Just east of downtown Atlanta is a robust and culturally unique neighborhood known as East Atlanta.  Though sometimes compared with Greenwich Village in New York City, East Atlanta offers Southern charm and charisma which definitely sets it apart.  This area is presently undergoing a huge population and renovation explosion as professionals are moving into the area seeking to transition into more suburban areas.  East Atlanta homes for sale offer the attraction power of homes with spacious yards, and all the vibrant energy of accessible entertainment, restaurants, and shopping districts.

The growth of East Atlanta has brought an abundance of diversity to this community.  The new shops and businesses have created an atmosphere that is special and unique to the area.  Everywhere you look, night or day, there is something exciting going on in the downtown district.  With its combination of nightclubs, shows, restaurants, and festivals the community of East Atlanta has become one of the hottest spots in Georgia.

The dominant cultures prior to the 1830 were the Creek tribes to the south and east of the Chattahoochee and the Cherokee tribes north of the river; that is, until they were forced from northern Georgia by a treaty with the US government.  Settlers moved in and small farms and large plantations were established.  The area was characterized by sparse population and rustic accommodations.  Tracts of land were rapidly being cleared for timber and for farming.  Several of the creeks were dammed to mill grain and lumber.  

East Atlanta was deeply embroiled in the Civil War because Atlanta was a major supply depot for the southern war effort, and thus a major target for the Union armies.  Lemuel P. Grant designed the city’s fortifications to protect his own plantation on the east side of the city.  This plantation is now known as Grant Park. 

General James P. McPherson set up his Yankee forces on high ground just a mile east of Grant’s plantation.  However, the Confederates were able to slip around behind and attack from behind.  The Battle of Atlanta, as this campaign was called, sealed the fate of the Confederacy and the result was more than 12,000 dead with both sides losing their commanding generals.  Today the spot is commemorated with two upturned cannons. 

Land owned by former Governor Joseph E. Brown was developed into a grid of streets around 13-acre green space as a model for “urban utopian living”.  After a series of votes in 1915, the residents of East Atlanta chose to be annexed into the City of Atlanta to take advantage of fire protection and public education as well as water and sewer services.  Now, East Atlantans could enjoy indoor plumbing.  Other development of East Atlanta took place over the next several decades.

Many improvements have been made in the last quarter century thanks to the efforts of many dedicated residents and businesses.  In 1981, the East Atlanta Community Association was founded to create a sense of community in the neighborhood.  The result is that East Atlanta does not lack for conveniences.  There is a new library, an enhanced pedestrian environment and businesses to rival other areas with a number of shops, restaurants, and services.  Uncongested roads make getting around here very easy. 

In fact, East Atlanta homes provide plenty beautiful homes in numerous styles and there are plenty of activities to enjoy.  You will find East Atlanta is a fantastic neighborhood to raise a family in, or simply a place to call home while you pursue a career as a bachelor!