East Atlanta surprises couple
Atlanta offered 1950s ranch-style homes, similar to the house Alex and Angie Malone owned on nearly three-quarters of an acre in Indianapolis. While the architecture style appealed to them, homes in Atlanta were more expensive.
“That was an increase that we had to get used to,” said Alex, 30.
Why Atlanta?
Alex accepted a job with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, where he is managing producer of Symphony Pops. The Malones realized it would be difficult to find homes on large lots intown, but location was important for Alex to get to the concerts and for Angie’s job as a freelance costume designer.
Putting down roots
The couple planned to spend three months in temporary housing, to learn about Atlanta’s communities, but they found their home on their second house-hunting trip to Atlanta, and only spent three weeks in their temp home. They credit their agent, Ariane E. McClure with Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty, for taking time to learn about their home likes and dislikes, via phone and email conversations. They needed two bedrooms and more than one bathroom, and a den, office or basement for Angie’s studio.
“We left 3,000 square feet. We were leaving an area that had more than enough space for the two of us. We got used to being able to spread out. Older homes in Atlanta don’t have that size,” Alex said.
Although they were unaware of East Atlanta, McClure described it as an older, established area on the rebound with new restaurants and stores. Homes were affordable enough for the couple’s low- to mid-$200,000s price range, and McClure found a house that was just about to be listed. Once the Malones saw the two-bedroom, one-and-a half-bath home built in 1955 with an office/studio space, a basement, and features such as skylights and stainless steel appliances, their search ended.
“There weren’t many to see that hit the market in our price range,” said Angie, 31. “But I love what we ended up with.”
Since moving in during June, they have installed new light fixtures and ceiling fans, added shelving and painted a bedroom. They plan to repair and refinish the heart pine floors in the kitchen.
Relocation tip
Be willing to consider neighborhoods in the midst of change. The Malones can walk to eat, shop and even work out in East Atlanta Village. “It’s turning out to be one of the highlights of the whole home,” Alex said. “We’re starting to learn restaurants and shops and out-of-the-way places. It’s fun to explore and learn what’s off the beaten path.”
