Historic Marietta - Atlanta's best kept secret...

When I moved to Atlanta five years ago, I fell in love with the "in-town" areas of Virginia Highlands, Inman park, Midtown... I longed for one of the cute 1920's bungalows I saw everywhere in those neighborhoods.

Unfortunately, my mortgage person soon gave me a reality check and I realized that I would probably have to consider a more affordable area if I wanted my bungalow...and also if I wanted to avoid the "joy"of Atlanta city taxes!

As I continued my search just north of the city, I stumbled upon Historic Marietta, a small area just West of 75. It had historic homes surrounding a charming town square with restaurants, coffe shops, antique stores, even a well-known theater. I saw people walking to the Square from their homes, sitting in outdoor cafes, or just relaxing in Glover Park (the centerpiece of the Square). I found out that regular events included concerts, antique and arts shows, even a summer farmer's market.

As one of the oldest neighborhoods in Marietta, it was filled with the historic homes I loved, from turn of the century Victorians to early 20th century bungalows. Even today, I never tire of driving down Church or Cherokee Streets, which have some of the areas' most beautiful homes. When I learned what the property taxes would be (compared to city of Atlanta), I knew I was home. I found my own 1920's bungalow, complete with the big Southern front porch, 10' ceilings, and even a koi pond in the front yard.

Yes, my home needs some updating, but I found out that one of the best parts of living in historic Marietta is that all the neighbors get to know one another, and we share our old home renovation ups and downs. We look out for one another, and we hold regular "block parties" to take time out from our busy lives and re-connect. I tell my family that it's like living in "Mayberry"--if I forget to lock my back door, I don't have to worry; I have had a baby deer and her mom in my backyard; and I can commune with nature while hiking at Kennesaw Mountain Park, just minutes away. And I'm only 20 minutes from Midtown!

And for my friends (I know who you are!) who have a fear of living not only OTP but in Cobb County, I'm here to tell you that there's something about that the more urban feel of living near the Square that attracts a more diverse, slightly less conservative crowd--yes, I have even spotted Obama signs on my street! :-)

So while I'll always love all the neighborhoods in intown Altanta (and love selling homes in those areas), I have a special affection for the neighborhood just outside the Perimeter with the "intown" feel--historic Marietta.