a relocation guide - keller williams...

Atlanta, Georgia A Relocation Guide

TheGilmoreGroup, Inc. ...

...Opening Doors For You!

www.TheGilmoreGroup.net

TheGilmoreGroup, Inc.

115 Perimeter Center Place Suite 100 Atlanta, GA 30346

[email protected] [email protected] [email protected] www.TheGilmoreGroup.net

LuAnn Gilmore: 770.392.1452 Virginia Lim: 404.735.3846 Michelle Jolly: 678.360.7142 Fax: 770.392.9368

TheGilmoreGroup, Inc...


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Table of Contents Relocation Essentials ............................................................................ 5 Metro Area ............................................................................................ 6 County & City Outlines

Cherokee County........................................................................ 8 Clayton County........................................................................... 9 Cobb County............................................................................... 10

Austell & Powder Springs ............................................... 11 Marrietta ......................................................................... 12 Smyrna ............................................................................ 13 Kennesaw ........................................................................ 14 Acworth........................................................................... 15

DeKalb County ........................................................................... 16 Decatur............................................................................ 17 Stone Mountain .............................................................. 18 Pine Lake......................................................................... 19 Chamblee & Doraville ..................................................... 20

Fayette County ........................................................................... 21 Forsyth County........................................................................... 22 Fulton County ............................................................................ 23

City of Atlanta ................................................................. 24 North Fulton County Cities

Alpharetta ....................................................................... 26 John’s Creek.................................................................... 27 Roswell ............................................................................ 28 Sandy Springs ................................................................. 29

South Fulton County Cities College Park .................................................................... 30 Union City ....................................................................... 31 Chattahoochee Hill Country & South Fulton ................. 32

Gwinnett County ........................................................................ 33 Snellville.......................................................................... 34 Lilburn ............................................................................ 35 Norcross .......................................................................... 36 Duluth ............................................................................. 37 Lawrenceville .................................................................. 38 Suwanee .......................................................................... 39

Atlanta Dictionary Lingo Basics ............................................................................... 40 Roads.......................................................................................... 41 Phrases ....................................................................................... 42 Weather...................................................................................... 43

Dear Buyer;

Thank you for requesting information from TheGilmoreGroup, Inc. about Atlanta. I am very

excited to send you this information packet and hope that it helps you learn more about the

Atlanta area.

In a city the size of Atlanta there is so much to learn that it is difficult to put it all in writing.

You can often hear someone who has lived in Atlanta for years say, “I didn’t know that was

here!”. So without writing a 300-page guide book we have tried to present to you some basic

information to give you a place to begin.

The information we have gathered here comes from a variety of sources; including county

chambers of commerce, national statistics databases and even Wikipedia.org. We have tried

to collect the most accurate information that we could. Some of our descriptions of the areas

are from personal observation and is not meant to be an endorsement or a rejection of those

areas. Choosing the location for your new home is a very personal decision and should be

based on your needs.

We have not included information about schools because the information is so complex and

in-depth. Once you have narrowed down the locations you are interested in we would be

happy to provide you with information on schools, shopping, churches and recreation in those

locations to help with your decision.

Finding your home is a process of discovery. As you learn more about what you’re looking

for, you’ll have more questions about whether what you want exists and more importantly

where to find it!

In the course of your house-hunting adventure, I would like you to remember one thing – I’m

always a phone call away and ready to answer any question you have.

Sincerely,

Virginia Lim

Buyer’s Agent

TheGilmoreGroup, Inc.

Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Perimeter

404-735-3846



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Corporate mergers, reorganizations, and job promotions fuel the need for

families to move from one location to another, around the country or the world.

With dual careers, school-aged children, and multi-generational households,

moving can have a huge impact on the family.

As Real Estate Professionals we understand how difficult moving can be. Buying

and selling a home is never an easy process to begin with, but when you add long

distances and new job responsibilities on top of that, the prospect becomes a

nightmare for many. Knowing

that you have a local team to help

you make the move smoothly will

help keep your stress level low.

We hope to help you learn about

your new community by providing

you information on the school

system, local entertainment, and

the real estate market in the

Atlanta area. By helping you

transition smoothly into your new community the entire process becomes a little

less stressful allowing you to focus on your new job responsibilities.

As your Buyer’s Relocation Team we have developed relationships with

reputable professionals to help give you a footing in the community. We can

help you find everything from lenders, who will make certain that you get the

financing that suits you best to handymen who can take care of any needs

around the house.

