A recent report by Inrix listed Metro Atlanta as the 9th most traffic-congested city in the world. Surrounding us in the rankings were international cities such as Paris, NYC, London, and Moscow. However, Buckhead residents actually enjoy commutes around 20% shorter than the national average thanks to Buckhead’s central location.
“Metro Atlanta” refers to a massive 10-county area with a population of 5.7 million that is much larger than what most of us consider Atlanta to be. Buckhead, on the other hand, is a tight collection of 45 neighborhoods on the North side of the city limits and has a relatively modest population of around 80,000 people.
Living in such a convenient location is what has made Buckhead the most desirable area in Atlanta. The map below shows that the vast majority of Buckhead residents have commute times of 18-19 minutes:
The Solution: Technology
Despite these favorable statistics, traffic in Buckhead is still a problem….and it is getting worse. With our growing local economy, an influx of new residents, and recent major developments such as the new Braves Stadium and the rapid development of the Buckhead Village, congestion around Buckhead will continue to increase.
The solution to moving people around and through Buckhead is thankfully in sight! More roads, bridges, lanes or interstates are not desirable or feasible in our established area. Instead, the next 10 years will usher in the age of driverless cars that, I believe, will dramatically reduce congestion and make time spent driving safer and more enjoyable.
Watch a Tesla drive itself.
Already, Tesla cars have become nearly ubiquitous around Buckhead. Many of those cars will be capable of autonomous driving by the end of this year. I recently took delivery of my own Tesla and, while it currently drives like a six-year-old, I have noticed substantial improvements each time Tesla has pushed a software update my way. All of the major car manufacturers are racing to catch up and within 5-10 years most new cars will be capable of driving themselves. Just a few days ago the California DMV took steps to legalize autonomous cars…with no human required in the car. The Georgia State Legislature is now considering new laws to regulate and encourage self-driving cars here.
I am thankful to be living in Buckhead, and enjoying the quality of life it offers. With maddening congestion being the #1 detriment to that quality of life, I am excited and hopeful that the rapid advent of technology of driverless technology will drastically change our lives in the next decade and improve life for all in Metro Atlanta.
| ZIP CODE | COMMUTE TIME | NEIGHBORHOODS INCLUDED |
| 30305 | 18.8 mins | Buckhead Village, Garden Hills, Peachtree Hills, Memorial Park, Argonne Forest, Arden- Habersham, Peachtree Heights East, Peachtree Heights West, Tuxedo Park, Peachtree Park, Haynes Manor. |
| 30327 | 19.9 mins | West Paces Ferry – Northside, Brandon, Mt Paran/Northside, Randall Mill, Paces, Vinings, Margaret Mitchell, Hanover West, Chastain Park, Kingswood, Atlanta Memorial Park, Castlewood, Cross Creek, Sandy Springs ITP, Wesley Battle, Whitewater Creek. |
| 30309 | 20.6 mins | Brookwood Hills |
| 30339 | 21.3 mins | Vinings, Whitewater Creek |
| 30324 | 22.9 mins | Brookhaven, North Buckhead, Lenox |
| 30326 | 23.5 mins | Lenox |
| 30342 | 24.5 mins | Chastain Park, North Buckhead, Sandy Springs ITP |
