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The Atlanta area saw a double-digit percent increase in foreclosures over the last year, according to findings from a recent report.
Property data provider ATTOM Data Solutions’ Year-End 2019 U.S. Foreclosure Market Report shows that foreclosure filings in 2019 decreased in most cities — but not Atlanta.
Report: Foreclosures Up In Atlanta
Default notices, scheduled auctions and bank repossessions were reported on 493,066 U.S. properties in 2019, which is a 21% decrease from the previous year.
The new figure is also down 83% from a high of nearly 3 million in 2010.
Here are the big cities that saw a double-digit increase in foreclosures:
- Baton Rouge, Louisiana (43%)
- Atlanta, Georgia (up 25%)
- Salt Lake City, Utah (up 17%)
- Orlando, Florida (up 16%)
- Portland, Oregon (up 16%)
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.
Keep up with what’s going on in Atlanta’s real estate scene here.More Articles From AtlantaFi:
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With the horrible news of former NBA star Kobe Bryant’s passing, the nation is mourning the loss of an American sports hero.
The Atlanta Hawks and the rest of the NBA all witnessed the greatness of Kobe over the course of his 19-year career. Here are some highlights of Kobe vs. Atlanta.
Flashback: Kobe Bryant Puts On A Show In Atlanta
Atlanta star Trae Young expressed a heartfelt reaction on the passing of the NBA superstar. “All the Lessons All the Advice Every word you ever told me… Will stick with me forever. Thank you Kobe,” Young tweeted.
Former teammate Shaquille O’Neal posted this: “Kobe was so much more than an athlete, he was a family man. That was what we had most in common. I would hug his children like they were my own and he would embrace my kids like they were his. His baby girl Gigi was born on the same day as my youngest daughter Me’Arah.”
Kobe also had some memorable battles with Atlanta stars, including Joe Johnson. Here are some highlights:
Most of all, Kobe was a wonderful hustand and father. His professional accolades include:
- 5x NBA Champion
- 2 x Olympic Gold winner
- 1 x Oscar Winner
- 1 x MVP. 18 x All Star.
- 33,643 career points
- 60 pts in his last game
Atlanta has a lot of inspirational people and AtlantaFi.com is going to introduce you to many of them as well as cool places to go, great restaurants and other ATL happenings.
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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East Point is getting a Del Taco on Cleveland Avenue, Atlantafi.com has learned. The eatery is set to open in 2021, according to WhatNowAtlanta.
The Mexican restaurant will open in the space formerly occupied by Pleasers, a strip club that closed in 2017.
Del Taco Coming To East Point
Del Taco serves more than just Mexican fare. The California-based eatery has burgers, fries, and shakes on the menu as well.
Del Taco will join a Cleveland Avenue vicinity that has been revitalized thanks to a Walmart and adjacent shopping plaza.
Rounding out the food options, patrons also have a Popeyes and Ikhlas fish spot down the street.
Del Taco serves more than just Mexican fare. The California-based eatery has burgers, fries, and shakes on the menu as well.
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: 10+ essential soul food spots 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.
For the latest in metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene, stay with Atlantafi.com.
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Atlanta’s pizza wars just got deeper: Stoners PIzza, billed as “America’s Best Pizza,” is opening in Atlanta, the company says in a press release.
Stoners Pizza currently operates in 70 places, including in cities such as Jacksonville, Charleston, South Carolina and Fort Lauderdale.
Stoners Pizza Is Coming To Atlanta
“We are excited to bring our operational experience and background to the Stoner’s Pizza family as we embark on opening the brand’s first flagship store in the Atlanta market,” Chunara Food Group Vice President Shezaan Chunara says in the release.
The eatery also has such delights as Cheesecake Stromboli and Big Sweet Bread Sticks.
Where Will Stoners Pizza Atlanta Be Located?
Stoners Pizza will be located at 120 Piedmont Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA. 30303. Here is a map to help you find it.
