Downtown Atlanta is the heart of Georgia’s largest city. Once limited to business offices and commercial activity, Downtown is now being recognized as a convenient place to live as well. The turning point for Downtown was the 1996 Summer Olympics, when Atlanta was selected to host the Olympics, the city responded by developing and implementing major revitalization plans. Downtown was modernized with, among other things, new landscaping and new residential housing units. Older office buildings were converted to trendy lofts, where residents can enjoy the convenience of the city’s wide range of dining, shopping and entertainment venues nearby. Now, Downtown Atlanta is quickly becoming one of the country’s most exciting cities. The world’s largest aquarium recently opened here, providing visitors with a one-of-a-kind experience. The Georgia Aquarium is home to over 500 different species in over eight million gallons of marine and freshwater, including two gigantic whale sharks residing in a six-million-gallon saltwater tank. Shopping centers include Peachtree Center Mall, Sweet Auburn Curb Market and Underground Atlanta. Notable cultural sites are the APEX Museum, Imagine It! Children’s Museum, The Rialto Center for the Performing Arts and Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site. For those who prefer less formal activities, festivals and community events are often held at Centennial Olympic Park, a 21-acre facility that attracts about 3 million visitors each year. Downtown is also home to three professional sports teams: the Atlanta Falcons (NFL), the Atlanta Hawks (NBA) and the Atlanta Thrashers (NHL). The Georgia Dome hosts the Falcons, and the Hawks and Thrashers play at Philips Arena. Atlanta’s nightlife is provided by an eclectic array of bars, cafes and lounges.

Downtown Atlanta Real Estate Market More on Downtown Atlanta