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Atlanta’s downtown district is once again attracting residents, reversing decades of sprawl that saw families flock to the suburbs. Georgia’s largest city leads the nation in downtown apartment construction, according to a new report.
StorageCafe.com’s report shows that downtowns are back in vogue again, with Atlanta leading the way. The site looked at the downtown areas of the country’s 100 largest cities and ranked them based on the number of multifamily units built over the past decade.
What City Is #1 In America For Downtown Apartment Construction?
The nation is in the middle of a housing crisis, with not enough dwellings being built for American families, but Atlanta is doing its part.
- The city has built more than 21,000 units from 2013 to 2022, according to StorageCafe.
- The next-closest city with that kind of downtown construction is Los Angeles, with $19,342 units built over that period.
- The 21,500 apartments built in Atlanta over the past 10 years represents more than half or its inventory. Downtown Atlanta has another 7,000 new apartments currently being built, according to the site.
Let’s look at how the cities rank in terms of apartment unit construction.
Cities With The Most Apartment Units Being Built
- Atlanta — 21,508
- Los Angeles, CA — 19,342
- Houston, TX — `15,607
- Charlotte, NC — 12,836
- Miami, FL — 12,401
- Nashville, TN — 11,144
- Denver, CO — 10,730
- Jersey City, NJ — 10,236
- Brookyn, NY — 9,623
- Minneapolis, MN — 9,554
- Baltimore, MD — 9,043
- Chicago, IL — 9,031
- San Diego, CA — 8,696
- San Antonio, TX — 8,373
- Raleigh, NC — 8,341
- Philadelphia, PA — 8,019
- Tampa, FL — 7,494
- San Jose, CA — 7,487
- Richmond, VA — 7,329
- Orlando, FL — 7,264
How To Afford An Apartment In Atlanta
You already know that Atlanta apartment market is one of the most expensive in the country. The average rent in Atlanta is more than $1,800 a month. How can you afford rent?
Get A High-Paying Job
You need to have a salary that meets the median income across the Atlanta metro area. If you can switch to a higher-paying job, now is the time to do that.
Work flexibility is at an all-time high as many employers are hiring remote workers right now. Here are some insightful steps on how to find a job in Atlanta.
Get A Roommate
Having a roommate will not only allow you to save more of your money, but it also automatically gives you some company for lonely nights. As long as you get along, it could be great.
The key to finding a good roommate is to screen properly.
Some great places to find a roommate include:
Ask For A Cheaper Unit
Many apartments will only show you their more expensive one-, or two-, or three-bedroom apartments, but if you want to stay there and save money at the same time, you need to ask the leasing agent for their least expensive options.
See if you can haggle them on the price by promising to pay the first six months of the rent or another concession.
Apartments will typically have apartments that need a paint job or other cosmetic fix that they may rent you if they’re in a hurry. It won’t hate to ask.
Final Word
The Atlanta construction boom hasn’t just been relegated to downtown. Places like Smyrna, Doraville and high-priced Buckhead have cranes in the sky. In fact, many of the suburban and exurban areas are seeing structures being built on what seems like a monthly basis.
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A new restaurant and bar concept is set to open on Atlanta’s westside this fall. Westside Motor Lounge is a fun outdoors/indoors eatery that includes a cocktail lounge, game room and events space and much more.
This is one of the best places to eat in West Midtown.The eatery is situated at Echo Street West, the development just off Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway near Northside Drive. Westside Motor Lounge sits on a parcel that used to house three car mechanic shops and adjacent parking lots. Now the establishment finds itself right next to the Westside Trail of the Atlanta Beltline.
When Is Westside Motor Lounge Opening In Atlanta?
Westside Motor Lounge is scheduled to open sometime in October 2022. The establishment is part of a westside renaissance that is being partially driven by the popularity of the Beltline and related businesses in its orbit.
