heart of Midtown and Downtown and the comforts of traditional neighborhoods within its lively suburbs, Atlanta is a study in cultural, scenic and historic contrasts, and it isn’t only your new address, it’s also home to enriching cultural attractions, historic buildings and neighborhoods, corporate giants such as The Coca-Cola Company and The Home Depot, professional sports teams, five-star dining options and the world’s largest aquarium.

One of the many ways to experience all that metro Atlanta has to offer is to spend some time at the city’s many museums, parks, public squares and other venues. When you find yourself with some down time, be sure to check out all that this area has to offer.

On the following pages, KNOWAtlanta presents a small sampling of the city’s hot spots, in addition to the area’s most popular museums, theaters and centers.

Major Attractions Georgia Aquarium georgiaaquarium.org The world’s largest fish tank, the Georgia Aquarium is home to tens of thousands of animals representing 500 species of freshwater and marine life.

The World of Coca-Cola worldofcoca-cola.com Explore the complete story — past, present and future — of the world’s best-known brand at the 92,000-squarefoot World of Coca-Cola.

Discover fascinating exhibits,

The Fox Theatre foxtheatre.org This grand 1929 movie theater was built to simulate a Moorish palace and hosts touring artists, Broadway shows and a summer movie series.

Atlanta Botanical Garden atlantabotanicalgarden.org A green urban oasis in the city with 15 acres of gardens, the Atlanta Botanical Garden hosts art exhibitions, concerts, classes and workshops throughout the year.

Zoo Atlanta zooatlanta.org Spend a day visiting adorable panda twins Mei Lun and Mei Huan, a joey, lions, zebras, elephants and gorillas in their natural habitats. Then ride the Zoo Express Train and test your rock climbing skills.

CNN Center cnn.com/studiotour Atlanta’s news and entertainment center is the headquarters of

Photo by David Kosmos Smith

High Museum of Art high.org The museum encompasses

European and American paintings, sculptures, decorative arts and photography, plus a special exhibition area for children.

an eye-popping collection of memorabilia and a vault that contains the secret recipe.

The Fox Theatre 22 KNOWAtlanta WINTER 2020

Stone Mountain Park

Turner and CNN’s international broadcast studios and networks.

Fernbank Museum of Natural History fernbankmuseum.org Fernbank is one of the nation’s foremost museums of natural history. Be sure to visit the museum’s amazing four-story IMAX movie screen.

Carter Presidential Center jimmycarterlibrary.org The Carter Library and Museum offers a close-up look at the Georgia peanut farmer who became our nation’s 39th president.

Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change thekingcenter.org Tour Freedom Hall, Ebenezer Baptist Church, Dr. King’s birth home and gravesite and view a film presentation and exhibit chronicling his life.

Center for Puppetry Arts puppet.org This internationally acclaimed organization offers performances for children and

adults, as well as a hands-on museum.

College Football Hall of Fame cfbhall.com This interactive experience opened up to visitors in August 2016, just in time for college football season.

Located in Downtown Atlanta, the 94,256-square-foot venue includes exhibit space and a 45-yard indoor football field.

National Center for Civil and Human Rights civilandhumanrights.org Atlanta is the new home of this 35,000-square-foot center, which connects the American Civil Rights Movement to today’s Global Human Rights Movements.

Chick-fil-A Support Center tours.chick-fil-a.com Take a backstage tour of Chick-fil-A’s headquarters, including a guided walking experience and a visit to the onsite museum, S. Truett Cathy’s office, the Kitchen, The Nest training center, the gift shop and more.

Atlanta Sports Atlanta Braves braves.mlb.com Often considered the oldest continuously playing team in major North American sports, the Atlanta Braves call SunTrustPark in Cobb County their home.

Atlanta Blaze atlantablaze.com Major League Lacrosse’s Atlanta Blaze is an expansion team that was announced in August 2015. The 23-man roster practices and plays at Fifth Third Bank Stadium at Kennesaw State University in Cobb County.

Atlanta Falcons atlantafalcons.com “Rise Up” and support Atlanta’s NFL team, the Atlanta Falcons, which now calls the brand new Mercedes-Benz Stadium home. The $1.5 billion stadium hosted Super Bowl LIII in 2019.

Georgia Aquarium

Atlanta Gladiators atlantagladiators.com Metro Atlanta’s minor league ice hockey team heats up the ice at the Infinite Energy Arena in Duluth.

Atlanta Hawks nba.com/hawks The Atlanta Hawks, an NBA team established in 1968, plays its home games at the 21,000-seat State Farm Arena in Downtown Atlanta.

Atlanta United F.C. atlutd.com MLS Cup Champions Atlanta United FC play to packed houses at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Downtown Atlanta.

The Great Outdoors Stone Mountain Park stonemountainpark.com In addition to hiking the park’s granite monolith, visitors can ride bikes, golf and camp. The park also hosts various festivals throughout the year.

Atlanta United F.C.

Six Flags Over Georgia sixflags.com/overgeorgia A roller-coaster lover’s theme park with more than 100 rides, shows and a water park.

Lake Lanier Islands lanierislands.com From stunning suites and lakehouses to rustic campsites and villas, spend time fishing, riding horses, playing golf or just relaxing by the water — all on the shores of beautiful Lake Lanier.

Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park nps.gov/kemo Climb Kennesaw Mountain and relive this pivotal engagement in the Civil War Battle of Atlanta.

Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites gastateparks.org The state park system is comprised of 63 parks and historic sites, with many close enough to serve as easy day trips from the Atlanta area. All parks require a $5 parking fee and historic sites have a fee range of $2 to $12 per person. n

High Museum of Art WINTER 2020 KNOWAtlanta 23

One Night In…

Alpharetta Located approximately 25 miles north of Atlanta, Alpharetta is a vibrant city suburb that is growing by leaps and bounds. It is known for everything from its excellent culinary offerings to its abundance of outstanding recreational hot spots.

Braselton Travel about 50 miles northeast of Atlanta to Braselton to enjoy a blend of bucolic beauty and historic charm.

The jewel of the area is its downtown district, which is undergoing a major revitalization effort. Year-round activities and a thriving tourism industry make Braselton a go-to North Georgia spot.

WHERE TO STAY The Hotel at Avalon and Alpharetta Conference Center is Alpharetta’s first four-star hotel and conference center and boasts a blend of luxury comforts and boutique sophistication.

Each room features plush bedding, a 55-inch flat-panel television and ergonomic workstations; guests also have access to an outdoor pool, a fully equipped fitness center and more. thehotelatavalon.com

WHERE TO STAY The Hampton Inn & Suites Braselton is situated on the grounds of Château Élan, giving guests access to the resort’s amenities, including 63-holes of championship golf, a 35,000-square-foot spa, the winery, and restaurants. The property offers spacious suites with sitting areas, a resort shuttle and breakfast buffet. hamptoninn3.hilton.com

Smyrna Only a 15 minute drive from Atlanta, Smyrna is recognized for its array of charming neighborhoods, revitalized downtown and ample parks and green space courtesy of the Village Green and surrounding areas. In 2018, it was named one of the 50 Best Places to Live in the United States by Money Magazine.

WHERE TO STAY One of the standout features of the Hyatt Place Atlanta/ Cobb Galleria is its proximity to everything from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Downtown Atlanta to SunTrust Park. It also focuses on guests’ wellbeing with features like thoughtfully designed rooms, social spaces, a fitness center and more. atlantagalleria.place.hyatt.com

Peachtree City Just south of Atlanta and only 25 minutes from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the masterplanned community of Peachtree City.

It boasts eight hotels, more than 100 restaurants and countless entertainment options, most of which can be accessed at 15 miles per hour via more than 100 miles of paved golf cart paths.

24 KNOWAtlanta WINTER 2020

WHERE TO STAY The Peachtree City Hotel and Conference Center offers resort-style accommodations on 19 picturesque wooded acres. It features spacious rooms with balconies, high-tech amenities and more. The hotel also provides access to two restaurants, a swimming pool and a fitness center, among other features. Meeting facilities are available as well. hilton.com

What’s the best way to get to know a city? Spend one night there! Fortunately, KNOWAtlanta has the 411 on all of our fantastic metro cities and how you can enjoy the perfect night in each of them.

Here, we tell you where to stay, where to eat and what do in some of the area’s best spots. So get out your calendar and start planning your One Night In now….

WHERE TO EAT Restaurant Holmes, located in the former historic Jones House right on Main Street, is walk-in eatery that offers creative small plates brimming with seasonal local ingredients.

You’ll find 20 dishes that are perfect for sharing and a tight list of six cocktails, eight beers on tap and approximately 30 wines. restaurantholmes.com

WHAT TO DO What’s dinner without a show?

Ameris Bank Ampitheatre is a 12,000-seat state-of-the-art music venue set on 45 acres of beautifully landscaped wooded land. It offers an impressive lineup of performances by today’s leading recording artists during its season, which runs from April to November each year. awesomealpharetta.com/play/attraction/amerisbank-amphitheatre/

WHERE TO EAT Located in historic downtown Braselton, The Galloping Galette offers the authentic and classic cuisine from French Brittany. Guests are greeted by the melodious French accent of the owner, who places your order with the chef in her native language. Try a heavenly dessert crêpe and a savory galette coupled with one of the restaurant’s fine wines. facebook.com/TGG. TheGallopingGalette

WHAT TO DO Downtown Braselton boasts a full day’s worth of shopping for vintage treasures. Start at the Braselton Antique Mall and make stops at spots like the Naked South Boutique, the House of Boykin and Countryside Antiques. downtownbraselton.com

WHERE TO EAT A trip to metro Atlanta must include a good downhome barbeque meal, and Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q does not disappoint. Renowned for its slow-cooked meats and amazing cheese biscuits, this laid-back chain provides a great place to kick back and relax while enjoying some top-notch classic ‘que. jimnnicks.com WHAT TO DO Baseball isn’t the only draw of SunTrust Park, which is also home to Live! at the Battery, an entertainment and dining destination that’s perfect for a pre- or post-game outing or a fun night out. In addition to featuring sports bars, gaming rooms and more, the venue hosts family-friendly, sports-related and nightlife events throughout the year. liveatthebattery.com

WHERE TO EAT For an excellent gastropub experience, head to The Curious Pig, which serves up nouveau Southern cuisine, including specialties like shrimp and grits and twists on classics like pimento cheese. A farm-to-table focus and a bar featuring local and regional beers make this a can’t-miss spot. thecuriouspigptc.com

WHAT TO DO There’s nothing like a little music under the stars. The Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater, also known as The Fred, is a 1,600-seat outdoor venue that regularly hosts Grammy-winning performers and national and international touring acts.

Every season, the calendar is jam-packed with fantastic shows. amphitheater.org

WINTER 2020 KNOWAtlanta 25

A View from the Top Atlanta’s top-notch condo developments are a sight to behold

W

ith Atlanta’s thriving economy and ongoing population boom, it’s not surprising that the local real estate market has gone vertical.

In fact, with more people than ever looking for exceptional and diverse housing options, the metro area’s luxury condo market is on the rise, having experienced an impressive upturn with both new construction and established developments becoming bona fide hot properties

26 KNOWAtlanta WINTER 2020

across the multifamily segment. What’s even more impressive is that each condo complex throughout the area has its own unique features and hallmarks. And whether you’re on the outside looking in or the inside looking out, you can be sure that what you get is even more than what you see at these remarkable residential destinations. Here are five condo developments—and the unique qualities—that will give you an amazing and unforgettable view from the top.

Photo courtesy of Engel & Völkers Atlanta

By Amy Meadows

40 West 12th 40 West 12th Street NW Atlanta, GA 30309 (404) 347-3838 40west12th.com Looking Out: These days, Atlanta is replete with outstanding mixed-used developments. One of the newest and most sought-after ones is located at 1105 West Peachtree in Midtown, which is now home to 40 West 12th, a complex of 64 condominium homes that are the epitome of refined elegance. The condos sit in the heart of a development that also includes a Marriott Autograph hotel, 25,000 square feet of retail space, 660,000 square feet of office space and more. And just moments away is a host of additional Midtown community gems, from the Woodruff Arts Center, the Whole World Improv Theatre and the Margaret Mitchell House to the Midtown Market, Flywheel Sports and a host of delectable eateries. It is the type of perfectly placed complex that proves the old residential adage that finding the right home is all about “location, location, location.”

Looking In: To take advantage of its exceptional location, the developers of 40 West 12th focused heavily on how the property interacts with the surrounding community and how they could use architecture and features to help residents truly enjoy the complex’s unique Midtown setting. That’s why these two-, three- and four-bedroom units, which start in the $800s and range in size from just over 900 square feet to more than 2,500 square feet, boast expansive balconies, floor-to-ceiling glass windows and double-sided indoor/outdoor fireplaces, among other components, which are designed to highlight the outdoors and provide a new perspective of the city. That same thought process helped direct the formation of the interior design options that are offered to buyers; each design collection includes natural woods and marble, as well as finishes like Porcelanosa, which is both high-quality and durable enough to be functional and is used in cabinetry and tile throughout the kitchens and bathrooms. The units also are pre-wired for motorized window treatments, which allows residents to bring Midtown in with the touch of a button.

WINTER 2020 KNOWAtlanta 27

The Charles 3107 Peachtree Road NE Atlanta, GA 30305 (404) 975-3770 thecharlesbuckhead.com Looking Out: If it’s a panorama that you’re looking for, then The Charles in Buckhead undoubtedly will deliver. Located in Buckhead Village, one of the area’s newest and most renowned mixed-use communities that features deluxe shops, celebrated restaurants and more, The Charles is a collection of 57 full-service condos that range in price from $1.9 million to over $3 million. And there’s nothing quite like the million-dollar views available from each residence, which allow owners to look out over the glistening vistas of Buckhead, Midtown and Downtown. Those views can be enjoyed from expansive terraces that are accessed via floor-to-ceiling folding glass NanaWall doors that provide an uninterrupted transition between the indoors and the outdoors.

Looking In: Once inside, the spectacular experience continues. The Charles’ interiors are marked by large great rooms that offer excellent entertaining spaces, as well as chef-caliber kitchens with European cabinetry by Pedini, Cambria quartz countertops with a waterfall island edge, state-of-the-art Gaggenau appliances and Franke fixtures. Corner master bedrooms offer floor-to-ceiling glass windows to provide continuous access to the incredible views, and the spacious master baths feature everything from Victoria + Albert tubs to Cambria quartz vanities and Gessi fixtures. The Charles is the first new condo building to be constructed in Buckhead in more than 10 years, and its units were more than worth the wait.

28 KNOWAtlanta WINTER 2020

Atlanta’s only new high rise condominium now under construction.

CONCIERGE WHITE GLOVE LUXURY

Glimpse life at seven88westmidtown.com

CONDOMINIUMS from the Mid $300s to $1.7M Sales Gallery Open

MK H WHERE DREAMS COME HOME

930 Howell Mill Road, Suite A

Atlanta, Georgia 30318

678.981.9336

All information is believed to be accurate but is not warranted. Oral representations cannot be relied upon as correctly stating representations of the seller. For correct representations, reference should be made to the documents required by code § 44-3-111 of the ‘Georgia Condominium Act’ to be furnished by the seller to a buyer. All information is believed to be accurate but is not warranted. For illustration purposes only, subject to change. David Tufts Broker of Record.

District Lofts 260 18th Street NW Atlanta, GA 30363 (404) 510-2246 owndistrictlofts.com Looking Out: Taking a bit of a different spin on intown residential options, District Lofts brings sophisticated urban loft living to Midtown. Located within the renowned entertainment district of Atlantic Station, the multi-level units that comprise this unique property actually sit atop the buildings within the neighborhood, offering exceptional views of the point where Midtown meets the Westside district. And because Atlantic Station is a true live-work-play community, everything residents could possibly want is right outside their door, from entertainment venues (like a movie theater and a bowling alley) to retail destinations to dozens of restaurants. For those who want to revel in a 24/7 lifestyle and be in the center of it all, District Lofts is the place to be.

Looking In: Of course, excellent access to outstanding intown amenities often comes at a rather hefty price, especially when it’s coupled with the ability to enjoy high-end interior features. That’s not the case at District Lofts, though, which prides itself on providing residents with affordable and attainable luxury. Two- and threebedroom units range from the $399s to the low $600s and offer an array of upscale features and finishes, including quartz countertops, industrial pendant lighting and neutral-toned hard surface flooring. And every residence incorporates the best of loft living, with traditional elements like exposed ductwork and open living spaces. It’s the epitome of cool, contemporary living.

30 KNOWAtlanta WINTER 2020

2 BEDROOMS FROM THE $500,000’S

|

3 BEDROOMS FROM $700,000 TO OVER $1.4 MIL

FASTEST SELLING CONDOMINIUM IN MIDTOWN*

EXPERIENCE LIFE FROM A NEW VIEW WWW.OWNATLANTIC.COM 270 17TH STREET NW / ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30363 / 404.961.71 1 1

SALES GALLERY Mon-Sat 10am-6pm Sun 12pm-6pm

©2019 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. *Source: FMLS May 2019

Seven88 West Midtown 788 West Marietta Street Atlanta, GA 30318 (770) 863-8888 788westmidtown.com Looking Out: It’s impossible to miss Seven88 West Midtown, the only new glass and concrete tower within intown Atlanta. The sleek and sophisticated high-rise building is one of 2020’s most anticipated residential destinations, as it offers panoramic Atlanta skyline views that can be experienced through gorgeous floor-to-ceiling windows. With 22 stories and 279 well-appointed residences ranging in size from 699 to more than 2,800 square feet, the property, which offers one-bedroom, twobedroom, three-bedroom and penthouse options from the mid-$300s to $1 million, is a definite standout in the recently revitalized West Midtown district that boasts an impressive array of restaurants, shops and entertainment venues.

Looking In: To make the condo purchase experience as seamless as possible, Seven88 West Midtown features three interior design packages from the Crosby Design Group; the selections offer a simple, clean aesthetic and textures such as wood flooring, quartz countertops and concrete accents. The three distinct design schemes each have their own unique tones and detail differences, ensuring that every residence has an exclusive sense of style. The goal is to create stylized, modern spaces that are warm and functional and allow residents to enjoy a custom feel marked by a true sense of luxury.

The residential interiors of the property, which is slated to open in the fall of this year, take their cue from the spectacular architecture and sleek style of the building itself.

32 KNOWAtlanta WINTER 2020

The Atlantic 270 17th Street NW Atlanta, GA 30363 (404) 996-0053 ownatlantic.com Looking Out: The tallest residential building in Atlanta, The Atlantic doesn’t just offer wonderful views of Atlanta from every sweeping balcony it features—it has actually become an integral part of the city’s ever-changing skyline. The 46-story condominium building, which is located in the heart of Atlantic Station and was designed in the Art Deco style of the 1930s, features sleek geometric lines and a famed ornamental crown that helps it stand out among the surrounding structures. The property opened in late 2009 and has remained one of the most sought-after intown addresses ever since, offering 400 luxurious two-bedroom condos starting at $500,000 and three-bedroom residences ranging from $700,000 to over $1.4 million.

Looking In: The Atlantic’s units are as architecturally and visually impressive as the exterior of the building. Each residence boasts an airy, lofty vibe, with high ceilings and large windows that play up the views to each corner of the city. High-end finishes, hardwood flooring, chef’s kitchens with Kitchen Aid appliances and more are hallmarks of the interiors, which can be styled with one of three carefully curated finish pallets, all of which are bright, neutral and functional to accommodate a variety of lifestyle wants and needs. The Atlantic is a pioneer in offering luxurious condo living in Atlanta, and the building remains one of the most recognizable and highly regarded residential destinations to this day.

34 KNOWAtlanta WINTER 2020

EXPECT MORE IN THE HEART OF ATLANTA District Lofts represents a unique opportunity to live perched atop Atlantic Station’s vibrant, diverse, and experiential neighborhood with direct access to 50+ restaurants, retail, and renowned entertainment destinations, all situated in the heart of Atlanta.

2 BEDROOMS FROM $374,900 3 BEDROOMS FROM THE HIGH $500,000’S

WWW.owndistrictlofts.COM

260 18TH ST NW, ATLANTA, GA 30363

DISTRICTLOFTS@EVATLANTA.COM

© 2019 All rights reserved. Marketing and sales by Engel & Völkers. 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.

Cutting-Edge Careers

36 KNOWAtlanta WINTER 2020

THE HOTTEST AND MOST INNOVATIVE JOB SECTORS IN METRO ATLANTA

By Stacy Moser

D

on’t let this city’s patina of laid-back Southern charm fool you into thinking the pace of progress here is leisurely. For job seekers flocking to Atlanta, the real appeal isn’t the beauty of the place or the welcoming charisma of the Atlantans you’ll meet. For those on the hunt for opportunity, the beauty of Atlanta lies in the innovative job markets you’ll find, spurred on by a bustling economy that’s committed to technological advances in many industries.

Film and Television: Show Biz, Southern-Style Atlanta is home to a television and film industry rivaling the glittery prosperity of both Hollywood and The Big Apple. Don’t be surprised to turn a corner in the Intown or Buckhead neighborhoods only to find yourself rubbing elbows with A-listers like Jason Bateman, Melissa McCarthy, Naomi Watts, Ewan McGregor, Halle Berry, Eddie Murphy or Clint Eastwood; all travelled to Atlanta recently for independent and network film and TV projects.

According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, as of fall 2019, about 120 movies slated for TV or streaming are in production in Atlanta.

An Offer They Can’t Refuse At first glance, Atlanta might seem an unlikely place for a burgeoning film and TV market to take root. But industry insiders and local government leaders anticipated the region’s potential back in 2008, citing the convenience of Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (the largest international airport in the U.S.), the area’s user-friendly weather and a lower cost of living than other entertainment hubs.

Not only that, but the region’s huge variety of camera-friendly locations—like modern and historic neighborhoods, swamps, mountains, sandy beaches, big-league sports arenas, concert halls and more than two dozen picturesque rivers— offer scenery to fit virtually any script.

Additionally, the State of Georgia offers huge tax incentives to entertainment produc-

tion companies around the world to entice them to come here to film. The result has been an influx of production companies looking to take advantage of everything the city has to offer. The tax-incentive plan became a win-win for local workers too, with savvy business owners in the entertainment industry snapping up those with skills in construction, filmmaking, acting, writing, directing, casting, consulting and post-production services. Businesses offering transportation, equipment and catering also are in high demand, not to mention hospitality businesses like restaurants and hotels, beauty and fashion consultants, real-estate professionals and even security personnel.

Training Tinsel Townies Faced with this explosive growth, Georgiabased entertainment-industry movers and shakers and local governments realized that a lack of workers was soon going to become a problem. They came together in 2014 to address the need for trained workers, forming the Georgia Studio & Infrastructure Alliance, an advocacy group for local productions.

Other organizations, like the Georgia Film, Music & Digital Entertainment Office, work to identify high-demand job opportunities and assist local schools with training students to meet those needs.

What’s more, area community colleges and universities that transform film/TV/digital newbies into a skilled employee base have tailored entire degree programs to provide the experienced workers that industry professionals seek. For instance, the Grady School of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Georgia offers coursework in entertainment and media studies, where students not only gain a broad understanding of the industry’s history, but also boots-on-theground experience in screenwriting, producing, directing and post-production. And the Georgia Film Academy offers on-set internship opportunities and classes to students registered at any one of the academy’s partner state colleges and universities.

WINTER 2020 KNOWAtlanta 37

Salaries in Atlanta’s entertainment industry, though, remain slightly lower than those in Los Angeles and New York City, even though the number of jobs might be more plentiful in Atlanta.

