What’s the Difference Between ITP and OTP in Atlanta?
If you're moving to Atlanta, one question you'll want to ask yourself is whether you'd prefer to live "ITP" or "OTP."
If you don't know what this means, don't worry. In this guide, we'll take a deep dive into the pros and cons of living "Inside the Perimeter" and "Outside the Perimeter" in the greater Atlanta area.
The "Perimeter" being discussed here is Interstate 285, which encircles the city. Anything within the Perimeter (ITP) is considered to be a part of Atlanta proper. Anything that falls outside the loop of I-285 (OTP) is a part of the suburban Atlanta metro area.
Locally, there's quite a bit of banter about whether it's better to be ITP or OTP. Ultimately, each of these locations has its own pros and cons. Depending on what you are looking for in your next home and community, you might find that you're more suited to living in one or the other.
What Is ITP?
ITP stands for "Inside the Perimeter." This refers to anything inside the I-285 loop that completely circles the city. When you're ITP, it means you're in Atlanta proper and not out in the suburbs.
Though ITP is generally used to describe areas that are more urban and closer to the city center, it's worth noting that certain neighborhoods would qualify as "suburban" within the I-285 loop. Some cities within the loop don't have Atlanta zip codes.
Most Popular Neighborhoods Inside the Perimeter
When deciding between ITP and OTP as you plan your move to Atlanta, it can be useful to look at some of the most popular and desirable destinations in each part of the metro area.
If you're looking for an upscale neighborhood Inside the Perimeter, Buckhead is going to be at the top of your list. Home to Atlanta's elite, there is tons of high-end shopping and entertainment here combined with luxurious, ritzy residential communities.
For a town with both the feel of a bustling city and Southern charm, you'll want to check out Midtown. This is where you can find the High Museum of Art, the Botanical Garden, the Fox Theatre, Piedmont Park, and an endless array of eateries and bars.
Another choice when it comes to living Inside the Perimeter is Decatur. Though it's actually its own city, a strong local culture partially centers around nearby Emory University. With festivals throughout the year, lots of shopping and bars, and some of the best restaurants in the city, Decatur's a great spot if you're looking for a place with a tight-knit community ITP.
Finally, located east of Buckhead is another popular ITP destination– Brookhaven. Right inside the edge of the perimeter, you'll find that Brookhaven is booming right now while still maintaining a lot of historic charm. There are five walkable neighborhoods here where there are great public schools, locally owned restaurants, access to shopping, and much more.
What Is OTP?
OTP, or Outside the Perimeter, is all of the areas in the Atlanta metro area that are outside of Interstate 285. This vast area spreads in all directions from the city center– the Atlanta metro area covers an area close in size to the state of Massachusetts. The city itself, on the other hand, only covers about 132 square miles.
Most Popular Neighborhoods Outside the Perimeter
There are lots of great towns and communities Outside the Perimeter, ranging from those that feel more urban to some that allow you to feel like you're living the rural life. You have many options when it comes to living OTP, but this can make the choice feel pretty overwhelming.
One of the most coveted locations outside the perimeter is Alpharetta, which often finds itself on the Best Places to Live list put out by Sperling. Known for having great schools and excelling housing options, you can find plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment options in Alpharetta. Beyond that, it's also known to be one of the best small cities to start a business in, so this is an excellent spot for entrepreneurs.
Other coveted OTP locations include Marietta, Cumming, Peachtree City, Dunwoody, and Suwanee.
Why Should You Live Inside the Perimeter?
It's no accident that tons of people are moving to Atlanta– the city is vibrant, thriving, and growing. If you're looking for the true urban experience, giving you access to restaurants, shopping, entertainment, and cultural events, you'll definitely want to consider living Inside the Perimeter.
You Want an Urban Lifestyle
Do you love the hustle and bustle of city life? Do you want to be in close proximity to shopping, dining, entertainment, and nightlife?
If so, you're probably more interested in living ITP rather than OTP. Atlanta is a vibrant city that is growing quickly– by some estimates, it is the eighth fastest-growing large city in the U.S.
You Want to Live in a Walkable Area
There is something just so special about walking out your door and grabbing a delicious bite to eat, stopping at the farmers market, and doing a little shopping. While Outside the Perimeter communities are much more car-focused, living Inside the Perimeter can mean leaving the car in the garage most days or even going without one entirely.
You Prefer Cultural Activity Over Peace and Quiet
Everyone has their own preferences when it comes to the environment they live in– some people just want to get away from it all, while others want to be where all the action is. If you find yourself in the latter camp, you're going to love ITP Atlanta.
