Peoplestown - Atlanta, GA

When the Atlanta Electric Railway built a line along Capitol Avenue in 1885, housing construction began in the area. In the 1920s and 1930s, the advent of the car sent a good portion of the neighborhoods more affluent residents to the northern area of Atlanta since they could now commute to work downtown. In the 1960s and 1980s parts of Peoplestown were demolished for construction of the downtown Connector and its subsequent widening respectively. However, in the 1990s, the Peoplestown Revitalization Corporation was established and has since worked to bring this historic area back to its original beauty and to protect its heritage.

Atlanta stands as one of the most vibrant cultural cities in the southeast. As such, it should be no surprise that locals enjoy a level of dining and entertainment to rival the largest of cities. Gunshow, a restaurant owned by Top Chef Kevin Gillespie, is a quirky, tasty eatery. The menu changes daily. Dishes like beef burgundy and squid ink pasta with calamari and chorizo keep locals returning. Make reservations in advance, as Gunshow stays busy all week long.

Located less than two miles from the center of Peoplestown, Morelli's Gourmet Ice Cream has repeatedly been voted the best in Atlanta. This ice cream parlor, which sits on the corner of Ormewood and Moreland Avenue, stands out as a true local gem. Weekly flavors vary from feta with dried fruits to blueberry and rosewater, but the main staples remain simply heavenly. Vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, creme de la creme, and salted caramel are always available. Even if you can't find them on the menu, just ask.

For entertainment, check out the Starlight Drive-in Theater. One of only four drive-ins operating in Georgia, this charming spot remains one of the few traditional, old-style outdoor theaters. For $9 per person ($1 for those under the age of 10), you get a double feature of currently running movies. Bring your own food and stereos; sit in or on your car and wax nostalgic.

For a more formal evening, try the Museum Bar. This club/upscale eatery/vodka bar is one of the most beautiful in Atlanta. It boasts beautiful city views and a late-night tapas menu to encourage hitting the club after dinner and staying late. The Museum Bar has a modern decor and an atmosphere full of energy. The dinner menu will run about $30 per person before taxes and tip, and you can find VIP table reservations as well.

Like most of Atlanta, getting around this area usually consists of going by car, foot or public transportation. While cycling the neighborhoods may be possible, the main roads of Hank Aaron Drive and Atlanta Avenue both have heavy traffic and lack bike lanes, which makes bicycling unsafe. However, at just a couple thousand feet across, the cozy size of the area and wealth of sidewalks makes walking a reasonable way to get around.

You can find both cabs and Uber in the area. However, very few spots in Atlanta have cabs awaiting fares. You'll need to call if you want to get a cab. If you choose to take mass transit, Atlanta's MARTA system provides an extensive network of buses and trains for a fixed, one-way fare of $2.50, and they offer unlimited monthly passes as well.

Limited free parking means many residents have to pay between $5 and $10 to park their cars. However, getting out of town is easy, as Peoplestown sits directly along I-75/I-85 to the west, and I-20 is only a mile north of the area. The neighborhood sits nearly in the center of the city so any area out to the perimeter is within a 20 minute drive, barring legendary Atlanta traffic of course.

Peoplestown has many parks from which to choose. The closest park is the newly renovated D.H. Stanton Park on the south side of the neighborhood. You'll find this a wonderful park for children, and it boasts a baseball diamond, walking or running paths, and dedicated bike trails. Stanton Park even has a small water park for children. When talking about parks in the area, however, the largest remains Grant Park. This 131 acre park houses the Atlanta Zoo and sprawls in the heart of one of Atlanta’s older neighborhoods. It also has a pool, lake, and the Atlanta civil war Cyclorama.

The cost of living in Peoplestown remains a bit lower than the median for Atlanta. The median rent for a one-bedroom residence sits at about $988. A beer at the local pub will cost around $6. For those intending to drive in the area, gas prices usually fall around 1 percent below the national average.

As the main grocery store for the area, Kroger, has two locations within two miles of the neighborhood. For those seeking fresh produce, look no further than the East Atlanta Village Farmers Market. With everything from fresh, artisanal breads to locally grown produce, the market has a little something for everyone. You can even take a break form the Atlanta heat and get an ice cream sandwich in a flavor of your choosing made from locally sourced ingredients.

You'll find most shopping, high end or otherwise, in neighborhoods nearby Peoplestown. Pink Sky Boutique stands out as a beautiful shop with lovely designer clothes. Pink Sky Boutique's helpful and friendly staff make for the ultimate shopping experience; plus, their website is very accessible.