Relocation Essentials



6

Greater Metro Atlanta



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Few people from outside the region realize how large Greater Metro Atlanta is.

Figuring out what part of the Atlanta area you want to live in is key to making your

transition as simple as possible. Knowing what area of the city your job is located in,

what your price range is and the commute times you are willing to make will all help

give you an idea of where to begin looking.

Metro Atlanta is made up of 13 counties. That is a lot of ground to cover. Real estate in

each county varies widely with distance from the center of the city dictating the amount

of land, the size and age of the house, as well as price. The next section will break down

many of the counties to give you information about each area. Understand that while

there is a great deal of information in this booklet, there is much more information that

we don’t have room for. Once you have narrowed down your search and looked at a few

homes we can help you with more information about your new community.



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Cherokee County

Cherokee County is due north of Atlanta. It is in the foothills of the

mountains and has beautiful scenery. The easiest route into the city is on

I-575. Drive time to the city center during rush hour can exceed 1-1/2

hours depending on conditions. If you are going to be working in one of

the

outlying communities this is a great option.

Cherokee county has three small towns that are within driving distance of

the city. Woodstock is the largest while Holly Springs is the most affluent.

If you are looking for a quick getaway Lake Allatoona or the area around

Distance to city center 40 Miles

Tax Rate 6%

Population 184,900 (2005 Estimate)

Average Home Price $255,000

Cities:

• Woodstock

• Holly Springs

• Canton

• Waleska

• Ball Ground



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Clayton County


Tax Rate 7%



Clayton county is a suburban community just minutes south of downtown Atlanta.

It has a relaxed and neighborly feel like a small town, but with all the amenities of a

major metropolitan area. Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport as well

as Clayton State University are located in the county. Clayton State University’s

Spivey Hall is known for its jazz and classical music performances that have gained

national attention through frequent appearances on NPR. Clayton County is also

the setting for the mythical Tara from Gone With the Wind.

The average commute times into the heart of the city can vary greatly depending on

what part of the county you are coming from. One advantage of Clayton county are

the number of arteries into and out of the city including I-75, 85, and 285.

Cities:

• Lake City

• Forest Park

• Morrow

• Riverdale

• Jonesboro

• Lovejoy



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Cobb County


Tax Rate 6%



Cobb county is located just to the northwest of Atlanta. Cobb county has the

third-largest population in the state. With its low tax rate, highly rated

schools and large amount of green space Cobb county is one of the most

desirable locations in the metro area.

A great deal of Cobb county’s eastern area is in unincorporated areas of

other counties. These include areas considered part of Sandy Springs, Ros-

well, Vinings and Woodstock. These parts of the county are serviced by

Cobb county departments but often have addresses and zip codes for near-

by counties.

Cobb county is also the home of Six Flags over Georgia and White Water,

Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, as well as 3 universities.

Cities: • Austel • Powder Springs

• Marietta • Kennesaw

• Acworth



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Cobb County

Cities

Austell & Powder Springs

Austell & Powder Springs are located 18 & 21 miles from the center of

Atlanta in southwestern Cobb county. They are the closest cities in

Cobb county to Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. Both have a

relaxed small Southern town feel but are within easy reach of cultural,

recreational, and leisure activities.

Quick Facts:

• Average Home Price—$250,000

• The major arteries into the city of Atlanta are I-20 and the

East-West Connector.

• The Silver Comet Trail & Six Flags are located nearby.

• Adam Everett, short-stop for the Houston Astros, is from

Austell.

Sweetwater Creek State Park



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Cobb County

Cities

Marietta

Marietta is located 15 miles northwest of Atlanta along I-75. Marietta has

a beautiful and vibrant downtown square filled with restaurants, antique

shops and the fun-filled Glover Park. The

town square is host to a farmer’s market,

music and art festivals, as well as a regular

lunch crowd from the county courthouse

across the street. As the county seat,

Marietta offers her residents and visitors

beautiful parks, quaint streets, Victorian

homes and historic sites.

Quick Facts:

• Average Home Price— $325,000

• The major arteries into the city are I-75

and Cobb Parkway.

• Schools in Marietta are part of the

Marietta City School District and are

separate from the Cobb County School

District.

• Dobbins Air Force Base and Lockheed-

Martin are both located in Marietta.