It is ideal for young professionals and anyone who loves city living; there's always tons of stuff going on in the city. Many festivals are held yearly, a strong craft beer and distillery scene, and countless incredible restaurants for foodies to explore.
You Want Quick Access to the City
Living ITP can give you easy access to all of the most appealing parts of the city– Buckhead, Downtown, Midtown, the BeltLine, and more are all within reach. This means that cultural events, shopping, and dining are all nearby, pretty much no matter where you are Inside the Perimeter.
You Want a Shorter Commute
If you work in Atlanta, you'll definitely find that your commute is more reasonable if you live inside the perimeter. According to a study that ranked the most congested urban areas in the US, Atlanta came in at number ten after other major American cities like Chicago, Boston, NYC, and Philadelphia.
If you prefer to drive rather than use public transportation but don't want to spend a big chunk of your day sitting in traffic, prioritizing a neighborhood that isn't far from your employer is a reasonable consideration.
You Love the Historic Charm of the City
Another important thing to think about when deciding whether to live ITP or OTP is your architectural preferences. Some people might be more interested in new construction, larger homes with a yard, and ITP might not be the best choice for these people.
But if you prefer a home that has a bit more character and a neighborhood with historic charm, ITP is the way to go. The metro Atlanta area has continued to spread outward from the city center as the city has grown over the last few decades. In most cases, the further you get from the city, the newer the homes and developments will be.
Why Should You Live Outside the Perimeter?
While ITP Atlanta is historic, vibrant, and buzzing, OTP is much more relaxed and suburban. Depending on what you're looking for out of a community and neighborhood, you might just find that OTP is the right call.
You Want a More Suburban Lifestyle
Living a suburban lifestyle has plenty of benefits, including greater affordability, more space, and a quieter lifestyle. If you've never been much for urban life or are ready to settle down into a more peaceful environment, OTP is likely the better choice for you.
You're More Family-Oriented
It's worth noting that living closer to the city has become a lot more family-friendly in recent years. That being said, many young families appreciate having more space in the suburbs.
Communities Outside the Perimeter tend to have much larger homes than those available ITP and at a better price. Not only that, but you're much more likely to find a place you can afford with a decent-sized lot OTP than ITP.
You Don't Mind Driving
Living Outside the Perimeter is definitely going to mean doing your fair share of driving. Whether you're heading to work, bringing the kids to their private school, or running to the grocery store, suburban Atlanta is not designed to be nearly as walkable as the city proper.
On the other hand, the further away from the city you are, the less traffic congestion you'll deal with. Furthermore, you'll find that driving around the area is a lot less stressful if you're going against the standard flow of rush hour traffic.
This aspect of living in the Atlanta area is really a matter of personal preference. While some people might prefer to walk or take public transportation, others really value having their own car and don't mind spending some time driving throughout the week.
You're Looking to Get More Bang For Your Buck
Another reason to live Outside the Perimeter is to ensure your dollar goes as far as possible when purchasing or renting a home. Homes Inside the Perimeter tend to be pricier per square foot and typically have much smaller lots. While you can get a suburban feel Inside the Perimeter in some communities, you're going to pay a pretty penny compared to purchasing a home Outside the Perimeter.
For some people, paying a little more to be closer to the city is worth it for the cultural and lifestyle advantages. Others, though, value the ability to get more house for the same amount of money by simply heading out to the burbs outside the loop.
Are you wondering where your dollar will go the furthest OTP? Check out our list of the most affordable Atlanta suburbs.
You Want Easier Access to Nature
Another important consideration is whether you want to be able to realistically incorporate time in nature into your lifestyle. Don't get us wrong– there are some beautiful parks Inside the Perimeter. But if you want to prioritize having the ability to go for a walk in the woods, take a ride on a bike path, or enjoy a picnic in freshly cut grass, you'll usually find that OTP is the better choice.
For example, the suburbs north of Atlanta are close to the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests, where you and your family can hike, enjoy gorgeous waterfalls, and camp. The area around Lake Lanier is also quite scenic, with towns like Flowery Branch being highly sought-after.
Are You Planning Your Move to Atlanta?
Deciding between life Inside the Perimeter versus Outside the Perimeter is one of the first choices you'll make when you're narrowing down where to start looking for your new home in Atlanta. While living ITP offers the benefits of big city living– culture, entertainment, shopping, restaurants, festivals, walkability, and so on– living OTP gives you a quieter, more relaxing, and more spacious suburban experience.
No matter which area you're smitten within the Atlanta area, we're here to help you find the perfect home for you and your family. At the Justin Landis Group, it's our mission to help you achieve your real estate dreams. Whether you're just starting to shop around or you're starting to seriously think about making an offer, contact us today to tell us about your home-buying needs.