INTOWN ATLANTA NEIGHBORHOODS - FOR YOUNG FAMILIES

I work with dozens of home buyers who are relocating to Atlanta and their first question always seems to be “what are the best Atlanta neighborhoods for young people and / or young families?”

Since this is such a common question, I wanted to post it here on ATLhomesearch.com in hopes that I can help other families who are thinking about moving to the Metro Atlanta area.

If you are fairly new to Atlanta, you’ll find that every “Intown Atlanta” neighborhood in has its own unique characteristics, so I’ll be ranking them for you, using the following criteria:

Schools
Home Prices
Parks & Rec
Community
Entertainment / Nightlife
Parks, Recreation, Outdoor Facilities

Over the next two weeks, I am going to be doing a three part series, highlighting the Top Atlanta Neighborhoods for Young Families. To follow are two of the hottest Intown Atlanta neighborhoods:

DECATUR NEIGHBORHOOD DESCRIPTION: Located less than 10 minutes from Downtown Atlanta, the City of Decatur (zip code 30030) is absolutely charming. It has a Norman Rockwell appeal, but with more of an urban hip feel. The Downtown Decatur area offers a wide range of very popular restaurants and shops and the Marta transit system makes it easy to travel anywhere in Metro Atlanta. Decatur has a strong neighborhood and business associations and they organize dozens of festivals and events each year — from Wine Festivals, Arts Festivals, Book Festivals, live jazz on the Decatur Square, 5K runs, and Holiday Tour of Homes.

HOME STYLES: Older brick homes, Craftsman bungalows and cottage homes are abundant in this area. A small number of new construction homes are also available throughout Decatur.

DECATUR HOME PRICES RANGE FROM $275 - $550K for a 3 bed / 2 bath home in the City of Decatur.

DECATUR SCHOOL SYSTEM: The City of Decatur offers some of the best schools in Metro Atlanta. Oakhurst Elementary, Winnona Park Elementary and Clairemont Elementary are at the top of the list. Many home buyers choose Decatur because of the excellent school system. For more information on Decatur schools, you can visit http://www.GreatSchools.com

DECATUR NEIGHBORHOODS: If you are interested in living in the City of Decatur, I highly recommend looking in Decatur’s most popular neighborhood OAKHURST. To view the homes available in Oakhurst - Decatur, please visit: www.inOAKHURSTga.com

RATINGS FOR DECATUR:

Schools — 5 out of 5 Stars
Community — 5 out of 5 Stars
Parks & Recreation — 5 out of 5 Stars
Nightlife — 3.5 out of 5 Stars (great nightlife, but not late night — usually quiet by midnight)

VIRGINIA HIGHLANDS in ATLANTA, GEORGIA

VIRGINIA HIGHLAND NEIGHBORHOOD DESCRIPTION: “The Highlands” is probably Atlanta’s most popular neighborhood for young families and professionals. Developed in the early 1900’s, it consists of six distinct commercial “villages” alternating with short, walkable blocks of upscale shops, restaurants and pubs. The primary intersection is Virginia Ave and N. Highland Ave — hence the name!

HOME STYLES: Tudors, Craftsman Bungalows and four-square style homes are abundant in Virginia Highland. New construction luxury homes are also available, but the prices are usually going to be over $1.0M.

HOME PRICES: For a traditional 3 bed / 2 bath tudor or bungalow style home, the prices range from $450K to $700K for a renovated home in Virginia Highland (zip code 30306).

RATINGS FOR VIRGINIA HIGHLANDS:

Schools — 5 out of 5 Stars
Community — 4 out of 5 Stars
Parks & Recreation — 4 out of 5 Stars (three small parks with Piedmont Park nearby in Midtown)
Nightlife — 5 out of 5 Stars

SURROUNDING NEIGHBORHOODS: Morningside, Lenox Park, Johnson Estates and Midtown Atlanta all border Virginia Highlands and are still close enough that residents can walk to the to the Virginia Highland shops and restaurants. To view ALL the homes for sale in these charming Atlanta “Intown” neighborhoods, visit: http://www.ATLhomesearch.com/Neighborhoods.html

If you have any questions about the top neighborhoods in Metro Atlanta, please don’t hestitate to call me at (404) 432.1844.  I’d be honored to show you around my favorite city!

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All the best,

Kerry Lucasse

SEE MY CLIENT FEEDBACK AT http://www.KUDZU.com  [just enter "Kerry Lucasse" into the Kudzu search bar!]

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KERRY LUCASSE    ::    Atlanta Real Estate Consultant   ::    404.432.1844

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Decatur GA - Living Intown Atlanta -Decorate Decatur Community

Grab your outdoor lights,  garland, luminaries and other holiday decor and get ready for the “Decorate Decatur” Contest!

