Virginia Highlands

Virginia Highlands

Perks of big city life, but with a small town atmosphere when you consider Virginia Highlands homes for sale. From local attractions to the housing market, here’s what you need to know about one of Atlanta’s most desirable neighborhoods.

Virginia-Highland, also known as VaHi or ViHi, is a small but highly sought-after neighborhood just northeast of Downtown Atlanta. Surrounded by lush greenery and located about a quarter of a mile from the Midtown/Atlanta Beltline, it offers a change of pace from the hustle and bustle of Atlanta.

Southern Living Magazine gave VaHi the 4th spot in its list of “The South’s Best Neighborhoods 2020” for both residents and visitors. Virginia Highlands has no shortage of award-winning restaurants, legacy bars, trendy boutiques and fitness and wellness studios. It also offers world-class amenities within walking distance to 1920s bungalows, English Vernacular cottages, stately Victorians and neighborhood parks.

VaHi is one of Atlanta’s most pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods. Originally developed as a street car suburb, the quiet and well-maintained sidewalks are lined with mature oaks, dogwoods and maple trees.

A Historic and Vibrant Neighborhood

The Virginia-Highland District stretches for 1.4 miles along North Highland Avenue. In fact, it gets its name from the intersection of North Highland and Virginia Avenue Northeast, which serves as the commercial hub of the neighborhood with over 40 locally owned businesses. These mom-and-pop stores and restaurants give the neighborhood an eclectic and authentic feel.

This residential area encompasses about 612 acres roughly two miles north of Peachtree Street in Downtown Atlanta. The neighborhood is surrounded by the communities of Midtown, Morningside, and Poncey-Highland. It is also easily accessible via the red and yellow MARTA line to the North Avenue Station and a short cab ride. Its convenient location and connectedness make it an ideal choice for buyers who want ready access to many other areas of the city.

VaHi is bordered by Amsterdam Avenue to the north, Briarcliff Road to the east, Ponce de Leon on the south, and Piedmont Park and the Beltline to the west. Its present-day boundaries were established in the early 1970s, following years-long battle with the Highway Department (presently the Georgia Highway Department), which wanted to build I-485, a four-lane freeway that would bisect the neighborhood.

The highway would have also torn through the adjacent communities of Bedford Pine, Lind ridge-Martin Manor, and Morningside. The land that had been cleared for the massive project was instead turned into John Howell Memorial Park.

What VaHi is Known For

A popular spot to gather and call home, VaHi is synonymous is with sidewalk cafes, bookstores and historic homes. Virginia Highlands homes for sale are some of the most coveted properties in Atlanta for their stunning architecture and choice location.

The area is also a renowned shopping and dining destination. From brunch spots and patio dining to bars and cocktails, VaHi offers a wide range of retail and gastronomic experiences. As one of Atlanta’s most walkable neighborhoods, it lends itself well to a pub or dining outing on any given night.

As a historic district, VaHi has fantastic architecture and picturesque buildings. It is home to Fire Station #19, a neighborhood landmark and the oldest continuously operating fire station in Atlanta. There is also the Joan P. Garder Library at Ponce de Leon, which serves as a research and community center.

An Original Streetcar Suburb

Virginia-Highland dates back to 1893 and is considered one of Atlanta’s original trolley suburbs. As with most intown neighborhoods, VaHi was a mostly rural area on the outer fringes of Atlanta. All that would change when the Fulton County Street Railroad Company built a trolley line connecting downtown Atlanta to the area in 1889.

The trolley line, called the Nine-Mile Trolley, made the northeastern countryside more accessible and paved the way for single-family developments. The area offered a quieter and less crowded alternative to city living in downtown Atlanta. Highland Park was the site of the first subdivision of land and home construction in VaHi. Another 14 housing developments were opened between 1900 and 1940.

In addition to housing, there were six distinct commercial villages within the neighborhood. These commercial districts were home to businesses like Atkins Park Restaurant, which opened in 1922 and continues to serve the community as the oldest continuously licensed tavern in Atlanta.

The Plaza Theatre opened in 1939 and is an Atlanta landmark. The cinema is renowned for its Art Deco-style architecture and screened talkies in its early years. The Majestic Diner has been feeding hungry diners since 1929.

In addition to homes and businesses, parks, schools, and post offices were built to accommodate the growing number of families moving to the neighborhood. Commercial development and local amenities made it possible for VaHi’s earliest residents to have access to quality goods and services without having to go to downtown Atlanta.