For instance, according to national job recruitment website Glassdoor.com, the average salary for a production assistant in Atlanta is approximately $42,000 annually, while the average in Los Angeles is about $43,282 and in New York City is higher still at $45,118. Keep in mind that Atlanta offers a lower cost of living than both of those cities, though, meaning that a lower salary can go further.

Internet of Things: Making the Connection Another job sector experiencing exponential growth in Atlanta is aptly named the Internet of Things. Wireless mobile interconnectivity, a concept foreign to average Joes just a decade ago, has transformed the lives of almost every person

ACTING IN THE ATL

on the planet—not to mention the job market itself. According to Wiki.com, the Internet of Things (referred to as IoT) is “simply the network of interconnected things/devices which are embedded with sensors, software, network connectivity and necessary electronics that enables them to collect and exchange data, making them responsive.”

This technology has transformed how and where we conduct our lives, allowing us to hang out anywhere in the world and virtually watch a movie, speak with a doctor, look in on on the babysitter or check whether an Amazon delivery arrived. Devices now ubiquitous in our society—like wirelessly connected smart TVs, interactive doorbells and even exercise bikes wirelessly connected to online fitness classes—suddenly seem impossible to live without. Additionally, IoT is used in an array of major industries, from shipping to healthcare and beyond.

Actor Brian F. Durkin, currently starring opposite Kevin Costner and Woody Harrelson in Netflix’s “The Highwaymen,” moved to Atlanta from Los Angeles in 2010. He acknowledges the opportunities available to him in Atlanta were pivotal in building his career. Far from an overnight success, Durkin paid his dues for nine years in Los Angeles, moving there after college to study acting. “My wife and I decided we wanted to raise our kids in the South, and I knew that the film industry was huge in Atlanta, so we moved to Sandy Springs,” he says. “That’s when things started to really turn around for me.” Be sure to keep an eye out for this rising star…and to consider the local film and television industry if you have your own sights set on making it in this arena. After all, Atlanta is now known as the “Hollywood of the South.”

38 KNOWAtlanta WINTER 2020

Come and Build It Naturally, the labor market fueled by these innovations has exploded. The need for workers trained to create and produce hardware, write software and manufacture communication infrastructure has skyrocketed. In fact, Forbes recently named Atlanta one of 5 U.S. Cities Poised to Become Tomorrow’s Tech Meccas. As a result, jobs with such titles as Solution Developer, Cloud-Enablement Manager or Platform Architect pepper the online job posting boards for communications and manufacturing companies all over Atlanta. The city also is now home to IoT.ATL, a consortium of IoT thought leaders in metro Atlanta that is designed to spotlight the innovation that is going on in the area. And forward-looking schools like Georgia Tech’s Center for the Development and Application of Internet of Things Technologies offer degrees for budding techies looking to fill that void.

The preparation needed for IoT careers appears to be worth the effort, with average salaries in the industry in the six-figure range, according to job placement website Indeed.com. Small and large businesses everywhere are hopping onboard the IoT bandwagon, recognizing that consumers expect “smart” features on everything from toothbrushes to automobiles. That pressure to innovate has given rise to events like the Industrial IoT World Conference 2020, set to take place in Atlanta next fall, allowing business owners to connect with global industrial innovators. Organizers for that particular event explain that the benefits for businesses that embrace IoT technology “are decreasing downtime, improving safety and maximizing profit.” And they need an educated labor force to do it.

Bioscience: Healthcare Heyday Healthcare isn’t just the subject of presidential debates and news headlines—it’s big business, too. Atlanta is home to a plethora of medical and bioscience-related institutions, from the National Institutes of Health to internationally recognized hospitals and clinics offering world-class care. As healthcare organizations struggle to meet the demand for innovative products and services, they cast a wide net, searching for employees with hands-on experience and technological know-how.

DID YOU KNOW? The Internet of Things (IoT) is a network of interconnected devices that are embedded with sensors, software and network connectivity that allows them to collect and exchange data.

Atlanta isn’t just a hub for the creation of IoT innovations—it’s also a locale where these incredible solutions are being used every day. In fact, according to IoT.ATL, these are just a few of IoT technologies that are being applied in metro Atlanta and the State of Georgia: THE GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION is spending $18 million to upgrade all 9,500 traffic signals with smart signal software, which will provide insights into the causes of accidents.

Biotech Job Opportunities The growth of local bioscience think tanks and manufacturers was prompted, in part, by the Georgia Research Alliance (GRA), which facilitated a huge investment from the state to partner with research universities and the business community to foster bioscience research.

Currently, Atlanta employers seek talent in the medical devices and diagnostics field, testing labs, biotechnology,

DELTA AIR LINES was the first carrier to install RFID readers for cargo tracking to keep its operations running smoothly for passengers.

HARTSFIELD-JACKSON ATLANTA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT features a network of thousands of sensors that are designed to help passengers avoid wait times, find available parking, locate dining and shopping, report conditions at the airport, request wheelchair assistance and more.

pharmaceuticals, surgery and medical research. Scientists in these fields engage in state-of-the-art activities like developing new vaccines for humans and animals, conducting drug trials, manufacturing medical devices and creating new technologies that detect disease.

According to Maria Thacker Goethe, president and CEO of Georgia Bio and executive director of the Georgia Global Health Alliance, Atlanta is poised to set

the bioscience world on fire. “This is an exciting time to be part of the life sciences community in Atlanta. It’s a fast-growing and resilient hub for the bioscience and med-tech industries, which boast a $21.8 billion contribution to Georgia’s GDP and some of the highest salaries in any industry.

With one of the largest university systems in the country, Georgia provides companies large and small with a well-educated, skilled workforce for a wide range of companies,

WINTER 2020 KNOWAtlanta 39

Photo courtesy Georgia Bio

Daniel McLaughlin Therrell HS students

from research, testing and medical laboratories to digital health companies. I anticipate the opportunities in the health innovation sector to grow rapidly.”

Whether you picture yourself studying at a top-notch research institute to pursue a cure for cancer or you prefer speedy training aimed at an entry-level job as a lab tech, Atlanta’s the place to find those opportunities. Atlanta Technical College, for instance, offers certificates that can be achieved in two semesters’ time. Many schools have embraced opportunities to partner with bioscience companies in Atlanta to provide hands-on

lab experience too. According to Atlanta Tech’s website, “In [the] biotechnology program, students earn a two-year associate of applied science degree, which can lead to jobs in bio-manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, diagnostics and research or environmental labs.”

According to Georgia Bio’s 2019 “Life Science Industry in Georgia: Economic Trends and Impact” report, the average pay for a worker in the bioscience field in metro Atlanta is $74,184. Professionals in research and development earn an average of $90,994, pharmaceutical and manufacturing workers earn $103,424 and surgical and medical instrument manufacturing pros take home $104,122 annually.

Construction and Housing: Putting a Roof Over Their Heads All this growth is a good thing for job seekers, and it stands to reason that it’s good for the housing industry, too. And while the home construction industry certainly isn’t new in Atlanta, it undoubtedly can be considered one of the hottest markets today in terms of job opportunities.

“Homebuilding and real estate development will be a driver of Georgia’s growth,” Terry College Dean Benjamin C. Ayers explained at the most recent University of Georgia Economic Outlook event. “Job growth, improving demographics and the limited supply of older homes will boost new home construction.”

Judy Mozen, president of Roswell-based Handcrafted Homes, Inc., has a unique perspective on the increase in demand for housing in Atlanta, having been in the industry for over 40 years. “The home 40 KNOWAtlanta WINTER 2020

construction and remodeling business is booming in greater Atlanta. We’ve seen the demand for home improvement and construction ebb and flow, and we’re very happy to experience such a surge in demand,” she says. “However, with that demand comes a challenge to attract and retain high-quality, skilled workers.”

Mozen continues, explaining that the construction industry seeks not only knowledgeable and seasoned professionals, but also a diverse array of new talent who can embrace technological advances in the industry. “We value older workers who can bring years of experience to the table,” she says. “But I want younger workers to know [that] we need digitally savvy employees who enjoy the creative challenge of designing and building beautiful homes. I encourage anyone who is interested in this field to give it a try.”

And it’s key to note that salaries in the field are impressive. Salary.com reports that the average pay for a construction project manager hovers around $100,000. A welder can bring home $80,000, and a virtual designer can make around $70,000 annually. And those salaries are sure to stay steady thanks to metro Atlanta’s booming economy and ever-growing industries. n

For more information, visit: Georgia Film, Music & Digital Entertainment Office: georgia.org/industries/filmentertainment/georgia-film-tv-production Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication: grady.uga.edu/academics/emst/ Georgia Studio Alliance: gastudioalliance.net Georgia Film Academy: georgiafilmacademy.org Georgia Tech Center for the Development and Application of Internet of Things Technologies: cdait.gatech.edu Iot.ATL: iot-atlanta.com Georgia Bio: gabio.org Atlanta Technical College: atlantatech.edu Handcrafted Homes, Inc.: handcraftedhomes-inc.com

Photos by Ron Baker

Festival on the Green

Braselton

A Town for the Ages

By Amy Meadows

W

hen you ask about Braselton, it’s not unusual to be regaled with stories about its rich heritage and delightful small-town charm. Today, though, there’s actually very little that’s “small” about this burgeoning metro Atlanta locale along the I-85 corridor in North Georgia. In fact, Braselton’s explosive growth has been the talk of the town for years, as an exciting mix of new residents and major businesses continue to make their move to the 12.5-square-mile community, which sits at the crossroads of Barrow, Gwinnett, Hall and Jackson counties and will boast a population that tops 12,000 in 2020. What makes that growth even more impressive is the fact that it encompasses residents of all ages. And while people choose to call Braselton home for different reasons, the result is always the same, as they become part of a truly welcoming community that really does offer something for everyone.

“Braselton actually has been one of the fastest-growing areas in the country for two decades, and it is a mecca for 42 KNOWAtlanta WINTER 2020

active adults and families. Many retirees move here to be closer to their children’s families in the metro Atlanta area, and while most of the tourist amenities are adult-focused, the community itself is more family friendly,” says Nikki Perry, tourism director with the Braselton Visitors Bureau Authority. “And there are no strangers in Braselton; local residents readily accept newcomers.” What’s more, she adds, Braselton is a town “where you can find everything at your fingertips.”

That’s an important distinction, as Braselton has been synonymous with North Georgia tourism hallmarks like Château Élan Winery & Resort and Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, which attract more than one million visitors per year.

Yet, there’s so much more to the town, including a wide array of reasons that make it an incredible place to live for everyone from the young to the young at heart.

Take It Easy Located approximately 50 miles northeast of Atlanta, Braselton is actually one of the easiest areas to both reach and

traverse in metro Atlanta. According to Perry, the town claims two exits off of Interstate 85, which is a prime connection between Atlanta and the Carolinas.

In fact, the main thoroughfare leading to Braselton is ideal for both traveling and commuting, and several additional state highways crisscross the town and lead to neighboring Gainesville, Lawrenceville and other city centers.

Big Business in a Small Town When big-name businesses call a town home, they bring so much to the area, including a steady stream of job opportunities. In Braselton, residents have access to companies like Panoz Auto Development, as well as distribution centers for such organizations as Amazon, Havertys, Mizuno, Whole Foods, Hitachi, Williams-Sonoma and PetCo. Additionally, Year One and Peachtree Tooling have located their corporate headquarters within the town limits. What’s more, Braselton’s healthcare sector found itself exploding onto the health and wellness map three years ago when Northeast Georgia Medical

Traditions of Braselton

Center opened a new state-of-the-art hospital along the Georgia State Route 347 corridor, leading to other medical-related offices and facilities setting up shop throughout the area. And Braselton continues to welcome a host of industries into the local business community.

“Braselton’s investments in infrastructure have helped to strengthen the backbone for such development to better serve the growing community,” Perry notes.

A House is a Home With so many people being drawn to Braselton and its booming business sphere and it’s refreshing community atmosphere, the housing market has grown exponentially to keep pace with the demand for new residents. “The housing market has exploded in Braselton over the past decade as Atlanta has moved outward,” Perry explains. Today, the town offers a wide variety of housing opportunities for newcomers of all ages. From sprawling estates to singlefamily neighborhoods to urban-style townhomes, there is a residential option for every taste, budget and lifestyle need.

Furthermore, Braselton is dedicated to ensuring that all homes built are of the utmost quality and strive to maintain very high standards for development within the area.

Cotton Calf Kitchen

River, is a fantastic locale for young families, active adults and everyone in between. Braselton Park, located downtown, features a splash pad and playground for little ones, as well as tennis courts, a pavilion and more for everyone from teens to seniors. All of these residents also can be found enjoying Braselton’s LifePath, an extensive network of golf cart paths that connect neighborhoods and shopping and dining areas throughout the town.

The Future is Bright Perry states, “Braselton has done a phenomenal job of planning for the future.”

From the continued expansion of the highway system and the area’s infrastructure to the effort to support continued

Town Hall

residential and commercial growth, the town has instituted an array of initiatives to ensure that the overall community remains in a forward-thinking position.

However, the town never fails to look back and honor its history, as it endeavors to preserve its historic buildings and structures while finding ways to breathe new life into them. It also works hard to keep its downtown, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, as the center of community activity. And that is something that can be enjoyed by every resident of Braselton, regardless of age. As Perry concludes, “We focus on small-town values, ensuring positive, smart growth into the future.” n For more information, visitbraselton.net.

Amenities for All “High-end amenities and a rich quality of life are the expectations that Braselton meets on a daily basis,” Perry asserts. For instance, the Mulberry Riverwalk, a 2.5-mile multiuse trail that sits along the banks of the Mulberry

Château Élan Winery & Resort and Braselton Trolley WINTER 2020 KNOWAtlanta 43

REAL ESTATE

Your Home Purchase from Contract to Close What you need to know and do before sitting down at the closing table

By William Phalen

Y

ou’ve found a house and you’re under contract—much closer to owning that home! But there’s still work to be done before the closing. Keep working with your real estate agent to be sure that you’re able to get the house you want. The day the last party signs the contract is the binding agreement date, and that date sets the clock ticking for contract contingencies, including a home inspection during the due diligence period and the financing and appraisal contingencies. With that in mind, below are a few items to be aware of before the closing.

• Home inspection. Your contract will set the due diligence period. This period is typically five to 10 days—and the longer the better for the buyer. During this period, you can have an inspection done and terminate the contract for any or no reason and receive your earnest money back. Hire a professional home inspector to inspect the property for any defects in construction or with the systems in the home. Any problems uncovered during the inspection must be addressed during the due diligence period when you can still terminate the contract. You can work with your real estate agent to negotiate any remedies. Those could include asking for a price reduction, requesting repairs or deducting repair costs from the seller’s proceeds to pay directly to a contractor that you choose.

• Financing and appraisal. Your contract may also include financing and appraisal contingencies; you’ll have a certain amount of time (usually 21 days) 44 KNOWAtlanta WINTER 2020

to obtain final loan approval and have an appraisal performed. Under this contingency, the home must appraise for at least the purchase price. During this contingency time, if the lender is not able to qualify you for a loan or the appraisal falls below the purchase price, you can terminate the contract and receive your earnest money back. Work closely with your lender to quickly provide all of the requested financial documents so the lender can approve your loan within the contingency deadline. To be sure that the lender will qualify you for the loan, you shouldn’t make any big purchases or incur new debt during this time.

• Title review. During this time, the lender will have requested that the closing attorney perform a title search on the property and prepare a title commitment. As the buyer, you can ask the attorney to review the title commitment with you. That report will show whether the property is subject to any easements, restrictions or covenants and may include a survey. Surveys are not required in Georgia, so there may not be one of record. If you’d like a survey, you can include a separate contingency in the contract. Surveys may take several weeks to order and perform and would likely not be completed by the end of the due diligence period.

• Property walk-through. On the day of closing, you should schedule a walkthrough of the property. This is especially

important if the seller agreed to any repairs. It is not uncommon for a buyer to discover at the last minute that a repair was not undertaken or not completed properly.

The period from contract to close is a busy time. Ask your real estate agent to help calendar the different events set forth in the contract to make sure nothing is missed. Planning ahead will protect your remedies under the contract, give you time to negotiate any repairs and help the closing go smoothly so you can get the keys and make the house your own. n William Phalen is a partner with the firm of Sherman & Phalen, LLC. For more than 20 years, Sherman & Phalen, LLC, has conducted residential and commercial real estate closings in Georgia, Florida and South Carolina. Phalen is the past president of the Georgia Real Estate Closing Attorneys Association and is on the Executive Board of the State Bar of Georgia’s Real Property Law Section. As a board member of both organizations, he has worked on legislative matters that include defining and policing the unauthorized practice of law when performing real estate transactions, the licensing of attorneys with the insurance commissioner’s office and the manner of issuing liens for unpaid water bills, among others.

Moving to Atlanta?

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• Placement with proven, experienced real estate professionals

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REAL ESTATE

Moving to Atlanta Checklist T

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

Two Months Before

Six Weeks Before

Four Weeks Before

Research your options for moving or truck rental companies.

Get on-site, written estimates and references from multiple companies — for moving and storage, if necessary.

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

Send your new address to friends and family members.

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

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

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

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

SM

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

46 KNOWAtlanta WINTER 2020

Start a binder of all paperwork, estimates and receipts related to your move. These costs can later be taken as tax credits and deductions.

Collect necessary records from your child’s school and your pet’s veterinarian, as well as family medical, dental and legal documents and keep them organized together.

Use up or give away food and supplies that can’t be moved, like frozen or perishable foods and cleaning supplies.

Host a garage or moving sale for the items you decide not to keep, and give away leftovers to charitable organizations.

Schedule disconnection of services at your current home and reconnection at your new house, including phone, cable and internet.

Contact insurance companies to obtain moving coverage and to transfer policies to your new home.

Research new medical professionals for you and your family, including family doctors, dentists and veterinarians.

2-3 Weeks Before

1 Week Before

1 Day Before

Moving Day

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

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

Finalize all packing.

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

Verify the moving truck that shows up is the one you hired.

The USDOT number on the side of the truck should match the number on the estimate/ confirmation paperwork.

Scams can happen!

Transfer your automobile registration and driver’s license if you’re moving out of state.

Create a folder of important information about your house for the next homeowner. Be sure to include your new address so that future residents can forward any mail.

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

Complete a house check. Defrost the freezer, drain the water hose, disconnect and prepare any major appliances you’re planning to move.

Pack a “First Open/ Load Last” box. Include items you’ll need on the first day in your new home.

Confirm hotel or temporary accommodations, if needed.

Arrange for childcare and pet services.

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Schedule your new service up to 90 days in advance by calling 1-866-353-7835 or visit SCANAENERGY.COM.

Sign the bill of lading/ inventory list before the movers leave, making sure to check boxes and note any missing items or damage. Keep a copy in a safe place.

Be on hand for movers to answer questions and show where furniture and boxes should go.

Be prepared to pay the mover and have cash on hand to tip workers.

KNOWAtlanta’s GUIDE TO NEW HOMES

A Guide to Your New Home Build What you should expect as your new home is built from the ground up

By Amy Meadows

I

f you’re new to having a new home built, then you may not know what to expect as the process progresses.

And that is exactly what it is: a process.

Fortunately, Atlanta is replete with exceptional homebuilders who understand the ins and outs of home construction, particularly in the metro area. So KNOWAtlanta Magazine asked a number of local homebuilders what you should anticipate during the homebuilding process. Here’s what they had to say.

“Weather is typically the number one reason for a delay, but usually not more than a week or two.” Fortunately, metro Atlanta’s mild and relatively dry climate allows for year-round construction. Meghan Rice, production manager for The Providence Group, does say that getting ahead of the winter months is always a plus when it comes to laying the foundation of a new home.

Q: How long does it take to build a new home in metro Atlanta?

A: The professional titles may vary by builder, but there will be a number of people to whom you’ll speak during the construction process. You can expect to be in touch with an onsite sales professional or agent, a lender, a project manager (or an onsite builder or construction supervisor), a design specialist and a closing manager or coordinator.

A: The consensus among the builders we spoke to—Eastwood Homes, Lennar Homes, Paran Homes, The Providence Group and SR Homes—is that the homebuilding process normally takes four to six months. Of course, delays can extend that timeframe.

Q: What kinds of challenges or delays can home buyers expect during the homebuilding process?

A: According to Michael Rosenberg, president of Paran Homes, “Permitting delays are sometimes common depending on municipalities.” Jeff Causey and Robert Matthews, both vice presidents with SR Homes, agree, stating that municipality and code compliance changes can hinder a construction project; they also reveal that labor availability fluctuations and supplier resource issues could cause delays.

Of course, as New Home Consultant Melinda Raines with Lennar Homes reveals, 48 KNOWAtlanta WINTER 2020

Q: Who are the main individuals with which home buyers will work during the process?

Q: What are the major steps or milestones that buyers should look for as their home is under construction?

A: While every homebuilder approaches construction methods and procedures in their own exclusive way, there are similarities when it comes to the overall building process. Be prepared for any of the following steps: • Permitting, which is handled by the builder • A pre-construction meeting to discuss the lot configuration, home plans and more • A design selection meeting to make interior and exterior design selections • A pre-drywall meeting that takes place

after the framing goes up • A homeowner orientation, which takes place close to the end of construction • A final walk-through • Closing and move in Q: What’s the best way for home buyers to keep track of the construction process?

A: Steve Atchison, division president for Eastwood Homes, advises, “Schedule visits to the job site with your onsite builder and reach out to your builder whenever you have a question regarding your home. Your builder should be very happy to answer your questions.”

Q: What should new home buyers know most about the home building process?

A: According to Causey and Matthews, “Buyers should know and understand that the journey to their dream home’s completion will not travel the path of an enclosed manufacturing facility. Buyers experience these realizations at different times during the build.” What’s more, as Raines concludes, “No two homes are ever alike! Each home has its own personality and uniqueness about it, just like the homeowner-to-be.” So, do your research, ask questions and follow along closely on the adventure of a lifetime to owning a brand new home. n For more information, visit: Eastwood Homes: eastwoodhomes.com Lennar Homes: lennar.com Paran Homes: paranhomes.com The Providence Group: theprovidencegroup.com SR Homes: srhomes.com

The Charles

District Lofts

$1.9M-$3M+

From $370s-High $500s

Marrying elegant design with unparalleled walkability, The Charles represents a new level of urban sophistication and offers a rare chance for a select few to make the center of Buckhead Village their home. Each home at The Charles has been thoughtfully designed to reflect the ideal experience of the Atlanta lifestyle. Sales and marketing is handled exclusively

by Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty Developer Services Division.

District Lofts represents a unique opportunity to own and live perched atop Atlantic Station’s vibrant, diverse and experiential neighborhood in West Midtown. At District Lofts, enjoy convenient access to Midtown’s preeminent entertainment district, which includes over 50 unique restaurants and retail offerings in a walkable live-work-play community. District Lofts embodies superior modernity, high design and timeless interiors for a truly upscale, authentic loft design.

(404) 975-3770

(404) 556-6110

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owndistrictlofts.com

The River Club

Soleil Laurel Canyon

Entering the gates of The River Club, you’ll find a community of serene natural beauty, exquisitely crafted custom homes on rolling topography and an exceptional living opportunity.

Built around one of Greg Norman’s celebrated golf courses and nestled into the woodlands along the Chattahoochee River, The River Club is a sanctuary from the outside world. This is, quite simply, the finest lifestyle experience available anywhere in Atlanta.