On Sunday, December 14th, judges will drive through Decatur and pick their 10 favorite homes, as well as one favorite business and one favorite neighborhood.  There will also be one “overall” winner that will receive the Commissioners Cup from the Decatur City Commission.

If you are planning to join in on the fun, all you have to do is pull the decorations out, flip on the lights and call 404-371-9583 to give your address and alert the Decatur judges that you will be participating in the contest.

To view the previous winners, visit the Decorate Decatur web page.  The Oakhurst Business District (aka the Oakhurst Village) was one of the Business Winners last year, along with Wordsmiths and Chik-Fil-A on Trinity Avenue.  My bet is on the Oakhurst Business District for 2008 as well!

If you are thinking of buying or selling a home in Decatur or Oakhurst GA, please contact your Decatur real estate expert, Kerry Lucasse, at (404) 432-1844.   

Specializing in Atlanta’s Intown Neighborhoods, including Decatur, Kirkwood, Oakhurst, Grant Park, Ormewood Park and Virginia Highlands.

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KERRY LUCASSE    ::    Real Estate Consultant    ::    Keller Williams Realty

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For those of you who are thinking of moving to Decatur or selling your Decatur GA home, I thought it might be helpful for you to have a snapshot of the number of active listings (homes for sale) versus the number of homes that are under contract in Decatur.

To follow is my update from the Atlanta First Multiple Listing Service (MLS).  It includes Decatur single family detached home listings for sale in Dekalb County as of November 20, 2008:

Active - 1143 Homes are currently available for sale 

See all homes for sale in Decatur

Under Contract – A total 243 homes are under contract:

• Contingency - Due Diligence - 7 Properties Found 
• Contingency - Other - 4 Properties Found
• Pending - 232 Properties Found

The Decatur real estate market has always been quite strong, thanks to the outstanding school system, the active neighborhood associations, charming neighborhoods, and the proximity to Downtown Atlanta, Emory University and the interstates.

If you are thinking about selling your Decatur home, you can see here that there is only ONE BUYER for every SIX HOMES (approx) on the market today.   To sell your home quickly and for the most money, you need to price it correctly and make sure that your home stands out from the crowd.  

If I can be of assistance and/or if you would like feedback on the current condition and value of your Decatur home, please don’t hestitate to contact me at (404) 432.1844 or email.

 

Thinking about buying or selling a home in Oakhurst - Decatur? 

Here is a snapshot of the September Home Sales in Oakhurst..  

• - Homes are selling for 97.3% of the list price
• - The average number of days that a home is on the market (DOM) is 71
• - The average sale price for a 3 bed / 2 bath home is $346,485
• - None of the homes were foreclosure sales 

If you have any questions about the Oakhurst home sales or would like a complimentary home analysis for your Intown Atlanta home, call me anytime at 404.432.1844.  I work and live in the Oakhurst / Kirkwood area and would be honored to help you sell your home for the maximum profit… in the shortest amount of time!

>>> View ALL the homes currently for sale in Oakhurst

>>> Get additional information about the Oakhurst Neighborhood Association

All the best,

Kerry Lucasse

Keller Williams Realty

404.432.1844

KerryLucasse@kw.com

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‘Tis the season for Holiday Tour of Homes in our Atlanta neighborhoods! 

There is quite a line up this year and several neighborhoods in Atlanta & Decatur are highlighting their most beautiful homes and celebrating the holiday season.

I’ve been able to participate in the Decatur and Virginia Highland home tours over the years, and it really is a wonderful way to kick off the holiday season.  You could spend every weekend in December visiting holiday homes in Decatur, Oakhurst, Virginia Highlands, Avondale Estates and Grant Park.

To follow are the details for each neighborhood:

 This is the 26th year of the Decatur Candlelight Holiday Tour of Homes and this year there will be a special focus on “Living Green” — most of the homes have been built or renovated in an eco-friendly manner.

DATE:  December 5 & 6

TIME:  5:30 to 9:30 pm (both days)

Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door.  Proceeds will benefit the Decatur Preservation Alliance and the Decatur Youth Fund.

FOR TICKETS & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, CLICK HERE

Presented by the Virginia-Highland Civic Association, the VaHi Tour of Homes will now include local artwork and food tasting from local restaurants, from Vine, La Tavola, Atkin’s Park, Noni’s and more. 

DATES:    December 6 & 7

TIME:      10:00 to 5:00 on Sat & 12:00 to 5:00 on Sun

Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 on the day of the event.  Proceeds will go towards a new neighborhood park (on the corner of North Highland and St. Charles Ave).

GET MORE INFORMATION & PURCHASE TICKETS 

The GRANT PARK CANDLELIGHT TOUR OF HOMES includes a full range of holiday activities, with an artist’s market, childrens workshop, caroling and even hayrides!  The Tour of Homes will feature some of Grant Park’s historic Victorian and Craftsman-bungalow homes and is sure to give you lots of ideas for decorating your own home for the holidays.

