Category: Business

Don’t look now, but Atlanta’s luxury real estate market is showing signs of cooling (e.g., 65% drop in investor purchases, increased listings, longer days on market), but its median luxury value is lower than top-tier markets like San Diego or Boston.

The typical luxury home — defined as the top 5% most valuable homes in each region — is now worth about $1.8 million nationwide, and more than double that in six major metros: San Jose, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, San Diego and New York.

These homes typically encompass nearly 3,500 square feet of living space and are often situated on more than two-thirds of an acre. Despite the recent slowdown in total market activity, luxury home values have increased 2.7% over the past year, outpacing the 1.4% growth seen in the broader market.

Why Has Atlanta’s Luxury Real Estate Market Slowed?

Atlanta’s luxury real estate market has experienced a slowdown in 2025 due to several interconnected factors, based on available data and trends:

1. Rising Mortgage Rates and Affordability Challenges: High mortgage rates, hovering around 6-7% in 2025, have reduced buyer purchasing power, even for affluent buyers. This has made financing luxury homes more expensive, causing some buyers to pause or reconsider purchases. The “lock-in effect” also plays a role, where homeowners with low-rate mortgages from prior years are reluctant to sell, limiting inventory and slowing market activity.
2. ​Increased Inventory and Reduced Investor Demand: Luxury home inventory in Atlanta has risen significantly, with a nearly 50% year-over-year increase in some months. This shift has given buyers more options, reducing competitive bidding and putting downward pressure on prices. Additionally, investor purchases have dropped sharply, with a 65% decline in Atlanta compared to pandemic peaks, due to high interest rates, declining rents, and rising insurance costs.
3. Economic Uncertainty and Shifting Buyer Priorities: Broader economic concerns, including potential tariffs, inflation, and a volatile financial market, have led to caution among high-end buyers. Some are adopting a “wait-and-see” approach, particularly after significant economic shifts post-2024 election. Buyer demographics have also shifted, with more downsizers and empty nesters entering the market, reducing demand for large luxury properties.

Top 10 U.S. Cities with Highest Median Luxury Home Values

“Despite a slower market, home prices have continued to climb — a promising sign for sellers considering listing their properties. Luxury home values, in particular, have remained resilient, even as both buyers and sellers took a more cautious approach after the April stock market volatility,” said Zillow Senior Economist Orphe Divounguy. “The luxury market is often international, so global economic conditions and stability also play a significant role. As economic conditions begin to stabilize, the luxury housing market could regain some momentum.”

Affordability challenges — including high mortgage rates, elevated home prices and ongoing macroeconomic uncertainty — have made many people hesitant to enter the market. While luxury buyers often have substantial equity and cash reserves, they still are proceeding with caution. However, the limited supply of high-end homes and their desirable features continue to keep home values ticking higher, even in a more subdued market.

Atlanta has one of the best real estate markets in the country, with affordable housing in every quadrant of the city. Large backyards, manicured parcels and strong neighborhoods with ample dining amenities make it one of the top places for transplants.

Not to mention that the city’s dining scene is the best in the Southeast. Looking for a home? Check out our Real Estate Resource Page.

Keep up with what’s going on in Atlanta’s real estate scene here with our Apartment Guide.

See The Latest Atlanta Real Estate News At AtlantaFi.com.

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 Pickleball Kingdom, the world’s largest indoor pickleball entity, is planning a new facility in Austell in late 2025.

The pickleball complex will be locatedat 3999 Austell Road, Suite 501, Austell, Georgia, 30106.

The state-of-the-art facility will span approximately 25,000 square feet and feature 10 professional-grade indoor courts.

The Austell facility will offer:

• State-of-the-Art Indoor Courts: Engineered to provide the best playing conditions, these courts combine outdoor court surfaces with indoor benefits for year-round play.
• Professional Coaching and Clinics: Programs designed for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced players.
• Youth Programs: Inspiring the next generation to embrace and enjoy the sport.
• Leagues and Tournaments: Organized for players seeking casual and competitive play opportunities.
• Community & Corporate Events: Building local connections through engaging pickleball events.

“We are delighted to bring Pickleball Kingdom to Austell and contribute to the development of a thriving pickleball community in this area,” said Nithi and Usha Anand, franchisees of Pickleball Kingdom. “Our vision is to create a welcoming space where individuals can engage in this exciting sport, improve their fitness, and connect with others who share a passion for pickleball.”