Westside Motor Lounge: What To Expect
Westside Motor Lounge was developed by Lincoln Property Co., and is operated by STHRN Hospitality Co., which is headed by George Banks, Elizabeth Feichter and Kelly Campbell.
The complex includes the following amenities:
- Restaurant and bar
- Cocktail lounge
- Listening room
- Event space
- Game room
- Courtyard featuring a music stage, beer garden, shuffleboard courts, cabanas, fire pits and a food truck.
Where Is Westside Motor Lounge Located In Atlanta?
Westside Motor Lounge is located at 725 Echo St. NW. Here is a map to help you find it.
Atlanta is having a restaurant renaissance. Hot chicken is the rage in Atlanta’s dining scene right now. But so are chicken and waffles.
Fast-casual is also the dining trend du jour around metro Atlanta restaurants. The concept involves mixing the quick accessibility of fast food with the casual dining experience. Food in Atlanta is also adapting to the various tastes of the migrants that come here to live.
Read more: 20+ Essential Soul Food Restaurants In Atlanta
The city has some good restaurants in each quadrant of the city: East, West, North, South. All you need to do is think about what you have a taste for. Italian? Soul food? Tex-Mex? Atlanta has it all.
Metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene continues to grow with no stops on the horizon. Ready to try something new?
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If your kid is a wizard, he or she might enjoy the new Harry Potter: The Exhibition set to open in Atlanta, Georgia this fall.
The installation is the handiwork of Warner Bros. Themed Entertainment, in partnership with Imagine Exhibitions and EMC.
Harry Potter: The Exhibition: What To Know
The Harry Potter: The Exhibition features a comprehensive tour exhibition of the magical world of the teenage whizkid complete with other characters and movie references.
When Will
Harry Potter: The Exhibition Open In Atlanta?
Harry Potter: The Exhibition will open in Atlanta, Georgia on Friday, Oct. 21, 2022. The visit to Georgia will be only the tour’s second stop of its North American tour.
Where Will Harry Potter: The Exhibition Be Located In Atlanta?
Harry Potter: The Exhibition will be located in downtown Atlanta at 200 Peachtree Stl Atlanta, ga.. Here’s a map to hep you find it.
How To Get TicketsTickets for the Atlanta exhibition will go on sale on Wednesday, September 28, but fans who are a part of the Harry Potter Fan Club will receive exclusive access to presale tickets on September 25.
“Building on the tremendous success in Philadelphia, we are so excited to bring Harry Potter: The Exhibition to the city of Atlanta, the world headquarters of Imagine Exhibitions, and my hometown,” said Tom Zaller, President and CEO of Imagine Exhibitions. “We create experiences all over the world and it’s nice to show our city what we do.”
Visit www.HarryPotterExhibition.com to register to be the first to know all news related to this immersive experience. To become a member of the Harry Potter Fan Club you can sign up for free at www.wizardingworld.com/harry-potter-fan-club .Here are more articles from AtlantaFi.com:
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The 2022 BronzeLens Film Festival is taking place this weekend in Atlanta, Georgia. The multi-day event continues to highlight actors, producers as well as films, shorts and documentaries from people of color.
We’re going to break down everything you need to know about the BronzeLens Film Festival taking place in Atlanta.
BronzeLens Film Festival: What To Know
The BronzeLens 2022 Film Festival takes place August 23-28, 2022 in Atlanta. Here are some of the top events you can expect to experience:
- Film Selections
- Movie Screenings
- Workshops
- Networking Opportunities
Opening night featured the film Dione Warwick: Don’t Make Me Over at Atlantic Station.