Today, it is one of the most coveted addresses in the city. Virginia Highlands homes for sale are sought-after due to their unbeatable location, excellent craftsmanship, and colorful history.

HOMES FOR SALE IN VIRGINIA HIGHLAND, GA

The VaHi housing market offers many opportunities for buyers in search of stunning architecture, provenance, and proximity to first-rate amenities.

A General Overview of the VaHi Real Estate Market

Many homes and most of the infrastructure in VaHi were built during the first half of the 20th century, with substantial development taking place between 1905 and 1936. In addition to single-family homes, many apartment buildings were constructed from 1917 through 1935 to provide additional real estate options within the community.

In the late 1970s, VaHi was revitalized with merchants and business owners reinvesting in the neighborhood’s commercial districts. Most of the duplexes in the area were converted back into single-family homes.

Today, Virginia Highlands homes for sale offer an excellent mix of new construction and older homes. Buyers will find townhomes and condos with modern features as well as historic homes that are over 100 years old. The neighborhood’s rich architectural legacy includes American Foursquare, Craftsman, Colonial, Modern, Victorian, and Tudor Revival. VaHi has retained much of its old-fashioned feel despite remarkable growth and development.

In June 2023, the median listing home price in Virginia-Highland was $857,500, up 84.4% year-over-year. The median sold price was $995,000 with a sale-to-list price ratio of 100%, according to data from Realtor. Many residents own their homes and about 28% have lived on their property for more than five years.

As the neighborhood continues to grow, buyers can look forward to new developments in the area. Land Use and Zoning recommendations for VaHi’s Ponce de Leon corridor allow for mixed-use developments for primarily residential use, according to the Virginia-Highland Neighborhood Master Plan.

 

LIVING IN VIRGINIA HIGHLAND, GA

VaHi offers an exciting lifestyle in a laid-back environment. From business and career opportunities to world-class entertainment and reputable schools, this intown neighborhood truly has it all.

Economy

With more than one million jobs to be added between 2015 and 2040, Atlanta is a top destination for creatives, professionals, and entrepreneurs who want to build their careers. The city offers numerous opportunities for growth in art, media, business, and tech.

While the local job market can be quite competitive, career-minded individuals will find many entry-level and corporate positions depending on their skillset. Major industries include agribusiness, aerospace, energy, food and beverage, travel and hospitality, and film and art.

The film industry alone supports over 90,000 jobs in all of Georgia, earning Atlanta the nickname “Hollywood of the South.” Indeed, the city attracts more than its fair share of actors, musicians, and production crew. Tyler Perry Studios, founded by its namesake actor and film producer, is located in Atlanta. Trillith Studios is a home studio for several Marvel films while Turner Studios hosts Inside the NBA and major sports and esports productions.

Major companies have their headquarters in and around Atlanta. These include Arby’s, Chick-fil-A, Equifax, Foundation Financial Group, Gentiva Health Services, Mirant, Oxford Industries, RaceTrac Petroleum, Southern Company, and Waffle House.

Metro Atlanta is home to the third-largest number of Fortune 500 companies in all of the United States. 17, to be exact – these include globally renowned brands like Coca-Cola, Delta Airlines, Home Depot, Mercedes-Benz, and UPS. These headquarters are spread out across four Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton and Gwinnett Counties.

The Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is one of the world’s largest – and busiest – transportation hubs. In fact, Atlanta had the busiest airport in the world in 2023, according to Airline Weekly. A first-class airport and a strong home airline like Delta makes the city an attractive choice for buyers who travel frequently for work or leisure.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Virginia-Highland and Atlanta overall is quite reasonable compared to major cities like Los Angeles and New York City. It offers a similar lifestyle for less. Although the cost of living is 2% higher than the national average as of July 2023, the cost of utilities and groceries are 14% and 7% lower, respectively, according to data from PayScale.

A SmartAsset research using data from 2021 found that Atlanta had a median household income of $74,107 and ranked 31st out of 100 large cities in the US. The middle class income falls between $49,652 and $148,214 – higher than many other parts of the country.

