Leafy historic Atlanta district that packs a punch
Amidst the bustle of Atlanta’s Midtown and adjacent neighborhoods lies Poncey-Highland, a verdant pocket of eclectic homes and clusters of locally owned eateries framed by the BeltLine and Freedom Park. With origins dating back to the 1840s, the small suburban neighborhood is steeped in a rich political history celebrated by its diverse, vibrant community. “Poncey-Highland is a tiny but mighty historic neighborhood,” says resident Vanessa Wicks, the Events Chair of the Poncey-Highland Neighborhood Association. “People are drawn to the distinct, welcoming personality here.” Today, the neighborhood is known for its walkability and convenience in the heart of Atlanta. “We’re close enough to walk to bars and restaurants, walk the kids to school, go to the park or go grocery shopping, all without relying on a car,” says Meredith Smith, a resident and the neighborhood association’s Fundraising Chair. “It’s close to everything, which creates this micro-neighborhood community where everyone knows everyone.”
Many Poncey-Highland homes deeply blend into the natural landscape of the forest urban suburb.
Poncey Highland's Carter Center visitors can explore its gardens, museum, & library.
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Protected historic homes create an eclectic stock
Bright azalea bushes frame the historic rowhouses, bungalows and foursquare homes here, while Japanese maples and crape myrtles overhang the hilled streets, emblazoning the neighborhood in bursts of pink and red between the more established canopy of trees. While the greenery adds to the neighborhood’s leafy appeal, Poncey-Highland also offers an exceptional variety of home styles – from historic 1920s bungalows to stately American foursquares to traditional Craftsman designs. Although the neighborhood mostly consists of single-family homes averaging three to four bedrooms, some of them have been converted into apartments and condos, with units typically listing between $135,000 and $315,000. Townhouses may run between $300,000 and $915,000. Single-family houses start at $650,000 and can fetch up to $1.7 million, depending on square footage and the number of bedrooms. In 2020, parts of Poncey-Highland were highlighted on the National Register of Historic Places, guaranteeing the neighborhood’s preservation. Smith says the delineation of Poncey-Highland as a historic district, in addition to its eclectic mix of historic home styles, adds to the personality of the neighborhood. “We have really tried to protect the integrity of what’s been here for so many years,” she says.
Poncey-Highland features a diverse array of architectural styles, like Foursquare and Bungalows.
Find charming elements that make the homes of Poncey-Highland pop, like Dormer windows.
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Freedom runs through Poncey-Highland
Established greenery and breathtaking gardens set Poncey-Highland apart as a foliate corner amongst its adjacent neighborhoods, making it a destination for those wanting to be close to nature. Freedom Park frames a large chunk of the neighborhood, and residents can easily access the Beltline, a 22-mile multi-use trail on old railroad lines. “Poncey-Highland is nestled in greenery,” Wicks says. “We’re within Freedom Park and only a stone’s throw away from the BeltLine, which creates this really beautiful tree canopy that you don’t get anywhere else in Atlanta.” Officially dedicated in 2000, Freedom Park was created in part after locals protested the construction of a freeway that would have cut through Poncey-Highland in the 70s. Then Governor Jimmy Carter helped stop the project, and after his presidency, decided the 200-acre tract was the ideal location for The Carter Center. Today, history buffs visit the Center’s Presidential Library and Museum, and locals enjoy the blooming Japanese gardens and rose gardens or find shade along the grounds’ open spaces. “For most people in the neighborhood, that’s where you teach your kids to ride their bikes,” says the neighborhood association’s Communications Chair, Brooke Wilcox. Freedom Park is also home to a playground and a flourishing community garden, both of which are heavily utilized by locals. The Freedom Trail, a 7-mile pathway connecting 10 historic landmarks that commemorate freedom, also cuts through Freedom Park and continues celebrating the neighborhood’s rich historic past and pride.
Poncey Highland's Freedom Park Trail Path winds through lush greenery & links historic sites.
Freedom Park has lots of green space.
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Freedom Farmers Market and events that celebrate a lively community
Saturday mornings, the Carter Center grounds buzz with neighbors and locals seeking out fresh produce and artisanal goods at the Freedom Farmers Market, which takes place year-round. “The farmers market is a neighborhood staple,” Smith says, noting that the sizeable event features local vendors from bakers to butchers and more. “It’s a nice Saturday morning activity that draws a lot of people from a lot of neighborhoods, not just ours.” The neighborhood’s flagship event is Poncey-Highland Camp, a month-long celebration of events that fosters a close-knit community feel and raises funds for the neighborhood’s preservation. “Poncey-Highland is different in that we make events for our neighborhood that have a more intimate feel,” Wicks says. Wilcox adds that the variety of neighborhood events bring out the community’s lively and active personality: “There’s a lot happening within this little pocket. Because of the walkability, everyone wants to be out and doing things within the neighborhood.”
Long-standing locales like Manuel’s Tavern add even more historic flavor
A slew of locally owned eateries and shops line Ponce De Leon Avenue and North Highland Avenue, which Poncey-Highland residents refer to as their main street. The down-to-earth locales provide locals with diverse offerings just minutes from their doorsteps. Manuel’s Tavern, a self-proclaimed quintessential neighborhood bar, is a family-owned mainstay serving traditional American gastropub dishes alongside friendly conversations in its corner location. Clad with pictures of politicians and presidents and historic memorabilia, the long-standing locale has been a political hub and meeting spot since its opening in 1956. Next door, residents explore the selection of natural wines and pick up small-batch liquor must-haves at Elemental Spirits while tantalizing smoked meats and inventive cocktails are served at Sweet Auburn BBQ down the road. Poncey-Highland is also home to a handful of Michelin-recommended and James Beard-nominated restaurants, such as Fishmonger and Southern Belle. Locals get their grocery shopping done at the neighborhood Publix at Ponce or the BeltLine Kroger. Endless additional eateries are also found along the BeltLine and at Ponce City Market, a converted industrial building featuring a vibrant food hall and trendy retail spaces.
