Buckhead History
Buckhead is famous as a diverse neighborhood with residents of all races and socioeconomic classes; however, since the 1990s, white flight during desegregation and gentrification has reduced its diversity. The neighborhood’s economy is diverse, with high-end technology companies, construction and design firms, media outlets, and retail stores. Buckhead has become one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in the country, and it is a popular and sought-after place to live for professionals and families.

Buckhead’s original boundaries were irregular, with no clear distinction between neighborhoods. Its current shape resembles a triangle, allowing the Atlanta City Council to easily divide the land in May 1979. After the Civil War, the railroad system expanded, and wealthy families began to build country homes in Buckhead. Buckhead was eventually annexed by Atlanta, resulting in a surge of commercial development along Piedmont Avenue.

The streetcar got eliminated during the Great Depression, and the area became more rural. Following World War II, Buckhead became an up-and-coming suburb for wealthy families relocating to Atlanta from other parts of Georgia. During the 1960s, many apartment buildings and subdivisions were built, resulting in a population explosion. The majority of Buckhead’s current development is in the “Corporate” district, where office buildings dominate.

Living in Buckhead
Buckhead’s corporate offices and retail stores have influenced the community’s environment and culture in numerous ways. Buckhead’s dense population has resulted in traffic congestion and parking issues, which city planners try to address through public transportation initiatives. Buckhead’s property values have soared since the 1990s, displacing much of the city’s traditional culture and history. According to a recent survey conducted by Atlanta Magazine, 60 percent of residents in the area favor preserving Buckhead’s historic character, while only 32 percent support change.

Buckhead Population Data
Atlanta has a population of 620,000 people and a 7% unemployment rate. Since 2000, the city’s population has increased by 18 percent, with most of the growth occurring in the city’s southern, eastern, and northern areas. Atlanta’s top five employers are Delta Air Lines Inc., Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, and Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company. The population consists primarily of wealthy professionals who work downtown or for large companies that have relocated there. If you want to experience the popular shopping and dining destination in Atlanta, check out Peachtree Center.