One of Where To Retire Magazine’s Top 50 Master-Planned Communities, this unique active adult community located in Canton is where neighbors become lifelong friends while surrounded by the opportunity to create indelible memories. Imagine days filled with engaging activities, providing the lifestyle of a long-awaited vacation. Spend time on the golf course or tennis courts, in the culinary-teaching kitchen honing gourmet skills or on the clubhouse balcony watching the sunset over the North Georgia Mountains.

Everything you came here for — and more.

Mid $200s-$1M+

(678) 541-6434

riverclub.com

From $300s-$600s

(678) 880-3071

soleillaurelcanyon.com WINTER 2020 KNOWAtlanta 49

39TH AWARDS www.AtlantaHomeBuilders.com

Celebratin� Outstandin� Achievements in Homebuildin� 2019 OBIE AWARD WINNERS ARE NOW ONLINE! GO TO...

www.AtlantaHomeBuilders.com

WHAT ARE THE OBIE AWARDS? The OBIE Awards began in 1980 and have grown throughout the years to now feature more than 100 building, remodeling, marketing and personal achievement categories in which to enter. The OBIE Awards, named after the obelisk shape of the actual award given, are the premier awards in the new home construction industry.

Awards are given to recognize outstanding achievement in new home building, marketing, remodeling and personal achievement categories. The Sales and Marketing Council of the HBA presents the annual OBIE Awards every November.

OBIE Award recipients stand out among their peers and are recognized for their outstanding achievements.

The OBIE Awards program is presented by the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association, Inc.’s Sales and Marketing Council to honor excellence in building, remodeling, marketing and personal achievement in the homebuilding industry.

Visit www.AtlantaSMC.com to view the 2019 OBIE Winners.

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Our Neighborhoods Showcase Homes Open Daily

Cherokee

Canton/Hickory Flat IDLYWILDE Single Family • From the Low $400s-$500s

Woodstock MASON MAIN Townhomes • From the High $300s

Cobb

Smyrna PRUITT WALK Townhomes • From the $400s

Dekalb Decatur

TOWNS AT NORTH DECATUR Townhomes • From the Low $400s GLENDALE ROWES Townhomes • From the Mid $300s

Forsyth

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The Providence Group builds neighborhoods with

CENTRAL PARK AT DEERFIELD TOWNSHIP Single Family • From the Mid $400s

curated design options and a seamless experience

Fulton

from first look to move-in. With intelligently crafted townhomes and single family home designs, high life, low maintenance communities, there is something for every lifestyle. Our New Home Navigator is available to assist you with your new home search.

Please visit TheProvidenceGroup.com.

Alpharetta ATLEY Townhomes/Condos • Mid $300s Coming Soon!

CHELSEA WALK Townhomes • From the Low $500s FINAL CHANCE! EAST OF MAIN Single Family • From the $700s ECCO PARK Condos • From the $300s COMING SOON! RUTH’S FARM Single Family • From the High $600s FINAL CHANCE!

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THE MAXWELL Condos, Single Family and Townhomes From the High $300s to $700s

Atlanta PRATT STACKS Condos • From the Low $400s THE VIEWS ON PONCE Townhomes • From the $900s WESTSIDE VILLAGE Townhomes • From the Low $400s

Johns Creek BELLMOORE PARK Single Family From the Mid $400s - $1 Million BROOKMERE AT JOHNS CREEK Single Family From the $600s FINAL CHANCE!

Milton THE RESERVE AT PROVIDENCE Single Family • From the $800s FINAL CHANCE!

Sandy Springs THE TOWNES AT CHASTAIN Townhomes • From the Mid $400s FINAL CHANCE!

Gwinnett Duluth

GREYSOLON Townhomes • From the High $300s

Suwanee ELLINGTON Townhomes • From the High $300s FINAL CHANCE! HARVEST PARK Townhomes and Single Family Homes From the Mid $300s-$500s SUWANEE TOWNESHIP Townhomes • From the Mid $300s FINAL CHANCE!

TheProvidenceGroup.com

KNOWAtlanta’s GUIDE TO NEW HOMES

Eastwood Homes Low $300s

Brock Built Homes From High $200s-$800s

Founded by Joseph K. Stewart in 1977, Eastwood Homes is a residential builder with a record of industry success. With headquarters in Charlotte, NC, Eastwood Homes now serves communities throughout the Carolinas, Virginia and Georgia.

Driven by integrity and core values, we build homes of exceptional value and outstanding craftsmanship while delivering unparalleled customer service. Our purpose is to ensure that every homeowner says, “Eastwood Homes, That’s My Builder.”

Brock Built Homes is a premier Atlanta homebuilder that is dedicated to enriching the lives of homeowners. Brock Built provides quality craftsmanship and builds not just homes, but neighborhoods and communities with a focus on heavily landscaped treelined streets, large front porches and classic craftsman architecture. Brock Built provides innovative communities, neighborhoods and homes from Intown to several suburban areas.

(866) 551-7995

(404) 351-7555

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Lennar

From High $200s-$700s

brockbuilt.com

Patrick Malloy Communities From $400s-$1M

Lennar’s new homes in thoughtfully designed communities meet the needs of every home buyer. Lennar, one of the nation’s top homebuilders, creates communities in Atlanta’s most desirable areas, including Cherokee, Cobb, DeKalb, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Hall counties. Communities feature in-demand amenities like swimming pools, recreation centers, trails, playgrounds, parks and more, with golf courses and world-class dining, shopping and entertainment nearby.

Patrick Malloy Communities was founded in 1994 by Patrick Malloy in an era when a home was part of a neighborhood, and a neighborhood was part of a life. That core focus remains strong today, with the family’s third generation at the helm.

Over the past 20-plus years, they have built more than 3,000 exceptional homes in metro Atlanta and developed more than 7,000 lots. With each new project comes a sense of pride and craftsmanship and commitment to “Building Character” into each new home and community. Live on a different level.

(404) 931-7462

(770) 635-4090

lennar.com/atlanta 52 KNOWAtlanta WINTER 2020

pmcommunities.com

David Weekley Homes

Fischer Homes

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, Kirkwood, Smyrna, Suwanee, Woodstock, Mableton and Decatur.

As one of America’s largest homebuilders, Fischer Homes has been building quality homes for over 35 years. More than 25,000 customers have chosen Fischer Homes as their builder of choice, and the company’s satisfaction rating is among the highest in the industry. Fischer Homes has new home communities in Powder Springs, Alpharetta, Ball Ground, Sugar Hill, Cumming, Dallas and West Cobb with prices starting in the $200s.

(404) 789-3033

(404) 620-6814

Mid $300s-Mid $800s

davidweekleyhomes.com

From $200s-$1M+

fischerhomes.com

PEACHTREE CITY IS A MASTER-PLANNED COMMUNITY BOASTING OVER 100 MILES OF MULTI-USE PATHS THAT CONNECT OUR RESIDENTS TO SHOPPING, DINING, RESORT-STYLE HOTELS, GOLF AND OTHER RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES.

WWW.PEACHTREE-CITY.ORG OR WWW.VISITPEACHTREECITY.COM EASY ACCESS TO GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES

WINTER 2020 KNOWAtlanta 53

KNOWAtlanta’s GUIDE TO NEW HOMES

Traditions of Braselton

Rocklyn Homes

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 Olympic-sized 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 $200s to $700s. Traditions has it all!

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.”

(706) 664-2830

(770) 817-2185

From High $200s-$700s

discovertraditionsbraselton.com/KNOW

High $100s-$500s

rocklynhomes.com

Century Communities Low $200s-$600s

Century Communities in Atlanta offers a wide variety of exceptional plan layouts, elevations and locations throughout metro Atlanta to choose from, starting from the low $200s. Choose between a move-in ready home or personalize a to-be-built home with an exciting array of available options at Studio 100, Century Communities’ design center. Schedule an appointment for a community and model home tour on our website today!

(678) 775-1640

centurycommunities.com 54 KNOWAtlanta WINTER 2020

40 West 12th

From $800s-$2M+ With elaborate detail throughout and chic finish options, the residences at 40 West 12th offer effortless elegance in Atlanta’s premier Midtown neighborhood. From dual-sided fireplaces and floor-to-ceiling glass walls to unmatched marble details and well-appointed kitchens and baths, the uniquely crafted details speak for themselves.

(404) 347-3838

40west12th.com

We Saved the Best for Last.

GATED & STAFFED COMMUNITY GREG NORMAN GOLF COURSE

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

PRIVATE CLUBHOUSE & SPA ROLLING TOPOGRAPHY ALONG THE CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVER

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

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

1300 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Ste. 3103, Suwanee, GA 30024 (678) 541-6434 | RiverClub.com © 2019 River Club Realty, LLC. Prices, conditions and availability subject to change.

KNOWAtlanta’s GUIDE TO NEW HOMES

Skyland Brookhaven Empire Communities From $300s-$1M+

High $400s

Formerly EA Homes, Empire Communities works to create comfortable luxury in everything we do. It’s about a lifestyle that appreciates a well-built, purposeful home filled with thoughtful, stylish design. It’s about a design process that erases all your worries. And it’s about homes that invite you to truly live in them. Empire offers single-family homes and townhomes in Atlanta’s top locations. Let us help you find your comfortable luxury in one of our 15+ communities.

Skyland Brookhaven is a new townhome community designed with your lifestyle in mind. We are proud to offer thoughtful floor plans, beautiful aesthetics and space that works harder. Using quality craftsmanship from custom builders, these homes are also technologically enabled for state-of-the-art living spaces.

Luxurious amenities include a sophisticated clubhouse, a gorgeous saltwater pool and landscaped pocket parks. Located in sought-after Brookhaven, this community is convenient to upscale shopping at Lenox Square, Perimeter Mall and Northlake Mall.

(678) 582-1150

(678) 515-3927

empireatlanta.com

skylandbrookhaven.com

The Providence Group Lake Arrowhead

From $300s-$1M

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

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

The award-winning design center allows home buyers to personalize their new home.

(770) 720 -2700

(678) 990-8561

High $200s-Mid $800s

lakearrowheadga.com 56 KNOWAtlanta WINTER 2020

theprovidencegroup.com

Seven88 West Midtown

Meritage Homes

The condominiums at Seven88 West Midtown are located in an authentic Atlanta neighborhood—one with an enviable mix of restaurants, retail and entertainment. Inside each unit, you’ll find thoughtful design and elegant architectural finishes, clean and luxurious interiors and panoramic views magnified by floor-to-ceiling windows. At Seven88, your intown walkable lifestyle is made carefree with a full complement of luxurious resort–style amenities.

It’s time to expect more from your homebuilder. We’re setting the new standard for energy-efficient homes to help you live with more savings, better health, real comfort and peace of mind. Whether this is your first home or your sixth, it’s important to know you have a partner in your corner — someone with the expertise to know what it takes to build to the standard you need and expect.

(678) 981-9336

(877) 247-6374

From Mid $300s-$1.7M

788westmidtown.com

From $200s-$600s

meritagehomes.com/state/ga/atlanta

Need more information when making your move?

Visit knowatlanta.com to learn more about metro Atlanta, including information on health care, housing options, educational opportunities, city and county details, and maps to help navigate your way around the area.

KNOWAtlanta.com WINTER 2020 KNOWAtlanta 57

Builder and Developer Locator Map Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty 1. The Charles 2. Enclave at Chastain 3. Brookhaven Wilshire 4. Belvedere on Peachtree 5. Lindmoor Row Decatur Brock Built Homes 6. Adams Vineyard 7. Mangêt 8. Oakhurst 9. Westside Station 10. West Town Century Communities 11. Carmichael Farms 12. Hamilton Pointe 13. Ansley Park 14. Saddlebrook 15. Carver Hills David Weekley Homes 16. Enclave at Belmont 17. Broadview Place 18. Hargrove 19. Grand Reserve 20. Marietta Township Eastwood Homes 21. Windsor Knoll 22. Cambridge Empire Communities 23. Harlow 24. Halcyon 25. Larkspur 26. Albright 27. Bixton

58 KNOWAtlanta WINTER 2020

Engel & Völkers Atlanta 28. The Atlantic 29. 1065 Midtown 30. District Lofts 31. 40 West 12th 32. Chastain East

Paran Homes 54. Oakleigh Pointe 55. Magnolia Court 56. Traditions of Braselton 57. Millwood Farms 58. Gladstone

Fischer Homes 33. Primrose Creek 34. River Rock 35. Great Sky 36. Towne Mill 37. Springbrook Estates

Patrick Malloy Communities 59. Milton Run 60. Kyle Farm 61. Wescott 62. Horizon at Laurel Canyon 63. Hillandale

38. Lake Arrowhead Lennar Atlanta 39. Caravelle at Windward Park 40. Hedges Park 41. Dunwoody Village 42. Parkside Meadows 43. Enclave at Morningside McKinley Homes 44. Seven88 West Midtown 45. The Shores at Lynncliff 46. High Pointe View 47. Hidden Creek View 48. Berkeley Township Meritage Homes 49. Vistas at Towne Mill 50. Summerfield 51. Evelyn Farms 52. Winding Creek 53. Willowcrest

The Providence Group 64. Bellmoore Park 65. Central Park at Deerfield Township 66. Harvest Park 67. Pratt Stacks 68. The Maxwell 69. The River Club Rocklyn Homes 70. Horizon 71. Ashbrooke 72. Seaboard Township 73. Cascades 74. Renaissance at South Park 75. Skyland Brookhaven Southeast Capital Partners 76. Soleil Laurel Canyon

Lumpkin

Pickens Dawson 45

36

Bartow

34

49 38

35

Cherokee

76 62

Forsyth

50

Hall

11 65

13

25

46

59

CARTERSVILLE

33

22

MILTON 47

23 24

19

64

Cobb 57

54 42

Paulding

70 48

Barrow

Gwinnett

41

16 3

2

60

15

75

32 26

53

71 1

9 30

17

31

MON 58

5

29

Atlanta

73

14

4

28 44 10

Walton

18 27

67

DeKalb

Douglas

SOCIA

Fulton

Rockdale

Clayton

Carroll

21

6

7

20

72

66

55

40

37

Jackson

69

61

JOHNS CREEK

Fulton

63

56

43

68

51

8

Newton

52

74

Coweta

12

Fayette

Henry

SHARPSBURG

WINTER 2020 KNOWAtlanta 59

LEASING

Beyond the Basics

What to expect from today’s apartment management companies

By Amy Meadows

W

hen you sign a lease for an apartment, there’s a good chance you are not working directly with the original developer of that multifamily community. In many cases, the leasing agent who assists you is working for an apartment or property management company, a third-party entity that is brought in to maintain the complex and provide residents with an array of services. In fact, when it comes to the day-to-day operations of your apartment community, the various employees from the management company typically will be the people you see regularly and will be your go-to source for everything you need. So, what can you 60 KNOWAtlanta WINTER 2020

expect from today’s property management organizations? KNOWAtlanta Magazine turned to Atlanta-based multifamily apartment management company First Communities Management (FCM), which oversees more than 16,000 units in the metro area, to find out what apartment seekers should look for when it comes to the management of properties in which they are interested. W. Mitcham Harrison, president and CEO, and Pauline Houchins, vice president of development and property operations, shared these helpful insights.

Start at the Beginning Of course, property management

companies do handle all of the basic functions and procedures that go along with apartment living. From information about the terms of the lease to the kinds of standard services available to you as a resident, the management company should be able to provide you with all of the answers you need before you sign on the dotted line. FCM suggests that, as you begin and narrow down your apartment search, you ask the following questions: • What is your application process?

• What is your qualifying criteria?

• What is included in the rent?

• How do I pay rent?

• Can I pay online or do I pay in the office? What forms of payment do

you accept?

• What is your late fee policy?

• Is renters’ insurance required?

• Which cable or internet company can I use?

• What is your community pet policy?

Are there restricted breeds? Is there a monthly pet rent fee?

• Where will I be able to park?

• Are there any additional monthly fees?

Seeing is Believing When you’re searching for an apartment, it’s not unusual to visit a number of potential communities. However, when you see multiple complexes, it can be hard to keep them straight in your mind. It’s important for an apartment management company to find ways for a development to stand out. For instance, FCM sets its communities apart by ensuring that potential residents do not take a standard “canned” tour, Houchins reveals. Instead, community visitors don’t just see a community’s main amenities, like a pool and fitness room, and move on—they see everything that creates real value for tenants. They also

are given the opportunity to see move-in ready apartments as opposed to a model alone. “We want you to see the actual unit that you will live in,” Houchins states. That way, there are no surprises on moving day, and you’ll feel completely comfortable with everything the community has to offer its residents.

The Entire Experience According to Harrison, today’s renters aren’t just looking for a place to live— they want to feel like they are part of a warm and welcoming community. That’s especially true for the people who are long-term renters by choice, from millennials who may not be ready to mortgage a home to baby boomers who have downsized and prefer apartment living. That’s why the full resident experience is at the forefront for an organization like First Communities. In addition to handling resident services like trash pickup, service requests, work orders, rent payments and more, the company strives to arrange resident events that will help people feel connected not only to their neighbors,

but also to the development itself. For instance, every week, FCM offers a Breakfast on the Go event, as well as other gatherings and social opportunities throughout the year. The company also offers a variety of chances for residents to get to know the onsite management team, which “helps to foster a sense of community,” Houchins explains. That effort also reaches beyond the apartment complex itself, as FCM is dedicated to helping tenants get acclimated to the surrounding community by providing valuable information, serving as an expert of sorts about the encompassing ZIP code. “People want to feel plugged in to the community,” Harrison notes. “They want to know their neighbors and really feel like they can get involved.”

Tech Talks Of course, convenience is of the utmost importance to every apartment resident.

And the way tenants interact with their property’s management team needs to be streamlined and simple. That’s where technology is brought into the picture, as apartment management companies

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regularly adopt tech-based solutions for communicating and doing business with their residents. Today, for example, rent payments and maintenance requests can be made online, saving time and effort for both parties. And the use of tech can even be found before a lease has been signed; as many potential residents need to select an apartment sight unseen before relocating, apartment management companies often are able to provide 360-degree virtual tours of available units. And while these state-of-the-art opportunities have transformed the way property management organizations connect with potential and current residents, they have not taken away from companies like FCM providing their own personal touch. In fact, today’s tech has helped enhance communication across the board for everyone involved in the leasing experience.

Safety First As the popularity of vacation rental online marketplaces like Airbnb and Vrbo has risen, apartments have become popular lodging options for travelers. It’s up to your apartment management company

to ensure that your safety as a resident comes first. If the community you select does allow its residents to offer their units for short-term rental, you need to know what kinds of controls the management team has in place. For example, FCM uses Pillow, an online solution that works with Airbnb to help tenants rent out their apartments. Through the management platform, FCM has full transparency about every short-term rental arrangement and can be sure that any visitors have undergone a background check.

The solution also protects residents who want to make sure that they are not violating their lease while having the freedom to rent out their units. And it’s this kind of contemporary forward thinking that has helped make apartment living easier and better than ever. n To learn more about Atlanta’s apartment market, visit the Atlanta Apartment Association at atl-apt.org.

To learn more about First Communities Management and its properties, visit firstcommunities.com.

Why a hotel room when you can have an apartment home?

Can’t-Miss Communities Are you on the hunt for an apartment? Be sure to check out these two fantastic communities from First Communities Management.

CENTURY AT THE BALLPARK Conveniently located near I-85 in Lawrenceville, Century at the Ballpark offers fantastic one-, two- and three-bedroom floor plans that boast well-appointed living spaces marked by exceptional designer interiors, from side-by-side refrigerators to luxury wood flooring.

Each unit also features spectacular outdoor living spaces. The community itself includes an array of first-rate amenities in a resort-style atmosphere, all only moments from spots like the Mall of Georgia and Coolray Field. For more information, visit centuryatballpark.com.

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.

W

hether you’re a small or large company, business professional, or family, TP Corporate Lodging will quickly accommodate all your requests to make your temporary housing a little more like home.

Call Toll Free: 800-428-9997 tpcorporatelodging.com

62 KNOWAtlanta WINTER 2020

CENTURY SKYLINE For exceptional one- and twobedroom apartment options in the heart of Atlanta, head to Century Skyline. Sophisticated interiors feature tall ceilings, large windows, hardwood floors and more, including SmartHome by Century technology like voice-activate lighting and Amazon Alexa. Gourmet-style kitchens, spa-inspired master bathrooms, private balconies and more take intown living to the next level. For more information, visit century-apartments.com/centuryskyline-atlanta-ga/.

55+ LIVING CHOICES

The Case for Active Adult Living

Considering the many reasons for choosing to live in one of metro Atlanta’s 55+ communities

By Marty H. Hohmann

S

tephanie Wolf, 60, is still a working professional, but a few years ago she decided it was time to take a look at 55+ active adult communities for a home she could remain in well into her golden years. She moved from a town-

home in Alpharetta to a single-family home in Nestledown Farm, a pastoral community with views of the Blue Ridge Mountains near Cumming developed by Jim Chapman Communities.

Wolf took many factors into consider-

ation in making her decision to move to an active adult community, such as walkability, proximity to amenities, single-story living and comfortable outdoor spaces.

And she wanted to make the move while she was still young and active. “When I WINTER 2020 KNOWAtlanta 63

started looking, I was a little bit over 55,” she says. “I saw this property when there wasn’t even a sales trailer here. I signed a contract just from seeing the floor plans.”

This experience is being repeated all the time here in metro Atlanta. Baby boomers are a pretty savvy lot, and they are approaching their senior years quite differently than previous generations.

Born between 1946 and 1964, more than 10,000 boomers are reaching retirement age each and every day, and they are doing so with a specific plan for where they want to live, how they want to live and who they want for neighbors. Today, scores of 55+ boomer buyers are choosing the metro Atlanta area for the retirement lifestyle they worked so hard to achieve.

Betsy Sheppard, CEO and president of Gilbert & Sheppard Group, a nationally recognized Georgia-based marketing firm specializing in the active adult housing market, says Wolf is the embodiment of the 55+ housing buyer. “One of the things that’s really important to this age group is a community’s walkability,” she says, adding that the 55+ client is driven by convenience to shopping, dining and good medical options, as well as lifestyle choices like exercise, walking, biking, pickleball and social gatherings. And the list continues. “A 60-year-old today is healthier than 60 year olds were 20 years

Saluda River Club (courtesy of Gilbert & Sheppard Group)

ago,” she continues. “And the 55+ buyer takes a long time to make a decision because they have a lot of choices.”

Metro Atlanta has many 55+ housing options, including rental opportunities, and the lure to the metro area is obvious. Atlanta offers beautiful weather and Southern hospitality and is a vibrant cultural mecca. But Sheppard says the single largest factor for older adults in deciding where to live out their senior years is the desire to be near adult children and

grandchildren, without having to live in the same house.

Fortunately, whether it’s an urban apartment community, a single-family home in the country or on a golf course or a small community on the edge of downtown Atlanta, there is an age-restricted community for everyone all across the metro area. And the amenities are as varied as the properties themselves, with communities featuring unique offerings like regular cooking classes, wine tastings,

Fortunately, whether it’s an urban apartment community, a singlefamily home in the country or on a golf course or a small community on the edge of downtown Atlanta, there is an age-restricted community for everyone all across the metro area.

64 KNOWAtlanta WINTER 2020

GET OFF THE SIDELINES AND

START LIVING!

