Brookwood - Atlanta, GA

Over the years, the Brookwood neighborhood has been in a tug of war between residential areas and commercial spaces. After WWI and throughout the Great Depression, this neighborhood continued to thrive, and the wealthiest Americans built mansions that lined rolling hills. The neighborhood experienced an economic downturn during the 1960s and 70s, and in response, more bars and nightclubs were allowed to set up shop, and Brookwood became the premier social destination.

Old residents wanted to maintain the integrity of this wealthy neighborhood, and as soon as the economy recovered, a large portion of the bars were shut down, and the neighborhood went back to catering to the city's elite.

Today, in additional the affluent residential areas, Brookwood also houses the Atlanta Historic center. This museum displays a lot of memorabilia, including a permanent exhibit on the city's summer Olympic games. The world-renowned Georgia Aquarium also sits nearby.

Residents enjoy the absolute best in upscale dining and entertainment options. The country's premier chefs flock to Atlanta to make a name for themselves in the culinary world, and the citizens of Brookwood get to reap the tasty rewards.

At Bones steakhouse, residents can dine on the best steak and seafood in the city, and some would argue, the country. This establishment features classic details, such as white linen tablecloths, dark wood paneling and leather dining chairs. Patrons enjoy the feel of an old gentleman's club and the attentive service of waiters well-versed in food and wine.

While the menu features most dishes that diners would expect at any steakhouse, the quality of the food and skill in preparation cannot be beat. The fillet mignon pairs well with the truffle butter mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus for a complete meal that manages to feel both simple and decadent at the same time.

Down the street at Holeman and Finch, diners can enjoy another upscale, yet slightly more affordable restaurant that also provides more of a modern take on both decor and dishes. The dining room incorporates metal elements to give the restaurant more of an industrial feel that mirrors other parts of the city. Popular plates include oxtail and rabbit and dumplings. Diners enjoy a variety of rare meats and other unique pairings, such as the roasted carrots that come with jalapeño pesto and pecans. The chefs have created a lot of unique flavor combinations that keep residents coming back.

This restaurant also serves as a popular place to meet up for drinks. In addition to a full menu of craft beers and whiskeys, bartenders also create popular cocktails. Order the classic sloe gin fizz, or go for one of the house specials like the bit in Japan, which is made with bourbon, averell, lemon and grenadine.

For a night out, residents have their choice of upscale clubs and lounges where they can grab a drink and enjoy the patio or hit the dance floor. At Whiskey Blue, visitors tend to gravitate towards the rooftop patio, where they can sip on specialty cocktails and enjoy views of the city. The Sanctuary Night Club and Lounge plays Latin music, hosts free salsa lessons throughout the week and has plenty of VIP booths for those looking for a little privacy.

Other neighborhood entertainment options include enjoying outdoor concerts at the Chastain Park Amphitheatre, visiting the Atlanta History Center, or heading out for a day of fun at Legoland.

Brookwood residents enjoy plenty of easy ways to travel the neighborhood. Drivers have easy access to major freeways and can always find a spot at the Lennox Square parking lot. Passengers can use the free Buckhead Uptown Connection bus, which stops at three major intersections and circles the neighborhood, or they can catch a ride across town on the more extensive MARTA bus system.

Hailing a cab in this busy city is extremely easy at most times of day, and Uber also provides service to the area, providing another transportation option.

Most of the heavy vehicle traffic stays regulated to major freeways, so pedestrians can still enjoy plenty of bike-friendly roads along streets. Walking and biking are both safe and efficient ways to get around.

To enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, Brookwood residents simply head to Chastain Park. This expansive greenspace features a golf course, a public pool, ballfields and plenty of trails for hiking and jogging. Families also visit to take advantage of the playground equipment and picnic tables. Dogs can also visit most areas of the park, and annual park events include the Arts for the Cause and Holidays in the Park Celebration.

The cost of living in the wealthy and affluent Brookwood neighborhood runs well above other parts of the city. On average, residents pay $1,159 per month for a one-bedroom apartment. However, drivers do enjoy gas prices that trend on par with national averages, and passengers pay $2.50 for a single ride on the MARTA public transportation system. A night out on the town can quickly add up, as the average price for one pint of beer is $5.

Brookwood residents enjoy being within close proximity of two major shopping centers. The Howell Mill Shopping Square sits just to the west and houses many popular national chains, such as Target, Gap and TJ Maxx. The Lennox Square Mall hosts a list of more upscale chains, including Neiman Marcus, Louis Vuitton and David Yurman.

While these chains provide familiar and even high-end products, some of the best shopping in the area can be done at local boutiques and specialty stores. Savvy shoppers head to the local Bennet Street Design District to shop for art and antiques.

At Anne Hathaway Designs, visitors can buy prints and paintings from this famous artist who was largely inspired by Georgia O'Keefe. Her watercolors make great gifts and collectors items that will only increase in value. Visitors can also purchase dinnerware decorated in her distinctive style or order furniture that is custom made using repurposed wood from old Georgia farmhouses.

For more home good options and detailed Oriental rugs, shoppers go to the Overton Oriental Rug and Antique shop. This store is packed with precious finds that range from dinnerware to lamps, but it is best known for its collection of fine, hand-woven rugs.

Brookwood residents stop by Kroger or the local Fresh Market to pick up groceries. Lucy's Market, a nearby farmer's market, sells fresh produce and a host of other items throughout the year.