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Thursday, August 7, 2008
My, how Atlanta changed!
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Today’s Newcomer guest post comes from AJC business reporter Kristi Swartz, who covers media and technology. She’s one of those semi-newcomers who came back to the city after a number of years away. She recognized some of it…but not all of it. Jamie will be back next week, and would not be surprised if a new condo development had sprouted up on top of her apartment in the time she’s been away.
I arrived in Atlanta as a fresh-faced eager intern who wanted to see and do as much in the city as I could.
That was 10 years ago.
So after a few stops in North Carolina and Florida, I’m back in one of my favorite cities. Some of it, like walking through Piedmont Park and listening to live music at Smith’s Olde Bar was as familiar as if I had never left. But there were also changes, some rather striking. Here’s a list of what I found:
Traffic. OK, this is a no-brainer; the traffic has always been a mess. But I remember the usual backups on I-85 and 400 during rush hour or before a Braves game. Snarled traffic on side streets in the middle of a Saturday afternoon is beyond me.
Atlantic Station. I came from Florida, where people like to eat, drink and shop. And, in Atlanta, people like to eat, drink and shop. I don’t know if it’s the location or the size, but Atlantic Station is just colossal. And, I hope I don’t have to go anywhere near it during the holiday shopping season.
Piedmont Park. I am sad that the city’s major festivals can’t be held here because of the drought. I get it. But it makes me sad.
Parking. I had forgotten that some lots charge for parking at night. But I guess ALL lots charge for parking at night. And during the day. And any other time. I just don’t like paying the equivalent of a premium beer or more before I actually get inside wherever I am going to actually drink beer.
Lofts. Lots and lots and lots of lofts. Actually, it’s not that there are so many nice loft apartments, it’s that I am not sure that management got the memo that we’re in a housing downturn. Here, you can rent this eclectic two-bedroom loft for the monthly price of … the mortgage payment on my Florida home, even after I gave the tax man my arm and the insurance company both of my legs.
Downtown. I work down the street from the CNN Center, and 10 years ago I recall that was about the only place around to go eat lunch or perhaps hang out after work. (I could be wrong.) I was pleasantly surprised to discover the number of little affordable restaurants along Broad Street as well as a couple of hot spots that have sprouted up along Marietta. The downtown still needs some work, but it’s nice to see how much it’s developed.
Grant Park and East Atlanta neighborhoods. I lived in a pretty eclectic neighborhood in South Florida. There was a downtown strip that came alive at night but it was mixed in some cute, restored homes with some ones that needed some TLC. I don’t know what drove the improvements to Grant Park and East Atlanta, but I find both neighborhoods to be full of charm.
Decatur nightlife. Downtown Decatur wraps up a little early. Now, I don’t need to be out at 2 a.m., but there are far too many places that close at 11 p.m. on a Friday and Saturday night and well before that during the week. And it’s a shame, too, because the places along the square are fantastic.
Returning newcomers, what changes surprised you when you came back to the metro Atlanta area?
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