• Travis Tritt, Ty Pennington & Alton

Brown are all from Marietta.

Marietta Square Fountain



13

Cobb County

Cities

Smyrna

Smyrna is located just northwest of Atlanta along I-75 and is

considered part of Metro Atlanta. It is the fourth largest city in the

Metro Area. Downtown Smyrna has recently undergone a

revitalization and has an open and inviting shopping district.

Smyrna’s city government is taking an active role in directing the

growth of the community and has been awarded the Urban Land

Institute’s Award for Excellence.

Much of Smyrna’s recent growth has been the building of new upscale

condo and town-home communities that have replaced older

neighborhoods. A new performing arts center has just been built at

the junction of I-285 and I-75 that is receiving high praise from

through-out the Metro community. Smyrna also has a large business

district that includes the Cobb Galleria complex and Cumberland Mall.

Quick Facts: • Average Home Price: $231,000 • Arteries into the city are I-75, I-285, and

Atlanta Road. • Smyrna has been nicknamed “The Jonquil

City” because of the thousands of spring flowering jonquils planted along the roadsides.

• Smyrna elected one of the first female mayors.

• Julia Roberts is from Smyrna.

Jonquils in Bloom



14

Cobb County

Cities

Kennesaw

Kennesaw is located 20 miles northwest of downtown Atlanta along I-75. It

is well known for the historic Civil War museum and battlefield. The small

community has experienced a large surge of growth over the last five years

due to its proximity to the city, low land prices and ample green space. Much

of the area around the 2,888-acre Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield

Park was sparsely developed until just recently. The area has a rich

community spirit and a strong business district.

Quick Facts:

• Average Home Price: $195,000

• The major artery into the city is

I-75.

• The original town, Big Shanty,

was burned by Sherman on his

march south to Atlanta during

the Civil War.

View from atop Kennesaw Mountain



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Cobb County

Cities

Acworth

Acworth is located 35 miles northwest of downtown Atlanta along I-75. It is a

small town that originally developed around the two lakes that surround the

town. The drive-time to the city, which can be upwards of 2 hours, limits

Acworth’s commuter population.

Lake Allatoona and Lake Acworth are prime attractions for weekend day trips

to enjoy swimming, boating and fishing. Acworth has a strong sense of

community and is strongly involved in the history of the area.

Quick Facts:


• Main artery into the city is I-75.

• Commute times to the center of

the city can be upwards of 2

hours depending on conditions.



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DeKalb County


Tax Rate 7%

Population 723,500 (2006 Census)

Median Home Price $241,000

DeKalb county is the most culturally diverse county in the state of Georgia. Sitting

just to the east of Atlanta much of the western part of the county is within the

Atlanta city limits. DeKalb’s mixed residential neighborhoods include 1940’s

bungalows, ‘50’s ranch homes, Craftsman cottages, renovated Victorians and

brand-new townhouses and homes.

Much of DeKalb’s cultural diversity can be attributed to its seven universities

including Emory. In the past 20 years there has been an influx of Asian-American

residents creating Atlanta’s version of Chinatown in the Chamblee area.

Along with its cultural diversity DeKalb has great attractions to lure new residents

and visitors. Stone Mountain is just that, a stone the size of a small mountain.

Visitors from around the world climb to the top and take in the view of Atlanta.

DeKalb also offers it’s visitors three museums and an arts center.

Cities: • Dunwoody • Decatur • Lithonia • Pine Lake • Clarkston

• Stone Mountain • Doraville • Chamblee



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DeKalb County Cities

Decatur

Decatur has quite an interesting history, beginning in the 1830s when the

Western & Atlantic Railroad was seeking a location for its southernmost

stop. Decatur was the company's first choice, however, residents did not

want the noise and pollution associated with early railways, so the proposal

was rejected. After the rejection, the railway founded a new city to fulfill the

role of their southern terminal, and that city became known as Atlanta.

Decatur is the county seat for DeKalb county. It has a trendy small mixed-

use district with easy transit to downtown Atlanta that attracts many visitors.

There are also 3 historic districts within the community that retain their

original charm and are highly desirable real estate.

Quick Facts:


• There are no main arteries into the

city, just surface streets. Drive

time averages 20-30 minutes.

• The Indigo Girls, Chris Tucker, and

Michael Stipe are all from Decatur.

