There’s an old joke among Atlanta residents about living ITP or OTP. It claims both sides can be a little snobby about it and hate having to cross over into the other’s territory. While there is a little truth behind the joke, these days they are becoming more and more similar, thanks to urban sprawl. The truth is that both ITP and OTP homes and neighborhoods have plenty to offer residents. But first, if you are new to Atlanta, you probably wonder what the two terms mean.
What Do ITP and OTP Mean?
ITP simply stands for “inside the Perimeter,” while OTP stands for “outside the Perimeter.” To understand even further, you must know what the Perimeter is. It is simply a nickname for Interstate 285, a busy road that encircles the city of Atlanta. As a matter of fact, it is one of the most heavily traveled roads in the United States because of so many people who choose to live on one side and work on the other.
ITP and OTP Neighborhoods in Atlanta
People who live ITP will almost always have an Atlanta address. The usually live in communities like Midtown, Morningside, Ansley Park, Buckhead, Virginia Highland and Chastain Park. Short commute times, more cultural opportunities, walkability and sophisticated dining and shopping are some of the reasons why people choose ITP neighborhoods.
On the other hand, OTP neighborhoods encompass the outlying Atlanta neighborhoods and suburbs, and some even use it to refer to the entire Metro Atlanta area. Roswell, Marietta, East Cobb, parts of Sandy Springs, Smyrna, Johns Creek, and Dunwoody are all popular OTP places to live. Reasons why people choose these areas include lower taxes, more opportunities, less traffic and an overall quieter lifestyle.
Which Atlanta Neighborhood is Right for You?
So, if you are moving to Atlanta, which one do you choose? Well, it all comes down to personal tastes and needs. Of course, you will want to live close to work, but these days, many of Atlanta’s big companies are settling into the suburbs. If you have kids, you want them to attend great schools. ITP private schools are some of the best in the nation, while Cobb County, which is OTP, is home to some of the best public schools in the country. If you live somewhere like Buckhead or Midtown, you can catch a play or concert, dine at a fine restaurant or shop at a world-famous designer boutique every day of the week. But cities like Roswell and Marietta are always revitalizing their own downtown areas to incorporate theaters, restaurants and boutiques. The truth is that both areas are great places to live.
Still not sure where you want to live? Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty can help you find the right home for you. Contact us at 404.237.5000 today.