DATE:    December 13 & 14

TIME:     6:00 to 10:00 pm

PLEASE NOTE:   “Let it Snow” Childrens Workshop will be from 4 - 6 pm on SAT ONLY.  The Grant Park Holiday Artists Market will run from 5 - 9 pm on Saturday and Sunday.

If you would like to do the Grant Park Candlelight Tour of Homes, the ticket prices are $12 in advance and $15 on the day of the event.  Proceeds will benefit the Grant Park Coop Preschool, Parent Network and the St. Paul United Methodist Church.  All of the other Grant Park Holiday Events are free. 

GET ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE GRANT PARK HOME TOUR & PURCHASE TICKETS 

The 16th Annual Avondale Estates Tour of Homes and Holiday Market is just down the road from Downtown Decatur and is going to be another wonderful event.  Eight homes will be featured and range in style from Classic Bungalows, cottages and new construction homes — all of the homes have been restored in keeping with the period.  In addition to the holiday homes, the Waffle House museum will also be open during the tour.  Be sure to stop by the Avondale Estates Holiday Market, as you’ll be sure to find a few special and unique gifts for friends and family.

DATE:    December 14, 2008 

Tickets for the Tour of Homes are just $12 in advance and can be purchased at several local shops around Avondale and Downtown Decatur.  You may also purchase tickets for $15 on the day of the event. 

GET ADDITIONAL HOME TOUR INFORMATION

 If you fall in love with one of these charming Atlanta Intown neighborhoods and want to view all of the homes for sale by neighborhood, please visit:

Oakhurst Decatur Homes for Sale

Virginia Highland Homes for Sale

Avondale Estates Homes for Sale

Grant Park Atlanta Homes for Sale

VIEW ALL ATLANTA NEIGHBORHOODS

Have a SAFE & HAPPY Holiday Season!

Kerry Lucasse

Real Estate Consultant, Keller Williams Realty

ATLhomesearch.com

(404) 432-1844

It can be challenging, especially if you aren’t 100% familiar with the different neighborhoods, zip codes, price ranges, etc.

To keep things simple, I’ve created an Intown Atlanta Home Search “Cheat Sheet“.   Read below for information on each of the popular neighborhoods and also a direct link to homes for sale in each Atlanta Intown neighborhood.

CLICK HERE to view each of the Intown Atlanta neighborhoods, get information on each and search for all the available homes in that area.

If you don’t find what you are looking for, you can also try searching for homes by Atlanta subdivisions.

Call me anytime with questions — I work with many people who are relocating to Atlanta and would be honored to assist you.

All the best,

Kerry Lucasse

Atlanta Real Estate Agent & Relocation Specialist

404.432.1844

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Announcing the FIRST annual HallowPalooza in the Kirkwood Village!

Created by the Kirkwood Business Owners’ Association, “HallowPalooza” has a little something for EVERYONE — kids, moms, dads, and even dogs & cats!

WHEN:  Friday, October 31st (of course!) from 5 - 8 pm

WHERE:  Downtown Kirkwood

DETAILS:  Local Businesses in the Downtown Kirkwood district are offering games, contests and treats for all the goblins and ghouls.

For the truly artistic, Gitche Ya Ya is having a pumpkin decorating contest from 3 - 6 pm.  Other businesses (Le Petite Marche, Augusta Designs, Mission Motif and PB&J) will be offering sales and specials and candy and games for the kids.

Have a great costume?  At 6 pm, kids can show off their outfits at the Urban Pie costume contest.  At 7 pm, your furry “children” can join in on their own costume contest at the Kirkwood Feed & Seed.  For the adults, stop by Ace’s Bar & Grill at 8 pm.   All costume contests are free to enter and prizes will be awarded.

For more information please visit kirkwoodbiz.com

IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT THE KIRKWOOD NEIGHBORHOOD, please call anytime. 

To search for ALL available homes in Kirkwood, please visit:  http://www.inKIRKWOOD.com

Have a safe & happy Halloween!

Kerry Lucasse

Kirkwood Real Estate Consultant — Keller Williams Realty

inKIRKWOOD.com

404.432.1844

KerryLucasse@kw.com

Decatur GA Real Estate - Oakhurst Homes

Thanks to the phenomenal Decatur GA school system and the outstanding Oakhurst Neighborhood Association, the home sales in Oakhurst have been very stable.  Even with all the “doom and gloom” on the national news, this quaint little neighborhood just outside of Downtown Decatur is doing very well…

• Homes are selling for 98% of the list price
• The average number of days that a home is on the market (DOM) is 65
• The average sale price for a 3 bed / 2 bath home is $340,880
• FULL report available upon request

If you have any questions about the Oakhurst home sales or if you are considering a move to the Decatur area, please contact me, Kerry Lucasse at 404.432.1844.  I work and live in the Oakhurst / Kirkwood area and would love to give you a tour of the Intown Atlanta neighborhoods!