Here are some event highlights from the BronzeLens Film Festival schedule:
Wednesday, August 24
- Incarceration Nation: Documentary screening and discussion — IPIC Theatre at Colony Square
- Short Doc 3 — Black Lives Matter, social justice and more — IPIC Theatre at Colony Square
- Jazz Night Screenings — Landmark Midtown Art Cinema
Thursday, August 25
- Powerhouse Workshop — Art of the Pitch — The Starling Atlanta Midtown
- Shorts Block 4 — Relationships, mental health, social justice — IPIC Theatre at Colony Square
- Powerhouse Presentation: Intimacy Coordination for Film/TV — The Starling Atlanta Midtown
Friday, August 26
- Web Series 2/Short Docs 5 — IPIC Theatre at Colony Square
- Two Classes of 1968: Documentary — IPIC Theatre at Colony Square
- Powerhouse Workshop: Unreal Engine & Visual Storytelling — The Starling Atlanta Midtown
- Film Screening: Unthinkably Good Things, directed by Terri J. Vaughn
Saturday, August 27
- Powerhouse Workshop: Media Licensing & Fair Use — The Starling Atlanta Midtown
- Nominated Films 3: Let the Church Say Amen — IPIC Theatre at Colony Square
- Powerhouse Conversations: Productions in the Heart of the Peach —
- The Starling Atlanta Midtown
Sunday, August 28
- Sunday Brunch With the Brothers — Monday Night Brewing
- Cinema & Social Justice Sunday: The Mahalia Jackson Story — Landmark Midtown Art Cinema
- 13th Annual BronzeLens Awards Show — The Cecil B. Day Chapel at The Carter Center
- BronzeLens After Party — The Starling Lobby
Last Word
There are so many movies filmed in Atlanta these days that it’s hard to keep up with it all. That’s why I suggest you subscribe to AtlantaFi.com to get all the freshest movie casting calls, celeb sightings and Atlanta happenings delivered to your inbox.Want to work in Georgia film & TV? Here are the latest Atlanta casting calls
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There’s a new taco joint in town and it’s a good one: Capital Tacos is offering pickup and delivery orders in Atlanta.
The eatery specializes in a Tex-Mex cuisine, which they take seriously.
Here is what it says on the restaurant’s website: “Every item on our menu is made from scratch and grilled up to order. From starters to munch while you wait, to award-winning flavor profiles and inventive meals that simply don’t follow the rules.”
Capital Tacos Opens In Atlanta
Launched in Land-O-Lakes, Florida, Capital Tacos has taken its time with expansion plans. After the pandemic subsided, the eatery figured the time was right.
“Our goal was always to get the company to a point where we can get the Capital to as many people around the region, the state and the country as possible,” co-owner Josh Luger told the Tampa Bay Times. “We’ve had, not exaggerating, literally hundreds of requests for stores and franchises across the state and country from folks who visit the store or know us over the years.”
Now it’s Atlanta’s turn to experience food on a “Capital” level.
What’s On The Menu At Capital Tacos?
The menu at Capital Tacos consists of several modern hits on some Tex-Mex favorites.
Starters
- Mexican Street Corn
- Capital Fries & Dipping Sauce
- Chips & Salsa/Queso
- Queso Bites & Dipping Sauce
Rule Breakers (Entrees)
- Monster Quesadillas
- Crazy Fries
- Epic Nachos
- Tacos, Burritos & More
You’ll also love the Big Kahuna taco, which consists of battered fried fish, jack & cheddar, corn salsa, carolina gold, cilantro, dirty spice, and a lime wedge.
Where Is Capital Tacos Located?
Capital Tacos is located at 800 Forrest St NW Atlanta, GA 30318. Here is a map to help you find it.
Capital Taco’s phone number is (470) 816-3784.
So when are you going to visit Capital Tacos? Put it on your list of best Atlanta taco places.
Final Word
Tex-Mex food, Mexican and Taco Tuesday. Atlanta does all of them well.
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Asian-inspired restaurant Wagamama has opened at Star Metals District in Atlanta’s West Midtown. The new eatery on Howell Mill Road is spread across 3,500 square feet, including a private Asian-inspired outdoor patio.
This is the eatery’s first Atlanta outpost. West Midtown has become the new “it” place to be recently, especially with the recent opening of Star Metals District.