“Nithi and Usha Anand share our vision for growing pickleball and fostering strong, connected communities,” said Rob Streett, President and Chief Global Officer of Pickleball Kingdom. “Their passion for providing top-quality experiences and expanding access to the sport makes them the perfect partners to lead Pickleball Kingdom’s development across Georgia.”

Where Can I Play Pickleball in Atlanta?

Public Pickleball Courts in Atlanta
These courts are generally free or low-cost and often managed by the City of Atlanta or local parks.

Courts may be dedicated (permanent lines and nets) or shared with tennis courts (temporary lines or nets). Reservations may be available for a small fee ($3–$5/hour) through iParcs for some locations.

1. East Lake Park
– Address: 2617 Memorial Dr SE, Atlanta, GA 30317
– Details: Tennis courts with permanent pickleball lines. Free to play, first-come, first-served unless reserved.
– Amenities: Public park setting.

2. Grant Park
– Address: 537 Park Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30308
– Details: Tennis courts with permanent pickleball lines, close to downtown. Free to play, first-come, first-served unless reserved. Popular spot, can get busy.
– Amenities: Public park with playgrounds and other facilities.

3. Isabell Gates Webster Park
– Address: 275 Peyton Rd. SW / Peyton Place, Atlanta, GA 30311
– Details: Tennis courts with permanent pickleball lines. Free to play.
– Amenities: Public park.

4. Lenox-Wildwood Park
– Address: 1760 Lenox Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
– Details: Tennis courts with permanent pickleball lines. Free to play.
– Amenities: Public park.

5. Maddox Park
– Address: 1115 Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
– Details: Tennis courts with permanent pickleball lines. Free to play.
– Amenities: Public park.

6. Peachtree Hills Park
– Address: 308 Peachtree Hills Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA 30305
– Details: Tennis courts with permanent pickleball lines. Free to play. Active pickleball community.

Want to find courts in the city? Read our Atlanta Pickleball Guide.

Atlanta is a city of firsts, and this one involving transportation is a big one. Georgia’s largest city has been selected as the first city where the new Lime E-Bike will launch.

“During our initial pilots last year, it was clear that the LimeBike earned the love of our riders, with people returning to them frequently for local travel,” said Joe Kraus, President at Lime. “We’re so excited to take our next step with these vehicles and bring them to more cities this spring. The LimeBike makes strides in offering a convenient and inclusive experience to a wider number of riders, while sacrificing nothing in the joy all Lime vehicles inspire.”

What is LimeBike?

LimeBike is a new e-bike model introduced by Lime, a global leader in shared electric micromobility.

Designed to enhance accessibility and comfort, the LimeBike features a step-through frame for easier mounting and dismounting, wider tires for a smoother ride, and a throttle option for riders who prefer not to pedal constantly.

It targets a broader range of users, including women, older adults, and commuters, aiming to make micromobility more inclusive.

The bike supports longer trips, promotes car-free mobility, and incorporates modular design for easier repairs and sustainability, using swappable batteries shared with other Lime vehicles like the Gen4 fleet.

What Cities Is LimeBike Launching In?

Lime plans to launch more than 10,000 LimeBikes and LimeGliders across nearly a dozen cities in Europe and North America in 2025. Specific cities confirmed for the LimeBike rollout include:

• North America:
  • Atlanta, Georgia: Selected as the first U.S. city to officially launch LimeBike, with a citywide rollout following a pilot program in 2024. This is supported by Atlanta’s strong micromobility culture and a 62% year-over-year ridership increase.
  • Baltimore, Maryland: One of the first cities worldwide to launch LimeBike, with a fleet of 200 e-bikes deployed in the coming weeks after the announcement on May 30, 2025. Baltimore’s investment in bike lanes and safer streets contributed to this choice.
  • Nashville, Tennessee: Among the world’s first cities to launch LimeBike, with up to 200 e-bikes rolling out over the next few weeks following the June 5, 2025 announcement, aligning with the city’s goals for accessible, equitable transportation.
  • Denver, Colorado: Set to debut the LimeGlider, with potential for LimeBike expansion as part of Lime’s broader 2025 rollout strategy.
  • Austin, Texas: Planned for LimeGlider debut, with LimeBike likely to follow in the wider North American rollout.
  • San Francisco, California: Scheduled for LimeGlider launch, with potential inclusion of LimeBike as part of Lime’s expansion in key U.S. markets.
• Europe:
  • Turin, Italy: LimeBike is set to roll out, capitalizing on the city’s established cycling culture and infrastructure.
  • Aarhus, Denmark: Targeted for LimeBike deployment, leveraging the region’s bike-friendly environment.
  • Nice, France: Included in the LimeBike rollout, expanding access in a city with a growing micromobility presence.
  • Nyon, Switzerland: Part of the European launch for LimeBike, enhancing sustainable transport options.
  • Zurich, Switzerland: Initially piloting LimeBike, with a wider rollout planned alongside the LimeGlider debut later in 2025.
  • Seattle, Washington: While primarily noted for the LimeGlider launch in mid-August 2025, LimeBike is also expected to see wider availability in cities like Seattle as part of the broader strategy.

