Old Fourth Ward/Poncey Highland

It's historic, for sure. But it's also modern. Atlanta's Old Fourth Ward, and neighboring Poncey-Highland just to the east, are venerable old neighborhoods. Once in decline, O4W in particular has enjoyed a surging renaissance since it was declared a "zone of opportunity" in 2013. Its many parks and historic sites attract thousands of visitors, but newer attractions like the Ponce City Market -- $180 million redevelopment project -- also attract residents and businesses.

Residents thrive on street activity. People walk to small shops, great restaurants, lively activities, nice older homes and trendy new lofts and condos. A traditional streetcar runs through O4W, and Atlanta's Boulevard, once characterized by stately Victorian homes, is the main thoroughfare. Cars have easy access to modern Interstates, and MARTA rail stops and buses make it easy to move around locally.

Home to some of Atlanta's best restaurants and most interesting nightlife, including a hidden speakeasy or two, O4W and Poncey Highland mark the center of a hip and trendy community. Living here can be expensive, but per capita income is also higher than elsewhere in the state. It can be the epitome of "the good life” and there's little chance these neighborhoods will see decay again anytime soon.

A downtown warehouse fire in 1917 destroyed most of the older residences in the Old Fourth Ward, and it took the better part of a century for the neighborhood to recover. But with its history, including the Ebenezer Baptist Church and the boyhood home of Martin Luther King Jr., the neighborhoods are once again on the map and on the move.