Loring Heights - Atlanta, GA

Loring Heights draws its name from Confederate Brigadier General William Wing Loring, whose troops occupied a small peak, referred to as “Loring’s Hill,” on July 20, 1864. This spot lies on Trabert Avenue, within the boundaries of the neighborhood.

Residential construction did not begin in earnest until the 1940s, and most homes date from that period, though some recent renovations and constructions have occurred. Throughout the 20th century, the area remained more insulated than other neighborhoods from economic and political changes, in part due to its small size. As demand continues to rise for the finite number of homes in Loring Heights, market prices have steadily increased, especially with the establishment of nearby Atlantic Station in 2003.

Residents of Loring Heights find plenty to satisfy themselves when the urge strikes to dine out. Although the neighborhood itself contains few non-residential buildings, nearby Atlantic Station provides culinary delights and drinking options within walking distance. One of the most celebrated restaurants in Atlantic Station also doubles as a catering business: endive Publik house. With catering activities in full force, the restaurant opens to the public, or as Chef and Owner Drew Ihrig calls his guests, the “publik,” only three nights per week. For those lucky enough to snag a dinner seat Thursday through Saturday, his New American, world fusion food delights. Diners particularly enjoy creations such as Thai Chicken Wonton Tacos and Smoked Duck Pizza, which prove that cross-cultural cuisine can be more than a gimmick.

For a more raucous atmosphere, check out area favorite Atlantic Grill, where you can relax after a day’s work with classic pub fare and a drink. Atlantic Grill draws in crowds seeking the familiar executed to perfection, with the Alpine Burger with sautéed mushrooms and Swiss cheese and the NY Style Reuben Corned Beef receiving particular praise. Remember to check out its outdoor patio seating when the weather is nice.

Those looking for an under-the-radar experience can stay within Loring Heights itself. Every Sunday night, self-taught chef Ben Portman of PorKman’s Table offers a “Fight the Fright” dinner for area professionals facing the start of yet another work week. The dinners have become so popular that diners must request an invite beforehand. The menu changes frequently but always includes cocktails with clever names like No Strings Attached and Truth or Pear. Guests can also sign up for a class to gain an insider’s perspective of the PorKman’s Table process and create their own four-course menu.

Cars prove the most popular way to get to and from Loring Heights. Commuters who work downtown or outside the city find easily accessible major thoroughfares, including Interstate 75/85, GA 400 and Interstate 285. In nearby Atlantic Station, developers extended 17th Street with a bridge over the I-75/85 expressway, providing easy access.

The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority, or MARTA, offers indirect service to Loring Heights. Red and Gold rail lines stop at the Arts Center underground station, which residents can reach via a free shuttle that runs every five to 15 minutes from Atlantic Station. Bus routes 37 and 110, along Peachtree Road, also serve the Arts Center station. For destinations farther afield, an Amtrak station lies just across the expressway on Deering Road NW.

Loring Heights contains several green spaces, impressive for a neighborhood of its size. Bound by Garden Lane and Loring Drive, Loring Heights Park features a duck pond, picnic area and swings. Across Loring Drive to the southeast, the Tanyard Creek Greenscape offers an open play field and wheelchair-accessible pathways. Dog owners enjoy two enclosed dog areas as well.

Every October, residents descend upon Loring Heights Park to celebrate Fall Fest. One of the social events of the year, Fall Fest brings neighbors together with food, drink and live music.

The cost of living in Loring Heights skews slightly higher than Atlanta at large. One-bedroom apartments typically start at $800 per month, though very few rentals exist. Residents more commonly own homes in this area.

Because buildings in the nearby shopping district of Atlantic Station are newer than other areas of Atlanta, the market drives the prices for groceries and other everyday items higher. However, residents point out that the walkability of the neighborhood cuts back on transportation costs, and the convenience of amenities is priceless.

The few stores in Loring Heights proper tend toward the eclectic, with Ack Radio & Electronics Supply leading the pack. A true neighborhood institution, Ack opened its doors in 1946 and has provided residents with superb customer service ever since. Though the store contains everyday electronic parts and necessities, customers come back again and again for more obscure needs, making it a “geek electronics parts haven.”

Nearby Atlantic Station provides the real shopping destination, with a concentration of stores in an outdoor mall known as The District or simply Atlantic Station. Open seven days a week, the mall contains shopping, dining and a large movie theater. One independent retailer of note lies just north of 14th Street. TRIO Custom Clothiers offers custom-made suits and dress shirts for men. Quickly becoming a must for area men who work in business or related industries, TRIO throws in two rounds of alterations at no cost, so you can be sure to get the perfect fit.

Residents seeking groceries and everyday items find everything they need in Atlantic Station, with Publix and Target locations in or near The District. Food lovers in search of farm-fresh fare can take a quick jaunt to The Local Farmstand in neighboring Westside, which sources its organic produce from area farms.