Lindbergh Atlanta, GA

Once MARTA developers decided that the subway needed a hub at the junction of GA-400 and I-85, they set out to develop not only the stop, but the surrounding neighborhood too. This planning remains clear when traveling through the neighborhood today. Although the neighborhood has grown out from the original development, it remains the heart of activities in the area.

Residents can choose from among many restaurants, ranging from the popular sports bar Taco Mac to casual eateries such as Five Guys, located right around the Lindbergh station in Lindbergh City Center. One surprising gem in the square is SIP The Experience. If you have even just a few extra minutes to run in before catching your train, treat yourself to a wrapped Danish and a well-done French Press coffee.

When you want to get out of the center, residents suggest Il Bacio Trattoria. The popular Italian restaurant serves up traditional Italian pastas and authentic pizzas. If you don't know what to choose, patrons rave about the simple, but delicately succulent margherita pizza.

At night, happy hours kick off at most bars around 6 p.m., and clubs and lounges get going a bit later. As a favorite local night-spot, Tongue and Groove stays busy every night of the week. With regular seasonally-themed parties and multiple rooms featuring different styles of music, the club lives up to its fun reputation.

Well-served by public transportation and highway traffic, the Lindbergh-Morosgo neighborhood serves to unite GA-400 and I-75. Lindbergh Center Station similarly serves as the metro hub for northbound lines. Many bus lines run through this station as well. You can grab a minibus towards Buford Highway or take buses to Midtown, Downtown or Buckhead areas. You can even rent Zipcars right outside the station.

For those heading into Lindbergh in cars, you can easily park for free at most stores and restaurants. Lindbergh Center has a paid lot but validates MARTA users for 24 free hours in the deck. If you eat at the surrounding restaurants, most happily validate when asked. More metered spaces sit along roads close to the MARTA station for a slightly higher cost. If you need a ride home from a bar, taxis and Uber rides arrive quickly on most nights.

Most pedestrians stick to the area directly around Lindbergh City Center, as it can be a bit dangerous to walk along the busier thoroughfares. Due to the limited bike lanes in the area, bicycling is dangerous as well.

In keeping with the demographics of Lindbergh, green spaces here focus less on having kid-friendly amenities and more on providing space for a good workout. Land under the highways re-purposed into paved trails and surrounding greenery makes up the most important park in the neighborhood. Although kids are allowed to come to the trails here, you may find that residents have little patience for little ones dawdling. If you are looking for a place for an early morning jog, the PATH 400 trail is a great option. As it expands underneath the highway, you can find even more opportunities to enjoy the green area. Leashed dogs are welcome, as long as you clean up after them, so feel free to bring along your pooch.

Other than the trails by the highway, Lindbergh-Morosgo offers little in the way of parks, although residents can access a bit of green space at Peachtree Creek, a popular outdoor spot. People love to sit and relax on summer afternoons by the creek, and there is even space to picnic. Just keep in mind that the green space closes in certain weather conditions, so always follow the posted signs.

While average for Atlanta as a whole, the cost of living in Lindbergh stays relatively cheaper than the surrounding neighborhoods. A one-bedroom apartment can be rented for around $1100, depending on the location relative to the MARTA station. Residents here can relax with a beer after work for just $5 or $6. Gas here costs the same as it does anywhere else in Atlanta, which is about 10 percent lower than the national average.

Like the restaurants in the neighborhood, most shops concentrate around Lindbergh Center. Whether you are simply grocery shopping at Target or looking to enjoy a leisurely afternoon of clothes shopping at Marshall's or Ross, you are sure to find what you need here. One popular shop, Bennie's Shoes, has actually had its doors open since 1909. The best place in Atlanta for men's shoes, Bennie's prides itself on its fair prices and incredibly wide selection. If you have a favorite pair of shoes in need of a fix-up, the repair shop here does an excellent job.

If you plan on redecorating in Atlanta, you can't skip a visit to Miami Circle. One of the few places in Atlanta where you can find an extensive and diverse selection of centrally located home decor shops. The Miami Circle Market Center boasts more than 60 specialty stores selling anything from fine antique furniture to handmade rugs to custom lighting fixtures. Even if you aren't currently redoing your home, take a peek inside Dearing Antiques. Known for its more eclectic selection, Dearing offers visitors unique surprises at every visit. You never know just what you may find.

If you need more specialty groceries, Fiesta Food is located close by. This local favorite sells much more than just Mexican products; it stocks a wide range of ethnic foods.