Decatur’s “Mallternative” District



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Pine Lake

Pine Lake was a planned resort village where there were no more than 10

houses between parks. The community is located 12 miles from the city

center. Early settlers turned their little cottages into full time residences.

Most of the older homes are small bungalows with 2 or 3 bedrooms. Some

new construction took place in early 2000, but the majority of the homes are

original and in need of updating. If you are looking for a small community

with lots of character Pine Lake may be the place for you.

Quick Facts:


• Main arteries into the city are

I-285 and Rockbridge road.

• Pine Lake’s population was 621 at

the time of the 2000 census.



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Stone Mountain

The city of Stone Mountain is located 20 miles east from the center of

Atlanta. It is a small community with only 7,145 residents as of the 2000

census.

The town was named for its geographical land mark, Stone Mountain. The

actual mountain is the world’s largest exposed mass of granite with plant and

animal life found no other place on earth. Because of its distance from the

center of the city real estate prices are very reasonable, however, the

commute times can be up to an hour one way.

Quick Facts:


• The major arteries into the city are

US Hwy 78 and I-285.

• The 1996 Summer Olympic Games

tennis, archery and track cycling

tournaments were held in Stone

Mountain Park.

View from atop Stone Mountain



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Chamblee & Doraville

Chamblee and Doraville are north of Atlanta on Peachtree Industrial Road.

The two towns are next to one another and are between 30-40 minutes to the

center of the city. Chamblee is inside the perimeter and Doraville is outside.

Both communities have seen a large influx of immigrants in the last 20 years

creating one of the most culturally diverse areas of Metro Atlanta. Chamblee

is known for its large Asian-American population while Doraville is known

for its Hispanic population.

Due to the proximity to Emory University, the CDC and quick interstate

access the home values around the area stay fairly high.

Quick Facts:


• The main arteries into the city are

I-285 and I-85.

• The Atlanta Rhythm Section, a ’70’s

Southern rock band, formed in

Doraville.



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Fayette County

Fayette county is south of Atlanta with no direct interstates into the city. Fayette

county’s proximity to Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport makes it a bedroom

community that many who work for the airline industry have chosen to call home.

The majority of the county is rural pastureland, but several small communities do

exist.

Peachtree City is a planned community that has a reputation as a safe place to raise

a family. The city was developed into four separate villages (Aberdeen, Braelinn,

Glenloch and Kedron), each with its own shopping areas, recreational facilities,

and elementary schools. Peachtree City is known for its system of golf cart paths,

which spider across the town and provide a secondary means of access to almost

any destination within city limits. Many households own a golf cart, which is used

as an extra vehicle for local transportation.

The difficulty in accessing the city has limited Fayette county’s popularity as a

commuter location, but if you are a telecommuting employee Fayette county may

be the right place for your family.


Tax Rate 6%



Cities: • Brooks • Fayetteville • Peachtree City

• Tyrone • Woolsey



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Forsyth County

Forsyth county is northeast of the city of Atlanta along GA 400. The county has

seen a huge building surge in the last 20 years and has been one of the top ten

fastest growing counties in the US for many years. As growth continues new

communities and subdivisions are being completed everyday. Much of the land in

Forsyth county is agricultural and very rural. Although many new developments

are high end with homes in the millions there are still plenty of subdivisions with

moderately priced large homes and large lots.

Many of the schools in Forsyth county are brand new or undergoing expansion to

accommodate all of the new students moving into the area. The county school

board has chosen to focus their efforts on leading the area in technology and new

teaching methods, this has helped to make Forsyth county a destination for many

new residents. The drive time into the city can be very long depending on the area

of town you are trying to reach and the time of day. The quick access to lakes and

mountains seems to draw many who want to live in an area with a rural feel, but

access to city life.


Tax Rate 7%



Cities: • Cumming

• Chestatee

(Unicorporated)



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Fulton County

Fulton county has experienced monumental growth over the last 20-years.

As the city of Atlanta grew it began annexing large portions of the county

and absorbing previously independent communities into the city of Atlanta.

In recent years many of those communities decided they wanted to incorpo-

rate into their own cities. The first new city to incorporate since the ‘30’s

was Sandy Springs in 2005. Since then the entire face of Fulton county has

changed with all areas of the county being officially incorporated into a town

and no area being left for future absorption by the city of Atlanta.

