Atlanta #1 on Forbes magazine list of "Recession-Proof Cities"

For years, Atlanta has become a destination hub for many multinational and regional companies. Extremely temperate weather, ease of travel and a relatively low cost of living make Atlanta a prime destination for young professionals breaking into business markets of all kinds. A newer trend is the influx of retired baby boomers into metro Atlanta and surrounding areas. Atlanta averages 215 sunny days per year, this combined with median home prices of $223876 in the metro area create an affordable and appealing destination for current or new retirees. Check out the link below for detailed statistics and other cities named to the list.

Best Retirement Cities

Atlanta Real Estate and Community Info

MARTA Raises Fares

For the last 30 years, MARTA has been by our side. That loving friend who takes you to the airport for a relatively small cost and the ability to not have to leave your car at some ridiculously expensive pay lot. For others, MARTA is a lifeline. MARTA's inefficiency and lack of funding make it one of the least effective and minimal reaching public transit systems in the United States. As a student, gas and wear and tear on a car are expensive and inefficient, therefore I take advantage of Atlanta's pathetic excuse for transit to get to university and back. Luckily I live right by one of the north lines and ride MARTA right to 5 Points Station, which resides 2 blocks from Georgia State University. What MARTA needs is a driving force in the Georgia Legislature to get more funding and expand services and geographical reach. For more information on MARTA, visit www.itsmarta.com

Atlantic Station - Life Happens here

Atlantic Station is one of only a few Atlanta adresses which are car-free. Located on its own island, Atlantic Station is sophisticated, savvy and fun. Previously, the only way to access public transit was a shuttle that would stop at the Arts Center... MARTA station. But with recent developments, a new pedestrian bridge extending across I-85 has conveniently linked Atlantic Station with Midtown. With its close proximity, Atlantic Station is perfect for Georgia Tech and Georgia State University students.

Beautiful Condo in Atlantic Station -- Atlanta, Georgia

Beautiful Atlantic Station Condo for Sale! $240,000. 2 bedrooms / 2 baths. Custom lighting and cabinetry pulls. Many updates. Automatic blinds with amazing Atlantic Station views. State of the art gym and pool, great for entertaining. Custom closets along with speakers throughout. CHECK OUT THIS PRICE ALONG WITH THE UPGRADES. The seller Paid $394,700. NO SHORT SALE/FORECLOSURE HASSLES.

Click here for the full Listing







Click here for the full Listing

Google...Changing the Face of Real Estate Aerial Photography

Google is at it again, and will most likely dominate this segment of the market. Their ability to produce and supply aerial satellite images at a low cost is changing the way many businesspeople market properties of all shapes and sizes. Take a look at this link and see for yourself.

Google Real Estate Aerial Photography Information

Google Building Maker Video


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Community Nonprofit Highlight: Lucas’ Fund November 7th Wine Tasting

Lukas' Fund was established in 2003 to support the physical, emotional and educational needs of infants and families in the Grady Memorial and Athens Regional Neonatal Intensive Care Units. Lukas' Fund is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping infants and their parents in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

They focus on the following important needs:

· Educating parents and staff about the special needs of infants in the NICU and preparing them for discharge

· Providing resources for education, physical therapy, end-of-life care, and other family needs not currently funded

· Creating “Lukas’ Rooms” in NICUs around the country that provide a place for parents to room in with children who are going home soon and a peaceful environment for ned-of-life care when they can’t provide educational resources regarding end-of-life care to parents and caregivers

Join us for a special Wine Tasting and Silent Auction, located at the beautiful home of neonatologist and long time supporter of the Lukas' Fund, Dr. Anne Critz. Come and enjoy an afternoon of fun while tasting wines from around the world with amazing food pairings. Space is limited, so please RSVP today! Suggested donation is $35.

Please contact info@lukasfund.org or call 706-247-4953 for more information.

Tax Credits Provide Fantastic Opportunity for Home Buyers

The federal and state home buying tax credits expire soon, so hurry up and join the other 1.4 million families who took advantage of them. For those of us who are unaware, a federal tax credit of up to $8,000 is available for qualified first-time home buyers purchasing a principal residence on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009. What many of us do not know is that the Georgia tax credit is available to all purchasers of an eligible single family residence in Georgia that file a Georgia income tax return.

The tax credit is limited to the purchase of one single family residence and will be for 1.2% of the purchase price, with a maximum credit of $1,800 (whichever is less). Homes purchased for $150,000 or more will receive a maximum of $1,800. You may be asking yourself, can the Georgia credit be combined with the federal $8,000 first time homebuyer tax credit? Yes, if buyers meet the qualification for each credit, they may claim both. Each credit operates independently from the other. One is claimed on your federal income tax return, the other is claimed on your Georgia income tax return. Remember, you must CLOSE by November 1st of this year to qualify so act fast!

Who I Am, and What I Do

Welcome! I currently attend Georgia State University where I double major in Real Estate and Economics. I update and maintain the Facebook Page "Atlanta Real Estate and Community Info," so become a fan to receive weekly real estate information. I will be adding and commenting on related real estate and commerce news. I also maintain a stock portfolio through the brokerage ThinkorSwim, which I recommend to anyone who wants to start trading on their own. I swing trade for the most part (hold stock between 4-10 days) but also day trade frequently. If you have any questions or comments, please post them directly to the blog or you may also email me @ cary.blumenfeld@gmail.com