Lifestyle Community: The Park at East Paces

By Lori Johnston

For the AJC

Mary Sue Hodes’ routine has changed since moving into The Park at East Paces in Buckhead. Instead of driving to work, she walks. She works out with her personal trainer during lunchtime instead of trying to fit in exercise after a long commute. Hodes, 55, vice president for RSUI Group, an underwriter of wholesale specialty insurance, chatted about her new condo.

Q: Where did you move from?

A: I lived in a single-family home in west Cobb (County), for seven years.

Q: What prompted the move?

A: You can say I saw a window of opportunity and I dove for it. I had a minimum hour commute each way. I was tired of the commute. I knew that my house was right in the pocket for a first-time homebuyer, and in fact that’s who bought it. I sold it in March. It took a little over 30 days (she was assisted by Gay Locke with Re/Max Around Atlanta).

Q: What was appealing to you about this community?

A: There were a lot of places to choose from when you looked in the condo market. I liked the new construction and a lot of the traditional elements they had (such as crown molding, hardwood floors and a fireplace), which would blend in with my antiques. That kind of narrowed it down. Then I always came back to being able to walk a block to work and the low homeowners association fees. That’s what tipped the balance.

Q: What type of space does the condo offer?

A: It’s one-and-a-half baths and supposed to be one bedroom and a den, but I have that den set up as a guest bedroom. I have a little balcony.

Q: Why were you seeking amenities, including a fitness center?

A: My trainer meets me two days a week at lunchtime and we work out. We have the pool and the media room where we have our parties. We had a wine and cheese party. We had a game night. I like that we just have the right amount of amenities so we’re not paying those higher HOA fees for services that I don’t need or wouldn’t use.

Q: How did the negotiations go?

A: The prices had dropped and I was just amazed how easy it was. I submitted an offer and they came back with a counter and I was like, “Wait a minute, what is that? Wow, that’s great.” I was prepared to do battle. The developer was very easy to work with. They contributed toward closing costs.

Q: How did you approach downsizing?

A: Interior designer Johanna Hawf helped me make the most of the square footage. She came into my existing home and took photographs and measurements of the pieces that I would like to take and then she went to my new condo and we kind of mapped out where they would be. We were able to reuse my existing custom drapes and hang those from inside a cornice board. I liked the idea of being able to make a new use out of those.

Q: How has the move changed your life?

A: My life has been transformed. I have all this energy. It’s been a total lifestyle change and so positive. I haven’t begun to fill up all my spare time yet. I’ve just been so happy with this move. It was just the best thing I could have ever done.

At a Glance

Mary Sue Hodes’ condo in The Park at East Paces has one bedroom, one-and-a-half baths, a den and about 1,200 square feet of livable space. She purchased it in late March.

The Park at East Paces

Address of sales center: 3635 East Paces Circle, Unit 1117, Atlanta 30326

County: Fulton

Information: 404-812-6800, www.parkeastpaces.com

Price range: $189,900-$499,900

Units: 81

Square footage: 880-1,797

Standard features: 10-foot ceilings, fireplaces, stainless steel appliances, hardwood floors in living areas, balconies, crown molding, private storage

Amenities: Pool, fitness center, club room, pet walk area, elevator access, covered parking, controlled access

Homeowners fees: $186-$379 per month, depending on size of unit (initiation fee is two months of dues)

Developer: Newport Development

Broker: Coldwell Banker NRT Development Advisors

Schools: Sarah Smith Elementary, Sutton Middle, North Atlanta High

More on schools: schools.ajchomefinder.com

Getting there

Take I-85 to Exit 89 (North Druid Hills Road), and head toward Buford Highway. About a half mile after Buford Highway, veer left at the fork onto East Roxboro Road. The Park at East Paces will be about a mile on the right.

Recent sales

$400,000: 3635 East Paces Circle, Unit 1303, Atlanta 30326. A three-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath condo with a balcony overlooking the courtyard.

$239,900: 3635 East Paces Circle, Unit 1218, Atlanta 30326. A two-bedroom, one-and-a-half-bath condo with an island and stainless steel appliances in the kitchen.

For sale

$289,900: 3635 East Paces Circle, Unit 1302, Atlanta 30326. A two-bedroom, two-bath condo with bay windows and a separate storage unit.

$389,900: 3635 East Paces Circle, Unit 1304, Atlanta 30326. A three-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath condo with a separate dining area, and a washer and a dryer.