FINAL RELEASE OF NEW HOMES Now Selling from the mid $300s

Just north of Atlanta, only minutes from shopping, dining, hospitals, culture and Blue Ridge is our award-winning 55+ resort- style community, Soleil Laurel Canyon.

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Amenity-Rich Resort Living for Active Adults

Now is the time to Buy. Great Selections Still Available.

Soleil Laurel Canyon 105 High Mountain Trace Canton, Georgia 30114

Š2020 Lifestyles at Laurel Canyon, LLC. Special offers, prices, home designs and other information subject to errors, changes, omissions, deletions, availability, prior sale and withdrawal at any time without notice. Not an offering to CT, NJ or NY residents. Void where prohibited.

55+ LIVING CHOICES

Of course, more standard amenities like stunning clubhouses, pools and tennis (or pickleball) courts, among others, also are usually a part of the community package. woodworking, coffee shops and much more. Of course, more standard amenities like stunning clubhouses, pools and tennis (or pickleball) courts, among others, also are usually a part of the community package. And a great place to start your hunt for the right neighborhood is with the website 55places.com, which is a helpful resource for individuals just beginning the search for an active adult community to call home. It features a comprehensive list of 55+ communities throughout the country, and listings are broken down by region, state and city. Amenities, floor plans and photos are on the website, as well as contact information.

According to Jim Chapman, president of Jim Chapman Communities of Atlanta, “Two of the most important amenities to

our buyers are walking trails and community gardens.” And he should know. He was named the 2018 Builder of the Year by the 55+ Housing Industry Council of the National Association of Home Builders. He is also a founding member and president of ALL, A Livable Lifestyle, which is a statewide voluntary certification program for home builders in which accessible lifestyle design features are built into new or remodeled homes; the Home Builders Association of Georgia launched the program in 2013 to meet a growing demand for age-restricted communities and homes built to accommodate an aging population.

“You need to build homes today where your 90-year-old mother can come visit you,” says Sheppard. Likewise, the home that meets your livable lifestyle standards

can conceivably be the last home you will ever need. These days, builder requirements include stepless entries, main floor living with a bathroom featuring low or no curbing in the showers and doorways of at least 32 inches in width.

Each requirement was designed to be mindful of mobility issues and the desires of the buyer to maintain an independent lifestyle for as long as possible.

That was Wolf’s objective when she started shopping, and she has no doubt that she made the right choice. “I am at a point in my life that I just want to enjoy.

This is my home, and I made the right decision. I want this to be my last house.

I call it my toe-tag house,” she laughs.

“God willing, you can spend the rest of your life in one of these homes.” n

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RESORT-STYLE CHOICES

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66 KNOWAtlanta WINTER 2020

Ranch-Style Homes From The High $200s - $400s

We Rise Up, Aim High, and Soar.

Who is Georgia Cyber Academy?

Georgia Cyber Academy has been recognizied as one of the TOP online performing Public schools in the state of Georgia.

GCA provides an interactive virtual learning environment designed to support individualized and differentiated student-centered educational experiences. GCA offers grades K-12 and focuses on student achievement and building a strong community among our students, parents, faculty and staff.

What is an Online Public School?

It is when parents and students are partnered with certified teachers who instruct and guide student progress and achievement. In the virtual classroom, students participate in real-time, direct instruction from their teachers and it is absolutely FREE!!!

When can I Enroll?

GCA has open enrollment in the Spring starting in APRIL 2020!!! To learn more about what GCA can offer you and/ or your child, please visit www.georgiacyber.org for more information or email enrollment@georgiacyber.org.

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Call 470.400.7051

EDUCATION

How to Help Children Adapt and Learn During a Move

By Primrose Schools

I

t’s no secret that children thrive on routine. They learn best when they are in a safe, nurturing and consistent environment, which means major life transitions like moving to a new city can throw them for a loop. Rest assured, your child will continue learning even during a big adjustment to his or her normal routine or environment, but there are ways you can help.

“Children’s brains develop more rapidly during the first five years of life than at any other time,” says Gloria Julius, Ed.D., vice president of early childhood education at Primrose Schools®. “They are constantly observing, exploring and discovering, soaking up information about the world around them. Even during a significant change, such as a move to a new city, their natural curiosity will prevail. However, you can help them adapt and use your new environment as an opportunity to extend their learning.”

As you settle into life in a new city, there are simple ways you and your little one can get more familiar with your new surroundings while learning and having fun at the same time. Try one or more of the following activities, which also encourage important skills and traits for your child: • Visit your local library. Pick out books to read together at the library to help build language and literacy skills. Many libraries regularly hold story time and other programming for young children. Try attending one or two of the events as an opportunity for you and your little one to meet friends in your new hometown.

• Give back to your new community.

Volunteer at your local animal shelter or share veggies from your garden with a neighbor so your child can witness and learn firsthand the joy of giving back, while also getting to know their new community. Modeling is an effective way to nurture traits like compassion, generosity and kindness in your little one.

and point out similarities and differences together. Identifying the similarities will help make the new surroundings feel more familiar and comfortable to your little one, while observing the differences will help stimulate observation and critical thinking.

If you are looking for a childcare provider in your new community, finding a nurturing environment that offers some daily structure can also help your child adjust to new routines. Every Primrose school uses the Primrose-exclusive Balanced Learning® approach, which is created from the best wisdom in early education. The Balanced Learning approach balances purposeful play with guidance from caring teachers to encourage curiosity, creativity, confidence and compassion in children. n

• Play at the park. Explore your neighborhood and help your child develop important motor skills by tossing a ball or chasing each other in a game of tag at a park near your home. Being active

As you explore your new hometown, point out similarities to where you used to live. For example, if your child loved visiting the library in your previous town, take him to a library near your new home

To learn about Primrose schools in metro Atlanta, visit PrimroseSchools.com/Atlanta. For more helpful parenting tips and information, visit our blog at PrimroseSchools.com/Blog and sign up for the Pointers for Parents e-mail.

68 KNOWAtlanta WINTER 2020

together helps children build a lifelong love for physical activity.

• Put down roots in your backyard. Discover science and nutrition together by planting a fruit and vegetable garden in your backyard. Your child’s curiosity will spark questions and intrigue as the seeds grow and transform.

They bring the curiousity. We bring the confidence.

A child’s natural curiosity is boundless. By nurturing that with a thoughtful balance of play and structure, we spark lightbulb moments every day.

Learn how our approach inspires a lifelong love of discovery.

45 Primrose schools in the Atlanta area primroseschools.com/atlanta

Now enrolling. Contact a Primrose near you for a tour.

Each Primrose School is a privately owned and operated franchise. Primrose Schools is a registered trademark of Primrose School Franchising Company. Š2019 Primrose School Franchising Company. All rights reserved.

EDUCATION

Mount Paran Christian School

Lyndon Academy

SHOWSTOPPERS! Metro Atlanta’s Private School Arts Programs Get Creative

By Susan Finch

D

espite headlines detailing funding issues and lack of art education in the school system, Atlanta manages to thrive with a wealth of opportunities for metro students passionate about the arts.

Education with foundations in the arts can also help students succeed. According to the National Endowment for the Arts, students who study art are four times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement and three times more likely to be awarded for school attendance.

Fortunately, because metro Atlanta’s private schools are diverse in their range of art disciplines and mediums offered, you’re sure to find a school that fosters your child’s unique interests and passions. From visual to performing arts and everything in between, here’s a look at the schools paving the way for the area’s young artists.

Mount Paran Christian School Mount Paran Christian School (MPCS) fosters creativity as early as preschool and extends to high school graduation. The school’s programs help students explore their passions, as well as provide a vehicle for the training of academic minds and 70 KNOWAtlanta WINTER 2020

creative thinkers. “Hands-on experiences open the neural pathways used for math, science and language arts. These highly valued programs run the gamut, from various orchestras and bands to vocal ensembles, dance, drama, technical or musical theater, visual arts, recording arts, graphic design and photography,” says Amber Irizarry, Communications Content Specialist at Mount Paran Christian School.

MPCS programs are also award winners, including Governor’s Honors, All-State and Shuler Hensley Awards. Additionally, its Dozier School of the Arts gives students the chance to engage in a unique curricular arts magnet program through mentorship and change leaders in the arts. Students can choose from dance, acting, technical theatre, recording arts, vocal music, instrumental music, theory and composition, worship arts, recording arts, 2D/3D visual arts and graphic arts.

The Walker School From Primary to Upper School, the Walker School inspires and challenges young students both individually and collaboratively. Its visual arts program helps students

embrace the creative process, cultivate their aesthetic awareness and expand critical problem solving skills. Students are taught by educators who are also practicing painters, sculptors, musicians, writers and directors. What’s more, Upper School level students have opportunities to join gallery exhibitions outside of Walker, as well as participate in musical and theatrical competitions and festivals. Instrumental and vocal ensembles from Lower School to Upper School have performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City and at the Grand Ole Opry, Downtown Disney, Universal Studios, Atlanta’s State Farm Arena, the Governor’s Mansion and more.

“At Walker, we believe in experience over the applause, with the caveat that it truly is a quality experience. We offer the most professional atmosphere possible in an educational setting,” says Karen Park, Director of Communications and Marketing at The Walker School.

The Galloway School Freedom is a value at the Galloway School, where students are encouraged to pursue their passions and interests, whether

The Walker School

through music, dance, theatre or the visual arts. For instance, the school’s Middle Learning and Upper Learning students are given the opportunity to access media arts courses, a relatively new discipline in most schools. Students take their pick from podcasting, video and film composing, screenwriting, gaming and virtual reality design and computer-assisted design.

Additionally, and of particular interest to creative-minded students who enjoy performing, the school’s Chaddick Center for the Arts includes a 300-seat theatre and dance studio, which includes a fully equipped performance area. Upstairs, students can learn more about music from the choral and instrumental classroom or record student music in a soundproof recording booth. Teachers also encourage students to refine their skills using The Galloway School’s multimedia technology center, which provides access to 3D printers.

King’s Ridge Christian School King’s Ridge Christian School offers a unique co-curricular program in the arts, which offers classes ranging from academic college preparatory options to professional-level arts. Regardless of the chosen art form, King’s Ridge Christian School offers training through the lens of a religious perspective and culture. After a regular school day, students join their chosen art elective.

The immersion classes include dance, instrumental, theatrical, TV/Film, visual arts, vocal arts and worship arts. Students walk away from the experience with the skills for creative expression and critical thinking.

King’s Ridge Christian School also hopes

students will discover their unique purpose and calling within a religious context.

North Cobb Christian School North Cobb Christian School (NCCS) excels at award-winning arts programs from Preschool K3 through 12th grade. “At NCCS, each student is guided to discover,

develop and display their unique talents, including routine opportunities to travel, bringing their gifts to platforms across the world,” says Elizabeth Cossick, Director of Marketing and Communications at NCCS. Student ensembles also perform in Ireland, Hawaii, New York, Nashville, Disney World and Dollywood, as well as at various

Brandon Hall School ATLANTA’S INTERNATIONAL DAY & BOARDING SCHOOL

Ranked as a 2019 Niche A+ School!

Find Your Path. Lead the Way.™

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www.brandonhall.org • admissions@brandonhall.org • 770.394.8177 Brandon Hall School BHS Global Youth

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WINTER 2020 KNOWAtlanta 71

EDUCATION

North Cobb Christian School

choral and visual arts festivals.

From Lower to Upper School, each division of NCCS has its own dedicated musicals that are designed to help students refine their performance skills, as well as an option to pursue their passions at the collegiate level. All of NCCS’s instructors have a background in their field of instruction and continue pursuing their own skills

and talent in their personal and professional work beyond NCCS.

Lyndon Academy Lyndon Academy’s students strengthen their skills as students and creatives through a variety of projects. “Every year, the students in Lyndon Academy’s Art Department work on several projects, in

different mediums, designed to expand their creative abilities and instill enthusiasm and appreciation of the visual arts. As their teacher, I hope that working on these art projects serves as a confidence-building process that can provide each student with greater self-esteem and a stronger understanding of their own strengths,” says art teacher Aubree Metlick.

For example, specific projects include a 3D pumpkin project for Jr. Kindergarten through fifth grade, with different mediums introduced based on the grade level. For example, second grade students are introduced to and use chalk pastel for the first time. More complex projects for middle and high school students include research into different illustration styles to create a “LIFE Behind the Glass” project; students experiment with new watercolor and pen and ink shading techniques for results that impress kids and adults alike. And these visual arts opportunities are offered in addition to an array of other options, from band and chorus to drama, all of which are used to help students strengthen their overall capacity to learn.

Georgia Cyber Academy Education’s New Virtual Reality

F

or years, college students across the country have enjoyed the advent of a new educational opportunity: online classes.

Allowing for a more flexible experience with a lot of choices, this virtual school concept has become extremely popular. And it has now trickled down to K-12 students, who in many cases are looking for a non-traditional school option. In fact, here in metro Atlanta, parents can enroll their children in the Georgia Cyber Academy (GCA), a Title 1 public educational program that is accredited by AdvancED and dedicated to providing a virtual, rigorous, data-driven and truly connected learning environment. It’s an excellent scholastic opportunity without the brick-and-mortar buildings.

Serving students in grades Kindergarten through 12th grade, GCA offers a solid academic foundation based on the Georgia Standards of Excellence, which are determined by The Georgia Department of Education Division of Curriculum and Instruction. Students attend classes via an online learning management system, which acts as a single location for students to access everything they need for their academic lives, from obtaining course materials and taking assessments to reviewing their grades and interacting with teachers, staff and their peers. It is a bona fide online community that allows students to fulfill academic requirements in language arts, math, science,

72 KNOWAtlanta WINTER 2020

history, physical education, art and more with the guidance of certified teachers who provide live, real-time, direct instruction.

What’s more, the experience goes beyond academic basics, with students enjoying a robust school life experience as well. An array of clubs are available in all divisions. For instance, elementary students have access to everything from Baking Club and Guitar Club to Young Artists and the Health/Fitness Club. Middle school students can participate in activities like the Book Dragons Club, the Babysitters Club and STEM Gems, among others. And high school clubs include Student Council, the Aspiring Medical Professionals Club, the Coding & Robotics Club, the Geography Club and more. Additionally, students can participate in a number of contests and competitions, such as a spelling bee and a science fair. And while GCA core courses are not NCAA eligible for students who would like to play sports, students can take core courses through a dual enrollment arrangement with the Georgia Virtual School, allowing them to count towards NCAA eligibility.

If you are seeking an individualized and engaging school experience for your child, the world of virtual learning might be an ideal option for your family. For more information about GCA, including its enrollment procedures, visit georgiacyber.org.

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EDUCATION

Mount Pisgah Christian School Mount Pisgah Christian School (MPCS) goes beyond offering arts, music and theater to ensure a well-rounded education for metro Atlanta students. “The fine arts program at Mount Pisgah is really about developing creativity as a special kind of intelligence,” says drama teacher Daniel Hilton, who also serves as the Fine Arts Department Chair. MPCS works to develop and hone visual arts talent, as well as performing ensembles, including chorus, band, orchestra and drama. However, the school also helps students ages 4 to 18 focus on the creative process and not just the finished product. MPCS students, who begin their visual arts education in Kindergarten and enjoy additional instruction in theater, orchestra, band and chorus starting in the fifth grade, learn how to investigate, interpret and respond to the challenges of an ever-changing world.

Students also have the opportunity to express themselves creatively after school through the Mount Pisgah Arts Academy, which is open to the community-at-large as well. Esteemed instructors teach music, art, drama and dance, and student achieve-

Mount Pisgah Christian School

ments are celebrated throughout the year with on-campus and community performances. “Our goal is to foster creativity, confidence and Christian fellowship through arts education,” says Katherine Thomas, MPCS Arts Academy Director. Private lessons are available in piano, voice, violin and guitar; students also can participate in dance team, majorette twirl and music makers. n For more information, visit:

The mission of the Atlanta Speech School is to help each person develop their full potential through language and literacy.

Through research-based practices, our schools weave the science of constructing deep reading brains with the art and soul of masterful teaching – so that each child has the tools to decide their own future confidently, empathetically and thoughtfully.

For more information or to schedule a tour, call us at 404.824.7622

Mount Paran Christian School: mtparanschool.com The Walker School: thewalkerschool.org The Galloway School: gallowayschool.org King’s Ridge Christian School: kingsridgecs.org North Cobb Christian School: ncchristian.org Lyndon Academy: lyndonacademy.org Mount Pisgah Christian School: mountpisgahschool.org

Wardlaw School is a K-6 elementary school that serves bright children with dyslexia in an academically challenging language and literacy setting. Given this foundation, students leave as robust readers, writers, and thinkers.

Katherine Hamm Center serves children

who are deaf or hard-of-hearing, and develops language and pre-literacy skills through listening and spoken language in familycentered programs for children from birth through pre-K.

Anne and Jim Kenan Preschool serves

preschoolers who are ready to form a pre-literacy foundation.

Kenan teachers prepare children for all future subjects in a setting that is at once engaging and rigorous.

Stepping Stones serves

preschool-aged children who have been identified as experiencing early speech and/or language delays. Stepping Stones focuses on ensuring each child has the chance to experience their full potential.

3160 Northside Pkwy, NW | Atlanta, GA 30327 | atlantaspeechschool.org | 404.233.5332 74 KNOWAtlanta WINTER 2020

Where authentic Christian mission and academic excellence aren’t mutually exclusive

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EDUCATION

2020 Summer Camps

W

hile your kids’ current wardrobes may feature down coats, warm hats and fuzzy mittens, you might want to think about shopping for cool shorts, bathing suits and sandals.

That’s because metro Atlanta’s private and independent schools are already gearing up for summer with their 2020 summer camp offerings. And although you may think it’s a bit early to be making your children’s summer vacation plans, it’s important to know that registration deadlines for many summer camps land early in the year. So be sure to consider the following summer camp options, which will not only give your kids something to look forward to as the temperature rises, but also give you the chance to become familiar with some of the metro area’s private school possibilities.

Atlanta Girls School

Website: atlantagirlsschool.org/camp Camps: Campers can draw on their critical thinking and problem solving skills to complete projects that are rooted in practical, hands-on exploration. Through collaboration and inquiry, campers will explore tinkering, engineering, science, mathematics, making and the arts.There are four options for students in grades 1 through 6: Week 1: Science and Exploration Through inquiry-based experiences, campers will think for themselves, confidently ask questions and engage in scientific thinking to understand the world around them.

Week 2: Technology and Tinkering Campers will dive into the exciting world of technology to discover the multitude of mediums that exist in this always evolving field.

Week 3: Performing Arts and Design Using Schoolhouse Rock Jr. as the central text, campers will have opportunities 76 KNOWAtlanta WINTER 2020

to learn about history, mathematics, performing arts and language. On Friday, there will be a production of the show, which parents are invited to attend. This camp is open to everyone with or without prior theatre experience.

Week 4: Entrepreneurship and Innovation Over the course of the week, the campers are challenged to design a physical product, complete a business plan and a pitch deck. They will then pitch their company to a panel of investors in a Shark Tank-style presentation.

Dates: Week 1: June 1-5 Week 2: June 8-12 Week 3: July 6-10 Week 4: July 13-17 Registration deadline: No deadline For more information: Contact JT Butler, jtbutler@atlantagirlsschool.org

Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy

Website: elcaonline.org/apps/pages/ycep Camp: The mission of the Young Chargers Enrichment Program (YCEP) is to lead

young people to become good examples in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity through character education and recreational activities. YCEP provides a service to parents by supplying safe, quality and loving Christian-based care for students in our school and community just completing or entering kindergarten through 7th grade. Activities include art, music, reading, Bible, crafts, computer skills, sports, games, free play, field trips, pizza/ice cream parties and more!

Registration deadline: Register at least one week in advance of attendance for the best rates.

For more information: Contact the school for details

The Galloway School

Website:gallowayschool.leagueapps.com/ pages/summer Camps: Experience summer fun at Galloway! Camps are offered for PreK through High School students (varies by program). Camps cost $225+.

Camp Galloway: A traditional day camp

experience with fun thematic twists!

Themes this summer include Raiders of the Lost Artifact, Gallowarts Academy of Wizardry, Summerween (all things Halloween), Summer Olympics and more.

Summer Intensives: Week-long deep dives into single subject areas of interest, like dance, Minecraft, Spanish immersion, music production and more Academic Jump Starts and Bridges: For students wishing to refresh or gear up for fall learning, these half day programs include math, language and English content with optional electives in the afternoon.

Athletic Camps: Basketball, Ultimate Frisbee, Volleyball Dates: June 1 – July 31 (no camps June 29-July 3); most camps 9 am - 4 pm with half day AM options for PreK-K students; before and after camp care available.

Registration deadline: May 1 For more information: Katrine Trantham, Director of Summer & After School Programs, ktrantham@gallowayschool.org, (404) 252-8389, x140

Greater Atlanta Christian School

Website: greateratlantachristian.org Camp: It’s a great time to sign up for GAC’s

Summer Camp! We offer our day GROW camp for K4 through 8th from 8:30 am to 4 pm. This includes clubs, swimming at our indoor pool, creative play and daily chapel.

We go off campus for summer movies and a field trip once a week. Specialty camps, offered for K3 through 12th grades, offer a wide variety of academic, sports and fine arts opportunities to explore a new interest or shine in your favorite one. These can be enjoyed all by themselves or combined with GROW camp for a full day of fun!

Before and after care are offered from 7 am to 6 pm at an additional charge.

Dates: Eight weeks from June 1 through July 31 Registration deadline: Registration is ongoing For more information: summercamp@ greateratlantachristian.org or (770) 243-2306

The Lovett School

Website: Lovett.org/summerprograms Camp: The Summer Programs at Lovett offer a wide variety of traditional and specialty camps, learning courses and much more to meet the interests and desires of every child. With innovative day camps, for-credit and non-credit academic

courses, fine arts and athletics camps and study skillsprograms, your child will leave feeling inspired, motivated and ready for more.Each week, campers engage in games galore, daily free swim sessions, sports and trivia contests while building their leadership and sportsmanship skills.

We offer a variety of programs for Rising Kindergartners through Middle Schoolaged children.

Dates: June 1 - July 24 Registration deadline: Registrations are open until the first day of camp For more information: Lydell Smith, Director of Auxiliary Programs, lydell.smith@lovett.org; Breana McClendon, Assistant Director of Auxiliary Programs, breana.mcclendon@lovett.org; Marc Mallet, Director of Summer School, marc.mallet@lovett.org

Lyndon Academy

Website: invent.org Camp: The 2020 Camp Invention Program offers several options: For students entering 1st through 6th grades: Our 2020 program, Elevate, sparks excitement and inspiration as children engage in hands-on challenges, discover world-changing inventors, and build their

A nurturing community that educates the whole child to thrive in school and in life.

The Lovett School practices a nondiscriminatory admission policy. Financial aid is available.

www.lovett.org WINTER 2020 KNOWAtlanta 77

EDUCATION

Be passionate

Be empowered

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confidence as creators and innovators. The cost is $260.

For students entering 7 ththrough 9th grades: Our Leaders-in-Training program invites 7th to 9th graders to participate in the Camp Invention® program in a whole new way. They’ll guide children through exciting STEM activities during the week of a local camp program, encouraging creativity and hands-on fun while building their leadership and goal-setting abilities.

The cost is $160.

For students entering 9th through college age: Designed exclusively for high school and college students, our Leadership Intern program reinvents summer volunteer programs. Leadership Interns work closely with Camp Invention® and Invention Project® participants to help them explore STEM concepts and become creative thinkers who can invent a better tomorrow (Community Service Hour Opportunity).

