ITP or OTP - Where should you live?

In Atlanta and the surrounding suburbs, we often refer to locations vaguely as ITP or OTP. This refers to whether or not it is located within the interstate 285 perimeter or if it is located outside of the interstate 285 perimeter. Whether you’ve lived in Georgia for a while or you’re new here, this decision is important when you’re in the market to buy a home.

Let’s start with ITP - inside the perimeter. This is what most people consider “Atlanta” even though some of the cities located ITP don’t actually have Atlanta zip codes. Living ITP can be more costly up front per square foot when purchasing a home, but you might also be able to find a more walkable location, a home near public transportation, or a spot closer to work that saves hours in commutes. There are also a variety of housing options ranging from industrial lofts and modern condos to brand new single-family homes or historic bungalows. If you’re looking for character, you might have more luck living ITP. Inside the perimeter, you also have access to a variety of different neighborhoods all within a few minutes from each other. You can visit Little Five Points and shop local record stores before popping over to Decatur to enjoy a hip brunch with a lavender honey latte. Not to mention, ITP is where many events take place from sports and concerts to marathons and fundraisers.

If you enjoy city living or want to have a variety of cuisines, places to go, and things to see at your fingertips, we recommend living inside the perimeter. Plus, the Atlanta Beltline is well on it’s way to being complete. The beltline will provide a green walking path circling the innermost part of Atlanta providing walkability between neighborhoods like never before.

Now let’s move on to OTP living. This is more of your traditional suburb lifestyle. Atlanta has some incredible suburbs! From the posh lifestyle in Alpharetta or Marietta to the gorgeous landscapes in Flowery Branch and laid back lifestyle of Peachtree City, there is definitely a suburb that will feel like “you”. Living OTP provides more opportunity for open spaces or larger yards. These areas are for people who dream of the white picket fence (but also want a Whole Foods nearby) or who want to step outside without seeing their neighbor’s front door. There are a variety of suburbs surrounding Atlanta so it’s important to work with a real estate agent who knows their way around- otherwise you could be spending time and money looking at homes in neighborhoods that you’d never be happy in long-term.

We recommend living OTP if you don’t care for traffic or public transportation, don’t like city living, or want to live close to chain stores and malls.

Luckily, you can definitely find what you’re looking for or a mix of both! If you have the money to spend, you can find a sweet little suburban feel within the perimeter just minutes from the city. Or if you prefer to live OTP, but still enjoy the hustle and bustle of city life, you can check out Buford and Marietta.