Article from KNOWAtlanta's Winter 2012 Issue
By Katie Brown
One of the many things that makes Atlanta an ideal location is the diversity of its residents. From single professionals and young couples to families and active adults, many residents spend their entire lives in Atlanta. Because the city has multiple communities with a vast array of different offerings, residents often find themselves in new areas of town depending on their current lifestyle. For a snapshot of what Atlanta has to offer its residents throughout four major life stages, here’s an overview of Atlanta’s lifestyles.
The Single, Young Professional
As one of the largest cities in the Southeast, Atlanta attracts many recent graduates with its active job market and convenient location. Since many people in this demographic are recently out of college, an affordable location that offers a vibrant lifestyle is key.
Where to Live
Typically, the single, young professional has a few important criteria when searching for a community, including an energetic nightlife, trendy shopping and restaurants, parks with sports and activities, and of course, affordability and accessibility. During this stage of life, being in the middle of it all is important, so it’s all about location for those in this age bracket.
To meet the needs of young professionals, Atlanta communities that fit their requirements often include Buckhead, Westside, Midtown and Downtown. In the Westside community, White Provision encompasses all that Atlanta’s young singles are looking for. “After nearly 10 years of restoration and growth, White Provision, celebrating its 100th anniversary, has emerged as a modern urban district that offers unmatched pedestrian access to an artistic and upscale collection of boutique retailers, restaurants, designer showrooms, businesses and restaurants,” says Leah Cochran Mulcahy of The Reynolds Group Inc. “Its chic and welcoming design represents a creative hub within the city limits that allows for a seamless transition between living, working and playing without driving a car.”
Mulcahy notes that when it comes to choosing a place to live, it’s really all about location for this young demographic. “Not only is White Provision located in the fashionable Westside district which is home to award winning restaurants and high-end boutique shopping, but it’s minutes from Midtown, Downtown and Buckhead providing access to all Atlanta has to offer,” she says.
At TWELVE Centennial Park, a 39-story high-rise in Downtown, Atlanta’s young professionals can enjoy everything the city has to offer, from sporting events at Philips Arena and the Georgia Dome to restaurants and nightlife. “There’s convenience to living intown that you can’t get in a suburban, single-family community,” says Matt Smith of TWELVE. “There’s a huge variety of restaurants and shops within walking distance. Our homeowners love being in the heart of the city with all the activities, nightlife and sporting events.”
Whether the resident choses to live alone or find roommates, many condo and apartment developments, such as White Provision, Astoria at the Aramore and 1010 Midtown, have multiple floor plans that provide ample living space as well as privacy in the spacious bedrooms. Aside from the living area, the condo’s amenities are also important to young residents. Whether it’s a large swimming pool, state-of-the-art gym or 24-hour concierge, the single, young professional demographic wants everything within a convenient distance.
What to Do
When it comes to looking for things to do, young residents want to try it all. “Young professionals want to be in the midst of the best food and entertainment, touching new trends,” says Mulcahy. “Atlanta has everything a young professional needs—good weather, plenty of activities, great restaurants and shopping.”
To touch on some must-try activities and hot spots, the Buckhead area is ideal for a night on the town. Located near the intersection of Paces Ferry and Peachtree roads, nearly 100 bars and restaurants exist within a few surrounding blocks. Or for some high-end shopping, head over to Lenox Mall and Phipps Plaza, located within walking distance of each other. For those seeking exercise during the day, the Chastain Park area is a must-see. With a jogging trail, playground, tennis courts and more, Chastain Park is conviently located in the Buckhead area.
For renowned restaurants, like JCT Kitchen and Taqueria del Sol, as well as retail and boutique shopping, locals travel to the mixed-use White Provision development in Westside. While it is primarily known as the second-largest business district in Atlanta, Midtown is also a cultural destination for those looking for historic architecture and an artistic sensibility. Young residents flock to this area for famous destinations like the Fox Theatre, High Museum of Art and the year-round events and festivals at Piedmont Park.
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