Final Word

The LimeBike follows successful pilot programs in 2024, with official launches beginning in spring 2025. Lime’s investment in 2025 includes fleet growth, new technology, and operational improvements to enhance safety, cleanliness, and rider experience.

The exact timeline for each city may vary, with deployments happening over the coming months, starting with initial fleets like the 200 e-bikes in Baltimore and Nashville. Additional cities may be announced as Lime finalizes its expansion plans.

Final Word

E-bikes aside, the city has plenty of nice places to stay and numerous cool things to do.

Atlanta has a lot of cool things to do and places to eat, including some of the top soul food joints and remarkable Thai food spots. Explore the city.

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The Hooters location on Peachtree Street in downtown Atlanta closed permanently after 22 years of operation, following the chain’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in March.

The closure — which included three other Georgia locations— was part of a broader restructuring effort by Hooters of America, which included shutting down more than 30 underperforming company-owned restaurants across the United States.

Hooters Closes 4 Georgia Locations

The company cited “pressure from current market conditions,” including rising food and labor costs, inflation, and waning consumer spending, as reasons for the closures.

Hooters is transitioning to a fully franchised business model, selling all 100 of its company-owned locations to franchisee groups, with the goal of stabilizing operations and focusing on long-term growth.

The downtown Atlanta location, a staple since March 2002, was a popular spot for locals, tourists, and sports fans but was among those deemed underperforming.

Below is a table of Hooters locations confirmed to have closed recently, based on available information from June 2024 to June 2025.

No specific plans for future closures beyond those already announced were detailed in the sources, as Hooters has not publicly disclosed a schedule for additional shutdowns.

Final Word

Rest in peace, Hooters. If you’re looking for restaurants in Atlanta with a similar vibe to Hooters—casual, sports-bar atmosphere with a focus on wings, burgers, and a lively environment—here are some Atlanta sports bars.

When the weather’s cool, Atlanta is still hot. Atlanta’s craft beer scene is thriving. Check out spots like Monday Night Brewing or SweetWater Brewing Company. Enjoy rooftop ice skating with views of the Atlanta skyline, complete with cozy fire pits and seasonal treats.

Hungry? You can also indulge in hot chicken at places like Mary Mac’s Tea Room or try seasonal menus at local restaurants.

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A packing list can make your travel itinerary seem lighter and so much easier. If you’re planning on flying from Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport or another airport, you’ll need one.

No matter if you plan to travel within the United States or abroad, you need to be able to bring all your necessary items with you.

What You Need For Your Essential Packing List

We’ve listed everything you need, from the smallest items to the must-have things for your trip. We’ll also show you an essential packing list for all your needs.

As with all things travel, you need to stay safe from COVID-19, so that means:

• Make sure you sanitize your belongings
• Bring masks and gloves with you on your trip
• Continue to keep your 6 feet in distance from other travelers

1. Make Sure Your Passport Is Current

The most important thing you’ll need in your packing list before you leave the country is a valid passport. Contrary to belief, many people think that if their passport expiration date is good at the time of their departure, they’re safe — but that’s not true.

Your passport needs to be current for your whole trip, but not only that: The U.S. Department of State recommends that your passport be good for six months after your trip. 

That way, if something happens, say, you get injured and need to be hospitalized for some time, your stay in the country will remain legal.

2. Call Your Financial Institution

The second thing you need to do is let your bank know that you’re going out of town. This way, they won’t view any credit card charges or withdrawals in another country as suspicious.

Here are the customer service numbers for some major banks:

• Wells Fargo: 1 (800) 869-3557
• JP Morgan Chase: 1 (800) 935-9935
• Citibank:  1 (800) 374-9700
• PNC Bank: 1 (888) 762-2265
• Bank of America: 1 (800) 432-1000

3. Withdraw Some Cash

It’s hard to know how much money you’re going to need for your trip because it’s going to be based on how many days you’ll be there as well as what you’ll do. 

