West End - Atlanta, GA

The West End was settled in 1835 and was actually originally known as White Hall. The town took the moniker after the White Hall Inn, which served as the local tavern, post office, stage coach stop and election precinct. Thirty-two years later, residents of the area rechristened it the West End in honor of London's theater district. By the 1880s a number of nearby Atlanta's wealthy residents had built large estates in the West End.

Thanks to the advent of the railroad and construction of new roads, the West End was annexed into Atlanta in 1894, eventually becoming the city's first official historic district. For 36 years the neighborhood's population grew significantly, leading to a reputation throughout Atlanta as a culturally and socially diverse area. The 1920s and the arrival of the automobile ushered in a host of businesses, from Sears to Firestone and Piggly-Wiggly.

The West End is a hub of soul food dining. Healthful Essence, which serves Caribbean-style vegan cuisine, remains a favorite among locals and visitors, vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. Regulars recommend the Curry Un-Goat with beans and rice, the mango smoothie, and carrot cake for dessert.

JJ's Rib Shack marks another West End soul food landmark. Arrive early since this eatery usually has customers in a line extending to the parking lot. Georgians drive hours to buy JJ's ribs and popular sides such as collard greens, macaroni and cheese, coleslaw and candied yams. West End nightlife spreads out across several bars and clubs in the area, including 255 Tapas Lounge and its daily drink specials that run until 4 p.m. Meanwhile, GME Sports Lounge & Grill, as the name suggests, features games, music and entertainment on a regular basis.

Located on the south side of Interstate 20 at the exit to Joseph E. Lowery Boulevard, the West End is also served by its own Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) station. Other MARTA options in the area include Red and Gold line buses as well as the MARTA rail system. Bus service connects residents to a number of destinations, including Morehouse College, Spelman College, the Atlanta University Center and Hammonds House.

Atlanta's main thoroughfare, Peachtree Street, connects to the West End, making access to the metro area simple and convenient. The neighborhood is itself friendly to those who prefer to walk or bicycle with a number of safe, well-lit trails.

The West End Trail, part of the Atlanta Beltline, is popular among those wanting to stretch their legs and step into nature. Opened in two phases - one in 2008 and another in 2010 - the trail extends nearly 2.5 miles from White Street to the Westview Cemetery. Along the way it connects several Atlanta neighborhoods, from the West End itself to Mozley Park and Westview.

As with the rest of the Atlanta Beltline, the West End Trail is free to access. The overall Beltline project incorporates a network of public parks and trails connecting multiple neighborhoods and circling downtown Atlanta. The West End portion is one of the first sections of the Beltline. It features a walking and bicycling path.

Coordinators of the trail ensured that native trees and other vegetation were planted along it from beginning to end, offering users a look at how outlying Atlanta appeared before widespread development occurred.

The cost of living in the West End remains lower than that of downtown Atlanta. Following Atlanta hosting the Summer Olympics in 1996, Atlanta and its outlying neighborhoods, particularly the West End, began attracting wealthier professionals and their families. Despite the recent influx of new residents with higher incomes, the West End's cost of living is about nine percent less than that of Atlanta and about five percent less than the national average. The neighborhood's per capita income is still lower than more than 95 percent of neighborhoods in the United States. The average price of a one-bedroom apartment rental in the West end is about $735, which is lower than comparable rent in 52 percent of Georgia's neighborhoods.

The Mall West End is the most popular retail area in the neighborhood with nearby residents heading there to shop and people-watch. In addition to its chain stores such as Radio Shack, Foot Locker, and Payless Shoes, the mall features a few independent small businesses.

The Burning Sands II has a unique assortment of Greek souvenirs and accessories, while A&O Printing helps customers interested in customized apparel. West End Shipping Company, located inside the mall itself, makes sending just-bought gifts to loved ones even more convenient. The Mall West End also houses a number of great local and ethnic eateries such as Fish-In-The-Pocket.

A Family Dollar, located due west from the Mall West End along Ralph D Abernathy Boulevard, meets the basic shopping needs of most West End residents. Locals can easily navigate into downtown Atlanta via I-20 for a large selection of upscale stores and boutiques.