“We’re thrilled to bring Wagamama’s modern take on Asian cuisine to the thriving neighborhood of West Midtown,” shares Richard Flaherty, co-CEO of Wagamama USA. “Our engaged, high-energy dining experience perfectly complements Star Metals’ approach to the new urban lifestyle.”
What’s On The Menu?
Wagamama’s menu will consist of the very best flavors from from Asian, including a wide variety of cooked-to-order noodle dishes, signature ramens, shareables, fresh juices and craft cocktails.
What Are The Early Reviews?
Customers are in love with Wagamama so far. Here’s what one reviewer said about the eatery:
With a great location, this place is outstanding, open and with a great menu, plenty of vegetarian options, and OMG every shareable hits the spot, the ambiance is so cool and the service is the best!
Always attentive, making sure everything was ok and good recommendations.
Came yesterday for lunch and got the steak bulgogi, bang bang cauliflower, and the chicken gyoza EVERYTHING WAS DELICIOUS! And don’t forget the cocktails! The best thai chili margarita I’ve ever tried, so different and unique!Where Is Wagamama Be Located?
The Wagamama’s in West Midtown will be located in Star Metals Residences at 1050 Howell Mill Road. Here’s a map to help you find it.
Final Word
West Midtown is also home to Chattahoochee Food Works, the 31-vendor, 25000 square-foot food hall that boasts the delectable eatery, Delilah’s Everyday Soul. Check it out.
Metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene continues to grow with no stops on the horizon. Ready to try something new?
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Months after “The Slap,” movie star and comedian Chris Rock’s world tour is coming to Atlanta this weekend. His Ego Death tour stop this weekend will mark the first time he’s performed in Atlanta in five years.
Rock has been to Atlanta many times over the years, but interest has never been as high as it is right now. Ticket sales for his Ego Death tour have skyrocketed since the incident at the Oscars.
When Will Chris Rock Perform In Atlanta?
Chris Rock is slated to perform in Atlanta on Friday, July 29; Saturday, July 30; and Sunday, July 31, 2022 at the Fox Theatre in Midtown Atlanta. The triple header is quickly selling out.
Who knows? If interest continues to climb, Rock may add yet another show here in Atlanta.
How To Get Tickets To See Chris Rock In Atlanta
To get tickets to see Chris Rock in Atlanta, you can buy them on the Fox Theatre’s website. The prices are $49.50 per ticket as of this writing.
Final Word
Rock has established himself as a bankable movie star in addition to a top-notch standup comedian. His hit TV show Everybody Hates Chris, which hilariously chronicled his childhood, ran four four seasons on The CW Network.
Because of the steady flow of movie and TV productions, Atlanta has been called the Hollywood of the South and it’s not just a label.. If you want to be an actor, the city has classes you can take as well as places that provide headshots and more. You can also audition at numerous casting calls to build your movie and TV reel.More Articles From AtlantaFi.com: -
Do you love hot dogs? We must admit, there’s nothing like a delicious hot dog slathered in mustard, onions and chili.
For National Hot Dog Day, we’re showing you where to treat yourself to some ‘dog goodness!
National Hot Dog Day: The Best Hot Dogs In Atlanta
One of our favorite spots is Barleygarden Kitchen & Craft Bar in Alpharetta, where the hot dog is king.
Barleygarden, located in the Avalon shopping center, is the perfect spot to beat the heat and enjoy a cold beer and delicious “dog.”
Barleygarden is #1 on our list for best hot dogs in metro Atlanta.
Favorite “dogs” include the Chicken CheddarBest, Knockwurst-Brautwurst, Sweet Italian or Beef Kielbasa sausage, each of which will hit the spot.
You can also dress up your hot dog in five different topping combos known as the Frontier, Philly, Bavaria, Corndog and Amigo for an additional $2 or under.