A beloved go-to for food & drink, Manuel's Tavern is a treasure for Poncey-Highland locals.
The Majestic Diner on Ponce De Leon Ave in Poncey Highlands
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Top-rated education at Poncey-Highland’s doorstep
Kids attend schools within the Atlanta City Public School System, which recently rezoned some of its student body. “The heart of the school district was shifted to Poncey-Highland, and now a lot of the school events are more focused within our neighborhood, which has been a really positive change,” Wicks says, adding that the top-rated schools are a draw for Poncey-Highland residents. Kindergarten through fifth grade students can walk to the centrally located Springdale Park Elementary School before advancing to Howard Middle School. Both earn an A-minus rating from Niche. High schoolers attend A-graded Midtown High School, a multi-building campus offering mentorship and internship opportunities that is more famously known as the filming location of Remember the Titans.
Entrance at David T. Howard Middle School in Atlanta.
Midtown High School serves all the central neighborhoods of Atlanta.
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A self-contained neighborhood amid Atlanta’s bustle
Due to Poncey-Highland’s convenience and walkability, having to drive is a rare occurrence, Wilcox says. “If you do have to get in the car, anything you want is within a 20-minute radius,” she says. The neighborhood is framed by major thoroughfares like the John Lewis Freedom Parkway that easily link residents to Downtown Atlanta or Interstates 85 and 20. Commuters can rely on MARTA, Atlanta’s network of buses and rails connecting locals to city destinations. Nevertheless, the neighborhood’s walkability is its shining factor. “It’s part of why Poncey-Highland is so special,” Wilcox says. “People want to feel like they live in a city while living on a charming street that’s close to everything you need.”
Poncey-Highland offers a picturesque living experience amidst the evolving city landscape.
Live music and outdoor patio hangs are always fun at New Realm Brewing in Poncey-Highlands.
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Discover vibrant city living in the heart of Old Fourth Ward with this stunningly updated 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom condo, perfectly positioned steps from the Atlanta Beltline’s most desirable stretch. Enjoy seamless access to Krog Street Market, Inman Park, Ponce City Market, and Piedmont Park. This unique unit boasts six large windows, flooding the open floorplan with natural light. Inside,
LARGER THAN IT LOOKS for this 1920 Craftsman! This home has been lovingly updated with a down to the studs renovation blending historic charm with modern convenience. With only three owners in its history, this home has been cared for with immense pride and attention to detail. A beautiful gas lamp lights your way to the bungalow-style front porch where you can relax with a morning coffee or
Historic Charm Meets the Ultimate Intown Atlanta Lifestyle in Poncey-Highland! Situated in one of Atlanta’s most coveted intown neighborhoods, this charming 2-bedroom, 1-bath condo puts you in the epicenter of culture, cuisine and community. Whether you're a first-time buyer or in search of the perfect weekend pied-a-terre, this home offers unbeatable value in the heart of
Light-Filled Top-Floor Loft with Skyline Views in Poncey-Highland – Over 1,500 Sq Ft! Rare opportunity to own a spacious top-floor loft with over 1,500 square feet of beautifully updated living space just one block from Ponce City Market and the Beltline. This two-bedroom layout offers incredible flexibility, featuring one fully enclosed bedroom and a loft-style second bedroom (currently used as
Located directly on the Beltline, this recently updated city view unit offers a light and bright space in one of the city's bestlocations- easily walkable to Krog, Inman Park, and Ponce City Market. Updated LVP flooring throughout the unit, and brandnew tile and oversized vanity in the primary bathroom. A light and bright kitchen opens up to the living space that features astunning
Telephone Factory began in 1932 as an art deco phone factory constructed by Western Electric and was converted in 1996 into 68 unique, authentic and incomparable loft units suitable for live, work, and play. Located in Poncey-Highland, with direct access to the Beltline, Telephone Factory Lofts offers residents a unique living experience. Choose from a variety of spacious studio and two-bedroom
Luxury Furnished Rental Steps from Ponce City Market & the Beltline – Live in the Heart of Atlanta!Welcome to your dream rental in one of Atlanta’s most coveted neighborhoods Located just steps from Ponce City Market, the Atlanta Beltline, and Old Fourth Ward, this stylishly designed home offers the perfect blend of luxury, comfort, and walkability. You're minutes from biking or walking
Once an automobile assembly plant for the Ford Motor Company, Ford Factory Lofts is a fully renovated loft-style apartment community, boasting an unbeatable location in Atlanta, Georgia. Settled in the lively Poncey-Highland neighborhood, Ford Factory Lofts offers stylish one and two bedroom loft-style apartment homes, which provide residents with an amenity-rich, contemporary living experience!
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Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
3,754
Median Age
36
Population Density
16 ppl/acre
Population under 18
17.2%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
7.9%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$120,480
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$142,390
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
98.6%
College Graduates
86.1%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
33.6%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
83.3%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
52''
Average Winter Low Temperature
33°F
Average Summer High Temperature
89°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
74/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
80/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
42/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