Tax Rate 7%



North Fulton Cities: • Alpharetta • Johns Creek • Milton • Mountain Park • Roswell • Sandy Springs

South Fulton Cities: • Chattahoochee Hill

Country • College Park • East Point • Fairburn • Hapeville • Palmetto • Union City • South Fulton



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Atlanta City Limits



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Fulton County Cities

Atlanta

Atlanta is the capital of the state of Georgia and the largest city in the state

with a population of over 500,000. Atlanta is a growing and increasingly

prosperous city with a long history. The city seal is a phoenix rising from

flames to represent the city’s rise from its own ashes after

the Civil War. Atlanta has striven hard to become

recognized as an international city. Atlanta has much to

offer to her visitors and residents alike. You will find

everything from the nation’s oldest ballet company to a

thriving hip-hop scene that is shaping today’s

entertainment industry to botanical gardens and world

class restaurants.

Quick Facts:


• Martin Luther King Jr. Museum is

located in downtown Atlanta.

• Atlanta was the home of the 1996

Summer Olympic Games.

• Over 250,000 people commute into

Atlanta daily for work.

• Atlanta has 9 professional sports

teams.

View from Centennial Olympic Park

Atlanta City Seal



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North Fulton County Cities

Alpharetta

Alpharetta is the most northern city in Fulton county. It is located off of GA

400. The city has become one of the most prosperous areas of Metro Atlanta

by attracting large corporations and has recently developed a corporate

corridor. Some of the businesses that are headquartered in Alpharetta are

UPS Supply Chain Solutions, Radiant Systems, NetBank, Lucent, Nortel,

IBM, Sun Microsystems, AT&T, Siemens, Verizon, Alltel, and ChoicePoint.

This has caused the city to have the highest average household income in the

country.

Real estate in the Alpharetta area is at a premium with few homes over 30

years old left. Until 10 years ago Alpharetta was mostly rural farm land.

Most of those farms have been developed into

high end subdivisions with million dollar homes

on larger acreage or in cluster communities.

Quick Facts:


• Main artery into the city is

GA 400.

• Alpharetta’s population is just over

53,000.



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Johns Creek

Johns Creek is one of Fulton county’s newest cities with their charter having

only been accepted at the end of 2006. Johns Creek was formed by outlining

the area of north Fulton county that was not within any city’s limits. This

caused Johns Creek to have very irregular boundaries. All city services will

be contracted out to Fulton county until 2008 to allow the new city to get up

and running.

The city was named after a tributary to the Chattahoochee river, John’s

Creek. Real estate in the area is mixed with brand new subdivisions and

older farms. Most of the cities residents work in Alpharetta or north

Gwinnett county.

Quick Facts:

• Average Home Price:

$250,000

• Commute time to the center of

Atlanta can be upwards of

1 hour.

• There are no arteries directly

into Atlanta.



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Roswell

Roswell is set between Alpharetta and Atlanta along the GA 400 corridor.

The town is a great compromise for those looking to live outside of Atlanta,

but don’t want a long commute into the city. Average drive time into the

heart of the city is 45 minutes. Roswell has many high-end homes, but it

also has many older subdivisions. Because Roswell has been a bedroom

community of Atlanta for so many years you can find subdivisions ranging

from the 1950’s to newly built with a wide range of prices.

Roswell has a large city parks department and enhances community spirit by

hosting events all over town throughout the year. The school system is

highly thought of with most of the schools in the area average a 90% or

better on the national scoring exams. The community

has begun to see an influx of immigrants

moving to the area along the 400 corridor.

Quick Facts:



GA 400.

• Roswell’s population is just over

85,000.

• Theodore Roosevelt’s mother,

Martha "Mittie" Bulloch

Roosevelt, was from Roswell.



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Sandy Springs

In the 1970’s a debate began between the residents of North Fulton county.

Sandy Springs fought a long battle to become recognized as a city that finally

ended in 2005 when their city charter was granted. Once the city became

recognized it became the second largest city in Metro Atlanta with a

population over 87,000.

The new city is a bold experiment in privatization. Most services are being

handled by the engineering and operations firm CH2M HILL OMI, although

public safety is not outsourced. Sandy Springs, at first glance, appears to be

run just like other similarly-sized cities, with a council-manager form of

government. However, it is the first city to outsource services to such as great

extent to a private sector company.

Because of its proximity to the city, Sandy Springs’ real estate is at a

premium with few houses selling for under $300K.