Mouth-watering combo toppings include turkey chili, cheese, red peppers and onions, sauerkraut, gluten-free corndog batter, jalapeño pickle relish and more.
Visit Barleygarden Kitchen & Craft Bar on National Hot Dog Day or any day!
Best Hot Dogs For Hot Dog Day In Atlanta
Looking for some of the other best places to try a hot dog in Atlanta, Georgia? Read this list.
1. Dog Haus Dogs
One of the best deals for National Hot Dog Day is at Dog Haus Dogs, which is offering a free Haus Dog in-store. You can find the coupon inside the app.
2. Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs
931 Monroe Dr NE #300, Atlanta, GA 30308
Do you love Nathan’s? Participating restaurants are having a buy one get your second one for a nickel sale when you buy a hot dog.
3. Streatery
240 Peachtree St, Atlanta, GA 30303
As you know, Streatery specializes in all natural 100% beef franks and serve pork,beef and chicken sausage as well.
4. The Original Hot Dog Factory Downtown
75 Piedmont Ave NE #150, Atlanta
5. The Varsity
61 N Ave NW, Atlanta, GA 30308
Patrons typically order off a menu board like they would at a burger joint, but the convenience of sitting down to leisurely enjoy their food has made the segment a popular one with the restaurant industry.
6. 7-Eleven
Swing by 7-Eleven and get a Quarter-Pound Big Bite all-beef hot dog for $1. You can also get a FREE Slurpee drink coupon valid through July 31. The coupon is available through the 7Rewards loyalty program found in the 7-Eleven app.
7. Circle K
Also Circle K, is selling a hot dog for $1. Try a heated hot dog, tucked in a warm, fresh bun topped with your choice of a variety of condiments. Try one with a pop and a bag of chips,
Read more: 15+ Essential Soul Food Restaurants In Atlanta
Atlanta has some good restaurants in each quadrant of the city: East, West, North, South. All you need to do is think about what you have a taste for. Italian? Soul food? Tex-Mex? Atlanta has it all.
For the latest in metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene, stay with Atlantafi.com.
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After having to relocate her business, Grant Park Coffeehouse owner Rahel Belfield is going back to basics, as in Grant Park.
The popular coffee shop is set to open this fall at its familiar digs in Grant Park, according to Grant Park Coffeehouse website.
Grant Park Coffeehouse Reopening In Grant Park
“The Grant Park Coffeehouse has changed locations and a new cafe is opening at their prior location … . Come enjoy premium coffee, specialty sandwiches, fabulous ice cream and custom deserts – all in a relaxing atmosphere,” it says on the establishment’s homepage
Belfield, a pastry chef, has been in operation for 12 years. She told What Now Atlanta that she has been longing to get back into her shop’s former digs since she had to move due to a rent dispute.
“I’m coming back home,” Belfield told the publication. “It’s such a beautiful building. My kids went to school across the street. It was my dream building. I’m still shocked that I own it every time I go by. For 12 years I passed the building and dreamed about it.
If you love a fresh batch of coffee, including varieties from Belfield’s native Ethiopia, as well freshly baked cinnamon rolls, chicken salad and more, make sure you check out Grant Park Coffeehouse.
The new Grant Park Coffeehouse will be located at 337 Georgia Ave, SE Atlanta, Ga. 30315.
Where Is Grant Park Coffeehouse Located?
Grant Park Coffeehouse is located at 753-A Cherokee Avenue Southeast, Atlanta, GA, United States, 30315. Here’s a map to help you find it.
Grant Park Coffeehouse is one many black-owned food businesses in Atlanta, and there are plenty others. If you like barbecue, see our list of the Best Atlanta BBQ Restaurants.
As for eateries below I-20, these Southside Atlanta restaurants have developed quite a following.The craze hasn’t escaped metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene, which has seen a bar explosion in recent years.