The ATL has other cool eateries as well. If you’re gluten-free, there’s plenty of options. Same goes for keto-friendly restaurants or Asian fare in Atlanta.
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Grana, a new Atlanta restaurant that specializes in casual Italian cuisine, is set to open in early 2020 between Morningside and Buckhead, AtlantaFi has learned.
The Piedmont Heights restaurant will feature wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas, housemade pastas, authentic Italian dishes and more.
Grana comes to us from the culinary mind of Chef Pasquale “Pat” Pascarella, who opened The White Bull restaurant in Decatur.
Grana Brings Italian American Cuisine To Buckhead
“I’m excited to bring Atlanta authentic Italian dishes that are reminiscent of my childhood,” says Pascarella. “Rather than serving inventive takes on traditional specialties, our emphasis is going to be on providing well-executed dishes that are true to Italian tradition. We want to give our guests consistent, approachable food in a casual, laid-back atmosphere.”
Here’s 5 Things To Know About New Atlanta Restaurant Grana
- A comfortable, neighborhood feel, relaxed and inviting dining room
- Two wood-fired Marra Forni brick pizza ovens in the dining room
- Up-close look at dough and pizza-making processes
- A mezzanine dining level + rooftop hangout overlooking Piedmont Avenue
- Rooftop bar, soft seating and fire pits in cooler months
What’s On The Menu At Grana in Atlanta?
Grana’s authentic Italian menu will feature locally sourced ingredients as well as some from Italy. Patrons can expect housemade pastas, a special meatball program, seasonal vegetable sides and a selection of signature Italian entrees, including family recipes from Chef Pat’s Italian-American upbringing.
A family-style polenta dish served directly on the table will also be available to hungry diners. The beverage program will feature well-crafted classic cocktails, wine from rich regions across Italy and international beers.
Grana will be located at 1835 Piedmont Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30324. The Piedmont Heights neighborhood is roughly bordered by Piedmont Avenue to the south, Flagler Avenue to the west and Interstate 85 to the north.
Got an event or know of something opening in and around Atlanta? Holla: TJohnson@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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Atlanta, especially Fulton County, is among places where it’s most affordable to rent rather than buy a home, according to a new study.
That’s not the case in other areas: Buying a home is more affordable than renting one in most metropolitan counties analyzed in a new survey.
Cheaper To Rent An Atlanta Home, Study Says
Figures from Attom Data Solutions‘ 2020 Rental Affordability Report show that owning a median-priced, three-bedroom home is more affordable than renting a three-bedroom property in 53% of the U.S. counties analyzed for the report.
Among counties with a population of 1 million or more, those most affordable for renting are:
- Allegheny County (Pittsburgh), PA (24.3%)
- Cuyahoga County (Cleveland), OH (25.6%)
- Fulton County (Atlanta), GA (26.2%)
- Oakland County, MI (outside Detroit) (26.6%)
- Wayne County (Detroit), MI (27.5%)
But those areas were the exception. In 455 of the 855 U.S. counties surveyed, the numbers showed that it’s cheaper to buy a home than rent one.
The analysis highlights a split between different-sized markets, with ownership more affordable mainly in lightly populated counties and renting more affordable in more populous suburban or urban areas, the study says.
“Home ownership is a better deal than renting for the average wage earner in a slim majority of U.S. housing markets. However, there are distinct differences between different places, depending on the size and location from core metro areas,” said Todd Teta, chief product officer with ATTOM Data Solutions. “For sure, either buying or renting is a financial stretch or out of reach for individual wage earners throughout most of the country in the current climate. But with interest rates falling, owning a home can still be the more affordable option, even as prices keep rising.”
Last Thought
In 94, or 69%, of the 136 counties in the report that have a population of at least 500,000 or more, renting is more affordable than buying a home.
You may be wondering what it takes to buy a home in Atlanta, as the forecast for this year predicted, prices in certain areas are increasing. But that doesn’t mean you can’t find a nice home in metro Atlanta.
The first step in the process is to get pre-qualified for a mortgage.
