The Virginia-Highland section of Atlanta was founded in the early 20th century as a hub for streetcars. In 1925 the Atlanta Street Railway Company began selling pieces of this land for suburban development. Developers and real estate investors bought pieces of the land and turned them into residential and commercial properties. This 'streetcar community' received its name because it is located at the commercial intersection of Virginia and North Highland Avenues. Morningside is to its north and Poncey-Highland is to its south.
This is a strong, centralized neighborhood deeply involved in Atlanta's city politics. Residents care passionately about local developments and industry. They have helped projects to succeed, and they have been instrumental in projects that have failed. In the 60's, when an interstate was proposed to connect the surrounding communities with I-85, it was defeated because residents of Virginia-Highland did not want a road cutting through their neighborhood.
Virginia-Highland has numerous bars and restaurants and a lively arts and culture scene. The play host to an annual festival, called Summerfest, and its residents are often considered to be prosperous, successful people. |
|
