Instead of moving into the city to be closer to their work, some people take an even shorter route: They move their office upstairs. That's what is happening more and more in Atlanta townhouses, which reflect the trend toward the live/work residence.

The most common setup: the three-story townhouse, with owners working out of the bottom floor and living in the floors above.

Vic Miller, managing broker for Coldwell Banker The Condo Store, said, "With the Internet, the rise in entrepreneurial businesses and Atlanta's traffic," the trend is sure to keep picking up.

Canton Street Walk, in the historic district of Roswell, has 52 flats and townhouses and six live-work spaces in the $450,000 to $500,000 range. "We have been amazed at the interest in the live/work homes and are trying to see if we can add two more," said Pat Serkedakis, president of Century 21 Across Atlanta. An artist bought one to use the downstairs for a gallery. "People like the location because there are already shops and restaurants in the area," he added.

Zoning restricts most live/work businesses to professional, retail or light commercial, making them ideal for accountants, lawyers, Realtors, consultants, designers and other small businesses. Live/work spaces can be found in Midtown, Castleberry Hill, Grant Park, Smyrna, Buckhead, Brookhaven and Marietta.

Most are placed in pedestrian-friendly areas and include an outside entrance, handicapped accessible bath, and commercial grade (and code) materials on the first floor.

"A short commute is one obvious advantage," Miller said. Cost is another: Instead of buying a home and leasing an office space, one mortgage covers both. "Those who have already been working out of the home are glad to free up more living space and have parking, signage and professional meeting space for their clients," Serkedakis said.

"In some ways, this is a return to the old mom/pop store concept. For couples who want to share child care or lunch, it's a convenient arrangement," Miller said. "We can expect to see more live/work zoning in areas like Midtown, where neighborhood planners and officials are encouraging a pedestrian lifestyle."