There’s also ample opportunities to rent your home for cash. Keep up with what’s going on in Atlanta’s real estate scene on our Real Estate page.
More Articles From AtlantaFi:
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Atlanta’s Tyler Perry Studios has just churned out a made-for-Netflix movie that his audience is sure to love: A Fall From Grace premiered Friday, January 17.Following in the footsteps of Acrimony, the new movie represents a darker turn of Perry’s traditional romantic movies.The movie centers on a woman who has lost part of her identity after her divorce. She finds love again, but it’s fraught with danger.Watch: A Fall From Grace Trailer
A Fall From Grace filmed on various lots at Tyler Perry Studios in southwest Atlanta. The romantic thriller represents a departure from the comedic films that have become Perry’s forte.Where Was A Fall From Grace Filmed?
Principal filming for A Fall From Grace was done on a lot at Tyler Perry Studios. The studio has several lots named for prominent African-American actors.
Who’s On The Cast For A Fall From Grace?
Tyler Perry has been hiring big time as of late. The cast is made up of several veteran actors as well as new faces on the big screen.
- Tyler Perry
- Cicely Tyson
- Phylicia Rashad
- Mehcad Brooks
- Bresha Webb
- Adrian Pasdar
- Cyrstal R. Fox
With more than 700 movie and TV projects just in the last few years, the film industry has generated more than $9 billion for the state of Georgia.
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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Passersby have always been curious about the Atlanta Diaries development, which sits along a revitalized corridor of Memorial Drive on Atlanta’s east side. Now a new restaurant, Wonderkid, is literally the new kid on the block.
I recently sat down and dined in the establishment, which is a partnership between Big Citizen and King of Pops. The Atlanta restaurant strikes a nice balance between nostalgic diner and contemporary chic.
Wonderkid Review: Atlanta Restaurant’s New Take On Diner
First off, the interior is gorgeous, but looks like it would be something you’d see around the Poncey-Highland area. The decor is artful, yet intentionally dated.
I ordered a cocktail to start things off. The waitress told me that the current beverage menu was limited, but is expected to expand in the coming days.
I ordered a variation of a Moscow Mule, a “Wonderful Mule,” with New Amsterdam Vodka, Ginger, Soda and more. Very tasty.
What’s On Wonderkid’s Menu? Here’s A Look
Wonderkid has all kinds of creatively named dishes on its menu. The thing is, the menu changes on a daily basis, which stresses the creativity of Executive Chef Justin Dixon.
And that’s exactly why Dixon was hired, according to Big Citizen co-founder Eric Simpkins, who talked to me months ago about the place.
“We wanted to do something different, we knew we had to elevate things a little bit and our goal was to really find a chef that could match that spirit of elevation where it’s still very much a diner, approachable and broad, but understands the roll n’ roll feel we bring to it and have a bit more fun and shake things up a bit,” Simpkins said.
Examining the menu, I was struck by the many different dishes they served. That night, they had a number of delicious dishes being offered. Here’s a list:
- Falafel Waffle
- Meatloaf Melt
- Steamed Mussels
- Hand-Cut Beef Tartare
- Roasted Turkey Sandwich
- Heirloom Bean Empanada
- Chef’s Red Chili and more.
What To Eat At Wonderkid In Atlanta
For my entree, I ordered the Fried Catfish, which was expertly seasoned with hot sauce. I also went with Shrimp Grits with Quinoa.
The star of the show, however, was the Mac ‘N Cheese (tinged with blue cheese), which was bomb. Not only was it a huge portion, but I simply couldn’t stop eating it once I tried it for the first time.
The entree was more delicious than you would think, but that’s the whole point that Wonderkid is trying to achieve. They want it to be surprisingly good and the food succeeds.
For dessert, I wanted to give the King of Pops Soft Serve options a try, but the “Just For Now” Cakes & Pies selections kept calling my name.
