Paces

Paces is a residential neighborhood in the far northwest corner of Atlanta, within the Buckhead district. It borders the Chattahoochee River to the northwest, which also marks the Fulton County line with Cobb County. The area takes its name from Hardy Pace, an early settler who operated a ferry across the river in the 19th century.

Geography and Boundaries

Paces occupies a large area of western Buckhead, bounded by the Chattahoochee River on one side and Interstate 75 on the other. Major roads include West Paces Ferry Road and Paces Ferry Road, which lead west toward the river and into Vinings in Cobb County. Northside Parkway forms part of the neighborhood’s eastern boundary.

The neighborhood falls within the City of Atlanta’s Neighborhood Planning Unit A (NPU-A), which also includes Chastain Park, Margaret Mitchell, and other Buckhead communities.

History

Hardy Pace, the community’s namesake, established a ferry service, mill, and tavern in the early to mid-1800s. His ferry was one of the main crossings of the Chattahoochee River, making the area an important connection between northwest Georgia and the growing city of Atlanta. The Civil War brought heavy activity to the area, with Union troops crossing the river here during the Atlanta Campaign.

The site of Standing Peachtree, a former Muscogee (Creek) village, sits at the confluence of Peachtree Creek and the Chattahoochee River in this neighborhood. It is considered the closest indigenous settlement to what became downtown Atlanta.

Neighborhood Layout

Paces covers a broad area with a mix of wooded hillsides, residential streets, and riverfront land. Homes are set back from the main roads, and many lots are large by city standards. While much of the neighborhood is residential, the roads running through it connect directly to Buckhead’s commercial centers and to Cobb County.

Schools and Education

Paces is home to two prominent private schools:

• The Westminster Schools – Founded in 1951, Westminster sits on a 180-acre campus within the neighborhood and serves grades pre-K through 12. It has a reputation for strong academics, arts, and athletics.
  
• The Lovett School – Established in 1926, Lovett’s 100-acre campus lies along the Chattahoochee River. It offers a K–12 program with a range of academic and extracurricular opportunities.
  

Public school zoning in this area generally falls under the Atlanta Public Schools system, with students attending Jackson Elementary, Sutton Middle, and North Atlanta High School depending on exact location.

Parks and Outdoor Access

Residents of Paces have direct access to several outdoor and recreational areas:

• Standing Peachtree Park – A city-maintained park located where Peachtree Creek meets the Chattahoochee River, offering open space and river views.
  
• Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area – The East Palisades unit of this national park is nearby, with trailheads at Whitewater Creek and Indian Trail. These offer hiking, bird-watching, and scenic overlooks along the river.
  

The neighborhood’s proximity to the river means many residents use these areas for walking, kayaking, and other outdoor activities.

Landmarks and Historic Sites

Several historic sites and structures are found in or near Paces:

• Standing Peachtree – An archaeological and historical location marking the former Muscogee settlement.
  
• Fort Peachtree – A replica of an 1812-era fort built to defend the river crossing, located near the river intake facility.
  
• Hermi’s Bridge – A restored pedestrian bridge over the river, named in honor of community advocate Hermi Alexander.
  

These sites connect the neighborhood’s modern character to its historical role in transportation and regional development.

Community and Governance

As part of NPU-A, Paces residents can participate in city planning discussions and local development decisions. Homeowner and civic associations also play a role in maintaining the neighborhood’s infrastructure, coordinating with the City of Atlanta on road maintenance, safety, and zoning matters.

Events and Activities

Paces itself does not host large-scale public festivals, but its location makes it easy for residents to attend events elsewhere in Buckhead and across Atlanta. Notable nearby events include:

• Chastain Park Arts Festival – Held twice a year at Chastain Park.
  
• AJC Peachtree Road Race – The annual July 4th 10K race that passes through Buckhead.
  
• School community events – Westminster and Lovett often host performances, sports events, and arts exhibitions open to the public.
  

Transportation

Road access is a major asset for Paces residents:

• West Paces Ferry Road and Paces Ferry Road connect to Vinings and I-285 to the west.
  
• Northside Parkway provides access to I-75 toward downtown Atlanta or north toward Marietta.
  
  

Public transportation is minimal in the neighborhood, and most residents rely on private vehicles. The nearest MARTA bus routes operate along Northside Parkway and Howell Mill Road.

Housing

Paces contains a mix of older homes and newer custom-built residences. Many properties have large lots with mature trees. The architectural styles range from mid-20th-century ranch homes to large estates. Over the past few decades, many original homes have been renovated or replaced with new construction.

Population

According to city demographic data compiled from the U.S. Census, Paces has a relatively small population compared to other Atlanta neighborhoods, with fewer than 3,000 residents. The area is primarily residential, with low-density housing.

Practical Information

• Local Government – City of Atlanta services such as police, fire, and sanitation cover the neighborhood.
  
• Recreation Permits – A parking pass is required for Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area access points.
  
• Traffic Considerations – West Paces Ferry Road and Northside Parkway experience increased traffic during peak commute hours and when special events occur at nearby schools.
  

Paces is one of Atlanta’s most historic and geographically significant neighborhoods, combining riverfront access, historical landmarks, and major private schools within a residential setting. Its governance through NPU-A, access to city parks, and proximity to both downtown Atlanta and Cobb County make it a distinctive part of Buckhead’s west side. While largely residential and quiet, Paces offers residents easy connections to cultural, recreational, and commercial resources across the city.

Nearby Busy Bee Smoke Shop

If you’re in the Paces neighborhood, the closest full-service smoke shop is Busy Bee Smoke Shop. The store carries a variety of high-quality smoking products, including cigars, vaping devices, hookahs, glass pipes, and accessories. Its location makes it an easy and quick trip for residents of Paces and surrounding Buckhead neighborhoods looking for top-tier smoking supplies.

Enjoyed learning about Paces? Learn about another nearby neighborhood called Margaret Mitchell.

About Busy Bee Smoke Shop

At Busy Bee Smoke Shop, we are a local business in Atlanta that keep things simple: top brands, fair prices, and fast pickups and deliveries. Whether you're into vapes, hookah essentials, THC products, or cigars, we’ve got a curated selection ready for you — no waiting, no guessing.