Castleberry Hill Atlanta, GA

During the mid- to late 1800s, Castleberry Hill enjoyed a prime spot alongside railroad tracks, making the area a hub of commerce. Following the boom of rebuilding that followed the destruction caused by the Civil War, this Atlanta neighborhood quickly gained a reputation as the warehouse district with the help of a horse-drawn trolley line in the 1870s. Grocers, blacksmiths and other workers made their homes not far from their places of work, turning Castleberry Hill into a residential community as well. In the 1920s, meat-packing industries also took up residence in the area. Generations later, the area began to transform into a more trend-conscious, bohemian enclave.

The cool architecture and industrial vibe makes Castleberry Hill a popular filming location. "Driving Miss Daisy" and "Sweet Home Alabama" feature scenes shot in the neighborhood, as do "Let's Be Cops" and "Ride Along." Don't be surprised if you spot a film shoot in progress.

On the second Friday of every month, enjoy an unparalleled peek into the artistic growth of this neighborhood with the Castleberry Hill Art Stroll, a nationally acclaimed event. Choose which galleries you want to check out, or get adventurous and challenge yourself to visit as many as possible. Open unusually late, area art galleries invite you to learn about up-and-coming artists and appreciate the amount of work and creative energy that goes into Castleberry Hill's reputation as an artistic refuge. If you end up filled with your own creative aspirations, head to The Blu Bisque to paint custom pottery and see if you have what it takes.

Flux Night opens your eyes to a new side of Atlanta's art scene. Young talent and established artists alike collaborate to create a unique festival atmosphere, with something interesting to see at every turn. Performance art, including dance, and visual installations compete for your attention. Food trucks and beer keep you satisfied during the evening, as you wander the entire Castleberry Hill district. The free outdoor event shows why the neighborhood draws attention from the surrounding city.

When you get hungry in Castleberry Hill, expect to find offerings that range from the trendy to the well-established. Paschal's Restaurant bears a proud legacy as the spot where Martin Luther King Jr. once met with his supporters to discuss the future of the civil rights movement. The restaurant still offers amazing Southern staples. Choose between valet parking or street parking, and expect long wait times for a table to open up. The iconic soul food restaurant is so popular among Atlanta locals that many of them come back to visit even after relocating. Paschal's serves fried chicken, catfish and spot-on sides such as candied yams. Don't forget to taste the peach cobbler for dessert.

Visit No Mas Cantina for authentic Mexican treats such as skewered Shrimp Alambres or the tender and juicy Fajitas, all served in an atmosphere that evokes the very essence of Mexico. The restaurant provides a festive setting for parties and gatherings, welcoming your inquiries regarding special events of all sizes whether in-house or catered at the venue of your choice.

Another fantastic venue, The Spinning Pie Pizza Lounge, hosts and promotes events on a regular basis. Specializing in pizza and wings, the restaurant has a full bar and the kitchen stays open until midnight on weeknights and 2 a.m. on weekends. The menu here doesn't disappoint, featuring all the traditional food you expect from an Italian establishment. Enjoy a Honey Chicken Sandwich — breaded chicken breast coated with honey, honey mustard sauce, mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, onions, tomatoes and lettuce on a hoagie roll. It also serves a veggie lasagna loaded with mushrooms, peppers, spinach, marinara Sauce and both ricotta and mozzarella cheeses.

After hours, swing by Elliott Street Deli and Pub. Just as the name suggests, this intimate, laid-back pub sits on Elliott Street, though you may need to look closely to spot the hidden gem. This dive bar welcomes everyone with open arms and a warm smile and the smaller space is conducive to interesting conversation, so you may leave with new friends. A great spot for locals to chat and connect, Elliott Street Pub has street parking that can get a little competitive, so arrive prepared to search for a spot.

With a history as a transportation hub, Castleberry Hill still makes it easy for residents to get around safely and efficiently. The walkable area has a high population density and a more compact size, meaning you can get to many locations on foot without hassle. With a fair amount of bike infrastructure, this neighborhood also provides an amenable space for cyclists.

Four bus routes serve the neighborhood. Routes 3 and 13 depart from the Five Point Station to provide service in the Castleberry Hill region, while Routes 155 and 42 also run along the eastern edges of the neighborhood. If you prefer rapid transit, the nearest MARTA station stands on Peachtree Street. The Garnett station serves the Red and Gold Lines.

Atlanta Royal Cabbies can be a wise option if you need to reserve a taxi for a longer commute. Standing just north of Interstate 20 and southwest of downtown, driving into Castleberry Hill from the larger Atlanta metro area is convenient. State Routes 14 and 154 also serve the neighborhood.

Centennial Olympic Park stands on Park Avenue, so close to Castleberry Hill that many residents take advantage of this sprawling, 21-acre oasis. The free park has been part of the city since the 1996 Olympics, offering space for runners, joggers and casual walkers. Kids get to hang out on two playground areas, but every kid (and kid at heart) wants to check out the Fountain of Rings. Four times a day, every day of the year, the Fountain becomes the site of a musical water show.

Locals know to head to Centennial Olympic Park during the winter months to ice skate at the park's outdoor skating rink. Bundle up and prepare to pay a small fee for the privilege of ice skating beneath the open sky, November through January.

Fido has a chance to enjoy the fresh air and roam free at the Railside Dog Park, located on Peters Street. The only off-leash dog park in downtown Atlanta, this Castleberry Hill park has an industrial feel and plenty of green grass for your pet to explore. You can relax on the granite benches and chat with other dog-owners, or have fun playing with your dog in the fenced-in, two-acre park.

Depending on the type of apartment you seek, rent in Castleberry Hill can be fairly affordable or somewhat pricey. Coveted one-bedroom lofts typically cost about $950 to over $1,000 per month, while standard apartments can be more affordable. Median rent in the West End region, which generally includes Castleberry Hill, is about $794. The overall cost of living in the larger West End area hovers just slightly below the national average, with cost of living at 95 percent of the national average. This makes the cost of living in Castleberry Hill comparable to costs in Georgia, and somewhat more affordable than the cost of living in Atlanta in general.

Shopping in Castleberry Hill can be a treasure hunt, since most prime real estate goes to galleries or restaurants. However, the neighborhood does contain some upscale and mid-priced boutique-style shops, mostly situated along Walker and Peters Streets.

No Mas Hacienda has a restaurant and cantina, but the true star of the show has to be the gorgeous, custom showroom under the same roof. Beautifully curated, Mexican-inspired items appeal to your most decadent tastes. Everything in the showroom includes a bold palette and an artist's eye for detail. Illuminate your decor with wrought-iron coffee tables, exquisite lighting or quirky handcrafted statues and figurines.

Fly Kix ATL carries new, trendy and up-market fashions for both men and women. Its focus is on sneakers and boots, but it carries a wide range of boutique labels in apparel and accessories, too. Check out the in-store lounge for the ultimate shopping experience.

Sevanda Natural Foods Market offers a cooperative alternative to big business chains for residents' grocery needs. It's an ethical and convenient place to pick up organic produce, baked goods and environmentally conscious brands. With strict policies on food sourcing and sustainability as well as an interest in supporting community projects and promoting seasonal local produce, this is a truly local business. It even offers a catering service for outside events.