Finding Our Dream Home: Location, Priorities, and a Touch of Serendipity
Ah, house hunting. It's a rollercoaster, isn't it? You've got this vision in your head, a million "must-haves," and a healthy dose of reality trying to keep you grounded. But for me, it was also an unexpected adventure that led me right here, to our haven in Southwest Atlanta. Buckle up, fellow home hunters looking for a renovation special, and let me tell you our story!
Finding the perfect spot to build your dream home is a delicate balance between needs, wants, and a little bit of luck. Today, we'll delve into my personal journey of house hunting in Atlanta, highlighting the key factors that led me to our current home, and ultimately, to Cloud Cline across the street.
Budget Battles and Commute Constraints:
First things first, let's talk practicality. When I moved to Atlanta 20 years ago, I had a budget and a simple requirement that I didn’t want to commute more than 20 minutes to my job located in mid-town Atlanta. If you have ever been in Atlanta traffic, then you know that this latter requirement restricted where I could live. The location would definitely be ITP or inside-the-perimeter, the I-285 beltway that circles the outskirts of the city. My budget definitely ruled out some of the high rent neighborhoods to the north and east of the city. My requirements, however, still left a lot of desirable neighborhoods throughout the city. I was also lucky in terms of timing.
Unlike today, I was buying into a buyer’s market. There was a lot of inventory on the market, interest rates were reasonable and bidding wars were pretty much unheard of. The financial and housing crisis of 2008 – 2009 was still years off. A prior layoff, however, instilled a fierce respect for staying within budget. Sticking to a plan, even if I could technically afford more, became my personal mantra.
Beyond the Usual Suspects: Exploring Atlanta's Hidden Gems
Now for the fun part – neighborhood exploration! I started with the classics – Chandler Park, Grant Park, Edgewood, Kirkwood – vibrant areas with charming bungalows and craftsman houses. While charming, none quite fit the picture of my dream home – a two-story Victorian with a steep roof similar to my first home. A colleague then tipped me off to Atlanta's Southwest neighborhoods.
The “SWATs” make up several neighborhoods including the historic West End and Collier Heights with their deep connections to the civil rights movement and home to HBCUs, Spelman, Clark Atlanta University, and Morehouse, and their southern neighbor Audubon Forest, home to many of Atlanta’s notable politicians. Looking first in and around the West End, due to its close proximity to work, it didn't quite have the specific features I was looking for. So, I ventured further out, where its hard to tell the difference between urban and suburban neighborhoods as the look and feel all blend together. It was there on the outskirts of town that I found our current house.
More Than Bricks and Mortar: Finding a Place with Soul
Deciding on our current house wasn't just about location and budget. It boasted a beautifully landscaped yard, perfect for indulging my gardening passion. Plus, there was a certain "pink elephant" involved… but that's a story for another day! Beyond the house itself, the neighborhood's history resonated with me. Built in the 1960s by an African American developer for African American families, it stands as a testament to overcoming housing discrimination. It's a place where educators, doctors, lawyers, civil rights icons and more have and continue to reside – a source of immense community pride.
Right out my back door lies another hidden gem – the Lionel Hampton Nature Preserve. This sprawling greenspace boasts trails, perfect for a hike or a mountain bike ride. The trails now connect to the Atlanta BeltLine, 22 miles of multi-use trails, that helps to connect communities historically divided by infrastructure and offers even more opportunities to explore the city on foot or bike.
Lionel Hampton Trail Head
Speaking of exploring, the Westview Cemetery, Atlanta's oldest public cemetery, is just a short stroll away. While some might find cemeteries spooky, I find the low rolling hills, reminiscent of Olmsted design parks, to be peaceful and its rich history intriguing. The cemetery is one the oldest in the southeast and is often used today to film tv shows and movies including Bad Boys for Life, episodes of the Ozarks (the chapel and mausoleum are the Grand Navarro estate), and Kobra Kai (resting place of Mr. Myagi). Atlanta’s not called the Hollywood of the South for nothing. It a +$4 billion business! And SW Atlanta is well represented. In fact, they were filming on the day that I went to take most of the pictures below. So, I couldn’t get any photos of the mausoleum nor the Serpentine Garden that offers sweeping views of the property.
Westview Cemetery Gatehouse - 1890 Romanesque-revival
Other greenspaces of interest around the neighborhood include John White Golf Course and Mozley Park where I have been know to take a dip in the pool. If you noticed, Atlanta boasts an abundance of trees. Including our street.
Living in the Real World: Accepting the Trade-Offs
Let's be honest, no place is perfect. Break-ins and petty theft are a concern, just like in many urban areas. Then of course, there was the alleged serial killer that lived a few doors down the street. That story also deserves its own blog post. But the peace and quiet are undeniable, and recent improvements like public art installations, streetlights and roadway upgrades are a plus. These include a 30-foot-tall sculpture called "The Legacy Monument" created by Atlanta artist Ayokunle Odeleye at the C.T. Martin Natatorium down the street (named after one of my neighbors and long serving city council member for our district). Nine major art installations bless the Martin Luther King Jr. Drive “Innovation Corridor” celebrating Atlanta’s civil rights history and local heroes.
The Unexpected Twist: When Opportunity Knocks
Owning our current home ultimately led us to the Cloud Cline project across the street. Witnessing the house’s decline and a sense of responsibility to revitalize the neighborhood, spurred me to act. After all, owning a home is about more than just four walls; it's about investing in your surroundings and the community you call home.
The Serendipity Factor
We recently learned that the original owners of our current house from recently past away. After 70+ years of marriage, they passed away within a day of each other. To me, that is a love story for the ages and clearly this is a house always was and still is filled with lots of love!
Your Dream Awaits: Lessons Learned
Best part of buying our current house is that it lead to us to being in the right place at the right time to purchase the property of our future home, Cloud Cline. So, as you embark on your own house-hunting adventure, take a page from our book. Prioritize your needs, be open to exploring different possibilities, and embrace a little serendipity. The perfect location, your own little haven, awaits – waiting to become the foundation of your dream home.
P.S. Stay tuned for the story behind the "pink elephant" and more adventures from Southwest Atlanta!