Quick Facts:


• Major arteries into Atlanta are GA

400 and I-285

• The “King & Queen” , 2 high-rise

buildings named the Concourse

Towers, are located in Sandy

Springs

The “King & Queen”



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South Fulton County Cities

College Park

College Park is located south of the city of Atlanta and is partially in Fulton

county and partially in Clayton county. College Park is a predominantly

African American city adjacent to the busy Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta

International Airport. Just west of the Atlanta Airport is the Georgia

International Convention Center (opened April 2003), which is Georgia's

second largest convention center, second only to the Georgia World

Congress Center. The GICC is owned and operated by the City of College

Park.

The city, which has a population of just over 20,000, has 853 buildings on

the National Register of Historic Places. It is also home to the largest

private PK-12 school in the continental United States. Woodward

Academy encompasses over 2,880 students throughout the

metro Atlanta area. The academy is divided into

three campuses: the Main Campus in College Park,

Busey School in Riverdale, and Woodward North in

Duluth.

Quick Facts:


• Main arteries into the city are

I-75/85 connector and I-20.

• College Park is home to Atlanta’s

thriving Hip-Hop scene.

• Ludacris, Lil Fate, Jermaine Dupri,

and Pacman Jones are all from

College Park.



31


Union City & Fairburn

Union City & Fairburn are both south of Atlanta just off of I-85. Both

communities are over 100-years old. Both communities have populations of

just over 11,000. Despite their close proximity to Atlanta, neither city have

seen the increased growth experienced by other outlying communities.

With their close proximity to the city and small town atmosphere these

communities are beginning to see the growth that the North Fulton area saw

years ago. New subdivisions and developments are being planned for both

towns and home prices are still low for large homes.

Quick Facts:


• During rush hour the commute can

be as long as an hour.

• I-85 and I-285 are the major arter-

ies into Atlanta.

Historic Fairburn Shopping



32


Chattahoochee Hill Country & South Fulton:

Both communities are brand new cities that have just been chartered as part

of an ongoing process within Fulton county to municipalize all areas of the

county. Both towns will become official on July 1, 2007. Because of their

new status very little is known about how the cities will be run.

The Chattahoochee Hill Country is an area of approximately 60,000 acres

located southwest of Atlanta, bordered on the northwest side by the

Chattahoochee River. Unlike the rest of metro Atlanta, it is still relatively

undeveloped, and most of its almost-rural character remains unspoiled. The

same can be said of the city of South Fulton.

Quick Facts:


• Neither community is on a main

artery into the city.



33

Gwinnett County

Gwinnett county is one of the larger counties in the Metro area with a population

of 757,104 people. Many of the county’s residents commute into the city along

I-85 everyday. The county has been the fastest growing county in the state for

many years and is expected to double in population by 2025.

Much of south Gwinnett county is completely populated with little rural area left.

As growth continues north areas such as Suwanee and Buford are seeing

tremendous growth. Gwinnett’s convenient location along I-85 and near Lake

Lanier makes it attractive to many new residents.


Tax Rate 6%



Cities:

• Snellville

• Lilburn

• Norcross

• Duluth

• Lawrenceville

• Suwanee

• Grayson

• Dacula

• Sugar Hill

• Buford



34

Gwinnett County Cities

Snellville:

Snellville is located in the southeast corner of Gwinnett county along Hwy

78. Snellville was founded in 1879 when two men went into partnership and

built Snell & Sawyer’s Store. They began advertising the store’s location as

Snellville. Soon a community developed around them and Snellville was

born. One of the two founders, James Sawyer, died in 1948 at the age of 91.

Snellville was mostly a rural farming community, but like most of Gwinnett

county has begun to see a huge boom in development. The town’s

population is now over 20,000. With the growth expected to continue the

city is trying to develop a traffic plan to help alleviate congestion for

commuters into the city.

Quick Facts:



Hwy 78.

• Dianna DeGarmo is from

Snellville.

• “Everybody’s Somebody in

Snellville” is the slogan written on

the town’s water tower.



35


Lilburn:

Lilburn is in the south of Gwinnett county with easy access into the city of

Atlanta on Lawrenceville Hwy. The town was established in the late 1890’s

by a railroad company, but shortly fell apart with the onset of the Great

Depression in the 1920’s. A revitalization took place recently with a renewed

interest in the city’s history. The town now has two annual events and is

home to over 12,000 people.