Registration deadline: Contact school for details For more information: Denise Stanford, (770) 926-0166 or dstanford@lyndonacademy.org

Marcus JCC Atlanta (MJCCA)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT WHITEFIELDACADEMY.COM/ADMISSIONS.

MJCCA Preschools Website: atlantajcc.org/preschoolcamp Camps: Camp Marie Benator, Camp Billi Marcus and Camp Schiff are for ages 6 weeks through Pre-K. Led by our certified, fully trained preschool teachers, MJCCA preschool camps provide a safe, nurturing and fun environment where your children will make new friends, enjoy exciting activities and experience age-appropriate independence. Campers will enjoy swimming and water play, arts and crafts, music, games, stories, science activities, cooking, nature walks and more. All activities are designed to enhance gross motor skills and sensory experiences as well as increase independence. Locations in Dunwoody, East Cobb, and Sandy Springs.

Registration deadline: Rolling enrollment For more information: (678) 812-3826 or robin.mittleman@atlantajcc.org MJCCA Day Camps Website: mjccadaycamps.org Camps: At MJCCA Day Camps, kids and teens (Rising Pre-K through 10th graders) make lifelong friendships, try new things, gain new skills and have the best summer ever! With amazing camp offerings for every age, interest and ability, and three locations (Dunwoody, Intown and East Cobb), the possibilities for a fun-filled summer are endless! In Camp Isidore Alterman,

2019_AISAd_KnowATL_ThirdSquare_DEC.indd 78 KNOWAtlanta WINTER 2020

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12/9/19 12:27 PM

campers unplug for the summer and get back to nature, enjoying lake activities, archery, ropes course, swimming, sports, arts and crafts, outdoor cooking and more.

Our Specialty Camps focus on sports, theme, travel, performing arts and teen options, inspiring campers to explore their interests and try something new.

Registration deadline: Registration opens Sunday, January 5, at 10 am for retuning families and on Sunday, January 12, at 10 am for first-time families For more information: (678) 812-4004 or camps@atlantajcc.org Camp Barney Medintz Website: campbarney.org Camp: Located in the North Georgia Mountains on more than 500 acres complete with two lakes, Camp Barney Medintz offers a meaningful and transformative Jewish overnight camping experience for boys and girls completing second through 10th grades. Our facilities are extensive and our activities endless, but the Camp Barney experience is about so much more. During two-week and four-week sessions, campers build lifelong friendships, gain independence and selfconfidence, challenge themselves and strengthen their Jewish identities, all while having the best summers of their lives!

Dates: Visit campbarney.org for June and July session dates Registration deadline: Registration is now open; visit campbarney.org/enroll For more information: (678) 812-3844 or summer@campbarney.org

I NSPI R I NG ST U DE N TS F ROM TODDL E R — 8T H G R A DE

Springmont School offers an authentic Montessori experience, where individualized learning inspires students to become creative, independent thinkers.

EXTRAORDINARY BY DESIGN. SCHEDULE A TOUR TODAY! 404.252.3910 OPEN HOUSES JAN 9 & 26 ATLANTA’S F I R ST MONTE S SOR I SCHO OL

BEYOND THE PERFORMANCE

Mount Paran Christian School

Website: mtparanschool.com/ summerprograms Camp: At Mount Paran Christian School, the development of faith and intellect continues to grow through the summer months with a variety of summer programs. Academic enrichment, athletic training, arts explorations and faith development are all part of the fun halfand full-day camp offerings at MPCS for students from preschool through high school. Parents can customize their elementary-aged child’s day to include camp experiences from as early as 7:30 am until 6 pm if needed. Camps are divided into two sessions: Session One Camps are morning camps from 9 am to 12 pm, and Session Two Camps are afternoon camps from 1 to 4 pm. Popular themes for preschool campers include Princess Camp, Art Camp and Baking Palooza. A preschool Engineering Camp is new for 2020. The Fishing Camp is a favorite among lower school students.

At Galloway, students are inspired to be fearless learners, to embrace challenges, and to discover more about themselves and the world around them.

AGE 3-GRADE 12 GALLOWAYSCHOOL.ORG WINTER 2020 KNOWAtlanta 79

EDUCATION For summer 2020, MPCS will offer the well-regarded Braves Baseball Camp and a Falcons flag football camp. Also new for 2020 is Camp Elevation, a full daycamp experience that offers the fun and activities of traditional summer camp.

Registration deadline: Registration remains open until space is filled.

For more information: Donna McCoy, Director of Auxiliary Services, (770) 578-0182, x1016 or dmccoy@mtparanschool.com

Strong Rock Christian School

YOUR CHILD SHOULD LOVE SCHOOL Schedule your campus tour at mountvernonschool.org

Preschool - Grade 12 | Atlanta, GA 80 KNOWAtlanta WINTER 2020

Website: strongrockchristianschool.com Camp: Strong Rock Christian School offers both Enrichment and Athletic Summer Camps with a variety of fun-filled opportunities for learning and playing.

Previous camps have included: cheer, softball, soccer, jumpstart PreK, art and LEGO camps, to name a few. Camp registration fee includes a camp T-shirt, camp DVD slideshow, and any additional supplies if needed. Fees and ages vary depending on the camp but range from $125 to $140.

Dates: Summer camps begin the first week of June, and our final week of camps are held at the end of July. Enrichment camps are offered Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm. Athletic camps are either Monday through FridayorMonday through Thursday from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm.

Registration deadline: Registration form and fee are preferred by the Thursday before camp to ensure camp supplies and equipment are available for all campers.

Campers are encouraged to bring a midmorning snack and water or sports drink.

For more information: More information will be available regarding summer camps for 2020 after January on the school website

Trinity School

Website: trinityatl.org/campus-life/ summer-camp Camp: Trinity School Summer Camp offers a variety of academic, specialty and sports camps—including Coach Brian Balocki’s popular Atlanta Sports Camps—for children ages 4 to 13.

Dates: Choose your child’s summer adventure from our camps that will run Monday through Friday from June 1–26 withoptions ranging from 7:30 am to 4 pm and limited offerings available from July 27–31.

Registration deadline: Registration will open on January 30 and deadlines vary For more information: Kayleen Whitmer, Director of Extended Programs, kwhitmer@trinityatl.org

Westminster

Website: Westminster.com/summer-camp Camp: Located in the Buckhead area of northwest Atlanta, Westminster’s Summer Camps have been educating, entertaining and engaging children for more than 60 years. Featuring a traditional summer day camp as well as specialty and sports camps, there is avariety of camp opportunities for 3 year olds through 12th graders.

Dates: June 1 – July 24 Registration deadline: Rolling registration opens in early January (no deadline) For more information: (404) 609-6212 or camp@westminster.net

Cultivating innovators and leaders

Whitefield Academy

Website: whitefieldacademy.com/campuslife/summer-programs Camp: Camp Whitefield is a Christcentered summer day camp for rising PreK through rising 8th grade students.

Campers spend their days playing games, enjoying arts and crafts and enjoying weekly field trips all based around weekly themes. They compete and practice their skills in age-appropriate physical challenges, gain educational knowledge and explore God’s creation in a fun and caring environment.

Registration deadline: No deadline For more information: Jan Hawkins, Camp Whitefield Director, (678) 458-3047

ACT Average: 30 SAT Average: 1357 PSAT Average 94th Percentile Pre-K through 12th Grade • LyndonAcademy.org, 770-926-0166

Wood Acres School

Website: woodacresschool.org/ summer-camp/ Camps: All camps are open to rising 3 year olds through rising 4th graders.

Road Trip I Spy Camp@ the Woods 2020 Camping: June 1 - 5 Zooquarium: June 8 - 12 Road Trip USA: June 15 - 19 Cooking at the Fair: June 22 - 26 Party in the USA: July 6 - 10 Fun@ the Beach: July 13 - 17 Creative Kids: July 20 - 24 Sports Fest: July 27 – 31 Registration deadline: Contact school for information For more information: (770) 971-1880

Woodward Academy

Website: woodward.edu/camps Camps: Woodward Academy Summer Camps offer enrichment, academic and athletic camps that are open to the public and accessible through our exceptional bus system. We welcome campers ages 5 through 18.

Dates: May 26 – July 24 Registration deadline: No deadline For more information: camps@woodward.edu n

THE HOWARD SCHOOL provides exceptional learning experiences for students with language-based learning disabilities and learning differences.

K-12 Personalized Instruction n Interdisciplinary Team of Experts n State-of-the-Art Assistive Technology n n

For more information about The Howard School or to sign up for an upcoming tour, please visit howardschool.org.

1192 Foster Street, N.W. • Atlanta, GA 30318 • 404.377.7436

WINTER 2020 KNOWAtlanta 81

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Peachtree City

1. Newnan The Alfred & Adele Davis Academy

14. Holy Spirit Preparatory School

27. North Cobb Christian School

2. Atlanta Academy

15. The Howard School

28. Pace Academy

3. Atlanta Girl’s School

16. Killian Hill Christian School

29. Riverside Military Academy

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30. Springmont

5. Atlanta Speech School

18. The Lovett School

31. Strong Rock Christian School

6. Brandon Hall School

19. Lyndon Academy

32. Trinity School

7. The Cottage School

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33. The Walker School

8. Cumberland Academy of Georgia

21. MJCCA – The Schiff School

34. Wesleyan School

9. Eagles Landing Christian Academy

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35. Westminster

10. The Galloway School

23. Mill Springs Academy

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37. The Wood Acres School

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82 KNOWAtlanta WINTER 2020

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EDUCATION

NeuroLIFE Institute Life University’s institute takes a holistic approach to a host of neurological challenges

By Ken Abramczyk

P

atients who suffer from strokes, concussions or Alzheimer’s disease face neurological challenges to regain their quality of life. They turn to doctors and healthcare facilities for help and optimal care. For many patients in the Atlanta area, Life University’s NeuroLIFE Institute assists them by treating these neurological conditions and others, including Parkinson’s disease and learning disabilities. The institute, which is housed in nearly 4,000 square feet of space just off campus on Barclay Circle in Marietta, also trains chiropractors for certification and works closely with researchers at Life University.

Dr. Michael Longyear, director of applied clinical neuroscience, says that the institute works holistically—that is, without drugs or surgery—on many neurological medical conditions to restore and optimize brain and neurological function. The institute started in 2012, led

by Drs. Ted Carrick and Guy Riekeman, who were followed by Dr. Michael Hall; today, Longyear leads the institute in its research, clinical applications and educational programs.

“We work with everything from neurological developmental disorders like autism, ADHD and learning disabilities all the way up to neural degeneration like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s and everything in between,” Longyear says. “We’ve worked with every 84 KNOWAtlanta WINTER 2020

level of athlete, from children up to professional hockey players and football players with concussions, and the performance enhancement side of things as well, so any [condition] that has a neurologic component, we can be a factor in.”

Following Life University’s mission

gait becomes smooth. That’s neuroplasticity at work. That’s your brain literally learning how to respond to the environment better and differently.”

Longyear says recent science shows that humans maintain that ability even as they age, up until death. He explains, “Your brain has the ability to rewire itself. What applied clinical neuroscience is doing is taking that application into the clinical setting.”

According to Longyear, the institute follows Life University’s holistic mission, emphasizing nutrition and chiropractic Active therapies care to improve the body’s vitality and NeuroLIFE Institute’s therapies are address its “interferences,” which can be designed to activate areas of the brain that described as neurological conditions that appear less efficient than others during hinder the patient. He explains, “What an examination. Part of that activation we do is design exercises and programs includes the use of a Gyrastim, which to remove those interferences in the resembles a giant chair that might be nervous system to allow the brain to heal used in space training at NASA. When properly and become more efficient.” treating children, the institute references The work is based on applied clinical the exercises as “superhero training” or neuroscience, which “is the under“space training.” This giant chair spins standing that your brain has plasticity,” the occupant forward, backward, right Longyear says. “Neuroplastiand left. While spinning, the city is a fancy word to say that occupant shoots a laser to hit your brain has the ability to targets. Longyear notes, “[The learn new tricks. We used to exercise] restores smoother think that only children have movement and improves prothis ability. When you watch a cessing speed, perception and baby grow, he learns to walk. reaction.” The Gyrastim assists The baby falls down the first concussion rehabilitation, but five or six times, but the brain it is also used for learning dislearns and soon he learns to abilities and other conditions.

Dr. Michael Longyear walk upright, and then his Continued on page 97

DOCTOR OF CHIROPRACTIC MASTER’S DEGREES Athletic Training Clinical Nutrition Sport Health Science ONLINE MASTER’S DEGREES Positive Psychology • General Track • Coaching Psychology Track BACHELOR’S DEGREES Biology Biopsychology Business Administration Computer Information Management Culinary Nutrition Dietetics Exercise Science Health Coaching Human Ecology Interdisciplinary Studies Nutrition Positive Human Development and Social Change Psychology ASSOCIATE DEGREES Computer Information Management Health and Wellness ONLINE UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES B.S. Biology B.S. Psychology A.S. Health and Wellness ON-CAMPUS OR ONLINE DEGREE-SEEKING PROGRAM Pre D.C.

EXPLORE

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

#LifeUniversity #OurLifeU

HEALTHCARE

The Faces of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta

Joseph Morris

Claire Kitchens

Meet four patients of this renowned pediatric hospital system

By Amy Meadows

A

s a parent, there is nothing more frightening than having a sick or injured child. Fortunately, for parents in the metro area, there’s Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

Comprised of three hospitals at Egleston, Scottish Rite and Hughes Spalding, as well as the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, the Marcus Autism Center, 26 neighborhood locations and more, this award-winning and distinguished pediatric provider offers specialized care to more than half a 86 KNOWAtlanta WINTER 2020

million children and teens annually.

Children’s has been named one of the country’s top pediatric hospitals by U.S. News & World Report and received a host of additional accolades. Yet, the best way to truly understand the impact that Children’s has on the families of metro Atlanta is by seeing its work in action.

Here, KNOWAtlanta Magazine shares the stories of four young patients and the care they have received from one of the nation’s most acclaimed pediatric hospital systems.

Claire Kitchens, 12 It was June of 2010, and 3-year-old Claire Kitchens had just been diagnosed with a large tumor located on her spine, which was affecting her aorta. The doctors at Children’s only knew of two cases that had ever presented like hers, as the tumor had not metastasized and was not attached to any major organs. However, its markers were unfavorable, and the Aflac team had to approach her diagnosis as Stage 2 aggressive cancer. Claire had six rounds of high-dose chemotherapy to

Gabriella Evans

Will Walker

shrink the tumor and surgery to remove it at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite; she followed that up with radiation, a stem cell transplant and antibody therapy at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston, for a total of 18 months of treatment.

“Our experience was top-notch, in particular with the Aflac team of doctors and nurses,” explains Nadjia Kitchens, Claire’s mother. “The nurses—I would not have survived without them. When you’re in this situation, you’re always problem solving. And the nurses were so on top of her care, always thinking ahead for me. I can’t say enough about them.”

Of course, the effects of a tumor like the one Claire had are cumulative, and, while she remains cancer free since her surgery in 2010, doctors knew that there was a chance her growth plates would be damaged over time. When she hit puberty and had a growth spurt, their suspicions came to fruition: Claire, now 12, began leaning over, and within a year’s time, her back was at a 70 percent curve. That number escalated quickly to an 87 percent curve. Her medical team waited as long as possible to intervene, but in September of 2019, Claire was back in surgery with orthopedic surgeon Dennis P. Devito, MD, to correct the issue. A minor complication during the surgery caused her to need inpatient spinal cord rehab for just over a week, but

she came out of the experience quickly and received a very good prognosis. She even returned to school full time not long later. And Nadjia could not be more grateful for the care that her daughter—and their entire family—has received over the years at Children’s.

“The staff at Children’s really does care about you and your child. Your whole family. You feel genuinely cared for,” she says.

“And as crazy as it sounds, my child loves the hospital. At Children’s, the experience is fun. Everything is light. You can be dealing with cancer, but you’re still allowed to be a child. Joy and happiness really do surround everything in that hospital.”

Joseph Morris, 11 According to Kerry Morris, her son Joseph was a normal 5 year old who loved to run and jump. He raced. He climbed everything. But something changed one day. He began complaining about his hip and knee hurting. His pediatrician said that his kneecap was just a bit tight and recommended that Joseph stay off of it for about a week. But that didn’t seem to help. He had trouble playing baseball. A student of Tai Kwon Do, he couldn’t do his splits or kicks anymore. And it took him nearly an hour after waking to begin walking normally each day. Then, while watching him play during recess one day, Kerry noticed that her son, who had

always been the fastest kid on the playground, was dragging his leg behind him.

Kerry and James, Joseph’s father, were referred to an orthopedic physician who specializes in sports medicine. After an x-ray, the doctor still could not see anything wrong with Joseph. So they were then sent to Dana Olszewski, MD, a pediatric orthopedic specialist in the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta network. The couple, who live in Sylvester, Georgia, made the five-hour trip north to Marietta with Joseph.

“She had him walk for her, and she just knew,” Kerry explains of Joseph’s diagnosis of Legg-Calve-Perthes, a rare childhood disease in which blood supply to the femoral part of the hip is interrupted and the bone begins to die. “You lose blood flow to the ball part of the joint. The bone then flakes off, and the body absorbs it,” James adds. “Then it’s a regrowth process, which can take one to four years.”

The main treatment for Legg-CalvePerthes is actually rest and monitoring.

If it gets worse, though, a young patient may have to have surgery or be placed in a full leg cast to immobilize the bottom portion of the body. Though it was diffiWINTER 2020 KNOWAtlanta 87

HEALTHCARE cult, Joseph adhered to the doctor’s recommendations and refrained from any activities that would cause major impact on his hip. And Kerry attributes that to his connection with Olszewski, whom he saw twice a week in Stockbridge for several years. “He didn’t like [not being able to run and play], but he respected her and listened to her,” she notes. “As the years went on, he got better and better.”

Now 11, Joseph, who never required surgery or a cast, is back to his active self, winning Tai Kwon Do medals and playing a range of sports. “It was serious, and the guidance needed to be followed strictly,” James states. Kerry agrees, concluding, “When you go to Children’s, be prepared to listen and do whatever they tell you.

They know what they’re talking about.

And they care. You and your child are not just a number. We wouldn’t recommend any other pediatric orthopedic [provider]. At Children’s, you are in very good hands.”

Gabriella Evans, 4 For four days in a row last year, 4-year-old Gabriella Evans complained of a headache. She also experienced vomiting and was extremely weak and lethargic.

But her symptoms only appeared in the morning. Her parents, Kevin and Ashley, had taken her to an urgent care facility, where the onsite physician told them it was a virus and discharged Gabriella. “My mommy heart didn’t agree, so I took her to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta ER because I knew we would receive the best care possible,” Ashley recalls. And her intuition could not have been more right.

After checking Gabriella in, getting her vitals and labs and giving her a CT scan, the ER doctor delivered the news Ashley never expected to hear: Gabriella was diagnosed as having a large tumor on her brain. She immediately was admitted to the pediatric ICU, sedated and given an MRI to get better imaging of the tumor.

The result revealed that she had a Juvenile Pilocytic Astrocytoma of Cerebellum tumor, as well as Hydrocephalus, a buildup of fluid in the cavities deep within the brain. It was a massive, slow-growing tumor, and the doctors were not sure how long she had it. But they were able to explain that she only had symptoms in the morning because of the buildup of fluid in her brain throughout each night.

88 KNOWAtlanta WINTER 2020

Fortunately, the tumor was benign—although it would require an eight-hour surgery to remove it.

During her craniotomy, Gabriella had to receive a blood transfusion, but the surgery was a success. Of course, post-surgery, she required an EVD brain drain and had to stay in the hospital for three weeks for inpatient physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and more. In October, she had follow-up Strabismus surgery to correct a misalignment in both eyes caused by the tumor and its removal.

Yet through it all, Gabriella and her family had complete faith in Children’s. “We had the best experience for the worst days of our lives,” Ashely says. “We were able to focus on our daughter knowing we had the best doctors, nurses and staff taking care of everything else.”

Nearly 10 months after her surgery, Gabriella is doing exceptionally well. She had no signs of the tumor during her sixmonth MRI scans, and she continues to attend therapy sessions three days a week.

She must have sedated MRIs every three months to ensure that the tumor remains at bay, but she has been able to return to her normal activities. And though it was a terribly frightening and difficult time, the Evans family is grateful to the hospital for the care it was able to provide to Gabriella. “[The staff aren’t] just employees for a large company who show up for work.

They are the most caring people you will ever meet,” Ashley says. “To say they went above and beyond making us feel comfortable is an understatement.”

Will Walker, 14 It’s hard to believe, but at only 14 years old, Will Walker has had two kidney transplants. It all began in December of 2017 when, during his annual physical, his pediatrician recognized that Will had stopped growing. His height and weight had not changed in two years. Will was sent to a gastrointestinal specialist at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta with the thought that he might have a digestive issue that was keeping his body from absorbing nutrients. But that was ruled out.

A team of doctors at the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center then ruled out any form of cancer. And as they continued to search for answers, they soon realized that Will was in renal failure.

“We were coming out of the grocery

store, and they called and said come back now. We went back and found that his kidney had less than 10 percent function. He was only 12 at the time,” says his mother Jenn Walker. “And it’s genetic.

No one in our family has kidney disease—but it’s just the roll of the dice.”

To figure out the next steps, Jenn was told to take him to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston and then Scottish Rite. “They gave us about a year. He had to have a transplant,” Jenn recalls.

Will’s medical team did everything they could to keep him from having to go on dialysis and placed him on the transplant list. Family members got tested to see if they could be a match as a living donor, and Jenn discovered that she was. She prepared herself to donate a kidney to Will, but in January of 2019, she received word that the hospital had a kidney from a deceased donor for Will. He received the kidney transplant on February 1. But on February 2, he developed a blood clot that halted blood flow to the kidney, and it had to be removed. It felt like a crushing blow, and Will had to be placed on dialysis.

Several months later, the doctors decided that they would be able to move forward with another transplant. This time, though, it would come from a living donor: Mary Jo Jewett, the Walkers’ neighbor. While Jenn was ready once again to donate herself, Jewett had been tested as well and offered to donate her kidney. Will and Jewett’s daughters had formed a friendship when they moved into the neighborhood, and she wanted to help him. In late June, the nephrology team completed Will’s second kidney transplant. “It is in there, and it’s happy.

And he is stable. He’s like a different kid,” Jenn notes.

Of course, Will remains a patient at Children’s to follow his progress. And because living donor kidneys last approximately 12 to 15 years, he undoubtedly will have to have more transplants over the course of his life. But Jenn knows that her son is in the best care possible at Children’s. “You can tell just how much they care and how personal it is for them. These kids are their kids—that’s what they call them. And they include the parents to give it a family feel,” she concludes. “When you go to Children’s, trust them. Every person in that building wants the best for your kid.” n

WHERE YOU TAKE THEM MATTERS

Because pediatrics doesn’t stop at age 12.

Whether your child is learning to walk or learning to drive, their growing bodies need special care. Children’s has unparalleled expertise because we only treat kids and teens. No condition is so small that it should be treated by an adult doctor. No matter their age, take your child to the specialists at Children’s.

Visit choa.org to learn more. ©2020 Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Inc. All rights reserved.

The Counties of Metro Atlanta

T

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

Walker

introduce you to more than a dozen of the most sought-after and highly populated counties in today’s metro Atlanta area. You’ll learn everything from proximity to the city, basic facts and test scores to Fannin the major cities and neighborhoods located within each county.