Things to Do

• Outdoor Recreation – Residents have ready access to several parks and green spaces for walking, jogging, picnics, sports, and quiet reflection. These include John Howell Memorial Park, North Highland Park, Orme Park, and The Triangle at Virginia & North Highland. VaHi also sits alongside the BeltLine’s Eastside Trail, which offers countless opportunities for running and cycling.
• Festivals and Community Events – The neighborhood hosts popular festivals, street fairs, and holiday celebrations throughout the year to bring residents together. Major events include the VaHi Summerfest, an annual fundraiser featuring 5k races, live music, fantastic food and drinks, and arts and crafts markets with over 200 vendors; and the Virginia-Highland Tour of Homes, which showcases the finest architecture and interior designs in the neighborhood. Other annual events include the Porchfest Rock ‘n Run, where artists play live music right in their porches to entertain the neighborhood. The event also features a 5k race, special pilates class, kids’ activities, bounce houses, and food trucks. The Virginia Highland Winterfest is known for its holiday parade, costume run, and vendor markets. Its signature event, Tour of Lights, puts the spotlight on the most creative holiday decorations in the neighborhood.
• Nightlife – The fun doesn’t stop when the sun sets on VaHi. The electrifying nightlife scene attracts students and professionals. The neighborhood is home to many dive bars, nightclubs, and live music venues with some of the best jazz and blues artists in the city. Drop by for trivia night, a round of Texas hold ’em, or a live DJ set.
• Walking Tours – Go on a self-guided walking tour to see the Atlanta landmarks and historic homes scattered throughout the neighborhood. There are many 1920s commercial brick buildings located along Highland Avenue. Some of these buildings were designed by architects like A. Ten Eyck Brown, LeilaRossWilburn, Geoffrey Lloyd Preacher, and Owens James Southwell. Other places of interest include Murphy’s Restaurant and the historic Elkmont Street Bridge at Orme Park. For more insight into VaHi’s landmarks, click here to view maps of its historic subdivisions.

Attractions

• The Eastside Trail is a multi-use trail and linear park that connects Midtown to Reynoldstown. The trail is perfect for walking, running, and cycling. It also offers walk-up access to the Ponce City Market and Krog District.
• The Northeast Trail is a 0.8-mile paved trail that extends from Ansley Mall to south of the Buford Spring Connector. It meanders along the eastern edge of Piedmont Park, which features a pool, splash pad, green market, playgrounds, and dog parks
• The Neighborhood Arboretum is a tree museum with mature oaks, pines, beeches, magnolias, and tulip poplars. The arboretum is accessible through four loops that originate from John Howell Park and extend into different sections of the neighborhood. In addition to the Arboretum Walk, the Trees Atlanta Urban Walk showcases the special trees and urban forests of VaHi and the rest of the city.
• Orme Park is a quiet, 6.6-acre sunken park along Clear Creek. It features a sandbox, swings, slides, and climbing and balancing beams. It also has several picnic benches.
• The Virginia-Highland Farmers Market is a seasonal market that is open on Thursdays from March through November. The market offers fresh and locally sourced fruits and vegetables.

Schools

VaHi is served by Atlanta Public Schools (APS), a diverse and high-performing school district providing quality education to 48,702 students. Residents can send their children to several public schools, including Springdale Park Elementary (SPARK) on the eastern border of the neighborhood; and Virginia-Highland Elementary, which will open for the 2023-2024 academic year. Midtown High (Midtown) and Howard Middle School (Old Fourth Ward) are located just outside the community’s western border.

For higher education, there are a number of notable colleges and universities in and around Atlanta:

• Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech)
• Georgia State University
• Emory University
• Clark Atlanta University
• Morehouse University
• Agnes Scott College
• Spelman College
• SCAD Atlanta

Other notable learning institutions in the Atlanta area include:

• The Adaptive Learning Center (a preschool for children with special needs)
• The Global Village Project (a school for young refugee women)
• Woodward Atlanta (a college-preparatory school)

Shopping and Dining

As a vibrant food destination, VaHi offers a wide range of cuisine and dining concepts. Diners are spoiled for choice when it comes to international flavors to Southern-style cooking. From classic Irish pub fare and traditional Italian gelato to Asian fusion and fresh seafood, even the most finicky eaters will find something to enjoy.

There is a high concentration of boutiques, specialty stores, and beauty salons on North Highland Avenue and Virginia Avenue. Shop for antiques, clothing, and jewelry. Some of the more unique offerings in the area include rare books, artisanal stationery, and handmade home decor.

FIND YOUR DREAM HOME IN VIRGINIA HIGHLANDS WITH LOCAL EXPERTS

If you’re looking for suitable Virginia Highlands homes for sale, let Carter and Associates guide the search process.

Under the leadership of real estate professionals Chad and Christina Carter, the company specializes in luxury real estate in Intown Atlanta, Decatur, and Greater Decatur. As local experts, they provide exceptional service and meticulous attention to detail for a smooth experience.

Contact Carter and Associates at 404.944.6577 or 404.932.7388. Send your inquiries via email for more information on the housing market.