Recent development of the community has seen large homes being built at

moderate prices. If you are working on the northeast side of the city Lilburn

is a good value for the money.

Quick Facts:


• During rush hour the commute can

be as long as an hour.

• Lawrenceville Hwy provides

access to I-285.

Lilburn Park



36


Norcross:

Founded in 1866, Norcross is one of Gwinnett county’s oldest towns. The

town has tried to keep much of its historic character while still allowing for

growth and development. The historic district still has a working railroad

running through it with quaint shops and restaurants lining its streets.

Norcross’ more industrial areas has large businesses with million dollar

incomes.

All the classic styles of Southern architecture are showcased in Norcross for

you to admire, from antebellum mansions to Victorian homes. Private

citizens have adoringly preserved many of the beautiful old residences

boasting the famous broad porches which helped make Southern hospitality

famous. Stately southern pines and magnificent old oak trees provide a cool,

lacy canopy of shade for a relaxing walking tour of the Historic District.

Quick Facts:



I-85

• The average commute into the city

of Atlanta is 45 minutes.



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Duluth:

The town of Duluth is characterized by golf courses and country clubs. This

upscale community has large mansions and new cluster communities

replacing old farms. It is home to St. Ives and Sugarloaf Country Club. The

community has experienced tremendous growth in the last few years with

the population jumping to 22,000 people in the 2000 census.

The Chattahoochee River meanders along the edge of town and is the

defining landmark for the western side of town. The commute into the city

of Atlanta can be upwards of an hour depending on the time of day.

Quick Facts:


• Peachtree Industrial Boulevard

runs through Duluth all the way

into the center of Atlanta.

• Toni Braxton, Jim Mora, and

Michael Vick all live in Duluth.

Duluth Festival



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Lawrenceville:

Lawrenceville is the county seat of Gwinnett county and is located in the cen-

ter of the county. It is currently home to a population of over 28,000. The

town is located along Hwy 316 which connects to I-85. Commuters often find

that their drive time into the city can reach two hours if there are any acci-

dents along I-85. Due to the long commute times Lawrenceville is loosing

residents to other areas of the Metro region.

Lawrenceville is one of the oldest communities in the Metro region having

been established in the 1820’s. Lawrenceville’s downtown area is the site of

many historic buildings and has helped to keep the region connected to its

roots.

The real estate in the community is mixed with older homes and new

subdivisions. The commute into the city limits Lawrenceville’s appeal as a

place to live for many newcomers.

Quick Facts:



Hwy 316

• The average commute into the city

of Atlanta 1 hour, but often reaches

2 hours when wrecks occur along

I-85.



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Suwanee:

Suwanee is another of Gwinnett county’s historic towns. The community

was originally an Indian village along the banks of the Suwanee Creek, a

tributary to the Chattahoochee river. The city has experienced rapid growth

with the population booming from 8,000 to over 12,000 in the last 6 years.

The towns government has taken active steps to make their community more

attractive to developers and new residents. In 2003 a new city park was

completed to give the city a downtown anchor. A large walking trail was also

built to provide a recreation area for the city.

Suwanee has a strong commitment to keeping the small town charm. One of

its initiatives was to create tree ordinances that help to protect some of its

incredible oak trees. The town has a number of trees recognized as being

over 100 years old.

Quick Facts:


• Peachtree Industrial Boulevard

runs through Suwanee all the way

into the center of Atlanta.

• Suwanee was the practicing home

for the Atlanta Falcons from 1991-

2001. Suwanee, GA



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Atlanta Lingo Basics

The Roads: • The Perimeter— Interstate 285. The perimeter makes a loop around the city and

is often referred to. It is imperative that you understand where you are in relation

to I-285 when giving, getting or asking for directions.

• OTP— Outside the Perimeter. Most commonly heard being used by those who live

Inside the Perimeter in a

derogatory manor. “Who would

ever want to live OTP?”

• GA-400 or 400— A toll road

that connects North Atlanta with

North Fulton and Forsyth

County. The only section that

requires payment is between

I-285 and I-85. Each trip

through cost .50 and a pass can

be bought if traveling this

stretch often.

• I-85— One of the interstates

that run through Atlanta and

connects with I-75 in the

center of town. It angles

through the metro area from

South West to North East and is

the main road into the city from

Gwinnett County.

