Lake Claire in Midtown Atlanta – Neighborhood of the Week

Lake Claire is located east of Candler Park and West of Decatur, close to Inman Park, Little Five Points and Poncey Highland in 30307 zip code. With a neighborhood park and walking distance to Mary Lin elementary, Lake Claire is a great neighborhood to explore. Alex and Kris recently moved to Lake Claire and nominated it for this week’s Neighborhood of the Week.

Here are the top 10 reasons we love Lake Claire and Midtown Atlanta.

Dining & Shopping – Grab breakfast at Flying Biscuit Cafe or Gato Bizco Cafe, Brunch at Parish or coffee, tea and ice cream at Dr. Bombay’s. Fox Bros BBQ, Fellini’s Pizza and La Fonda Latina, are other neighborhood favorites. Local grocery stores include Sevananda, The Mercantile (yummy fresh bread!) and Candler Park Market. Small shops are located along McLendon near Clifton Road. Residents often venture to neighboring areas such as Decatur, Little 5 Points, and Virginia-Highland for more dining and shopping options.
Schools – Lake Claire is zoned for Atlanta Public Schools Mary Lin Elementary, Inman Middle School (National School of Excellence), and Grady High School. Neighborhood children can walk to the Mary Linn Elementary School. Also within walking distance from the neighborhood is The Paideia School which is a top Atlanta private school serving children in Pre-K through 12th grade.
Location – Located in Midtown Atlanta, Lake Claire has easy access to Interstate 20, 75 and 85. Also, there are two MARTA rail stations close to Lake Claire, Edgewood-Candler Park and East Lake. Click here to see a map of Lake Claire.
Parks & Greenspace – Lake Claire is home to its own park, Lake Claire Park. Lake Claire neighbors also have access to the Lake Claire Land Trust, which is located at the end of Arizona Street. Kris tells us that an Emu actually lives there, as do a number of chickens and roosters. Lake Claire residents can take advantage of other parks in close proximity of Lake Claire. Candler Park has a 9 hole public golf course, tennis courts, basketball courts, swimming pool, a playground and free outdoor movies in the summer. There is also Freedom Park and Olmstead Linear Parks. Of course Piedmont Park and the Atlanta Botanical Gardens are close by too!
Annual Events - Lake Claire Halloween Kids’ Parade, Candler Park Fall Fest & Tour of Homes, Inman Park Festival, Lake Claire Yard Sale, Virginia-Highland Summerfest
Active Lake Claire Civic Association – Lake Claire has a great neighborhood association that keeps neighbors informed through their website and newsletter, The Clarion. The low, voluntary dues are used for neighbor communication, expanding Lake Claire Park, organizing block captains, sponsoring the Halloween Kids’ Parade. Read more about the Lake Claire Neighborhood Association
Fernbank Museum of Natural History – At Fernbank Museum you can view the world’s largest dinosaurs, learn the development of life on Earth and engage in a variety of hands-on exhibitions. Don’t miss their newest exhibit, NatureQuest! Fernbank Museum is a short distance from Lake Claire
Lake Claire Pool – The Lake Claire Pool is a private pool that offers swim lessons, open swim, swim parties, and swim teams. The pool features a lap pool, toddler pool with water mushroom, diving board, locker rooms with changing areas and lifeguards on duty. The pool is located at the intersection of Southerland Terrance and DeKalb Avenue.
Unique Homes – No cookie cutter homes here! Most of Lake Claire was originally sold as empty lots with owners constructing their own house thus giving each home a unique look. Homes range from the early 1900s to new construction and styles include bungalows, cottages, contemporary, Craftman-style, Victorian and traditional.
“Perhaps the nicest neighbors ever!” – Alex and Kris said they were impressed with how many Lake Claire neighbors greeted them and welcomed them to the neighborhood when they moved in.