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
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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
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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
Distance to city center 18 Miles
Tax Rate 7%
Population 255,900 (2005 Estimate)
Average Home Price $127,500
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
Distance to city center 21 Miles
Tax Rate 6%
Population 670,000 (2005 Estimate)
Average Home Price $322,000
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
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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
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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:
• Average Home Price: $195,000
• 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
Distance to city center 5 Miles
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:
• Average Home Price: $315,000
• 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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DeKalb County Cities
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:
• Average Home Price: $185,000
• 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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DeKalb County Cities
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:
• Average Home Price: $150,000
• 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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DeKalb County Cities
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:
• Average Home Price: $338,000
• 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.
Distance to city center 26 Miles
Tax Rate 6%
Population 106,000 (2006 Estimate)
Median Home Price $298,400
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.
Distance to city center 42 Miles
Tax Rate 7%
Population 190,968 (2006 Census)
Median Home Price $326,000
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%
Population 960,000 (2006 Estimate)
Median Home Price $350,000
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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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:
• Average Home Price: $353,000
• 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:
• Average Home Price: $400,000
• Main artery into the city is
GA 400.
• Alpharetta’s population is just over
53,000.
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North Fulton County Cities
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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North Fulton County Cities
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:
• Average Home Price: $335,000
• Main artery into the city is
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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North Fulton County Cities
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:
• Average Home Price: $350,000
• 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:
• Average Home Price: $126,000
• 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.
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South Fulton County Cities
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:
• Average Home Price: $200,000
• 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
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South Fulton County Cities
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:
• Average Home Price: $180,000
• Neither community is on a main
artery into the city.
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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.
Distance to city center 29 Miles
Tax Rate 6%
Population 757,000 (2006 Census)
Median Home Price $238,000
Cities:
• Snellville
• Lilburn
• Norcross
• Duluth
• Lawrenceville
• Suwanee
• Grayson
• Dacula
• Sugar Hill
• Buford
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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:
• Average Home Price: $202,000
• Main artery into the city is
Hwy 78.
• Dianna DeGarmo is from
Snellville.
• “Everybody’s Somebody in
Snellville” is the slogan written on
the town’s water tower.
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Gwinnett County Cities
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:
• Average Home Price: $195,000
• During rush hour the commute can
be as long as an hour.
• Lawrenceville Hwy provides
access to I-285.
Lilburn Park
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Gwinnett County Cities
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:
• Average Home Price: $250,000
• Main artery into the city is
I-85
• The average commute into the city
of Atlanta is 45 minutes.
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Gwinnett County Cities
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:
• Average Home Price: $286,000
• 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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Gwinnett County Cities
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:
• Average Home Price: $233,000
• Main artery into the city is
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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Gwinnett County Cities
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:
• Average Home Price: $322,000
• 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.
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• 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.
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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).