Nell Smith’s desire to be closer to her family prompted her move from Birmingham, Ala., to metro Atlanta. In her visits through the years, she not only enjoyed seeing her family but making friends. Smith, 74, chatted about the new condo she purchased in The Residences at Vinings Main.
Q: How long were you thinking about moving to Atlanta?
A: A couple of years. I just enjoy being here so much and being with my children.
Q: How did you choose the Vinings location?
A: I looked at several places. My son (Brett) lives in East Atlanta. My daughter (Jennifer, and son-in-law, Lee) lives in Midtown. I came from Birmingham, and I lived in Crestline Village, which is like Vinings, with all the shops, restaurants and boutiques. That’s sort of what I wanted. I looked at a couple of other places that are really nice. One did not have gated parking. One of them did, but it was very contemporary. I liked Vinings because it is very traditional. It suits my furniture. My kids really liked it because the community has a concierge and gated parking.
Q: What features appealed to you about the condo you chose?
A: I have wonderful walk-in closets and huge bathrooms. It’s just very nice. I have a big living area with a kitchen that’s sort of all open and with high ceilings. There is a bedroom on either side of the living room, which makes it nice. I have a nice little deck.
Q: When did you know it was the one?
A: When I walked in. In fact, it has almost the same colors that I had at my house, so I didn’t have to change anything. It’s all worked with everything. Of course, I’ve had to downsize.
Q: What pieces did you bring from your Birmingham home?
A: I had a big antique bookcase, and it works in my living room. I had another big bookcase in my little den area in my home, and it fits in a little alcove that looks like it was made for it. Everything just seemed to work out.
Q: What did you want in a community?
A: I wanted the small atmosphere. I wanted the restaurants. I wanted the easy grocery shopping. I have all of that. I can walk out on the front street of Paces Ferry, and there’s a nice restaurant and fast food and a nail salon and a cleaners. Then I can walk to the village. It’s just so convenient.
Q: What tips do you give others making a move to be closer to their children?
A: For me, it’s been great. Anybody who wants to be near his or her children, I think it’s wonderful. I have a couple of people that I have known for several years who live here. I’ve been visiting here because my son has lived here for over 10 years and my daughter about 10. I’ve sort of learned my way around so it’s not quite all new to me.
At a Glance
Nell Smith’s condo in The Residences at Vinings Main has two bedrooms, two baths and about 1,361 square feet of livable space. She purchased it in June.
The Residences at Vinings Main
County: Cobb
Information: 770-436-9595, www.viningsmain.com
Price range: $160,000s-high $200,000s
Units: 148
Square footage: 897-1,868
Standard features: 10-foot ceilings, hardwood floors, granite countertops and stainless steel appliances in the kitchen
Amenities: Assigned garage parking, concierge, outdoor pool, fitness center, gathering rooms with plasma TVs and catering kitchen, courtyard patio with outdoor fireplace, guest suite, community security
Homeowners' fees: 28.4 cents per square foot
Developer: ACG Equities
Broker: The Marketing Directors
Schools: Teasley Elementary, Campbell Middle, Campbell High
More on schools: schools.ajchomefinder.com
Getting there
Take I-75 north to Exit 256 (Mt. Paran Road). Turn left and stay on Mt. Paran Road until you arrive at Paces Ferry Road. Turn right on Paces Ferry Road and travel about 1.8 miles. At the light, turn left and pass Vinings Jubilee. The Residences at Vinings Main will be on the left.
For sale
$273,900: 3621 Vinings Slope S.E., Unit 1239, Atlanta 30339. A two-bedroom, 2 1/2-bath condo with a fireplace and hardwood floors in the living room, and French doors leading to a balcony.
$162,900: 3621 Vinings Slope S.E., Unit 1229, Atlanta 30339. A one-bedroom, one-bath condo with a balcony, his-and- hers vanities in the master bathroom, and granite countertops in the kitchen.
Recent sales
$205,000: 3621 Vinings Slope S.E., Unit 2322, Atlanta 30339. A two-bedroom, two-bath condo with a balcony and formal dining room with columns and hardwood floors.
$146,900: 3621 Vinings Slope S.E., Unit 3212 Atlanta 30339. A one-bedroom, one-bath condo with a walk-in closet in the master and granite countertops in the kitchen.
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