That night, Wonderkid offered the Eggnog Cream Pie (with brown sugar bourbon whip cream), Brown Sugar Citrus Meringue Pie, Mocha Cream Pie, Caramel Layer Cake (with salted caramel buttercream) and Chocolate Blackout Cake.
I tried the Eggnog Cream Pie, which was a great choice. The sweetness of the pie countered the bourbon quite nicely. I was so full from the entree , I couldn’t finish it though.
I kindly asked the waitress for a to-go container, which she obliged. As I waited for the bill, the restaurant softly throbbed off 1990s hip-hip. I was completely satisfied.
If you want to try something different, fun and delicious, Wonderkid is all that and a side of Mac ‘N Cheese.
Where Is Wonderkid Located In Atlanta?
Wonderkid is located at 777 Memorial Dr. SE, Suite 101A, Atlanta, GA. 30312. Here is a map to help you find it.
Read more: 5 essential soul food spots 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.
For the latest in metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene, stay with Atlantafi.com.
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Ponko Chicken is set to open at Lenox Square in the mall’s dining pavilion, according to a press release. The new Atlanta restaurant will open in spring 2020.
The Japanese-American restaurant will be in the space formerly occupied by Taziki. Customers can expect Ponko Chicken’s signature dishes like chicken tenders, tacos and sandwiches.
Ponko Chicken Opening At Lenox Mall In Buckhead In 2020
The first Ponko Chicken opened in Chamblee, Georgia in 2017. That’s when founders, Maggie Antoine (Culinary Executive) and Reiko Clark (Brand Executive) team up with Dr. Patrick Sallarulo (Chairman and CEO).
Together, they opened their flagship PONKO Chicken Restaurant in Chamblee, Georgia. Since their debut, the restaurant has garnered a substantial following in the Atlanta community with their unique Asian fusion fare.
“We are thrilled to be joining Atlanta’s premier shopping destination in the start of the new year. As a local brand, it’s an honor to showcase our product and story to busy shoppers and visitors alike,” says PONKO Chicken Chairman and CEO Dr. Patrick Sallarulo.
What’s On The Menu At Ponko Chicken?
The “Ameri-Asian” eatery specializes in Asian fusion foods like crispy chicken and fusion sides made from fresh ingredients.
Ponko Chicken specializes in “Amer-Asian” fare, especially delicious chicken. Mouth-watering tacos will also be on the menu. As the restaurant settles in, you can bet that more great items will be available soon.
Where is Lenox Square located?
Ponko Chicken will be located at Lenox Square mall. 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: 5 essential soul food spots in Atlanta
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.
For the latest in metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene, stay with Atlantafi.com.
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Lime scooters are going to disappear from Atlanta streets and curbsides as the company has made the decision to cease operations in the city.
“As part of our path to profitability, Lime has made the difficult decision to exit Atlanta and focus our resources on markets that allow us to meet our ambitious goals for 2020,” a company spokesman said in a statement Thursday.
Lime Scooters Leave Atlanta
The move comes months after Atlanta imposed controversial restrictions on scooters, including a night curfew. The city had also began impounding scooters and charging the companies a fee to retrieve them.
In the end, the less-than-ideal environment was too much for Lime.
“We appreciate the partnership we’ve enjoyed with Atlanta and remain hopeful we can reintroduce Lime back into the community when the time is right,” the spokesman was quoted as saying.
Lime Is Leaving These 12 Markets
Atlanta’s not the only city that will be Lime-less. Eleven other markets are losing the scooters. They are:
- Phoenix
- San Diego
- San Antonio
- Linz, Austria
- Bogotá, Buenos Aires,
- Montevideo, Lima,
- Puerto Vallarta, Rio de Janeiro
- and São Paulo in Latin America
The loss of Lime leaves Bird as the most popular scooter option in the city. But it also strands scores of gig workers who had earned extra money by charging Lime scooters.
Metro Atlanta has a hot economy and that means employers are hiring at a rapid pace.If you’re looking to get hired in Atlanta right now, there’s a very real possibility that you can land your dream job.OR
