Berkeley Park - Atlanta, GA

Originally part of a farm purchased by an Irish immigrant in 1847, Berkeley Park's development began in the early 1920s when E. Rivers Realty saw potential in the patch of pasture and meadow. Many of the neighborhood's current roads were already in place, but they wouldn't be paved until later years. In the early days, people moved to Berkeley Park to live off the land, paying anywhere from $1,000 to $1,900 to own property. Today, Berkeley Park's rich heritage has earned it a place in the National Register of Historic Places. Although the neighborhood was considered a part of Underwood Hills for some time, it regained its official recognition in 1996.

This historic neighborhood has become a cultural hot spot with several art galleries and a performing arts theater. Stop by Life Theater to watch performances by local talent, and join one of the group acting classes to cultivate your own stage presence and theatrical flair. For a taste of Berkeley Park's own culture, don't miss the fall festival held each year in October. No local can resist the tradition of enjoying roast pig and cold beer while communing with neighbors.

From artisan burgers to casual pizza and Southern comfort food, Berkeley Park's dining selection caters to the foodie in you. Take a drive around the neighborhood's charming shopping district near the freeway to find international cuisine, American classics with a modern touch, and some of your favorite chains. You will find plenty of cheap eats and mid-priced cuisine, but you may have to travel a little further for fine dining.

For some of the best burgers in town, head to Flip Burger Boutique to try an artisan Oaxaca burger with a side of famous sweet potato tots. The modern decor and futuristic tables complete the unique experience, and customer service never disappoints. After you've downed your last beef fat fries, be sure to leave room for a Nutella or Captain Crunch shake for an out-of-this-world dessert that's sure to keep you coming back.

A favorite hangout spot for students, Mama Niki's Pizza makes up for its outdated decor with fresh gyros and its infamous "Ancient Greek" pizza. You can get a pitcher of beer for just a few bucks, and students get a small discount. Be sure to stop by for the Tuesday night trivia for an exciting night out, and a chance to win a gift certificate.

When it comes to nightlife, you may be better off visiting one of the nearby neighborhoods or sticking to the drafts at Flip and Mama Niki's. A few taverns grace the streets, but Berkeley Park caters chiefly to the daytime crowd.

Whether you're driving downtown for work or heading to class at Georgia Tech, Berkeley Park's close proximity to bus routes and freeways takes the stress out of your Atlanta commute. The Northwest Expressway cuts through the north end of the neighborhood, giving you direct access to downtown Atlanta. Traffic in Berkeley Park gets heavy at times, especially near the shopping areas. However, you rarely have trouble finding free street parking.

While hailing a cab from the street corner may be difficult, you can always call up your local taxi service or Uber driver for a quick lift. Berkeley Park creates a safe environment for pedestrians and those relying on public transportation. However, it's not the safest place for bikers, as there are very few bike lanes along the busy roads. If you prefer to walk around the neighborhood, keep in mind that most amenities lie a considerable distance from the residential areas.

Berkeley Park itself does not house any public parks, but it lies just a stone's throw away from local gems like Underwood Hills Park. A short drive west of the neighborhood's retail district takes you to this piece of green heaven where you can walk your dog, have a picnic or let your kids run rampant on the playground.

Drive up Ridgewood Avenue to reach the small parking lot, and take a walk down the paved path to the play area. Plenty of trees, wooded walking paths, and shade structures provide a break from the heat during the hot summers.

Thanks to its affordable housing and cheap eats, Berkeley Park has a lower cost of living than many Atlanta neighborhoods. If you want to buy a historic home along the quiet roads, expect to pay around $259,000.

Apartment hunters may have a difficult time finding a place in Berkeley Park since only a few complexes serve the neighborhood. The median rent hovers around $1,600 a month, which is below average for the city. Many students, however, have better luck renting homes so that they can get more bang for their buck by finding roommates and splitting rent.

Berkeley Park's shopping experience delivers a blend of familiar markets for your weekly groceries, discount fashion retailers and a flurry of home design stores. College students love the neighborhood's spread of bargain shops, and more upscale retailers await further down Howell Mill Road. Most stores reside in the retail district on the north end, but a few shops lie scattered throughout the neighborhood.

A few unique boutiques make their home in Berkeley Park, one of which caters to man's favorite four-legged companion. Stop on by Doguroo to pick up pet supplies, or board your dog here while you leave on vacation. Don't worry, canine visitors spend their days running around the in-house dog park.

If you love handmade beauty supplies, make Skinchanted a regular stop for mineral spa bars and soothing oils. Those fizzy bath cakes you see when you enter the store may look good enough to eat, but instead they create an aromatic bath that leaves you smelling like vanilla frosting.