Consider it your primer for getting to know Atlanta and the various Union communities that you’ll want to consider when you choose to relocate to the area. All of the information you need is right here at your fingertips.

Gilmer

White

Habersham

Lumpkin

Chattooga

Step

Gordon

Pickens Dawson

Lake Sydney Lanier

Banks

Floyd

Fr

Forsyth Bartow

Hall

Cherokee

CARTERSVILLE FLOWERY BRANCH

Allatoona Lake

WOODSTOCK

Fulton

BRASELTON JOHNS CREEK

SUWANEE

ROSWELL

KENNESAW

Polk

Cobb

DULUTH

SANDY SPRINGS DORAVILLE CHAMBLEE BROOKHAVEN

SMYRNA

Haralson

Barrow

Oconee

LILBURN

Atlanta

Walton

DeKalb Douglas

EAST POINT

UNION CITY

G FOREST PARK

Rockdale

Fulton

Carroll

Clayton

STOCKBRIDGE

Heard

Newton

PEACHTREE CITY

Jasper Spalding

90 KNOWAtlanta WINTER 2020

Morgan

Henry

Fayette Coweta

Clarke

Gwinnett

DUNWOODY NORCROSS

Paulding

Jackson

ALPHARETTA

Butts

Putnam

Getting Around Atlanta Metro Atlanta Highways

Local Transit

Flying

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

MARTA: Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority MARTA is the dominant public transportation system in metro Atlanta with about 500,000 riders every weekday. Buses run from 5 a.m. to 1 a.m. Monday through Friday and from 5 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. weekends and holidays.

Times may vary on individual routes. The train operates from 4:45 a.m. to 1 a.m. weekdays and from 5 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. weekends and holidays. MARTA provides ADA-Compliant Paratransit Service to eligible persons with disabilities.

Bus/rail fee is $2.50 one way including transfers. MARTA schedule & route information: (404) 848-5000 or itsmarta.com

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

Interstate 75 I-75 runs northwest to southeast straight through the City of Atlanta and traverses north into Tennessee and south into Florida.

Interstate 85 I-85 runs northeast to southwest and converges with I-75 to form the Downtown Connector. It traverses east into South Carolina and west into Alabama.

Interstate 20 I-20 is a major artery running east to west through the City of Atlanta. It also traverses the state into South Carolina on the east and Alabama on the west.

Interstate 285 Often referred to as “The Perimeter,” this interstate highway loop encircles Atlanta and connects I-75, I-85 and I-20 to the city.

Georgia State Route 400 This former toll road known as GA 400 runs north to south through the north-central suburbs of Atlanta; it is concurrent with U.S. Route 19 from Exit 4 up through its ending point near Dahlonega in the North Georgia Mountains.

Interstate 675 This 11-mile-long auxiliary highway runs through the southeast part of the metro Atlanta area connecting Stockbridge on the south end to I-285 on the north end.

Interstate 575 A 30-mile interstate highway spur route, I-575 branches off of I-75 in Kennesaw and traverses up through the northwestern suburbs and into the North Georgia Mountains.

Georgia Regional Transportation Authority The GRTA leads Georgia’s effort to set clear expectations for the performance of the state’s transportation network.

(404) 463-3000, grta.org Corporate Transportation Casey Corporate Transportation is a specialist in corporate travel with 24-hour local, nationwide and airport service, corporate discounts and group rates. Wi-Fi equipped.

(866) 688-5720 Carpools Find a carpool, sponsored by the Atlanta Regional Commission, at ridefind.com or call 1-87-RIDEFIND. Public Routes Search online for public transportation, maps and directions at publicroutes.com Cobb Community Transit Bus service throughout Cobb County connects to MARTA via Midtown train stations and various MARTA bus stations.

(770) 528-1600 cobbdot.org Gwinnett County Transit Monday through Saturday local bus service, plus Express Routes to Downtown Atlanta.

(770) 822-8000, gctransit.com

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

Bartow County POPULATION

MEDIAN HOME PRICE

TAX COMMISSIONER

ONLINE

102,747

$144,000

(770) 387-5111

bartowga.org

Bartow

Atlanta

Distance from Cartersville to Downtown Atlanta

43 Miles

Distance from Cartersville to HartsfieldJackson Atlanta Int'l Airport

53 Miles

R

esting in the center of it all, Bartow County is conveniently located just a few hours from Chattanooga, Tennessee; Birmingham, Alabama; Greenville, South Carolina; and Charlotte, North Carolina. Its location on Interstate 75 provides residents with easy access to large cities and opportunities for expansion.

Major companies call Bartow home, including Shaw Industries, Trinity Rail, Cartersville Medical Center and Anheuser-Busch, and it’s no wonder why.

This little haven features the best parts of big-city life and small-town living with

both Civil War and Native American sites, dining, the world’s first outdoor CocaCola sign, theaters, concerts, shopping, art and museums, including the Tellus Science Museum, which features the first digital planetarium in North Georgia. The beautifully restored Victorian mansion, Rose Lawn Museum in Cartersville, is also a great stop for history buffs interested in reading the writings of Sam Jones and Rebecca Latimer Felton.

School districts are separate for Bartow County and Cartersville, its largest city, providing a variety of public education options.

Education PUBLIC SCHOOLS Bartow County Schools bartow.k12.ga.us Board of Education (770) 606-5800

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS Turn to page 82 for the independent schools listing and a map.

Cartersville City Schools cartersville.k12.ga.us Board of Education (770) 382-5880

SAT Scores

Total Score

Bartow Co. 1045 Cartersville 1084 Georgia 1050 National 1060

ERW

533 554 535 533

3rd 3rd 5th 5th 8th 8th ELA MATH ELA MATH ELA MATH

Bartow Co. 73% 87% 77% 79% 78% 78% Cartersville 76% 88% 84% 81% 85% 79% Georgia 67% 83% 76% 75% 79% 79%

Utilities GAS Approved Natural Gas Marketers psc.state.ga.us, click “Natural Gas”

ELECTRICITY Georgia Power 1 (888) 660-5890

SCANA Energy 1 (877) GO SCANA

Cartersville Electric System (770) 387-5631

Walton Gas (770) GAS-HEAT

Cobb EMC (770) 429-2100

Xfinity 1 (855) MOVEDGE AT&T 1 (800) 753-2909

Greystone Power Corporation (770) 942-6576 WATER City of Cartersville (770) 387-5607 Bartow County (770) 387-5170

Car Tag & License TAG OFFICE: bartowga.org 92 KNOWAtlanta WINTER 2020

512 530 515 527

Georgia Milestones Scores*

*% Developing Learner and above **English/Language Arts

PHONE/CABLE/INTERNET

Math

DRIVER’S LICENSE: dds.ga.gov

Grand Oaks, Cartersville

Cherokee County POPULATION

MEDIAN HOME PRICE

TAX COMMISSIONER

ONLINE

235,900

$223,700

(678) 493-6400

cherokee.com

Cherokee

Atlanta

Distance from Canton to Downtown Atlanta

40 Miles

Distance from Canton to HartsfieldJackson Atlanta Int'l Airport

50 Miles

J

ust 25 miles northwest of Downtown Atlanta in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains lies Cherokee County. Dubbed the place “where metro meets the mountains,” Cherokee benefits from its status as a region that’s both business savvy and environmentally alluring.

Mountain peaks and abundant wildlife contribute to a community of options for picnicking, hiking, swimming, boating, camping and hunting year-round. Lake Allatoona has more than 270 miles of shoreline and covers more than 12,000 acres of land. Picturesque golf courses, natural parks and the ever-popular Dixie Speedway in Woodstock are scattered throughout the area, along with dozens

of restaurants, shops and businesses.

Home to the Georgia Northeastern Railroad, as well as the Cherokee County Regional Airport, the county’s largest employers are Pilgrim’s Pride, Inalfa Roof Systems, Chart Industries and Universal Alloy Corporation.

Named one of the best places to live based on job opportunity by CNN Money, the nearby interstate, railroads and airports make it more than convenient to commute to work outside of the county by utilizing multiple modes of transportation, and the Georgia Department of Transportation has widened Interstate 575 to better accommodate commuters’ treks to and from work each weekday.

Education PUBLIC SCHOOLS Cherokee County Schools cherokee.k12.ga.us Board of Education (770) 479-1871

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS Turn to page 82 for the independent schools listing and a map.

SAT Scores

Total Score

Cherokee Co. 1121 Georgia 1050 National 1060

ERW

Math

569 552 535 515 533 527

Georgia Milestones Scores*

3rd 3rd 5th 5th 8th 8th ELA Math ELA Math ELA Math

Cherokee 76% 90% 84% 85% 87% 82% Georgia 67% 83% 76% 75% 79% 79% *% Developing Learner and above **English/Language Arts

Utilities GAS Approved Natural Gas Marketers psc.state.ga.us, click “Natural Gas” SCANA Energy 1 (877) GO SCANA Walton Gas (770) GAS-HEAT PHONE/CABLE/INTERNET Xfinity 1 (855) MOVEDGE Windstream 1 (800) 501-1754 (770) 479-2000

AT&T 1 (888) 757-6500 ETC Communications (706) 253-2271 Nelson-Ball Ground (770) 735-2000 ELECTRICITY Amicalola EMC (706) 253-5200 Cobb EMC (770) 429-2100 Georgia Power 1 (888) 660-5890

Sawnee EMC (770) 887-2363 sawnee.com WATER Cherokee County Water Authority (770) 479-1813 City of Ball Ground (770) 735-2123 City of Canton (770) 704-1502 canton-georgia.com

City of Waleska (770) 479-2912 City of Woodstock (770) 592-6006 GARBAGE Please contact the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce at (770) 345-0400 for a list of members providing residential and/or commercial sanitation services.

City of Holly Springs (770) 345-5536

Car Tag & License TAG OFFICE: cherokeega.com

DRIVER’S LICENSE: dds.ga.gov WINTER 2020 KNOWAtlanta 93

Clayton County

Atlanta

Clayton

Distance from Jonesboro to Downtown Atlanta

18 Miles

Distance from Jonesboro to HartsfieldJackson Atlanta Int'l Airport

15 Miles

POPULATION

MEDIAN HOME PRICE

TAX COMMISSIONER

ONLINE

273,955

$134,000

(770) 477-3311

claytoncountyga.gov

T

he small suburban feel of this Atlanta neighbor radiates Southern charm despite its proximity to such a major city. A replica of Gone With the Wind’s famous Tara plantation in Jonesboro, along with The Road to Tara Museum, Stately Oaks Plantation and the Landmarks Through History Tour, are reasons enough for any history lover to adore Jonesboro, the county seat of Clayton.

Enjoy concerts at Clayton State University’s Spivey Hall or at the Clayton County Performing Arts Center for an evening of escape. Recreational activities abound at the summer hotspot, The Beach, at Clayton County International Park. With waterslides, 17 tennis courts, a six-acre swimming lake with a geyser, picnic areas, an indoor playground and a gym, it’s the place to go in

sweltering July and August. In the off-season, the park hosts Movie Under the Stars nights and community festivals.

Located half an hour south of Atlanta, the county also has easy access to Interstates 75, 85, 285 and 675, along with rail service from Norfolk Southern and CSX, and HartsfieldJackson Atlanta International Airport, the busiest airport in the world.

At the heart of a powerful transportation center, Clayton is the only county in the Atlanta area to be classified as a Foreign Trade Zone. Landmark projects such as the $1.2 billion International Terminal and Porsche's North American headquarters straddling the county line have signalled a renewed interest by the global business community.

Education Public Schools Clayton County Schools clayton.k12.ga.us Board of Education (770) 473-2700

Independent Schools Turn to page 82 for the independent schools listing and a map.

SAT Scores

Walton Gas (770) GAS-HEAT Phone/Cable/Internet Xfinity 1 (855) MOVEDGE AT&T 1 (800) 753-2909

94 KNOWAtlanta WINTER 2020

3rd 3rd 5th 5th 8th 8th ELA Math ELA Math ELA Math

*% Developing Learner and above **English/Language Arts

Electricity Central GA EMC (770) 775-7857 Georgia Power Company (888) 660-5890 Water Clayton County Water Authority (770) 961-2130 Garbage Private collection services for residential pickup and special item pickup.

Clayton County Refuse Control (770) 477-3548

Car Tag & License Tag Office: co.clayton.ga.us

Math

Clayton 54% 76% 65% 60% 68% 56% Georgia 67% 83% 76% 75% 79% 79%

Utilities

SCANA Energy 1 (877) GO SCANA

ERW

489 465 535 515 533 527

Georgia Milestones Scores*

Gas Approved Natural Gas Marketers psc.state.ga.us, click “Natural Gas”

Total Score

Clayton Co. 954 Georgia 1050 National 1060

Driver’s License: dds.ga.gov

Spivey Hall, Morrow

Cobb County

Cobb

Atlanta

Distance from Marietta to Downtown Atlanta

20 Miles

Distance from Marietta to HartsfieldJackson Atlanta Int'l Airport

30 Miles

POPULATION

MEDIAN HOME PRICE

TAX COMMISSIONER

ONLINE

755,754

$285,000

(770) 528-8600

cobbcounty.org

L

ong regarded as one of the best places to live in metro Atlanta, Cobb County captures the best of both worlds with its growing businesses, neighborhoods and eateries just beyond the Interstate 285 perimeter. Providing easy access to recreation and entertainment opportunities, as well as stellar education systems with two public school districts, Cobb is more than a thriving commercial and residential area — it’s a great place to visit.

SunTrust Park, the Atlanta Braves’ new ballpark near Cumberland, as well as some of the Southeast’s largest amusement parks, including Six Flags Over Georgia and Six Flags White Water, add to Cobb’s exciting allure year-round. The county also offers multiple options in terms of public parks, golf courses, museums, galleries, theaters

and shops. Major employers in the area include the Cobb County School District, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company and WellStar Health System, as well as hundreds of other businesses, including 200 international firms. The “Platinum Triangle” features 20 million square feet of urban office space at the intersection of Interstates 75 and 285, and several businesses have established a strong base in burgeoning Vinings and Smyrna.

In addition to the Cobb County School District, which is the second largest system in the state, and Marietta City Schools, Cobb is home to numerous private, specialized and alternative schools, as well as higher education opportunities at Chattahoochee Technical College, Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw and Marietta and Life University.

Education Public Schools Cobb County Schools cobb.k12.org Board of Education (770) 426-3300

Independent Schools Turn to page 82 for the independent schools listing and a map.

SAT Scores

Total Score

Cobb Co. 1088 Marietta City 1057 Georgia 1050 National 1060

Writing

554 541 535 533

Math

534 516 515 527

Georgia Milestones Scores*

Marietta City Schools marietta-city.org Board of Education (770) 422-3500

Cobb Marietta Georgia

3rd 3rd 5th 5th 8th 8th ELA Math ELA Math ELA Math

76% 85% 83% 79% 87% 83% 70% 88% 79% 79% 75% 77% 67% 83% 76% 75% 79% 79%

*% Developing Learner and above **English/Language Arts

Car Tag & License Tag Office: cobbtax.org

Driver’s License: dds.ga.gov

Utilities Gas Approved Natural Gas Marketers psc.state.ga.us, click “Natural Gas”

Phone/Cable/Internet Xfinity 1 (855) MOVEDGE

SCANA Energy 1 (877) GO SCANA

AT&T 1 (888) 764-2500

Walton Gas (770) GAS-HEAT

Charter Communications 1 (800) 955-7766

Electricity Acworth Power (770) 917-8903

Water Cobb County Water System (770) 423-1000

Cobb EMC (770) 429-2100

Marietta Water (770) 794-5150

Georgia Power 1 (888) 660-5890

Garbage Robertson Sanitation (770) 944-4974

GreyStone Power Corp.

(770) 942-6576 Marietta Power (770) 794-5150

Marietta Sanitation Division (770) 794-5581

WINTER 2020 KNOWAtlanta 95

Cobb

Acworth Kennesaw

Cities of Cobb 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.

It was once a busy trade center on the Western and Atlantic Railroad and was incorporated in 1860.

Austell

austellga.gov Located just 18 miles from Atlanta, Austell was once a popular getaway spot for those seeking rest and relaxation in its hot springs.

Its revitalized downtown area and population of just over 7,000 also give it a small-town feel.

Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre

Kennesaw

kennesaw-ga.gov Best known as home to Kennesaw Mountain, site of an important Civil War battle, Kennesaw is now a bustling business center in Cobb County. Home to more than 5,000 companies and Kennesaw State University, it is also known as a great place to raise a family.

Marietta

mariettaga.gov Glover Park, one of downtown Marietta’s most prominent features, is a classically Southern greenspace surrounded by fun shops, a slew of restaurants and a number of one-of-a-kind offerings like the Strand Theatre and Gone With the Wind Museum.

Powder Springs

Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park 96 KNOWAtlanta WINTER 2020

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,

Marietta Power Springs

Smyrna

Austell

as well as a museum that chronicles its rich history.

Smyrna

smyrna.ga.us Just 15 minutes from Atlanta, the “Jonquil City” is home to a wealth of clean, family-friendly neighborhoods, upscale dining establishments, pristine public parks and a vibrant Village Green. With a never-ending calendar stacked with festivals, fairs and events, it’s no wonder that Smyrna ranks as the second largest city in Cobb County and one of the fastest-growing cities in metro Atlanta.

Neighborhoods of Cobb Cumberland

Situated 10 miles northwest of downtown Atlanta, this unincorporated community has 103,000 residents and serves as the region’s fifth largest business district. It also is home to SunTrust Park.

Mableton

At more than 20 square miles, Mableton is the largest unincorporated community in the metro area. It boasts 37,000 residents and is also the hometown of former Georgia Gov. Roy Barnes.

Vinings

Located just inside the I-285 perimeter, unincorporated Vinings has become a go-to spot for a city-meetsthe suburbs experience.

Upscale boutiques, exceptional restaurants and the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre are just a few local offerings.

Continued from page 84

Longyear explains that the brain’s three jobs are to perceive the environment, process information and formulate a reaction; the Gyrastim and other equipment help patients “rewire” the brain. Photoreceptors in the eyes pick up light, while proprioceptive receptors pick up movement; hair cells in the ear pick up sounds, and other ear cells pick up rotational movement. And through an additional piece of equipment, a vibration plate, the patient works to complete balance exercises to activate an area of the brain responsible for balance and coordination.

Longyear says successful movements improve thought processes. As part of treatment for patients with balance and movement disorders, the institute decided to test them for depression and anxiety. Patients practiced one-legged stands during their treatment; once they were able to do a one-legged stand really well, their depression, anxiety and stress scores declined. Longyear says, “We realized bad movement equals bad brain equals bad thought process. Good movement equals good brain equals

the early phases, but it is already showing some promising results,” Longyear says.

Certification offered

The Gyrastim Chair

good thought process. Much of what we do is movement-base therapies.”

With this in mind, the institute continues to study and research the effects of chiropractic treatments and applied clinical neuroscience on the brain. Recent research includes how applied clinical neuroscience can help patients with medication-resistant depression. “We’re in

NeuroLIFE Institute offers professionals a 100-hour certification in applied clinical neuroscience. The program highlights recent applied clinical science research and that treatment’s impact on the brain so that chiropractors can apply it to their own practices. Those interested in the certification program or people seeking assistance with neurological conditions can visit the institute’s website for more information, and patients can obtain referrals to visit the institute from their doctors or chiropractors.

Longyear reveals that the institute continues to incorporate technology and research to advance the institute’s mission and holistic approach. He concludes, “Now with some of the technological advances, some of the advances in research, we’re really starting to understand how profound chiropractic is and what it’s been doing for the brain all this time.” n For more information, visit neurolifeinstitute.com.

WINTER 2020 KNOWAtlanta 97

DeKalb County POPULATION

MEDIAN HOME PRICE

TAX COMMISSIONER

ONLINE

744,530

$171,900

(404) 298-4000

dekalbcountyga.gov

A

ccess to suburban settings, a fastpaced city lifestyle and hip locales make DeKalb County a popular relocation option for young professionals, students and established business executives. Situated just minutes from Downtown Atlanta and easily accessible to all areas inside and outside of the Interstate 285 perimeter, DeKalb sits adjacent to Interstates 20, 85, 285, 675 and Highway 78, as well as the DeKalb Peachtree Airport, multiple MARTA hubs and isn’t far from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

Given its prime location and resources, DeKalb’s career options vary with strong opportunities in education, engineering, trade, finance, construction, retail, management and manufacturing. More than half of the Fortune 500 companies with a presence in Atlanta also have

operations in DeKalb. Top employers include Emory University, the DeKalb County School System, Delta Air Lines, WalMart and BellSouth Corp. Educational opportunities abound at Emory University, DeVry University, The Art Institute of Atlanta-Decatur, Laurus Technical Institute, Columbia Theological Seminary and Agnes Scott College, as well as in the successful DeKalb County and Decatur City school systems.

Attractions include Your DeKalb Farmers' Market, an indoor world market that features an array of locally grown produce, farm-fresh meats and exotic spices, and Stone Mountain State Park, which is home to the world’s largest free-standing piece of exposed granite that depicts three CivilWar-era Confederate leaders and serves as a family-friendly tourist attraction yearround.

Atlanta DeKalb

Distance from Decatur to Downtown Atlanta

7 Miles

Distance from Decatur to HartsfieldJackson Atlanta Int'l Airport

17 Miles

Education Public Schools DeKalb County Schools dekalb.k12.ga.us Board of Education (678) 676-1200 jhalford@doe.k12.ga.us

Independent Schools Turn to page 82 for the independent schools listing and a map.

SAT Scores

Total Score

DeKalb Co. 980 Decatur 1145 Georgia 1050 National 1060

Writing

502 588 535 533

Math

477 557 515 527

Georgia Milestones Scores*

City Schools of Decatur csdecatur.net Board of Education (404) 370-4400

3rd 3rd 5th 5th 8th 8th ELA Math ELA Math ELA Math

DeKalb 54% 69% 65% 61% 67% 62% Decatur 90% 96% 90% 88% 96% 89% Georgia 67% 83% 76% 75% 79% 79% *% Developing Learner and above **English/Language Arts

Car Tag & License Tag Office: co.dekalb.ga.us/ taxcommissioner

Driver’s License: dds.ga.gov

Utilities Gas Approved Natural Gas Marketers psc.state.ga.us, click “Natural Gas”

Phone/Cable/Internet Xfinity 1 (855) MOVEDGE

SCANA Energy 1 (877) GO SCANA

AT&T 1 (800) 753-2909

Walton Gas (770) GAS-HEAT

Electricity Georgia Power Co. 1(888) 660-5890

98 KNOWAtlanta WINTER 2020

Snapping Shoals EMC (770) 786-3484 Walton EMC Snellville (770) 972-2917 Watkinsville (706) 769-5622 Water DeKalb County Water System (770) 621-7200

Garbage Pickup provided by county (404) 294-2900

Dunwoody Doraville Chamblee

Cities of DeKalb

Brookhaven Tucker

Avondale Estates

avondaleestates.org Avondale Estates is known for its close-knit community, beautiful setting and diverse architectural styles. This “small-town intown” has a large number of local businesses operated from homes and shops in the commercial district.

Brookhaven

brookhavenga.com Brookhaven is DeKalb County’s largest city.

The urban town center on Dresden Drive features many mixeduse developments and is bordered by residential neighborhoods.

