Inman Park

Located two miles east of downtown, Historic Inman Park is Atlanta’s first planned community and one of the nation’s first garden suburbs. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Just South of Dekalb Avenue and north of Memorial Drive, Kirkwood is still very much a part of Atlanta and Dekalb County. Born on the streetcar line, Kirkwood continued to rely on this transportation mode until as late as the 1950's. Kirkwood was incorporated as a municipality in 1899 and was annexed into Atlanta in 1922.

During the Battle of Atlanta, the land which later became Inman Park was the center of many skirmishes. After the Civil War, Inman Park became Atlanta’s first planned community and one of the nation’s first garden suburbs. It was conceived and developed in the 1880s by entrepreneur Joel Hurt, who believed people should live in a countrylike atmosphere convenient to the central business district. To achieve this goal, he insisted on large lots, curving streets and open park areas throughout the neighborhood.

Inman Park was an immediate success, and many of Atlanta's most prominent citizens took up residence in the community. Families picnicked in beautiful Springvale Park and took leisurely strolls around Crystal Lake. Churches were active, and a strong community spirit prevailed. Those were sunny days for Inman Park. It was not only a good place to live, it was the place to live.

There are now over 300 homes in various stages of restoration or renovation in Inman Park. The special spirit of caring and cooperation that brought the community back is manifested in many ways. There is a strong neighborhood association, a hard-working garden club and an excellent pre-school program.

Each year Inman Park welcomes its neighbors everywhere to the Spring Festival and Tour of Homes, a two day celebration of parades, entertainment, dancing and open houses. A mammoth undertaking for this small community, the event annually draws thousands of visitors to the neighborhood.

Inman Park takes pride in its characterization as a “SmallTown DownTown,” combining the desirable elements of small town living with a dedication to the growth of the inner city. No longer a forgotten, tumble-down, crime-ridden pocket of Atlanta, the Inman Park of today is looking both ways... at the charm of the past and to the excitement of the future.