Piedmont Heights - Atlanta, GA Area Guide

For decades, Piedmont Heights consisted of open country surrounding the city of Atlanta. That all changed in the 1930s, when development began in the area. By the 1950s the area began filling with homes and local establishments. In the early 1960s, the neighborhood was also a big part of the freeway revolt in Atlanta; the Morningside civic association MPLA was against the construction of I-485, as it would have gone through part of the Piedmont Heights neighborhood. In the late 1960s, the area became home to one of the area’s first outdoor shopping malls, Ansley Mall, which solidified Piedmont Heights as its own thriving neighborhood in the greater Atlanta area.

While Piedmont Heights is relatively new by city standards, the neighborhood is actually home to the second oldest house in Atlanta, the Liddell House on Montgomery Ferry. This home was built in 1860 and still stands today for those looking to tour the property.

With neighboring Midtown on one of the area’s borders, residents have easy access to some of the most acclaimed museums in Atlanta, all of which celebrate the history of this southern town. Visit the Atlanta History Center to take a look at the unique history of this thriving city. Make sure to visit on a nice day to allow for thorough exploration of the more than 33 acres of grounds and gardens, as there are hidden monuments and displays throughout the property that give insight into Atlanta’s history. Piedmont Heights also serves as the home to the Center for Puppetry Arts. With a visit to this museum, residents not only learn about the puppetry arts, but see one of the establishment’s stunning live shows performed live.

In Piedmont Heights, a mixture of established chain restaurants and local bars make up the slue of options for diners.

In true Atlanta fashion, the Piedmont Heights neighborhood houses several Southern style BBQ restaurants, including locally owned Daddy D’z BBQ Joynt. You can’t miss this red, white and blue joint in the neighborhood, but this local establishment has more than just pulled pork and beans. Local blues bands play on a regular basis for those looking for some entertainment while they dine, and the eatery stays open late for patrons. However, the most unique item on the menu comes in the form of the restaurant’s Que Wraps. These bite sized appetizers feature slow cooked barbecued pork that is battered, deep fried and ready to eat.

For a Cajun twist on a traditional menu, visit Serpas True Food. Chef Scott Serpas, a New Orleans native who brings the influences of his hometown to all of his dishes, owns this establishment. The restaurant features a massive brunch menu, which is a local favorite among residents, but the real gem of Serpas is the Big Pappa’s Double Beef Patty. Be warned, however, that this item takes so long to cook its only available Tuesday-Thursday.

Residents interested in the area’s nightlife scene will find several local bars, and larger nightclubs can be found throughout the neighborhood. At Smith’s Olde Bar, residents can enjoy late night American pub fare, pools, DJs on the weekends and plenty of beer specials. However, most people visit for the live music, as the bar frequently brings in some of the area’s biggest rock bands.

Although it is not the most walkable neighborhood in Atlanta, getting around Piedmont Heights is relatively simple for those who call this area home. Travel by car is quick and convenient, as Interstate 85, whick takes residents in and out of the downtown region, borders Piedmont Heights.

Several bike lanes exist throughout Piedmont Heights, but in terms of public transportation, many choose to use cabs. The Uber car service also has a strong presence in the area thanks to its close proximity to downtown and the number of bars and restaurants in the neighborhood.

MARTA serves the Piedmont Heights area with a park-and-ride station, and several bus stops throughout the neighborhood. For those who prefer to use the rail system, visit the East Point station either through the Lindberg Center or Arts Center stops. The rail station serves the gold and red lines.

Despite its urban location, Piedmont Heights features several parks and plenty of opportunities for residents to enjoy open green space. The area’s main park, Gotham Park, is actually owned by the residents of Piedmont Heights instead of the city of Atlanta. This small, locally owned park is dog and family-friendly, and serves as a popular meeting place for residents of the neighborhood.

The southern tip of the Piedmont Heights neighborhood borders Piedmont Park, the city’s biggest park. This public park has a separate, fenced-in dog park as well as many walking paths, tennis courts, baseball diamonds and plenty of green space. This park is also home to the city’s Botanical Garden. It's free to the public and hosts events suchs as 5ks, concerts, and the Piedmont Park Arts Festival. However, for many, it is exploring the acres of manicured green space in Piedmont Park that make it such a special addition to the neighborhood.

Life in Piedmont Heights generally carries an average to above-average cost of living thanks to its close proximity next to Midtown Atlanta. The cost of leasing houses or apartments is more reasonable when compared to similar niche neighborhoods in the area. The average cost of an apartment in Piedmont Heights is around $1,085 per month. The urban nature of the community makes dining, groceries, nightlife and entertainment slightly more expensive than suburban neighborhoods.

Trusted, modern brands make up most of the shopping scene in Piedmont Heights, but the region also has some locally owned gems, meaning there is something for everyone in the neighborhood. Visit the Ansley Mall for a complete shopping experience. Grab everyday items at CVS, or visit Scents and Suds for a collection of gifts, soaps and specialty bath products. At locally owned Phidippides, those with an active lifestyle can pick up all of their running shoes and supplies.

If boutique shopping is your scene, visit Domus for a collection of European furniture and accessories, or By Design for modern fashions and accessories. Home cooks can also stroll by the neighborhood’s Cook’s Warehouse to find one of the most eclectic collections of cooking gadgets and accessories.

Piedmont Heights residents can buy their groceries at the Publix located in the in the Ansley Mall on Piedmont Avenue.