In Metro Atlanta, a $500,000 budget can mean very different things depending on where you choose to buy. In Midtown, it might get you a sleek two-bedroom condo with walkable access to the city’s nightlife, while in Alpharetta or Gwinnett County, the same price could mean a spacious four-bedroom home in a family-friendly community. In this guide, we break down exactly what $500K buys you in some of Atlanta’s most popular neighborhoods, so you can see where your money stretches the farthest.

Lake living in Northeast Georgia is a dream for many, but buying a home in a flood zone can turn that dream into an expensive surprise. From higher insurance premiums to resale challenges, flood zone properties come with unique risks. Here’s what you need to know before making an offer on lakefront or riverfront real estate.