Riverside - Atlanta, GA Area Guide

The area of present-day Riverside started as a working plantation, known as the Spink Estate. The plantation was named after owner James W. Spink, and today, Spink Street still runs through the neighborhood's heart. The neighborhood began when Spink began selling lots of land in 1892. The remaining area of the estate was officially sold in 1914 and divided into 20 different farms. Today, those farms are mostly housing developments. In 1952, Riverside was officially annexed into the city of Atlanta.

Riverside is one of the many communities in Atlanta that started as a plantation, and in the nearby Atlanta History Center, residents can explore Atlanta’s past in detail. The center details Georgia’s past and the roles that plantations played in the development of this region.

At the High Museum of Art, residents can view a renowned collection of different artistic collections and award-winning architecture. Just minutes away from the heart of Riverside, this museum provides residents with access to a rotating collection of famous art.

Most of the restaurants in the Riverside neighborhood lie along the bustling Bolton Road strip of the area. Here, residents can enjoy an array of offerings from several small, locally owned establishments.

For something a little more exotic, visit Acapulco Mexican Taqueria. While it may be small on the outside, this authentic Mexican joint has a huge menu filled with fresh-made specials. Try the Caldo de Camaron y Pescado, a dish prepared with a traditional Mexican cooking style. Because this celebrated dish takes such time and commitment to prepare, it is only available on the weekends.

At Riverside’s Westside Pizzeria, residents enjoy what the Atlanta Journal Constitution deems the city’s best pizza in town. The restaurant serves gourmet pizza and locally brewed beers in a comforting neighborhood location. Not in the mood for pizza? The restaurant also offers subs, pasta, steak and fresh salad. Don’t forget to try the bread twists that are made of fresh dough and pizza toppings, twisted into braids and baked until golden brown. They make a great appetizer to share with friends.

Residents interested in bars and nightlife frequent Oasis at Riverside. This bar and restaurant stays open late and offers a number of dinner and drink specials including frequent “all you can drink” nights and features weekly trivia competitions. With its massive cocktail menu and laid-back vibe, Oasis is a hub of excitement and activity. Interstate 75 is just minutes away from the Riverside neighborhood, so residents seeking the thrill of downtown Atlanta’s bar and club scene can easily travel downtown for an evening of fun.

Bolton Road provides a scenic route straight through Riverside and makes transportation in and out of the region simple for residents and visitors alike. Travel by car to conveniently and quickly access nearby downtown or neighboring communities such as Smyrna and Vinings. Interstate 285 and Interstate 20 border this neighborhood and make commutes easy for the neighborhood’s residents. Cabs are prevalent in the area, and since Riverside is part of the city of Atlanta, residents also enjoy access to the Uber car system. While there is no official MARTA rail station stop in the neighborhood, residents can access local MARTA bus stops to get on the rail line near the Arts Center, or they can take a quick drive to one of the park and ride stops nearby to access the city’s public transit system.

Located in the heart of the Riverside neighborhood, Whittier Mill Park is a classic 22-acre neighborhood park that was dedicated by the city in 2003. Here residents can jog, play in open spaces, explore the river bank, enjoy natural wild life, and take in the beauty of the Chattahoochee River.

The community holds an annual event in the park called Parktoberfest. This premier fall festival brings in local food, beers and musical talents for an event that celebrates the park and helps raise money for preserving this public city park.

The park also serves as the site of the Riverside Runs 5K, which takes runners around the neighborhood while supporting several different local charities.

Life in Riverside carries an average to below-average cost of living compared to the state and the rest of the city, making it an accommodating place for residents with all types of budgets to call home. The cost of leasing homes or apartments is also quite reasonable, with the average cost of an apartment around $800 a month. While some newer homes or apartments are slightly more expensive than older residences in the area, the properties here are more affordable than in other areas of the city.

Local businesses make up the shopping scene in the Riverside neighborhood. While only a few shops dot the neighborhood’s main Bolton Road strip, the area’s close proximity to downtown leaves other shopping opportunities just minutes away.

Active types who enjoy their convenient access to the wildlife of the Chattahoochee can shop for all of their athletic apparel at West Stride. This knowledgeable and well trained staff will not only get you into a new pair of shoes, but will also get you out on the trail in one of their weekly running groups.

Looking for new furniture? At Main Street Furniture, all types of home pieces and accents are available for sale. This unique store stocks an eclectic collection of items often not found in big chain stores.

While there is a Riverside Farmers Market, it's actually located in nearby Roswell. The market operates on Saturdays and offers locally grown fruits, vegetables, meat and eggs.

Residents can visit the nearby Kroger on South Atlanta Road for all of their everyday food items and grocery needs. This large supermarket chain is prevalent throughout the Atlanta area and has its own pharmacy as well as a bakery and deli department.