College Park

 

Home to the fourth-largest urban historical district registered within the National Register of Historic Places in Georgia, the city of College Park is a hip and urban neighborhood tucked right against the southern border of Atlanta. Within its bounds are portions of the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport, ranked as the world’s busiest airport. 

 

Additionally, College Park is right in the middle of the area’s major highway arteries and interchanges, including I-85 and I-285. When combined with the presence of a MARTA rail stop and ample bus service to the area, College Park is easily one of the most travel and commuter-friendly cities in the state. Founded under the name of Atlantic City in 1890 and renamed College Park in 1896, the city has a long and rich history that it strives to maintain.

 

College Park’s bustling and lively personality is one of the facets that make the city a family-friendly neighborhood. It’s home to many top-ranked public and private schools and has ample housing with a variety of styles to suit different needs. Here, you can find gorgeous Craftsman homes—sometimes ensconced among trees for a natural vibe—just minutes from the busy Main Street. There’s an assortment of architectural styles that spans the century, such as quaint mid-century bungalows and contemporary townhomes right in the heart of the city.

 

It isn’t hard to imagine that a city with the busiest airport in the world and major transportation veins would have dynamic and active energy. The city’s urban flair brings residents a constant influx of entertainment options but still retains quieter neighborhoods—like the historic home district—that can provide a little sanctuary in the middle of it all.

 

College Park is brimming with exciting restaurants and is just minutes from much of Downtown Atlanta’s best shopping districts and facilities. Among those locations is Peachtree Center, where over 50 restaurants and retail stores are housed in a mixed-use office development area. Visitors can get around by walking the stunning enclosed sky bridges that connect each building, and the bevy of shops and restaurants makes for a full day of exploring and dining. 

 

The true star of the show in College Park, however, is the dining. BBQ enthusiasts will have their hearts’ content of choices, including the old-school stylings of Pit Boss BBQ. Fall-off-the-bone ribs and large portions of comfort sides like collard greens and mac & cheese make Pit Boss a must-try. Tom Dick and Hank is a favorite among locals, and here the nostalgia of backyard BBQ comes to life through music, mouthwatering meats, and a warm, family-friendly atmosphere.

 

Though there’s plenty to satisfy already, College Park offers up yet another of Atlanta’s best BBQ joints, Hattie Marie’s. This Atlanta staple dishes out Texas-style BBQ and Cajun chicken that’s packed with flavor. For brunch, there’s nowhere better than The Real Milk and Honey. Whether grabbing the classic waffles and wings or indulging a peach cobbler oatmeal, diners at this brunch hotspot always leave satiated and satisfied.

 

Though it radiates urban busyness, College Park also has a few places to slow down and relax amongst the tumult. For instance, the College Park Golf Course was built in 1929 and has been challenging Atlanta golfers with its expansive and hilly fairways ever since. Its proximity to the airport allows this course to serve travelers looking to freshen up their skills and locals who are avid enthusiasts of the sport.

 

Nestled in the center of the Historic District, The College Park Women’s Club Camilla Hall is the picture of elegance. Its members are engaged in bettering the community through civic involvement and have supported College Park for 120 years. Supporting the community in a different capacity, PopShopolis is a unique event venue that hosts the city’s emerging entrepreneurs who rent the space for pop-ups and special events. Arguably one of the most well-known facets of College Park, the Gateway Center Arena is the Atlanta Hawks G league host and functions as a 5,000-seat venue for large-scale events.

 

College Park is home to several excellent schools. Top educational opportunities include: