Mechanicsville - Atlanta, GA

The neighborhood of Mechanicsville sprang up as a result of local railroad construction. It became home to the many mechanics who were working to build and maintain several rail lines that run close to the neighborhood.

In 1961, it also became home to the Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium, which was built to attract major-league teams to the area. While it did serve as the home field to the Atlanta Braves for some time, by the 1990s, all of the city's major-league teams had new stadiums, and Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium was only used for smaller sporting events. The demise of the stadium played in a large part in the deterioration of the neighborhood. It has yet to fully recover, despite several attempts to bring more business to the old stadium.

However, it is only a matter of time before the prosperity of the rest of Atlanta makes its way back to Mechanicsville.

If you want to enjoy great restaurants and an active nightlife, the surrounding Mechanicsville area has a lot to offer. The city of Atlanta is a world-class destination for foodies and fans of all things culinary. Great places to eat, drink and party are just minutes away from the heart of the neighborhood.

For a true fine-dining experience, visit Bacchanalia which offers contemporary American dishes that are made with local, organic ingredients. It is only open for dinner, and for a fixed price, you get a five-course meal. With each course, you are offered five to seven different options. Recommending one specific dish is virtually impossible, since everything on the menu is delicious.

If you are looking for a more laid-back and less-formal place to enjoy a meal, visit the Vortex Bar and Grill. It is a great place to grab a bite to eat or just sit and enjoy a drink off its list of local beers and whiskeys. This place is full of personality, and it is arguably home to the best burger in the city.

When it comes to after-dinner entertainment, your options are practically limitless. Visit the Clermont Lounge or Blind Willies for live music, or hit the dance floor at one of the dozens of clubs that are just a cab ride away. No matter what you like to do for fun, Atlanta offers a place for you to enjoy.

Getting in and out of the area is relatively easy because of its proximity to I-75 and I-20. In just a couple hours, you can be at the beach, enjoying Florida's sunny weather, or up in South Carolina hitting the golf links.

Atlanta is also home to one the nation's largest airports. It is an important travel hub, so you can get direct flights to almost anywhere. No matter where you are in the city, you are just a short cab ride from the airport.

In addition, travelling around the city is incredibly easy. A cab is always close at hand, ready to take you to your next destination, or you can opt for public transit. MARTA provide extensive bus service to all areas of the city, allowing you to enjoy safe, clean and affordable transpiration.

Another affordable option is to hire an Uber car. This service costs less than a cab ride and can be a great way to ask a local more about the city and the hot spots you should visit.

The Mechanicsville neighborhood offers a community park that is a great place to take the family for a little fresh air and activity. Meanwhile, the city of Atlanta also offers over 300 parks, greenspaces, gardens and other outdoor public spaces. Most areas are dog friendly, and all of them are free to enjoy. Be sure to check out the Centennial Olympic Park and try out some of your favorite summer Olympic sports.

For an admission fee, you can also visit the world-renowned Georgia Aquarium or head over to the centrally located Atlanta zoo. With so many parks and landmarks worth visiting, your weekends can be full of activity without having to leave the welcoming city.

The cost of living in Atlanta is slightly below the national average, which is great, considering the size of the city and all it has to offer. Public transportation costs $2 a ride, which is typical of most cities. Renting a one-bedroom apartment can be pretty affordable, with options starting at around $750. The price of gas tends to be a little higher, but with so many amenities close by, chances are you won't be doing too much driving. As for the cost of a night out on the town, a pint of beer sets a person back around $5.

Three area malls provide plenty of shopping. Hit up the Gap, J-Crew, Macy's and all your favorite stores, or go hunting for some unique gifts and items at local specialty shops. Little Five Points is known as the hippie haven, and it is full of great arts and crafts.

To pick up a few groceries and throw together a quick dinner at home, simply drop by the Publix located near Mechanicsville. You can also visit one of three Whole Foods to get any speciality items that might be hard to find.