DeKalb Farmers Market

Chamblee

chambleega.com Chamblee is a vibrant city with a diverse community and plenty of international flair. Home to the South’s largest collection of antiques, it is an exciting city to explore.

Clarkston

clarkstonga.gov Clarkston is noted for its diversity and is known as a big walking and biking community.

Decatur

Decatur

Neighborhoods of DeKalb Candler Park

A beloved area of east Atlanta, Candler Park is not quite as hectic, hosting fancifully painted houses with yards, quirky shops and restaurants.

Druid Hills

Designed with a linear park and parkways in its historic district, Druid Hills is a beautiful urban neighborhood near the center of metro Atlanta.

East Atlanta

The charm of East Atlanta is its ability to be eclectic and edgy, while also comfortably suburban.

Edgewood

Edgewood’s easy proximity to Downtown Atlanta, beautiful and unique housing, booming retail and entertainment sectors and the diversity of its residents contribute to its vibrancy as one of Atlanta’s earliest intown “suburbs.”

Kirkwood

Kirkwood has houses with yards, quirky shops and restaurants, while alternative, locally owned shops and restaurants abound.

decaturga.com Decatur is home to some of the best festivals, many of which take place in the heart and soul of the city which is surrounded by award-winning restaurants and shops for every taste.

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 Incorporated in 2008, Dunwoody has quickly

Clarkston Decatur

Stone Mountain

Pine Lake Avondale Estates

Lithonia

Stonecrest

established itself as a shopping, dining and cultural hotspot.

Lithonia

cityoflithoniaga.org Made up of less than one square mile, Lithonia’s name is derived from the Greek words for “rock” and “place” because of its abundance of Gneiss granite. Close to Stone Mountain Park, it includes some of the most affluent neighborhoods in DeKalb County.

Pine Lake

pinelakega.com Pine Lake is a village close to nature where residents treasure and help protect the environment. A vast artist community exists there and it hosts the city’s annual LakeFest.

Stonecrest

The City of Stonecrest, which includes about 50,000 people in southeast DeKalb, became a city on Nov. 8, 2016, after a vote by the Georgia General Assembly. Elections for city council members took place on March 21.

Stone Mountain

stonemountaincity.org People travel from far and wide to rest atop the brilliant granite rock of Stone Mountain. A familyfriendly place to visit and live, the mountain and Main Street Stone Mountain make up the heart of the city.

Tucker

tucker.org This former railroad community incorporated in 2015. The main street under went a multi-million dollar renovation and serves as the hub for all the city's activities and events.

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Douglas County POPULATION

MEDIAN HOME PRICE

140,733

$372,500

TAX COMMISSIONER

ONLINE

(770) 920-7272 celebrateddouglascounty.com

S

uburban life comes at a premium in Douglas County, which is just 20 minutes away from Downtown Atlanta. With the lowest property taxes in metro Atlanta and an energetic business environment to boot, Douglas is an ideal place to work and live.

The area’s biggest employers include WalMart, Kroger, American Red Cross, Benton-Georgia and Sam’s Club. Openings of new office parks and spaces within the area, as well as the emergence of businesses like Turano Baking Co., also bring extra life to the area’s workforce.

The county prides itself on its devotion to recycling and maintaining an ecoconscious image, which shines through

in local parks and nature centers.

Sweetwater Creek State Conservation Park boasts the state’s most environmentally sound building, while the Clinton Nature Preserve, with an authentic pre-Civil War log cabin, protects 200 acres of natural vegetation and wildlife.

When locals aren’t exploring nature trails or swimming at the Boundary Waters Aquatic Center within the recently constructed 500-acre Boundary Waters Recreational Complex, they’re busy dining, shopping or attending a performance at one of several local venues. O’Neal Plaza offers a host of artistic and literary opportunities including free concerts spring through fall.

Public Schools Douglas County Schools douglas.k12.ga.us Board of Education (770) 651-2000

SAT Scores

Total Score

Douglas Co. 1003 Georgia 1050 National 1060

Independent Schools Turn to page 82 for the independent schools listing and a map.

Writing

Math

515 488 535 515 533 527

Georgia Milestones Scores* Douglas Georgia

Douglas

Distance from Douglasville to Downtown Atlanta

27 Miles

Distance from Douglasville to HartsfieldJackson Atlanta Int'l Airport

23 Miles

Car Tag & License

Education

Atlanta

3rd 3rd 5th 5th 8th 8th ELA Math ELA Math ELA Math

66% 84% 81% 77% 82% 75% 67% 83% 76% 75% 79% 79%

Tag Office: douglastaxcommissioner.com

City Information Douglasville co.douglasville.ga.us Downtown Douglasville, established in 1875, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places because of its rich Victorian, Romanesque, Italiante and Queen Annestyle buildings. Douglasville is also home to Sweetwater Creek State Park, which

*% Developing Learner and above **English/Language Arts

County Courthouse

Utilities Gas Approved Natural Gas Marketers psc.state.ga.us, click “Natural Gas” SCANA Energy 1 (877) GO SCANA Walton Gas (770) GAS-HEAT Phone/Cable/Internet Xfinity 1 (855) MOVEDGE

100 KNOWAtlanta WINTER 2020

AT&T 1 (800) 753-2909 Electricity Georgia Power Company 1 (888) 660-5890 GreyStone Power Corp.

(770) 942-6576 Water Douglasville-Douglas County Water & Sewer Authority (770) 949-7617

Driver’s License: dds.ga.gov

Douglasville

includes 2,020 acres of walking trails, Civil War ruins and a nature preserve.

Fayette County

Atlanta

Fayette

Distance from Fayetteville to Downtown Atlanta

25 Miles

Distance from Fayetteville to HartsfieldJackson Atlanta Int'l Airport

15 Miles

POPULATION

MEDIAN HOME PRICE

TAX COMMISSIONER

ONLINE

110,714

$262,400

(770) 461-3652

fayettecountyga.gov

F

ayette County, a close-knit community just 15 miles south of Atlanta, is one of the smallest counties in the state. It is home to more than 107,000 residents who enjoy a wide range of transportation options.

Interstates 75, 285 and 85 and Georgia Highways 54, 74, 85, 92, 279 and 314 all pass through the county for practical access to and from outlying cities.

Fayetteville, the county seat, is a key feature of the area with a shining assortment of independent shops, businesses, restaurants and the Old Fayette County Courthouse, which is included on the National Register of Historic Places.

Peachtree City, the most successful pre-

Car Tag & License

Education Public Schools Fayette County Schools fcboe.org Board of Education (770) 460-3535

SAT Scores

Total Score

Fayette Co. 1119 Georgia 1050 National 1060

Independent Schools Turn to page 82 for the independent schools listing and a map.

Writing

Math

568 552 535 515 533 527

Georgia Milestones Scores*

Fayette Georgia

planned city in the Southeast, adds to the local appeal. It is Georgia’s oldest and largest master-planned community, featuring a sprawling network of golf cart paths stretching to nearly every destination within its borders. More than one-third of the city’s 34,000 residents own a golf cart, and children as young as 12 can operate the vehicles with a guardian present.

There are nearly 30 schools in the communities of Brooks, Fayetteville, Peachtree City, Tyrone and Woolsey, and entertainment in the county includes a wealth of recreational activities and events, including golf at Fayette’s six golf courses and a lively St. Patty’s Day festival in Tyrone.

3rd 3rd 5th 5th 8th 8th ELA Math ELA Math ELA Math

83% 94% 89% 88% 91% 91% 67% 83% 76% 75% 79% 79%

*% Developing Learner and above **English/Language Arts

Utilities Gas Approved Natural Gas Marketers psc.state.ga.us, click “Natural Gas” SCANA Energy 1 (877) GO SCANA Walton Gas (770) GAS-HEAT Phone/Cable/Internet Xfinity 1 (855) MOVEDGE

AT&T 1 (800) 753-2909 Electricity Coweta-Fayette EMC (770) 502-0226 Georgia Power Company 1 (888) 660-5890 Water Fayette County Water (770) 461-1146

Tag Office: fayettecountytaxcomm.com

Driver’s License: dds.ga.gov

Cities of Fayette Brooks brooksga.com Brooks has a population of about 600 people, although the post office serves a much larger area; it is primarily a residential area known for its friendly people, active churches, wholesome and casual outdoor lifestyle and pastoral wide open spaces.

Fayetteville fayetteville-ga.gov Known for its high quality of life, historic charm and great medical facilities, Fayetteville has been recognized as one of the best towns in the state for young families, according to NerdWallet.com, as well as one of the best suburbs for retirement, according to Forbes.

Peachtree City peactree-city.org Located just a few minutes south of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Peachtree City’s family-friendly neighborhoods are home to everyone from Delta pilots to frequent business travelers who enjoy a small-town feel near a global hub.

Tyrone

Fayettville

Peachtree City Woolsey

Brooks

Tyrone tyrone.org Serving about 7,000 residents now, Tyrone was established in 1911 and the city, reportedly named by people who helped build the railroad there in 1907, chose that name because it reminded the Scottish and Irish immigrants of the area around Country Tyrone in Ireland.

Woolsey Originally ruled by Creek Indians, Woolsey was incorporated in 1893 and named after a prominent doctor who served in the Confederate Army before being injured. It is the smallest town in Fayette and about 200 people live there.

WINTER 2020 KNOWAtlanta 101

Forsyth County POPULATION

MEDIAN HOME PRICE

TAX COMMISSIONER

ONLINE

212,438

$299,900

(770) 781-2110

forsythco.com

I

n recent years, Forsyth County has been recognized as the 13th wealthiest county in the nation, in addition to being ranked

by Forbes as the seventh-fastest growing county nationwide, largely due to the 8,000-plus local businesses located in the community.

Access to fine dining and entertainment, plus the state-leading school system, makes it an ideal environment for both families and young professionals.

Local citizens find employment in diverse fields such as technology, medicine, finance and retail. Major employers include

technology giant Scientific Games Inc. and Northside Hospital-Forsyth, which at eight floors, is the tallest building in the county, following a $30 million expansion in 2016.

Large companies like these, as well as small businesses, share room with more than 60 international companies in the area.

Additionally, great outdoor opportunities abound in the form of multiple campgrounds, parks and nature preserves in the area. Local artists provide the county with a creative flair through multiple exhibits, artist events, galleries and performances.

Forsyth

Atlanta

Distance from Cumming to Downtown Atlanta

38 Miles

Distance from Cumming to HartsfieldJackson Atlanta Int'l Airport

49 Miles

Car Tag & License

Education Public Schools Forsyth County Schools forsyth.k12.ga.us Board of Education (770) 887-2461

Independent Schools Turn to page 82 for the independent schools listing and a map.

Tag Office: forsythco.com

Driver’s License: dds.ga.gov

City Information Cumming

SAT Scores

Total Score

Forsyth Co. 1146 Georgia 1050 National 1060

Writing

Math

579 567 535 515 533 527

Georgia Milestones Scores*

3rd 3rd Math 5th 5th 8th 8th ELA Math ELA Math ELA Math

Forsyth 87% 95% 92% 93% 94% 95% Georgia 67% 83% 76% 75% 79% 79%

cityofcumming.net Cumming The seat of Forsyth County, Cumming is conveniently located along Georgia 400, benefiting commuters going to and from the Interstate 285 perimeter. The Sawnee Mountain Preserve, Buford Dam along the Chattahoochee River and Lake Lanier are some of the city’s best outdoor attractions.

*% Developing Learner and above **English/Language Arts

The Collection at Forsyth in Cumming

Utilities Gas Approved Natural Gas Marketers psc.state.ga.us, click “Natural Gas” SCANA Energy 1 (877) GO SCANA Walton Gas (770) GAS-HEAT Phone/Cable/Internet Xfinity 1 (855) MOVEDGE AT&T 1 (800) 753-2909 102 KNOWAtlanta WINTER 2020

Electricity Georgia Power Company 1 (888) 660-5890 Sawnee EMC (770) 887-2363 Water City Water Dept.-Cumming (770) 781-2020 Forsyth County Water (770) 781-2160 Garbage Robertson Sanitation (770) 944-4974

Fulton County

Atlanta Fulton

Distance from Atlanta to HartsfieldJackson Atlanta Int'l Airport

10 Miles

POPULATION

MEDIAN HOME PRICE

TAX COMMISSIONER

ONLINE

1.011 million

$248,600

(404) 730-6100

fultoncountyga.gov

S

tretching across the heart of metro Atlanta — 534 square miles to be exact — Fulton County is broken up into three main areas and offers an array of options for its nearly one million residents.

North of Interstate 285, outside the perimeter and fondly called “OTP” by locals, residents enjoy more of a suburban lifestyle, while the portion of the county located south of I-285 is home to communities that boast eclectic neighborhoods and is growing quickly with the help of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Meanwhile, the portion of Fulton located inside the perimeter, or what locals call “ITP,” includes neighborhoods like Buckhead, Inman Park and Cabbagetown, many of which were established soon after the county was founded in 1853.

Residents have an array of living options to consider in Fulton as well, including historic neighborhoods, 10-story sky-rise condos, upscale subdivisions and horse farms.

Fulton also provides easy access to the best cultural and entertainment options metro Atlanta has to offer. The northern and southern borders play host to numerous shops, eateries and parks, while Intown Atlanta is home to some of the city’s biggest attractions like the CNN Center, Philips Arena, the Georgia Aquarium, Centennial Olympic Park, The Fox Theatre, High Museum of Art, Atlanta Botanical Garden, Piedmont Park and the Atlanta History Center.

Education Public Schools Fulton County Schools fulton.k12.ga.us Board of Education (404) 768-3600

Independent Schools Turn to page 82 for the independent schools listing and a map.

SAT Scores

Total Score

Fulton Co. 1051 Atlanta (APS) 992 Georgia 1050 National 1060

Writing

533 510 535 533

Math

518 482 515 527

Georgia Milestones Scores*

Atlanta Public Schools atlanta.k12.ga.us Board of Education (404) 802-3500

3rd 3rd 5th 5th 8th 8th ELA Math ELA Math ELA Math

Fulton 69% 83% 78% 78% 80% 72% APS 57% 74% 67% 68% 70% 60% Georgia 67% 83% 76% 75% 79% 79% *% Developing Learner and above **English/Language Arts

Car Tag & License Tag Office: fultoncountytaxes.org

Driver’s License: dds.ga.gov

Utilities Gas Approved Natural Gas Marketers psc.state.ga.us, click “Natural Gas”

Charter Communications (Roswell) 1 (800) 955-7766

Georgia Power Company (404) 506-6526 georgiapower.com

SCANA Energy 1 (877) GO SCANA

Electricity City of College Park (404) 669-3759

GreyStone Power Corp.

(770) 942-6576

Walton Gas (770) GAS-HEAT

City of Fairburn (770) 969-3481

Phone/Cable/Internet Xfinity 1 (855) MOVEDGE AT&T 1 (888) 753-2909

Sawnee EMC (770) 887-2363

City of Palmetto (770) 463-3377

Water Atlanta Water Bureau (404) 658-6500

Cobb EMC (770) 429-2100 cobbemc.com

Alpharetta (678) 297-6000 Mountain Park (770) 993-4231

Roswell (770) 641-3759 Fulton County (404) 730-6830 Garbage Mountain Park City Hall (770) 993-4231 Robertson Sanitation (770) 944-4974 Alpharetta (within city) (678) 297-6060 Roswell (770) 641-3759

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Fulton Cities of Fulton Atlanta atlantaga.gov

As the Peach State’s capitol and county seat of Fulton County, Atlanta is home to more than 470,000 people and the economic and cultural center of the metro area. Encompassing $324 billion, metro Atlanta is the 10th largest economy in the country and 18th largest in the world. Corporate operations comprise a large portion of the Atlanta’s economy, with the city serving as the regional, national and global headquarters for many corporations.

Alpharetta

alpharetta.ga.us Just 22 miles north of Atlanta, Alpharetta offers a full spectrum of attractions, excellent schools, sensible housing costs and historic Southern charm, while remaining close to Atlanta’s global employers — part of the reason it was named one of the best suburbs to live in Georgia by Niche.com.

Johns Creek

johnscreekga.gov Nestled along the banks of the Chattahoochee River at the foot of the Appalachian Mountains, this city’s beautiful landscape offers additional aesthetic appeal to an already beautiful metropolis. Schools here are the strongest in the state and business is booming, making Johns Creek one of the wealthiest cities in metro Atlanta.

Milton

cityofmiltonga.us Milton was incorporated in March 2006 and in 2011 was voted ninth best for quality of life in the South by the Atlanta Business Chronicle. A highly affluent city, Milton is bordered

by Roswell and Alpharetta on the south side and is easily accessible via Georgia 400.

Mountain Park

mountainpark-ga.gov Mountain Park, which serves a little more than 500 residents, is an officially designated wildlife refuge, which protects all wildlife, including birds, animals and reptiles — some rare.

Roswell

roswellgov.com Founded in 1836, Roswell is now the eighth largest city in Georgia and has twice been voted the best place to live in the metro area by Atlanta magazine. With 13 parks, many wellpreserved historical sites and a ranking of the 14th safest-city in Georgia, Roswell is a family-oriented community.

Sandy Springs

sandyspringsga.org Located just outside of the 285 perimeter, this city is far enough away from Atlanta for a bit of peace and quiet, but close enough that a leisurely ride on MARTA or drive on Georgia 400 puts Midtown Atlanta just 20 minutes away.

South Fulton

cityofsouthfulton.gov The one-year old city of South Fulton votred to change its name to "Renaissance" in November, but following a petition, the matter will go back before city council.

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Chattahoochee Hills

chatthillsga.us Chattahoochee Hills is only 35 miles southwest of Atlanta and home to the community of Serenbe, professional theatre and a successful K-8 public charter school.

Its agrarian lifestyle with proximity to the airport makes it the ideal place to live, work and play.

South Fulton

College Park

collegeparkga.com College Park has the fourth largest urban historic district in Georgia with 867 structures on the National Historic Register, from homes, monuments and churches to government buildings and a railway station. Top employers in the city include the Federal Aviation Administration and Woodward Academy, one of the metro area’s best independent schools.

East Point

eastpointcity.org East Point has long been an important industrial area in metro Atlanta. In recent years, the city has flourished due to its proximity to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and is now a great destination for restaurants, hotels and shopping.

Fairburn

fairburn.com Home to the annual Fairburn Festival, The Southside Theatre Guild and Georgia Renaissance Festival, Fairburn has a rich cultural heritage enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. With a population of more than 14,000, Fairburn has the feel of a city but with small-town sensibilities.

Hapeville

hapeville.org Home to the busiest airport in the world, HartsfieldJackson Atlanta International Airport, Hapeville serves more than 6,000 residents and is also home to Delta Air Lines Inc.’s corporate headquarters.

Palmetto

cityofpalmetto.com Originally named Johnson’s Store, Palmetto was established in the 1850s and the rename was said to have been conferred upon by a company of South Carolina soldiers en route to the Mexican War. They said the community reminded them of their home state, the “Palmetto State.”

Union City

unioncityga.org One of the most influential sub-markets in the Southern region of metro Atlanta, Union City’s staff works diligently to enhance job growth and promote business stability. Some of the area’s leading national firms include Newell Rubbermaid, General Electric, Costco, Caterpillar, Dendreon and Kraft Foods.

Intown Neighborhoods Ansley Park

An affluent residential neighborhood and dedicated historic district, Ansley Park sits astride Peachtree Street and is adjacent to the famous Piedmont Park.

Atlantic Station

Taking “live, work, play” to the next level, Atlantic Station isn’t just home to worldclass dining, shopping and entertainment.

With countless choices for apartments, condos and homes and more than 1.4 million-square-feet of Class A office space, Atlantic Station offers businesses an unbeatable strategic location in the heart of Midtown.

Buckhead

Known as the shopping mecca of the Southeast, Buckhead is rich with elegant high-rise hotels and complexes, beautiful homes and mansions and is one of the Buckhead

Downtown

The central business district, Downtown Atlanta is home to many corporate and regional headquarters, government facilities, sporting venues and Georgia State University.

Containing the city skyline’s tallest buildings, Downtown is also the heart of the city’s most iconic architecture.

Grant Park

The oldest city park in Atlanta, Grant Park’s Victorian neighborhood is home to Zoo Atlanta which welcomes almost 1 million visitors per year.

Many of the buildings, from large, twostory mansions to modified Queen Anne houses, were built when the neighborhood was established in 1882.

Inman Park

Established in the 1890s, Inman Park prides itself on being Atlanta’s first suburb. Known for its shops, public parks and dedicated Tree Watch, this neighborhood comes alive with festivals, parades and a focus on all things local, from galleries and markets to eateries.

Little Five Points

Little Five Points (L5P) is an alternative shopping and dining destination and a fun way to spend an afternoon, with more consignment and costume shops than you’ll know what to do with and plenty of excellent pubs. Sevananda, the local co-op, is your one-stop-shop for organic local produce, sandwiches and soups, bulk dry goods and apothecary needs. city’s most attractive areas for business.

It's one of the wealthiest ZIP codes in the Atlanta area, and art and history flourish in Buckhead with more than 30 acres of gardens at the Atlanta History Center.

Cabbagetown

Undergoing tremendous growth during Atlanta’s Intown renaissance in the early 1990s, Cabbagetown has been revitalized by an influx of artists and musicians. Many murals and street art pieces, maintained by the Living Walls street art association, keep the area’s love of the arts alive.

Castleberry Hill

Known as Atlanta’s historic creative district, Castleberry Hill is made up of early 20th century warehouse buildings that have been converted into lofts, which are now the predominant housing type. Growing in retail and entertainment establishments, this neighborhood hosts a beloved annual art stroll showcasing the area’s many galleries and restaurants.

Virginia-Highland

Poncey-Highland

Nestled in the middle of several dynamic Intown neighborhoods, Poncey-Highland is rich with all the amenities of urban living, including unique, quality restaurants, shops and galleries, great schools and a variety of housing options, including historic and new single family homes, condominiums and apartments.

Virginia-Highland

Often referred to as “The Highlands” or “Va-Hi,” the Virginia-Highland neighborhood is a popular spot for Atlanta’s young professionals and families.

Consisting of seven distinct commercial villages separated by short, walkable blocks of upscale shops, restaurants and pubs, nightlife and local entertainment are celebrated year-round.

Midtown

Home to more than 200 acres of parks and gardens, as well as more than 200 restaurants and shops, Midtown is considered the city’s center for the arts with museums, theaters and galleries galore. The grid streets of Midtown are a community epicenter of business, technology and culture. One of the fastest-evolving and growing residential areas in the city, Midtown boasts high- and low-rise lofts and condos, apartments and traditional neighborhoods right across from the city’s pride, Piedmont Park.

Buckhead

Atlantic Station

Ansley Park

Virginia Highland

Midtown

PonceyHighland

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 packed with nightlife and art galleries. As the start of the Atlanta BeltLine project, Old Fourth Ward offers residents more than 17 acres of greenspace.

Downtown Castleberry Hill

Old Fourth Inman Park Ward Little Five Points

Cabbagetown Grant Park

WINTER 2020 KNOWAtlanta 105

Gwinnett County

Atlanta

Gwinnett

Distance from Lawrenceville to Downtown Atlanta

31 Miles

Distance from Lawrenceville to HartsfieldJackson Atlanta Int'l Airport

42 Miles

POPULATION

MEDIAN HOME PRICE

TAX COMMISSIONER

ONLINE

895,823

$204,200

(770) 822-8818

gwinnettcounty.com

C

ontinually listed as one of Atlanta’s fastest-growing counties, Gwinnett County is prized for its access to bustling city life, booming communities and gorgeously maintained natural spaces.

