East Lake - Atlanta, GA Area Guide

East Lake is one of the most historic neighborhoods in all of Atlanta. The community resides on part of a plantation owned by Robert A. Alston, whose house Meadow Nook still stands on the East Lake Golf Course. The land that today residents call East Lake was chartered in 1892, and commercial development came up around the lake as an attraction for downtown residents. The town was officially incorporated in 1908.

East Lake proudly celebrates their history as one of the oldest communities in the area while also celebrating the history and culture of the surrounding region. At the nearby Fernbank Museum of Natural History and Science Center, a rotating collection of exhibits pay homage to everything from local geology to international marvels and prehistoric dinosaurs. Down the street at VINSONart, residents can enjoy browsing a collection of curated art pieces from both local and national artists.

Locally-owned establishments make up the East Lake dining and nightlife scene. At My Coffee Shop East Lake residents can stop in for a quick treat or refreshing drink while roaming around the East Lake neighborhood. The establishment, particularly known for its famous basil lemonade, also has a full breakfast menu, pastries and espresso drinks. On Saturday mornings, this kid-friendly establishment also holds a weekly "Storytime" event, where staff members read popular children's books aloud to younger patrons.

Visit Saba for a cozy neighborhood restaurant serving healthy salads, handmade pastas and homemade desserts as well as savory sandwiches on fresh-baked cibatta bread. The restaurant provides a catering service and can even save your neck with last-minute orders - as long as they're not too big.

Steinbeck’s Ale House bar menu includes a Sunday brunch with offerings such as a decadent crème brulee French toast or the house burger topped with gooey pimiento cheese, applewood bacon and house-pickled jalapeños.

Nightlife opportunities abound in the East Lake community. Visit Mary's for a laid-back vibe and an establishment designed to cater to both gay and straight crowds, with weekly karaoke and DJs on the weekends. Down the street at The Graveyard Tavern, you'll find a high-energy bar with DJs on the weekends, live music and plenty of drink specials.

With convenient access to Interstate 20, traveling to the heart of downtown from East Lake is quick and convenient. Many residents in the neighborhood choose to travel by car, as free street and lot parking in the area is easy to come by. You can easily hail a cab in this neighborhood. If you've got a smartphone, you can also use the Uber car service for safe and reliable travel throughout Atlanta. The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority serves East Lake through its own MARTA rail stop along the Green and Blue Line. The bus routes have stops throughout the neighborhood that take residents throughout Atlanta and directly to the MARTA rail line.

At the heart of the urban East Lake neighborhood, near the community golf course, you'll find East Lake Park. This public community park is open to the public until 11 p.m. every day of the week and features approximately 10 acres of green space, a community playground for children and several baseball diamonds. Leashed pets are welcome at the park, and tennis players enjoy free access to several regulation-size tennis courts.

Down on Glenwood Avenue at the East Lake Family YMCA, residents can also enjoy walking trails, outdoor space and lakeside beaches. This green space is open to the public and leashed dogs are welcome to roam the natural green space and walking trails on the YMCA’s property.

Life in East Lake typically carries an average to above-average cost of living when compared to both the state and national level. The cost of leasing an apartment is generally reasonable, with the average one-bedroom apartment in the neighborhood costing $830 per month. At the local pubs, a pint of beer costs approximately $6. A MARTA ride to the city center costs $2.50, while gas prices typically settle in about 11 percent higher than the average in the United States.

Trusted, well-known brands and small specialty stores make up the shopping scene in East Lake. Find the latest electronics at Best Buy or browse for everyday essentials at Target, both of which have stores within the East Lake community. For sweet treats and a selection of specialty cupcakes, visit locally-owned Sugar Moon Bake Shop down the street. Fans of boutique shopping can visit the Decatur Square area of the region. Just north of the neighborhood, you will find a multitude of shops and restaurants. At Decatur Bikes, residents can shop for bikes, biking accessories, parts and clothes. At locally owned Cook's Warehouse, all types of food and beverage accessories and a selection of fine wines are available. Seeking fashion-forward clothing and accessories for women? Vivid Boutique has a rotating selection of specialty styles for women of all ages. East Lake residents can buy their groceries at the Publix Super Market on Glenwood Avenue, which offers an affordable selection of everyday food and grocery items. Publix has a strong presence in the area, with locations in the heart of East Lake and in many of the surrounding communities as well.