Fortunately, the residents of Atlantic Station are as equally diverse as the areas visitors.
Unlike most neighborhoods throughout the city, Atlantic Station is very much a developed community. Every aspect of the area appears to be strategically planned out; the perfect combination of shops and popular stores, restaurants to satisfy every taste, a convenient grocery store, a bowling alley and movie theatre for entertainment. In a sense, Atlantic Station was designed so that its residents essentially never have to leave the area because all of their basic needs are just a few steps away. So, what type of population was the area intended for? Exactly the people it attracts; residents are generally between 18 and 25, unmarried, in college, or have recently graduated and just starting their ‘adult lives.’ This community is ideal for these individuals because they are independent, but not fully stabilized yet. They are searching for a convenient living situation, in a nice, safe neighborhood. The general ideas of convenience and comfortability are all ideals that are subjective to this populations culture. The layout or design of Atlantic Station caters to this culture's desire to have every need and basic form of entertainment at their disposal. This population wants all of this at the top of their fingers, right within their reach. This is similiar to their desire for 'one stop shop' venues such as Walmart; Atlantic Station has everything in one spot.
Unlike most neighborhoods throughout the city, Atlantic Station is very much a developed community. Every aspect of the area appears to be strategically planned out; the perfect combination of shops and popular stores, restaurants to satisfy every taste, a convenient grocery store, a bowling alley and movie theatre for entertainment. In a sense, Atlantic Station was designed so that its residents essentially never have to leave the area because all of their basic needs are just a few steps away. So, what type of population was the area intended for? Exactly the people it attracts; residents are generally between 18 and 25, unmarried, in college, or have recently graduated and just starting their ‘adult lives.’ This community is ideal for these individuals because they are independent, but not fully stabilized yet. They are searching for a convenient living situation, in a nice, safe neighborhood. The general ideas of convenience and comfortability are all ideals that are subjective to this populations culture. The layout or design of Atlantic Station caters to this culture's desire to have every need and basic form of entertainment at their disposal. This population wants all of this at the top of their fingers, right within their reach. This is similiar to their desire for 'one stop shop' venues such as Walmart; Atlantic Station has everything in one spot.
Atlantic Station has approximately 5,000 residential properties, including both lofts and student housing. Approximately 300 loft apartments are located directly above the retail shops, 600 apartments are adjacent to the shopping center, with 1,100 condominiums surrounding the entire area. While Atlantic Station is generally associated with wealth, the apartment complexes in the area have made a very lucrative business out of arranging their buildings solely for college students. With three major Universities within a five mile radius (Georgia Tech, Georgia State University and Emory University), it is evident why this area attracts so many students. These three institutions are highly acclaimed, they attract a diverse population; students all across America, and many international students as well. This has brought students of all racial backgrounds to the area; African-American students, Caucasian students, Hispanic students, Middle Eastern students, and Asian students all reside in the area. The majority of these students have made either The Flats or The Icon apartment complex their home. These spaces are fully furnished (convenience), with the choice of a 2, 3, or 4-bedroom apartment. For students, rent is relatively low, but we will assume that these individuals come from mostly middle-class homes, as they have opted out of the on-campus experience, and are paying a month to month rent instead. As there is no religion associated with the area, we can not assume what religious beliefs are held by this general population.
This group indulges in the offerings of Atlantic Station on every level. They can get the groceries they need from Publix and they can hang out with friends at the theatre or bowling alley, while staying close to home. This is essential to this group’s culture, as party and nightlife play a large part of their way of life.
Outside of the college students are the young adults starting their own lives. We can assume that this area serves as their first apartments, as the majority of young adults are single, and just getting comfortable as a part of the working class. The buildings designed for this group resemble those designed for the college students, but are a tad sleeker, and of course, pricier. They are not furnished, but that is no problem, because IKEA is right across the street. This group is afforded the feeling of independence, while still benefitting from the convenience of this environment.
The religious affiliations of this group also seem to go under the radar as well. With such a variety of individuals of different cultural backgrounds, this is inevitable. This group of individuals, the older crowd, seems to benefit the most from Atlantic Station’s offerings. Because they are all older, they can partake in the after hour, 21 and up gatherings which take place in Atlantic Station. Their age and status has removed them from the “college-student-budget” category, and allows them to wine and dine within their means without having to drive anywhere at all.
Perhaps the hardest group of residents to describe are those who live within the actual shopping area. These individuals live above the shopping centers in loft-style apartments. These residential properties range from the high $100,000’s to more than $1 million. We can assume that these individuals are generally older or from a higher economic class, but providing a complete profile is difficult, as they blend in with the general population on a day to day basis. Many are probably business executives as there are several large corporations such as banks located within Atlantic Station.
As you can see, Atlantic Station is the home of all types of young, individuals of different cultural backgrounds, from different corners of our nation and the world! These individuals all contribute to the community and vibrancy which define the Atlantic Station environment. Such diversity, coexisting is certainly a grand site to see and expose one’s self to. It would be a shame to miss out on an opportunity to mix and mingle with this crowd!
-Laini A. Davis
*Atlantic Station Population Demographics, Atlantic Station Maps, Atlantic Station School Inform
http://neighborhoods.ajchomefinder.com/Fulton/Atlantic%20Station/30363?id=1
*Atlantic Station Population Demographics, Atlantic Station Maps, Atlantic Station School Inform
http://neighborhoods.ajchomefinder.com/Fulton/Atlantic%20Station/30363?id=1
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