Race and Atlanta Suburbs - Atlanta's West End

Established in 1851 by real estate developers, Atlanta's West End neighborhood became a streetcar suburb consisting of mainly middle and upper-middle class families by the end of the 19th century. African-Americans were excluded from living in this area at that time.

Up until the 1930s, many moved to this neighborhood of bungalows and victorian homes built on a grid street pattern. Starting in the 1950s, "white flight" started and the demographics changed dramatically after the 1960s, mostly due to the construction of I-20 that separated the races. Given its proximity to Atlanta University Center, many African-Americans from the University started to reside here. Since the 60s, this neighborhood is home to a diverse mixture of class and race.

It's hard to believe this photo was taken in 2009. Look closely at the "doll" in the middle of the porch.