No matter what the amount, you’re going to need to carry some hard cash so don’t forget to withdraw some before you leave the United States.

If you wait to get cash in a foreign country you’re going to unnecessarily subject yourself to some expensive fees.

Better yet, get yourself a Charles Schwab account, where all withdrawal fees or free or reimbursed.

4. Complete These Home To-Dos

Around the house you’ll want to take care of some important things while you’re away. Don’t forget to:

• Water the plants
• Turn off the air conditioner or heater
• Turn the porch light on
• Make arrangements for someone to feed your animals
• Set your email to auto-respond

5. Get Travel Insurance

If you’re going out of town for a lengthy period, it may make sense to get some travel insurance. The reason why this is important is because it’s a good chance your own medical insurance doesn’t cover out-of-the-country trips.

Go to InsureMyTrip.com to compare prices on some of the best policies out there.

Now let’s get into the many things you need for an international trip before you leave:

Get A Travel Bag That Works For You

Buy Now

There are good travel bags and there are bag travel bags. You’ll want one that fits the size of carry-on and checked bags.

Here are some good ones:

• Women’s Pink Weekender Travel Bag
• Plambag Canvas Duffle Bag
• Samsonite Checked Medium Bag
• Puma Men’s Contender Duffle Bag
• Rockland 19 inch Tote Bag

Want more options? Check out our Travel Luggage Guide.

A Good Camera Is A Must

Buy Now

If you think that a regular schmegular cell phone will do the job, you’re only partially right. A Pixel 4 or iPhone 11 will give you some great upclose shots, but if you want panoramic shots and photos that show depth, you’ll need a professional camera. Here are some of our favorite travel cameras:

• Digital Vlogging Camera 24 MP Ultra HD
• Canon PowerShot ELPH 90
• Panasonic Lumix FZ80 4K Digital Camera
• Nikon CoolPix B500 Digital Camera
• Sony Alpha A6000 Mirrorless Digital Camera

No matter where you go, you’ll want to save money on your trip. If you haven’t purchased your plane tickets yet, here’s how to save money on airfare.

No matter if you’re traveling out of Atlanta or another international airport, we’ve got some travel trips you’ll need if you want to save money.

Travel hacks and other tips can help you save big when you’re leaving from Hartsfield. Learn more by sticking to AtlantaFi.com.

Not only is it the world’s busiest airport, but it’s state-of-the-art in every way. If you’re interested in traveling around Atlanta via car or even on scooter, here’s what to know.

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Chefs Parnass Savang and Rod Lassiter, known for the Michelin-recommended Talat Market, are set to open Some Luck, a Thai bar, in early summer 2025, likely in June.

The new Atlanta restaurant is situated in the Otto’s Apartment Hotel building beneath the Highland Inn in the space formerly occupied by the Highland Ballroom Lounge in Atlanta’s Poncey-Highland neighborhood.

What’s To Expect From the Menu at Some Luck

The menu will feature Thai street food staples like hot and sour soups, boat noodles, fried pork ribs, and wings, paired with rum-based cocktails using Thai ingredients and pitchers of Singha beer. This spot aims to capture the vibrant, casual energy of Thai street stalls.

If you like Talat Market, chances are, you’re going to love new Thai restaurant and bar, Some Luck, to Poncey-Highland this summer.

Atlanta’s growing diversity, as a hub of cultural inclusivity, has fostered a vibrant food scene that embraces global cuisines.

Thai food, with its bold flavors, fragrant spices, and balance of sweet, sour, spicy, and savory, appeals to a wide range of palates, from those who enjoy mild dishes to spice enthusiasts. The city’s openness to international flavors has allowed Thai restaurants to thrive, offering everything from traditional dishes like pad Thai and tom yum to innovative fusion creations.

Love Thai Food in Atlanta?

Atlanta hosts a spectrum of Thai restaurants catering to different preferences, from upscale establishments like Nan Thai Fine Dining, which has earned the Four Diamond Award for 16 years, to casual spots like Little Bangkok and trendy venues like Tuk Tuk Thai Food Loft with skyline views.

This range—covering fine dining, street food-inspired eateries, and budget-friendly options—makes Thai cuisine accessible and appealing to diverse crowds, whether for date nights, takeout, or special occasions.

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