Old Fourth Ward - Atlanta, GA

Dating back to the Civil War era, Atlanta's Old Fourth Ward survives as one of its most enduring neighborhoods. O4W bears a long history of socioeconomic tension, a coveted spot in its early days that at times nearly succumbed to negligence. However, a passionate populace and astute city planners saved O4W, today a bustling urban center with an appreciation for its past.

Ponce City Market acts as an example of O4W's commitment to preserving its heritage. The neighborhood's 1925 Sears-Roebuck building remains a local favorite, even considering the difficulty finding a permanent use for it after Sears closed in 1991. Finally, the building has discovered its new destiny as Ponce City Market, a self-proclaimed "community hub," home to entertainment, office space, shops and flats.

As birthplace and lifelong home of civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr., the Old Fourth Ward houses several MLK-related historic monuments. Tour the home on Auburn Avenue where he was born and spent his childhood. Stop by the famous Ebenezer Baptist Church where Dr. King served alongside his father as co-pastor. Here, you can hear his sermons as his original congregants did. Afterward, you can visit Dr. King's grave site at The King Center.

The neighborhood celebrates art with the free two-day Old Fourth Ward Arts Festival, which takes place each year in June. The festival's curators make it a priority to highlight local artists, especially those who might not get exposure otherwise. Attendees taste craft beer and peruse art in every media as live music fills the air.

The Old Fourth Ward offers diverse mealtime options, from fine dining chic to food cart fare.

For brunch, fall in love with Highland Bakery at Highland and Sampson. This quiet, rustic local favorite serves up to-die-for peanut butter French toast, topped with caramelized bananas and syrup; do not miss this dish. The bakery case features handmade treats, including cinnamon rolls and red velvet cupcakes. Stop in on a weekday to avoid the Saturday morning crowds.

You never know where you'll come across Doggy Dogg, the hot-dog food truck Old Fourth Warders go nuts for. But when you do, stop immediately and order one of these gourmet dogs. Made with local ingredients such as Spotted Trotter meat, Holeman and Finch buns and sometimes topped with pesto, these hot dogs are more than worth their $5 price tag. Doggy Dogg actually even sells an edible veggie dog.

When evening comes, the O4W nightlife offers something for everyone. Sister Louisa's Church of the Living Room & Ping Pong Emporium, known affectionately — or drunkenly — as "Church," passes out choir robes to its patrons. Don your robe, and pick up a paddle for an intense game of table tennis. If flexing your pipes is more your style, sign up for Wednesday night organ karaoke.

If you're looking for a quieter atmosphere, head to Krog Bar for an upscale ambiance — though no fancy clothes are required. The perfect place to take a date, Krog Bar offers a wide variety of tapas and wine that encourage sharing and conversation. Tell your server what flavor profile you're feeling, and ask for a few recommendations. You can't go wrong with a cheese plate.

A simple grid system and nearby freeways make O4W an easily drivable neighborhood. Major thoroughfare Boulevard NE/SE provides quick access to Interstate 20 and to Freedom Parkway, which connects to Interstate 85. Most local businesses provide private lots, but you might encounter valet parking more often than normal. You'll also find plenty of metered street parking.

Old Fourth Ward maintains a busy transit system, so feel free to bus it if you don't want to drive. MARTA lines 99, 16 and 3 serve the neighborhood, and you also have easy access to the red, blue and green line trains. MARTA runs until 1 a.m.

O4W boasts a walk score of 79, meaning that you can get to most neighborhood destinations on foot. Most restaurants and shops sit within easy walking distance of one another. The area takes safety precautions for pedestrians, placing flashing crosswalks and taking traffic-calming measures throughout the infrastructure.

Atlanta's pet project, the BeltLine, endeavors to connect all 44 Atlanta neighborhoods via a pedestrian-, runner- and biker-friendly trail. Planning and construction continue still, even after more than a decade, but the BeltLine opens bit by bit. The Eastside Trail, connecting O4W to Piedmont Park to the north and Inman Park to the south, opened in 2013. The BeltLine provides safe passage to restaurants and shops. Art installations and gorgeous greenspace line the trail.

Residents of the Old Fourth Ward have several beautiful parks where they can spend sunny afternoons. From skate parks to farmers markets, the parks provide engaging activities for everyone.

The 17-acre Historic Fourth Ward Park opened in 2011. A two-acre storm-water detention lake acts as the park's focal point. A skate park, popular among locals, completes the area. In May, the Historic Fourth Ward Park hosts its annual spring fling. Live music, parades and other events take place throughout the year.

The trails winding through Freedom Park offer locals a quiet place to walk and unwind. Art installations line the trails, adding beauty to the natural surroundings. On Saturdays from March through December, the Freedom Farmers' Market takes over the park's Carter Center.

Even while the Old Fourth Ward grows in popularity, Atlanta's average cost of living still eclipses the costs in this neighborhood itself. A one-bedroom apartment in O4W rents for, on average, about $1,200. Atlanta as a whole sees average rents for one-bedrooms as high as $1,666. Prices for other amenities, such as groceries and transportation, remain comparable to the national average.

Shoppers in the Old Fourth Ward value vintage goods and fresh foods. Look to Highland Avenue for the best shopping.

Discerning fashion-conscious locals go to Doubletake Recycled Luxury Boutique for vintage Prada and Gucci. Regulars love Daniel, the owner, who directs shoppers to the perfect pieces and negotiates prices happily. He also sends swift payment for your consigned vintage treasures.

For home decor with a mid-century or Danish modern flair, City Issue can't be beat. Stop in to find authentic vintage furniture and kitchenware in mint condition. The shop also stocks unique gifts and art.

O4Wers buy their groceries fresh at Sweet Auburn Curb Market, which houses 24 independent merchants selling everything from produce to grass-fed meat. The market originated when farmers joined forces to sell their crops after the Great Atlanta Fire of 1917 destroyed most of the city. It moved into its permanent home in 1924.