Greenbriar - Atlanta, GA

The Greenbriar community developed around Greenbriar Mall in the mid-1960s as a residential area in Atlanta. Greenbriar Mall quickly became a landmark as one of the first enclosed malls in Atlanta and even hosted the first Chick-fil-A.

Known for its prominent role in the African-American arts community, Greenbriar hosts several events associated with the National Black Arts Festival, especially the Atlanta Summer Arts Festival at Greenbriar Mall, every year. Although some of these events have transitioned to other Atlanta neighborhoods since the early 2000s, Greenbriar still holds an important role in keeping these traditions alive.

If you are looking for excellent Southern soul food, Greenbriar offers many small, locally owned restaurants serving up fresh options daily. Grouped near Greenbriar Mall and along Greenbriar Parkway, these restaurants serve anything from barbeque to low country boil.

Smackin' Good Seafood, a favorite of residents here, serves some of the best Cajun seafood in Atlanta. Whether you are in the mood for fried shrimp or crab legs or a full low country boil, Smackin' Good serves fresh, traditionally prepared dishes that you can't help but love. If you feel hungry, the combo plate lets you try a bit of everything, but make sure to bring your appetite to finish off this mound of seafood and sausage.

When you have a craving for barbeque, you should not pass up an opportunity to visit Frenchy's On-the-Go. Despite its slightly obscure location next to a gas station, Frenchy's has gained a loyal following and boasts tender brisket, perfectly prepared fried chicken and a wide selection of sides. If you want to make a night of it, check out Frenchy's on a Friday when the jazz band plays on the patio.

Since Greenbriar is primarily residential, most residents head out to East Point or College Park to enjoy the nightlife.

To get around Greenbriar, residents find it most convenient to drive. Located right off I-285 and Langford Parkway, you can access Greenbriar easily from most locations in the city, and once there, you will find ample free parking, especially near the mall.

If you prefer not to drive, several MARTA bus lines stop near the mall and throughout the neighborhood. You can also get a cab in a pinch, but they can be slow to arrive, so you should try to reserve one by calling in advance. Most of the Greenbriar area is not designed for pedestrian traffic, and bikers will find the area a bit risky for cycling. With no bike lanes and heavy traffic, riders will most likely feel unsafe.

Stone Hogan Park, the biggest and only main park in Greenbriar, offers a wide grassy area where residents can play sports, run around and play with their kids. Although the playground equipment is old, you can still take your kids to enjoy the swings or to play basketball in the afternoon and on weekends.

While State Hogan Park has few running trails, many residents still enjoy using the park to exercise by playing basketball and football on the weekends. If you are looking for a place to bring your dog, Hogan Park can be a good location for a walk. Owners should make sure to keep their pup on a leash at all times and clean up after their pet. The park hosts no festivals or formal events during the year, however, residents can enter a pick-up basketball tournament to blow off some steam.

Living in Greenbriar costs about 10 percent lower than the rest of Atlanta, which means that residents can enjoy slightly lower expenses at the mall and local stores. A pint of your favorite beer here will only set you back about $4 in a bar or restaurant or $7 at a club like Shark Bar.

Residents enjoy significantly lower rents here, as well. A one-bedroom apartment or townhome only costs about $600 per month. An exception to the general rule, gas prices are comparable to the average in Atlanta, but still about 10 percent lower than the country average.

Most of the shops in Greenbriar concentrate in and around Greenbriar Mall. While the mall offers few high-end products, you can find almost any staples you need in the neighborhood. Fashions in the mall tend to follow trendy urban styles and hip-hop culture. Perhaps the best place to purchase an outfit in these styles is Skillz. Despite offering many popular name brands including Echo, Rocawear, G-Unit and Baby Phat, Skillz sells trendy clothes at lower prices, making it an affordable option for anyone. You can also purchase Nascar character jackets, faux minks and other inner-city styles, which are offered in all sizes, including a decent plus-size selection.

When discussing shops at Greenbriar Mall, you can't forget Medu Bookstore. Meaning "the power of the word," Medu offers a unique selection of primarily African-American literature that you will have a difficult time encountering in other brick-and-mortar stores. As the second largest African-American owned bookstore in Atlanta, Medu attracts many famous authors and prominent figures in the African-American community who come to the store to hold book signings and other literary events year-round.

For your grocery needs, the Greenbriar Mall area has you covered. With a Walmart Supercenter and a Kroger, everything you need can be bought nearby.