The county’s AAA minor league Gwinnett Braves baseball team calls Gwinnett home, drawing a myriad of visitors to the area: as does Lake Lanier; local parks, including the 12-acre Freeman’s Mill Park; three regional malls; delicious local restaurants; sprawling Southern neighborhoods; and the Infinite Energy Centre event venue.

Only half an hour away from Downtown Atlanta, Gwinnett’s economic opportunities span far and wide for area workers.

Professions in retail, construction, manufacturing, professional/technical services, administrative support/ management, education, government, financial, legal and healthcare industries constitute a majority of the county’s 300,000 jobs. The area’s top five employers are Gwinnett County Public Schools, Gwinnett County Government, Gwinnett Health System, WalMart and Publix Super Markets.

The county’s education system is recognized both nationally and regionally for its stellar schools. As the largest school system in Georgia, 90 percent of Gwinnett’s public school graduates go on to some form of higher education.

Education Public Schools Gwinnett County Schools gwinnett.k12.ga.us Board of Education (678) 301-6000

Independent Schools Turn to page 82 for the independent schools listing and a map.

Total Score

Gwinnett Co. 1084 Buford 1157 Georgia 1050 National 1060

Writing

Math

545 539 578 580 535 515 533 527

Georgia Milestones Scores*

Buford City Schools bufordcityschools.org Board of Education (770) 945-5035

3rd 3rd 5th 5th 8th 8th ELA Math ELA Math ELA Math

Gwinnett 77% 87% 84% 82% 86% 75% Buford 86% 94% 85% 91% 89% 92% Georgia 67% 83% 76% 75% 79% 79% *% Developing Learner and above **English/Language Arts

Car Tag & License Tag Office: gwinnetttaxcommissioner.com

SAT Scores

Driver’s License: dds.ga.gov

Utilities Gas Approved Natural Gas Marketers psc.state.ga.us, click “Natural Gas” SCANA Energy 1 (877) GO SCANA Walton Gas (770) GAS-HEAT Phone/Cable/Internet Xfinity 1 (855) MOVEDGE Charter Communications 1 (800) 955-7766

106 KNOWAtlanta WINTER 2020

AT&T 1 (888) 753-2909

Georgia Power 1 (888) 660-5890

Adelphia Communications 1 (888) 683-1000

Jackson EMC (770) 963-6166

BellSouth Entertainment (770) 360-5000

Sawnee EMC (770) 887-2363

Electricity City of Buford (770) 945-6761

Walton EMC (770) 267-2505

City of Lawrenceville (770) 963-2414 City of Norcross (770) 448-2122

Water Gwinnett County Water System (678) 376-6800 Duluth, Lilburn and Snellville use the county water system. For hook-ups in other areas:

Buford, (770) 945-6761 Lawrenceville, (770) 963-2414 Norcross, (770) 448-2122 Garbage The cities of Buford, Dacula, Duluth, Lawrenceville, Lilburn, Norcross, Snellville, Sugar Hill and Suwanee provide garbage pick­up within their respective city limits. Contact local city halls for information.

Robertson Sanitation Inc. (770) 921-7337 BFI Waste Systems (770) 339-9393­

Cities of Gwinnett Berkeley Lake

berkeley-lake.com Since its origin as a 1956 summer retreat, the 88-acre namesake has become a thriving community. Berkeley Lake has been known as Tree City USA since 1999 by the Arbor Day Foundation and in 2009 the city was awarded a $15,000 grant from the Georgia Forestry Commission for the ‘Maintaining a Sustainable Urban Forest’ project.

Loganville

Buford Sugar Hill

braselton.net Home to Chateau Elan, a working winery equipped with fine dining, tennis, golf, spa services and much more, Braselton rests in four counties, including Gwinnett, Hall, Jackson and Barrow, and serves about 7,500 residents.

Braselton Suwanee loganville-ga.gov Located in both Gwinnett Duluth Dacula and Walton counties, Berkeley Lake Peachtree Corners Loganville lies centrally Lawrenceville Norcross between Atlanta and Athens, Grayson Lilburn making it convenient for Snellville Loganville students commuting to the University of Georgia, Gwinnett Technical College and any of the other major metro Atlanta universities. The unique blend of hometownfeel combined with modern conveniences draws companies and organizations to open their doors and prosper in Loganville.

Buford

Norcross

Dacula

Peachtree Corners

Braselton

cityofbuford.com The Buford Dam has become a major source of power for the state, and Lake Lanier Islands is recognized as a premier recreational development in the Southeast. 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. daculaga.gov Incorporated in 1905, Dacula emerged where the Georgia, Carolina and Northern railways used to intersect. Named from the letters in “Decatur” and “Atlanta,” Dacula is best known for its large Memorial Day Parade and the celebrated Little Mulberry Park and has experienced immense growth over the years.

Duluth

duluthga.net Close to Interstate 85, this Gwinnett County city is a short commute from the heart of Atlanta and is close to Stone Mountain Park and Lake Lanier. Duluth is also home to retail and cultural centers, great healthcare facilities and a high quality of life.

Grayson

cityofgrayspon.org Grayson is a popular city for families, with excellent schools, quality housing, parks, restaurants and plenty of shopping.

Known for having the amenities of a sophisticated and professional city, Grayson also pays homage to its past with an extensive collection of historical memorabilia housed in the Arts and History Center.

Lawrenceville

lawerencevillega.org Gwinnett’s oldest city, Lawrenceville is known as the “Crepe Myrtle City” and is equal parts old and new. The city’s mixture of recently established buildings coexist with antebellum homes, the town’s original town square and the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse.

Lilburn

cityoflilburn.com Situated less than 20 miles from Downtown Atlanta and close to Interstate 85, Lilburn has a small-town, neighborly feeling that sets it apart from other urban cities. Visit Old Town to shop and dine in historic buildings, attend an event in City Park and stroll the Camp Creek Greenway.

norcrossga.net Nestled in west Gwinnett County, Norcross combines the feel of an idyllic small town with a reverence for history. A comprehensive beautification plan has restored many of the town’s historic sites to their full glory, and the addition of restaurants, businesses and recreational venues ensure that Norcross remains dutifully progressive. peachtreecornersga.gov Known for its picturesque parks, lush green spaces and plenty of outdoor activity, Peachtree Corners offers residents unparalleled quality of life. A short drive from downtown Atlanta, residents enjoy the city’s unique arts, culture and more in their own backyards.

Snellville

snellville.org The city boasts that “Everybody’s Somebody in Snellville.”

Annually, the Snellville Days Festival draws crowds from all over the Southeast and has previously been ranked as one of the top 20 tourism events by the Southeastern Tourism Society. Performing arts are alive here, as it is home to both the New London Theater and Gwinnett Ballet Theatre companies.

Sugar Hill

cityofsugarhill.com Considered one of the premier communities in the metro area, Sugar Hill is mere minutes away from Lake Lanier and the North Georgia Mountains. The Sugar Hill City Park offers residents two pavilions, regulation fields and courts for sports and an amphitheater for hosting events year-round, while The Sugar Hill Golf Club is one of the best courses in the area and has reduced rates for city residents.

Suwanee

suwanee.com With an array of housing options and it being home to the largest school system in Georgia and stellar open spaces, Suwanee is a great place to work, play and live. Shopping is also big here, with small shops, antique stores and a regionally known home décor store peppering Town Center and Historic Olde Town.

WINTER 2020 KNOWAtlanta 107

Hall County Hall

Atlanta

Distance from Gainesville to Downtown Atlanta

54 Miles

Distance from Gainesville to HartsfieldJackson Atlanta Int'l Airport

64 Miles

POPULATION

MEDIAN HOME PRICE

TAX COMMISSIONER

ONLINE

202,221

$170,900

(770) 531-6950

hallcounty.org

B

ordered by the beautiful Lake Sidney Lanier and the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Gainesville-Hall County is a vibrant, growing and diverse community that is home to more than 200,000 residents.

Lake Lanier, a 38,000-acre reservoir with 692 miles of shorelines, is the most visited Corp of Engineers Lake in the nation, welcoming more than 7.5 million visitors per year.

The area offers an unparalleled quality of life and a sound economic base for business and industry. Gainesville-Hall County boasts over 300 manufacturing industries and 48 international companies representing 15 foreign countries. Hall County is also proud to have three higher education institutions— Brenau University, University of North Georgia (UNG) Gainesville Campus and

Lanier Technical College.

Recreational opportunities are abundant in Hall and include such locales as Don Carter State Park, Atlanta Botanical Gardens – Gainesville, the Northeast Georgia History Center and the Quinlan Visual Arts Center, as well as more parks than any county in the nation. Hall County also features other amenities including Lake Lanier Olympic Park, Lanier Islands and Golf Resort, Château Élan Winery & Resort and Road Atlanta.

Additionally, Gainesville-Hall County is home to Northeast Georgia Medical Center—the #1 hospital in Georgia for cardiac care. More than 800 physicians are part of the medical staff at NGMC, and Northeast Georgia Health System employs more than 8,000 people throughout the region.

Education Public Schools Hall County Schools hallco.org Board of Education (770) 534-1080

Independent Schools Turn to page 82 for the independent schools listing and a map.

SAT Scores

Total Score

Hall Co. 1038 Gainesville 1014 Georgia 1050 National 1060

Writing

527 513 535 533

Math

511 500 515 527

Georgia Milestones Scores*

Gainesville City Schools gcssk12.net Board of Education (770) 536-5275

3rd 3rd 5th 5th 8th 8th ELA Math ELA Math ELA Math

Hall 63% 80% 74% 74% 67% 72% Gainesville 49% 78% 65% 67% 59% 63% Georgia 67% 83% 76% 75% 79% 79% *% Developing Learner and above **English/Language Arts

Car Tag & License Tag Office: hallcounty.org

Driver’s License: dds.ga.gov

Utilities Gas Approved Natural Gas Marketers psc.state.ga.us, click “Natural Gas” SCANA Energy 1 (877) GO SCANA Liberty Utilities (855) 216-6305 Atlanta Gas Light (800) 427-5463 Walton Gas (770) GAS-HEAT

108 KNOWAtlanta WINTER 2020

Phone/Cable/Internet Xfinity 1 (855) MOVEDGE Charter Spectrum 877-473-0328 Direct TV/ATT (855) 842-4388 AT&T 1 (888) 757-6500

Electricity Georgia Power Company (city residents) 1 (888) 660-5890

Flowery Branch City Hall (770) 967-6371 flowerybranchga.org

Jackson EMC (770) 536-2415

Garbage Gainsville residents (770) 532-0493

Sawnee EMC (770) 887-2363

County residents (770) 531-6851

Water Gainesville Water Dept.

(770) 535-6878 gainesville.org

Henry County POPULATION

MEDIAN HOME PRICE

TAX COMMISSIONER

ONLINE

217,739

$159,800

(770) 288-8180

co.henry.ga.us

A

Atlanta

Henry

Distance from McDonough to Downtown Atlanta

30 Miles

Distance from McDonough to HartsfieldJackson Atlanta Int'l Airport

27 Miles

straight shot south on Interstate 75, Henry County is just 30 minutes from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Downtown Atlanta. With Southern neighborhoods, a solid education system and plenty of recreational and economic opportunities, there’s little need to leave the county limits.

As one of the fastest-growing counties in Georgia, Henry continues to experience economic success. Major employers include Henry County Schools, Piedmont Henry Hospital, Henry County Government, Federal Aviation Administration and Briggs & Stratton, with retail, manufacturing, service

Car Tag & License

Education Public Schools Henry County Schools henry.k12.ga.us Board of Education (770) 957-6601

Independent Schools Turn to page 82 for the independent schools listing and a map.

Tag Office: henrytc.org

Driver’s License: dds.ga.gov

Cities of Henry

SAT Scores

Total Score

Henry Co. 1011 Georgia 1050 National 1060

Writing

Math

519 492 535 515 533 527

Georgia Milestones Scores*

and distribution serving as the top industries.

For those coming into town for a weekend visit, there’s more than enough to do. Trail hiking and nature education abound at Cubihatcha Outdoor Center and Panola Mountain State Conservation Park.

Meanwhile, racing fans will enjoy being in the center of it all at NASCAR host Atlanta Motor Speedway or a chance to try out The Richard Petty Driving Experience, both located in Hampton. If you’re an animal lover, you’ll also enjoy Noah’s Ark Animal Rehabilitation Center, while history buffs can visit Nash Farm Battlefield and Heritage Park Museum.

3rd 3rd 5th 5th 8th 8th ELA Math ELA Math ELA Math

Henry 64% 80% 75% 70% 79% 65% Georgia 67% 83% 76% 75% 79% 79% *% Developing Learner and above **English/Language Arts

Utilities Electricity Georgia Power Company 1 (888) 660-5890 Snapping Shoals EMC Main Office (770) 786-3484 Central Georgia EMC (770) 775-7857 Gas Approved Natural Gas Marketers psc.state.ga.us, click “Natural Gas” SCANA Energy 1 (877) GO SCANA Walton Gas (770) GAS-HEAT

Water Hampton (770) 946-4306 Henry County Water System (770) 957-6659 Locust Grove (770) 957-5043 McDonough (770) 957-3915 Stockbridge (770) 389-7900 Phone/Cable/Internet Xfinity 1 (855) MOVEDGE AT&T 1 (888) 757-6500

Hampton

cityofhampton-ga.gov Best known as the home of 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 the state.

Stockbridge

McDonough Hampton Locust Grove

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 Founded in 1829, Stockbridge was moved a few miles south later in order to be closer to the railroad. It is home to Clark Community, Gardner and Simmons parks.

Charter Communications (770) 389-9999

WINTER 2020 KNOWAtlanta 109

Paulding County POPULATION

MEDIAN HOME PRICE

TAX COMMISSIONER

ONLINE

152,238

$249,900

(770) 443-7581

paulding.gov

O

nce devoted to agriculture (particularly livestock, corn, oats, pecans and poultry), Paulding County has taken an industrial path in the last few years, leading to substantial growth in the county.

Paulding Northwest Atlanta Airport, which opened in 2008 and is the first jetcapable airport built in Georgia in more than 30 years and was recognized for “Excellence for Innovation in Economic Development” by the U.S. Department of Commerce.

In addition to the Paulding County School District and Paulding County Government, top area employers include Wal-Mart, The Kroger Company, WellStar Health System and Publix Super Markets.

More than 60 percent of the county’s population is made up of people who have relocated to the area. A thriving business community mixed with such pleasing attributes as the Silver Comet Trail, a community theater, museums, one of the best-preserved historic battlefields in the country, shopping, dining and thriving downtown areas in towns like Dallas and Hiram make this up-and-comer a great place to live and work.

Excellent schools with low student/ teacher ratios are another plus for Paulding County. Existing schools have all been renovated in recent years with modern additions, and many of the area’s schools have been recognized for educational excellence.

Paulding

Atlanta

Distance from Dallas to Downtown Atlanta

33 Miles

Distance from Dallas to HartsfieldJackson Atlanta Int'l Airport

37 Miles

Car Tag & License

Education Public Schools Paulding County Schools paulding.k12.ga.us Board of Education (770) 443-8000

Independent Schools Turn to page 82 for the independent schools listing and a map.

Tag Office: paulding.gov

Driver’s License: dds.ga.gov

Cities of Paulding SAT Scores

Total Score

Paulding Co. 1030 Georgia 1050 National 1060

Writing

527 535 533

Math

502 515 527

Georgia Milestones Scores*

3rd 3rd 5th 5th 8th 8th ELA Math ELA Math ELA Math

Paulding 73% 86% 81% 79% 77% 83% Georgia 67% 83% 76% 75% 79% 79% *% Developing Learner and above **English/Language Arts

SCANA Energy 1 (877) GO SCANA Walton Gas (770) GAS-HEAT Phone/Cable/Internet Xfinity 1 (855) MOVEDGE

110 KNOWAtlanta WINTER 2020

braswellga.gov Braswell With city limits in both Polk and Dallas Paulding counties, Braswell Hiram serves about 380 residents. It was the location of the only tunnel on the Southern Railway’s Chattanooga to Atlanta Main Line in the mid-20th century.

Bicyclists, joggers and walkers now use it as part of the Silver Comet Trail.

Dallas

Utilities Gas Approved Natural Gas Marketers psc.state.ga.us, click “Natural Gas”

Braswell

AT&T 1 (888) 757-6500 Electricity Cobb EMC (770) 429-2100 GreyStone Power Corp.

(770) 942-6576 Georgia Power Company 1 (888) 660-5890 Water County Water Department (770) 222-6868

cityofdallasga.com Located in the heart of Paulding, Georgia’s second fastest growing county in Georgia, there’s no shortage of things to do in Dallas. There are multiple educational opportunities, recreational parks, arts, historical sites and lots of restaurant and retail offerings.

Hiram

hiram.georgia.gov Now serving approximately 3,500 residents, Hiram was established in 1891 as a rural railroad town, but has progressed into a commercial corridor for Paulding. The downtown business district offers dining, shopping and entertainment experiences for all to enjoy.

Rockdale County POPULATION

MEDIAN HOME PRICE

TAX COMMISSIONER

ONLINE

88,856

$186,900

(770) 278-7600

rockdalecountyga.gov

D

espite being Georgia’s secondsmallest 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.

Rockdale’s myriad of recreational spaces are enjoyed by residents and visitors alike, but also serve as a history lesson. The county hosted the 1996 Olympic biking and pentathlon events and is home to Georgia International Horse Park, the site of the Games’ equestrian competitions. Conyers serves as the county’s only city and functions as its center of commercial and civic life.

Olde Towne, Conyers’ downtown area, is the site of several popular festivals and

community events, in addition to shopping, dining, entertainment and the Lewis Vaughn Botanical Garden.

Over the years, Rockdale County has attracted several major employers, including Pratt Industries, Acuity Lighting Group, HillPhoenix and Bio-Lab. The presence of these industries provides the basis for the area’s prominence as a medical and manufacturing center, and new businesses can take comfort in the welcoming, progressive approach the county takes toward its growth.

Rockdale’s schools also perform well when stacked up against state and national averages. Alternately, a variety of independent schools widen the options available in K through 12.

Atlanta

Rockdale

Distance from Conyers to Downtown Atlanta

25 Miles

Distance from Conyers to HartsfieldJackson Atlanta Int'l Airport

37 Miles

Car Tag & License

Education Public Schools Rockdale County Schools rockdale.k12.ga.us Board of Education (770) 483-4713

Independent Schools Turn to page 82 for the independent schools listing and a map.

Tag Office: rockdalecounty.org

Driver’s License: dds.ga.gov

City Information Conyers

SAT Scores

Total Score

Rockdale Co. 983 Georgia 1050 National 1060

Writing

Math

504 479 535 515 533 527

Georgia Milestones Scores*

3rd 3rd 5th 5th 8th 8th ELA Math ELA Math ELA Math

Rockdale 65% 82% 79% 73% 77% 74% Georgia 67% 83% 76% 75% 79% 79% *% Developing Learner and above **English/Language Arts

conyersga.com Conyers Conyers has now grown to more than 15,000 residents. It is a combination of small town and big city, rural scenes and urban shopping, and the population now reflects many nationalities, races and religions. Most of all, the community reflects an amazing legacy of progress, involvement and society where everyone has contributed and everyone feels a sense of belonging.

Utilities Gas Approved Natural Gas Marketers psc.state.ga.us, click “Natural Gas”

Phone/Cable/Internet Xfinity 1 (855) MOVEDGE

SCANA Energy 1 (877) GO SCANA

AT&T 1 (888) 757-6500

Walton Gas (770) GAS-HEAT

Electricity Georgia Power 1 (888) 660-5890

Snapping Shoals EMC (770) 786-3484

Garbage (770) 785-6883

Walton EMC (770) 267-2505

All South Robertson (678) 432-1670

Water Rockdale County Water Department (770) 918-6512

Allied Waste Services (404) 792-2660

WINTER 2020 KNOWAtlanta 111

Advertiser Index Contact our advertisers for helpful information about your move.

NEW HOMES & CONDOS

INTERIM HOUSING

Lyndon Academy

81

Mount Pisgah Christian School

73

The Mount Vernon School

80

61

Pace Academy

73

Primrose Schools

69

Lake Arrowhead

66

Riverside Military Academy

83

Soleil Laurel Canyon

65

Springmont School

79

Wesleyan School

75

Whitefield Academy

78

Woodward Academy

73

Atlanta Fine Homes

33

TP Corporate Lodging

Brock Built Homes

12

LEASING

Century Communities

10, 11

David Weekley Homes

5

Eastwood Homes

IBC

Empire Communities

2, 3

Engel & Völkers Atlanta

19, 31, 35

Fischer Homes

21

Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association

50

Lennar Atlanta

9

McKinley Homes

29

Meritage Homes

BC

Paran Homes

41

Patrick Malloy Communities

1

The Providence Group

51

The River Club

55

Rocklyn Homes

7

Amli Lenox

62

55+ LIVING CHOICES

EDUCATION Atlanta Girls’ School

73

Atlanta International School

78

Atlanta Speech School

74

Brandon Hall School

71

Galloway School

79

Georgia Cyber Academy

67

High Meadows School

80

The Howard School

UTILITIES SCANA Energy

47, IFC

AREA INFORMATION Braselton Visitors Bureau

39, 42, 43

City of Peachtree City

53

81

City of Smyrna

97

Life University

85

HEALTH

Lovett School

77

Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta

89

Before you make a move …

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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.

@knowatlanta

112 KNOWAtlanta WINTER 2020

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Contact our Internet Specialist Team For information or to schedule an appointment please call 866.551.7995

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GET EVEN MORE OUT OF YOUR NEW HOME. Every Meritage home comes standard with innovative features that work together to make your whole home live better and help you rest easier. But we don’t stop there. The following additional features available in this community will help you get even more out of your brand new home:

LIVE WITH MORE SAVINGS.

Insulated Garage Doors

LIVE WITH BETTER HEALTH.

INCLUDED FEATURE

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MERV 11 HVAC Filtration

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LIVE WITH PEACE OF MIND.

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SEER 15 HVAC

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877-Ask-Meritage (275-6374) | meritagehomes.com/atlanta

Not all features are standard or available in all homes and communities. Pictures and other images are representative and may depict or contain floor plans, square footages, elevations, options, upgrades, landscaping, furnishings, appliances, and designer/decorator features and amenities that are not included and/or may not be available in all homes and/or communities. All promotional, marketing, and advertising estimates and claims related to features performance (including, without limitation, energy performance and health promotion) are created exclusively by third party suppliers, rating services, utility companies, and/or certified auditors, and are based on DOE methodology and average energy use and scores where applicable. Actual performance of any home or any of its features may vary widely, and energy savings may be more or less than indicated, depending on the personal energy consumption and other choices of the occupants, as well as changes in energy provider rates and programs. Home, features, and community information is subject to change, and homes to prior sale, at any time without notice or obligation. Visit meritagehomes.com/featuredescriptions for additional information and disclaimers. This is not an offer or solicitation to sell real property. Offers to sell real property may only be made and accepted at the sales center for individual Meritage Homes communities. Our obligations with respect to any specific home are limited to the terms of the contract for such home. See sales associate for details. Meritage Homes®, Meritage Active Adult®, Monterey Homes®, and Life. Built. Better.® are trademarks of Meritage Homes Corporation. ©2019 Meritage Homes Corporation. All rights reserved.