Got an event or know of something opening in and around Atlanta? Holla: CJ@AtlantaFi.com. See what’s poppin’ in the ATL! Subscribe to our news alerts here, follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
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National French Fry Day is a special day when you’re a fan of potatoes. If you’re wondering how to properly celebrate it i.e. find some awesome fries in the city, Atlanta’s restaurants give you quite a few choices.
These Atlanta Restaurants Have The Best French Fries
Let’s look at some Atlanta eateries with great fries for National French Fry Day!
HobNob Neighborhood Tavern
Atlanta Locations:
- 1221 Ashford Crossing, Atlanta, GA 30346 | (470) 395-7904
- 804 Town Blvd A1010, Atlanta, GA 30319 | (404) 464-8971
- 245 18th St, Atlanta, GA 30363
Here’s what one reviewer says about dining at HobNob: “Wanted something warm and hearty. Glad I came to the right spot.The chicken pot pie was the best I have ever tasted. I also had a taste of the Americana burger which was juicy, flavorful and outstanding.”
The Varsity
Atlanta Locations:
- 61 North Avenue NW, Atlanta, GA 30308 | (404) 881-1706
- 6045 Dawson Blvd, Norcross, GA 30093 | (770) 840-8519
- 2790 Town Center Dr, Kennesaw, GA 30144 | (770) 795-0802
Here’s what one customer says about The Varsity’s French Fries: “The fries were crispy! Perfectly seasoned too! Quick and accurate service, and the dogs and pies were delicious as always.”
Slutty Vegan ATL
Atlanta Locations:
- 1542 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd SW, Atlanta, GA 30310 | (855) 439-7588
- 484 Edgewood Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312 | (855) 439-7588
- 164 N McDonough St, Jonesboro, GA 30236 | (855) 439-7588
- 2045 Pleasant Hill Rd, Duluth, GA 30096 | (855) 439-7588
Here’s what one reviewer says about Slutty Vegan: “Some of the best food I’ve ever had!! I don’t just mean best -vegan- food, but I mean, like all around best. Never knew vegan specific food could taste this good before this. Absolutely delicious food, great place.”
The Usual
1777 Peachtree St. NW Atlanta, GA 30309 | (404) 343-1541
Here’s what one customer says about The Usual. “Great food — think elevated American bar dishes. The service was excellent and I liked the fun atmosphere. We had loaded fries, the house parker rolls, calamari, and the shrimp louie salad. All were very good, although I would skip the calamari next time. For dessert we did the skillet chocolate chip cookie with ice cream – it was delicious. I will definitely go again.”
Cubanos ATL
Atlanta Locations:
- 930 Market Pl Blvd Cumming, GA 30041 | (404) 889-8948
- 1235 Chattahoochee Ave NW Atlanta, GA, 30318 | (404) 889-8948
- 6450 Roswell Rd Suite C, Sandy Springs, GA 30328 | (404) 889-8948
- 7730 Roswell Rd #400 Dunwoody, GA 30350 | (404) 889-8948
Cubanos ATL has some great fries as well. Here’s what one customer says: “Worth every penny. Menu just right. The right kinda homey vibe. Thank God it is 2 minutes drive for Lunch.”
Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken
231 Peachtree Street Northwest A-05 The Mall at, Atlanta, GA 30303
Here’s what one customer says about Gus’ Fried Chicken. “Very good chicken and fish. The wait time is painful so order ahead of time. The price per portion will leave some folk hungry but they have great flavor if you have great patience. The staff was super friendly and kept checking in to let us know the food was still cooking.”
Chai Peking Chinese Restaurant
2205 Lavista Rd, Atlanta, GA 30329 | (404) 327-7810
Here’s what one reviewer says about Chai Peking Chinese Restaurant: “My food, Hunan Beef, was good. Although it was not shockingly good, other than its price, it was good. I spent $16 something on a regular Hunan Beef.”Final Word
French fries are some of the best supplemental dishes with a burger. Check out these top burger spots.
Metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene continues to grow with no stops on the horizon. Ready to try something new?
