Atlantic Station - Atlanta, GA

The Atlantic Steel Company was founded in 1901. At the time, the company produced cotton bale ties and barrel hoops. By the early 1950s, the plant was producing all types of steel products, including nails, rivets, barbed wire, welding rods, and fence posts. The company was purchased by a Canadian firm in 1979, and by 1997 there were only 400 employees remaining. Much of the complex was torn down in 1998 to begin construction of Atlantic Station. The live-work-play community was completed around 2005.

One of the neighborhood's landmarks is the Millennium Gate, a triumphal arch and art museum. The museum features several exhibits in its 12,000 square feet of space, including the 21st Century Interactive Gallery. Another great destination, the Premier Exhibition Center, is the place to see Bodies: the Exhibition.

Atlantic Station is just west of the Atlanta Botanical Garden, the High Museum of Art, the Museum of Design Atlanta, and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. The Margaret Mitchell House is close by in Midtown, and the Fox Theatre is just south of Atlantic Station near Georgia Tech.

Atlantic Station is filled with restaurants. Just outside your apartment, you'll discover everything from fast food to five-star restaurants. Meehan's Public House offers Irish pub favorites, such as Shepherd's Pie, Bangers & Mash, and a Traditional Irish Breakfast, as well as unique burgers, salads, and appetizers.

The Pig and the Pearl is a local favorite, and not just for the fun name. This restaurant offers "everything smoked," such as a smoked brisket, spare ribs, pulled pork, and pulled chicken. The Pig and the Pearl has a full bar and a wine list, as well.

Top off your dinner at Kilwin's Chocolates and Ice Cream. This is a family-owned shop offering everything from candy apples to ice cream to fudge. Other sweet treats can be found at Yogli Mogli, Cheesecake Bistro, and the Great American Cookie Company.

As for nightlife, Atlantic Station is known as the "24-hour" neighborhood for good reason. Bars and nightclubs dot the area, providing plenty of entertainment. You can also catch a movie at the Regal Cinemas Atlantic Station or attend special events like Cirque du Soliel and Improv in the Park. Just east of the neighborhood, you'll find Center Stage Theater, the Center for Puppetry Arts, and the Whole World Improv Theatre.

Atlantic Station was designed to be pedestrian-friendly and the wide courtyards and sidewalks are ideal for foot traffic. The 17th Street Bridge -- easy to spot with its bright yellow paint -- connects Atlantic Station to the rest of Midtown. The bridge has a bus lane and a bike lane. I-85 and I-75 run along Atlantic Station's east side.

For those who prefer mass transit, MARTA offers a train stop as well as several bus stations. To get to Downtown Atlanta, take the bus from Atlantic Station to the Arts Center Transit Station, where the Gold line will take you to the Five Points Station. This 12-minute trip gives you access to Centennial Olympic Park, Philips Arena, the Georgia World Congress Center, the World of Coca-Cola, and the Georgia Aquarium.

Atlantic Station features its very own "Central Park," a landscaped greenspace in the heart of the neighborhood. The Foundry (across the street from the arch) is a terrific little park with benches that wraps around an old smoke stack, now a work of art in the center of the park.

During the winter months, Atlantic Station features an ice skating rink, and Central Park hosts a variety of festivals and events throughout the year.

Perhaps you're looking for a great apartment near Georgia Tech, or perhaps you want to live in a vibrant neighborhood famous for its restaurants and shops. Whatever your reasons for moving to Atlantic Station, be aware that this high-demand area tends to be on the more expensive side of Atlanta neighborhoods. A one-bedroom apartment in Atlantic Station averages about $700, with luxury apartment buildings trending much higher. Since this area is very walkable, it's possible to make up some of that money in saved transportation costs. Of course, having so many restaurants and shops right outside your door could easily tip the scales, so make sure your budget can handle not just living in Atlantic Station, but also enjoying it.

Atlantic Station is one of Atlanta's famous shopping districts, attracting visitors from all over the region and beyond. Atlantic Station's retail district contains IKEA, Banana Republic, Dillard's, Ann Taylor, and DSW Shoe Warehouse.

Atlantic Station is just three miles from Ponce City Market, a terrific shopping destination located in the historic Sears, Roebuck & Co. building. This is the place to buy from local farmers and artists or grab a bite in the Central Food Hall.

Take the train into Downtown Atlanta and discover even more shopping, including Sweet Auburn Curb Market, Underground Atlanta, and Krog Street Market. In the summer, head to the Westside Farmer's Market and enjoy the local produce, chef demos, and food artisans.