• I-75— One of the interstates that

runs through Atlanta and connects with I-85 in the center of town. It angles

through the metro area from South East to North West and is the main road into

the city from Cobb County.

• I-20— The interstate that runs east-west through Atlanta.



41

• Spaghetti Junction— The tangle of

interstate ramps found at the junction of I-285 and I-85.

It is referred to on a regular basis on traffic reports.

• The Downtown Connector—The section of interstate

running through the center of Atlanta the combines I-75 and

I-85.

Areas of Town: • Buckhead— One of the oldest and wealthiest areas of town. Buckhead is a

mixed urban setting with quiet residential streets and a hip club scene. It is

often referred to when going out for a night on the town.

• Midtown— The area of town that is midway between Buckhead and downtown

Atlanta. This area is the home to many large corporations and is part of what

makes up the Atlanta Skyline. The homes found in Midtown are often small

bungalows or million dollar new in-fill construction.

• Decatur/Emory— The small city that is the home to Emory University, the

CDC and a quaint downtown. Decatur is in Dekalb county and is a quick drive to

downtown Atlanta. Many of the homes are 1940-50’s bungalows on large lots

with new in-fill being built throughout the area.

• Vinings— A small community near the junction of I-285 and I-75. This tree

lined community borders the Chattahoochee River and is a quick drive to

downtown Atlanta. It has beautiful established homes that are much desired

and begin in the $400K range.

• Smyrna— The community just outside I-285. Smyrna has great bungalows and

good real estate values. Driving times are short to the center of the city. A well

used hiking and bike trail run through the Smyrna area.



42

Terms You Need to Know: • D’jeet-yet? - A complete sentence in a quick phrase. Did you eat yet? Often

heard being asked around offices as lunch hour comes near.

• Ya’ll—The often referred to Southern term for “you all”. A term that is quickly

picked up by transplants. You can spot someone who has lived in the South by

their use of ya’ll.

• The “Big Chicken”- A large, metal, animated chicken structure atop a

Kentucky Fried Chicken at the busiest intersection in Marietta. You really have

to see it to understand.

• The “Hooch” - A fond term for the Chattahoochee River.

• The Chattahoochee River—The Chattahoochee River meanders through

much of the Greater Metro Area. The river is bordered by a national park on

either side of its banks. There are many recreation areas where locals can go

“tubing”, canoeing, or fishing along the river.

• Chastain Park– A park set in the upscale neighborhood of Buckhead. The

park has a summer concert series that is the highlight of the summer for many

long time residents. The concerts are held outside in the evenings and feature

some of the world’s top performers.

• Piedmont Park– One of

the oldest parks in

Atlanta. Located in the

heart of Midtown it is the

site of many of Atlanta’s

best known activities

including the Peachtree

Road Race, the Dogwood

Festival, PRIDE, and

Screen on the Green.



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• The King & Queen— Two large

buildings along the top end of I-285 that

have unusual structures built on top

that remind many of crowns. The “King

& Queen” are part of an office complex

officially named The Concourses.

• Fixin’ to— Refers to something you are thinking about doing. “I’m fixin’ to go get

some dinner at the Okay Café’.”



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A Word About the Weather:

Atlanta has a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters by

the standards of the United States.

The summers are hot and humid, with July highs averaging 89 °F (32 °C), and low

averaging 71 °F (21 °C). Temperatures can exceed 100 °F (38 °C) during a major heat

wave. The highest temperature recorded in the city is 105 °F (40.6 °C), reached on July

13 and July 17, 1980. January is the coldest month, with an average high of 52 °F (11 °C),

and low of 33 °F (1 °C). Warm fronts can bring spring-like temperatures in the 60s in

winter, and Arctic air masses can drop temperatures into the low teens as well. An

average year sees frost on 48 days; snowfall averages around two inches (5 centimeters)

annually. The heaviest single storm brought 10 inches on January 23, 1940. The lowest

temperature recorded in the city is -9 °F (-22 °C), reached on 13 February 1899. A close

second was -8 °F on 21 January 1985. Frequent ice storms can cause more problems

than snow; the most severe such storm may have occurred on January 7, 1973.

Like the rest of the Southeastern U.S., Atlanta receives abundant rainfall, which is

relatively evenly distributed throughout the year. Average annual rainfall is 50.2 inches

(1275 mm).

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