In every market be it either up or down, buyers are always wondering where the next big “thing” is. Over the coming weeks, I’ll take a look at some neighborhoods and areas that maybe you didn’t know were here and also reveal some things you probably didn’t know about the places you already knew were a “big” thing.
Today’s topic: Castleberry Hill
I have lived in Atlanta most of my life, and I will admit that the news of an up and coming Castleberry Hill has taken me by surprise, but there’s some great things going on here. The neighborhood comes up almost weekly in my web research on Atlanta real estate. Money is pouring in to this historic area of Atlanta. I started my research on CastleberryHill.org, a great website to check out. In fact, a lot of the background from this article has come from their excellent site.
First of all, where is Castleberry Hill?
Castleberry Hill
MARTA: Marta South Line Garnett Street stop. Take the escalators up to Trinity Avenue, walk left, cross Spring Street and you will be on Peters Street. Crossing the Peters St. Bridge puts you in Castelberry Hill.
Driving Directions:
From I-75 & I-85 North:
- Take 75/85 North to Central Ave. exit (#246)
- Continue North onto Central Ave. to Trinity Ave. (City Hall on corner) and turn Left onto Trinity
- Continue on Trinity approximately 5 blocks to Spring St., cross over Spring St.
- Trinity becomes Peters St.
- You are now in Castleberry Hill, view map for more info.
From I-75 & I-85 South (GA400):
- Take 75/85 South to Williams St. exit (#249D)
- Continue South on Williams to International Blvd. and turn Right
- Turn Left at next light (Centennial Olympic Park Dr./Techwood Dr.)
- Continue South on Centennial Olympic Park Dr. passing CNN, Phillips Arena, & the GA Dome (on the right)
- After MLK Jr. Dr and Mitchell St. you will start down a hill, at the bottom of the hill will be the Castleberry Hill entrance sign
- You are now in Castleberry Hill, view map for more info.
From I-20 East:
- Take I-20 East to McDaniel St. exit (#56A)
- Turn Left onto McDaniel St.
- Continue North on McDaniel St. (over railroad tracks) to Peters St. (1st light) and turn Right
- You are now in Castleberry Hill, view map for more info.
From I-20 West:
- Take I-20 West to Windsor St./Spring St. exit (#56B)
- Turn Right on Spring St. and continue North to the intersection of Spring and MLK Jr. Dr.
- Turn Left (one-way) onto MLK Jr. Dr.
- Continue to next light and turn Left onto Centennial Olympic Park Dr./Techwood Dr.
- After MLK Jr. Dr and Mitchell St. you will start down a hill, at the bottom of the hill will be the Castleberry Hill entrance sign
- You are now in Castleberry Hill, view map for more info. Click on map for Door-to-Door Driving Directions.
What is the History of Castleberry Hill?
Before the Civil War, the area known today as “Castleberry Hill” was considered the “Red Light District” of Atlanta. Here you would find a world of snake oil salesmen, and the criminal and immoral of the area, which gave it the nickname “Snake Nation.” After the Civil War, the residential and commercial development of the area really began, which is when the first horse-drawn trolley line started in Atlanta on Peters Street within the district. During the late teens and early 1920’s, Castleberry Hill became the home of two of the nation’s largest meat packing companies, Swift and Company and Kingan and Company. Starting in the 1950’s industry and commerce began moving out as more and more were moving to the suburbs leaving large warehouses and residential dwellings vacant. In more recent times artists started occupying these large areas, and loft living became more and more desirable, furthering interest in the area for possible renovation projects. In 1985, the area was place on the National Register of Historic Places since it contains one of the largest and best concentrated remnant of railroad buildings in Atlanta. Castleberry Hill began working on a Master Plan in 1998 where residents were able to lay out their ideas and vision for the neighborhood. This Master plan has been the springboard for this area’s Historic designation as well as their more recent Landmark District designation, an honor reserved for only seven other neighborhoods in Atlanta.
Why is it Up and Coming?
As artists have moved into this area recently so have the investors. Renovated loft properties have popped up all over the area. Restaurants, nightlife, chic boutiques and the like have begun the gentrification of the area. The historic charm and convenience of it’s location have made Castleberry Hill the site for numerous music videos as well as movies including, “Driving Miss Daisy,” “Sweet Home Alabama,” “Freejack,” and “Beauty Shop.” This area is well known for all things art. Some of Atlanta’s best art galleries can be found adorning Peters Street, the heart of the district. Living in the heart of the city will always have it’s challenges, but the active community of homeowners in the area would tell you that it can be a very cool experience as well. If you’re interested in living in an “artsy” hot spot on the rise, you gotta look at Castleberry Hill.
Lesley and I would love to show you all that Castleberry Hill has to offer. If we can be of service, give us a call or shoot us an email. -Andy
