What Poncey-Highland is actually like
Poncey-Highland was established between 1905 and 1930 on Atlanta's east side, taking its name from the intersection of its two main streets. Its best-known landmark is the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library, opened in 1982, but the neighborhood's most consequential history is Freedom Parkway: a proposed eight-lane highway interchange through the area was stopped by community opposition in a genuine "freeway revolt," though not before more than 500 homes in the adjacent Copenhill area had already been demolished.
The neighborhood holds a real concentration of Atlanta institutions: Manuel's Tavern, one of the city's oldest bars and a longtime political hangout; the 1939 art-deco Plaza Theatre and the Majestic Diner at Briarcliff Plaza; and the Hotel Clermont, whose basement Clermont Lounge has operated as a landmark strip club since 1965. The Beltline's Eastside Trail forms the neighborhood's western border. Poncey-Highland became one of Atlanta's newest official Historic Districts in September 2020, covering roughly 260 buildings from Moreland Avenue to the Beltline — exterior changes there now go through the same Urban Design Commission review as older, better-known districts like Inman Park and Grant Park.
Listings in Poncey-Highland
Getting around
No MARTA station sits directly in Poncey-Highland — North Avenue and Midtown stations are the closest. The Beltline's Eastside Trail runs the neighborhood's western edge, connecting toward Old Fourth Ward and Piedmont Park on foot or by bike.
Poncey-Highland FAQ
What is Poncey-Highland known for?
The Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Freedom Parkway, built where a planned eight-lane highway interchange was stopped by community opposition.
How did Poncey-Highland get its name?
From the intersection of its two main streets, Ponce de Leon Avenue and North Highland Avenue.
Is Poncey-Highland on MARTA?
No station sits directly in the neighborhood — North Avenue and Midtown stations are the closest.