Some '57 Era Architecture Remains   For a link to much more East Point today click HERE.

"We searched all over metro Atlanta looking for an affordable place with a big yard, from Lithonia to Lilburn, even up to Acworth," says Amy Williams, a Jefferson Park resident for two years. "We came to look around here and made an offer on our house the next day. It was only later that we learned how desirable this neighborhood actually is."

Real estate broker Mike Baker explains that the neighborhood has weathered the years better than many of the others in East Point because it never became heavily rental, rather original owners hung on to their houses and only recently began selling.

"A few years ago when I told someone about a home in East Point, they made a face like they had just bit into a lemon," Baker says. "Now it's become a place people seek out to live. I've seen houses double in value over the last couple of years."

He's most impressed by the retention of the new residents. Baker says of the hundreds of homes that he's helped people purchase, fewer than 10 have been re-sold.

Williams and her husband Craig echo the same feeling. "Everyone seems to care about this neighborhood. There are many longtime residents, but there is also an infusion of new blood -- young couples and families with kids moving in," she says.

Neighborhood Association President Kirk Cameron feels that the native residents or those who have lived there for a long time have seen the ups and downs and are welcoming the change new residents are bringing. "Many people have been here since before Hartsfield [Airport] and when people moved out, the neighborhood began to suffer," he says. "They are glad to see their neighbors' homes being renovated."

Cameron also credits the strong gay population that has called Jefferson Park home as vital to its popularity. As in many other areas where the home prices were low and close to town, says Cameron, gay and lesbian residents have renovated, raised home prices and created a desirable neighborhood.

LOCATION: In East Point bordered by Simms Street, Normanberry Parkway, Washington Road and Kimmeridge Drive

PRICE RANGE: $100,000-$280,000

SCHOOLS: Conley Hills Elementary, Oak Knoll Elementary, Paul D. West Middle, Tri-Cities High schools

AMENITIES: Residents enjoy a quick 10-minute drive to downtown, access to the East Point Marta station and a five-minute ride to Hartsfield Airport.

"In the past, I thought of south Atlanta as a poor, rundown area and now that I am here, I find that not to be true," says Westbrook, who is also the co-chair of the Conley Hills Tour of Homes.

Founded in the mid-'20s, Conley Hills remains one of East Point's hidden treasures with its diverse residents and considerably low home prices. Westbrook sees the inaugural tour, which highlights nine homes in various styles including craftsmen bungalows, Tudors and brick cottages, as a true Southern "coming-out" party. "Our homes are as nice as the ones in Garden Hills," boasts Westbrook.

That pride is echoed by Melanie Keane, president of the Historic Conley Hills Neighborhood Association. "Homeowners have worked hard to restore their homes. It's time to show everybody else what we are all about," she says.

The area's recreation centers such as Sumner Park house tennis courts, picnic areas and the Dick Lane Velodrome, which allows the 'hood to host frequent bike races.

The community is even in the process of getting itself listed on the National Register of Historic Places, a feat that would increase property values that have already begun rising.

"It would be nice to verify Conley Hills as a historic community. Being on the National Register will give us the recognition we deserve," says Jennifer Macon, the vice president of the Historic Conley Hills Neighborhood Association.

In addition to its pending historic validation, Conley Hills is composed of a broad range of residents. Westbrook remembers last year's community theme of "black or white, gay or straight, move to East Point and renovate." That rallying call has been essential in gaining momentum in the area with new faces showing up to buy homes and improving the quality of life for everyone. Downtown East Point has seen recent development of new lofts and businesses and Conley Hills is benefiting from this upsurge in new construction.