>>> View ALL the homes currently for sale in Oakhurst

or

>>> Search for homes by Intown Atlanta Neighborhoods

or

>>> Get additional information about the Oakhurst Neighborhood Association

CONGRATS, GEORGE!

When I first met with my client, I have to say that I was a bit apprehensive… he wanted to sell his studio condo in Midtown and according to the sales data, not ONE studio condominium had sold in Midtown in more than a year.

I knew that we had a fighting chance if we developed a solid strategy - pricing it correctly (the first time), executing a time-tested marketing plan with a bit of creativity sprinkled in, and my client’s knack for staging his home to sell. 

On the 7th day, we received a FULL PRICE offer and the rest is history!

Kirkwood Home for Sale - $237,900

As an Intown Atlanta Realtor, I see more than 25 homes each week and this Kirkwood Craftsman one REALLY stands out from the crowd!  With 3 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms and a stunning open floor plan, you will be impressed the moment you walk in the home.  Gleaming hardwoods, master suite with well appointed master bathroom, a G-O-R-G-E-O-U-S gourmet kitchen with upscale cabinetry, granite, stainless, and a breakfast bar.  According to the MLS listing, ALL of the systems have been updated — from the electrical to HVAC to the plumbing.

Located just a few blocks from the new Kirkwood village and less than a mile to the Edgewood Retail District.  Based on the location, the expert craftsmanship, and the PRICE ($237,900), I would consider this to be one of the best values in Kirkwood.

If you are not already working with a Kirkwood Realtor and would like to schedule an appointment to view this home, please call Kerry Lucasse, Keller Williams, at 404.432.1844.

>>> View this home online at …  KIrkwood Bungalow of the Week

>>>View all the homes for sale in KIRKWOOD at:  http://www.inKIRKWOOD.com

>>>View all the homes for sale in OAKHUSRT at::  http://www.inOAKHURSTga.com

>>>Search for homes by Intown Atlanta Neighbhorhood at:  http://www.ATLhomesearch.com/neighborhoods

 If you have any quetsions about the Kirkwood neighborhood, please email  or call 404.432.1844.  I live and work in this fantastic Intown Atlanta neighborhood and know that it is an excellent real estate investment.

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Deal of the Week – OAKHURST Bungalow Decatur            

As an Intown Realtor, I see more than a dozen homes each week and this Oakhurst Craftsman Bungalow really stands out from the crowd!  With 2 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms and an open floor plan, you will be impressed the moment you walk in the home.  Gleaming hardwoods, vaulted ceilings, updated kitchen and a great back deck, this home is move-in ready!   

Located just a few blocks from the popular Oakhurst village and less than a mile to the Edgewood Retail District, I would consider this to be one of the best values in the neighborhood.      

If you are not already working with a Realtor and would like to schedule an appointment to view this home, please call Kerry Lucasse, Keller Williams, at 404.432.1844.    

>>> VIEW ALL AVAILABLE HOMES IN OAKHURST

QUESTIONS?  Call the Oakhurst Real Estate Experts at 404.432.1844.

>>> VIEW “JUST LISTED” HOMES in OAKHURST

>>> VIEW HOMES FOR SALE in KIRKWOOD

>>> VIEW HOMES FOR SALE in EAST LAKE

Thank you for visiting the Atlanta Homes Search Real Estate Blog!

Kirkwood Atlanta Real Estate - Intown Events

Forget the term “up and coming neighborhood” … Kirkwood has officially “arrived”!

The 2nd Annual Kirkwood Wine Stroll is scheduled for this Saturday, June 21st from 4 - 7 pm.  Enjoy an evening of fine wines while visiting 12 participating shops, restaurants and cafes that are unique to the Kirkwood community. Tickets are just $25 and are available at several shops in Kirkwood, including Gitche Yah Yah, The Mission Motif, Takai Atlanta Hair Salon of Kirkwood Feed & Seed.

>>> BUY TICKETS ONLINE (USING PAYPAL)

>>> GET DIRECTIONS TO KIRKWOOD VILLAGE

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If you fall in love with Kirkwood after the event and would like to view the homes that are available for sale, go to http://www.inKIRKWOOD.com and you will be able to view all the Kirkwood homes for sale, Just Listed homes, as well as a complete list of Kirkwood home FORECLOSURES!

Need a Kirkwood Real Estate Expert?  Call me at 404.432.1844.  I live, work and play in Kirkwood and would love to help you find your dream home.