Want to see some of Atlanta's newest neighborhoods? Look up! You just might get a view of high-rise living, a niche that's growing fast. Projects include Eclipse, Spire, Twelve, Buckhead Grand and Paces 325 going up in Midtown and Buckhead. Novare Group/Wood Partners has City Center and Peachtree Portal at Centennial Hill planned for 2006.

"Atlanta has hit a 'critical mass' of residents, retail and entertainment that attracts people looking for an urban experience," said John Long, senior vice president of Novare Inc. "They want to be able to park the car on the weekends and walk to a concert or restaurant. Or turn the key and head to the mountains knowing there's no yard to cut and someone else will clean the building's common areas."

Once considered a luxury, high-rise homes have become more affordable. "We specialize in the first-time home buyer and first-move-up buyer, and we're very conscious of quality, safety and price point," Long said.

Novare Group/Wood Partners' 21-story Metropolis sold all 498 units (priced from $148,000 to the $300,000s) within six months of completion. Of that project's success, Long said, "The units were contemporary and clean, with 10-foot ceilings and floor-to-ceiling glass walls. The floor plans made sense; the location was prime; and the amenities to die for -- a half-acre park, full-size pool, clubr oom, cyber cafè and 3,000-square-foot fitness center."

The 21-story Eclipse, in Buckhead, and 28-story Spire, in Midtown, will offer high-tech wiring and upscale amenities, with prices from about $150,000 to $300,000. Residents of Twelve in Atlantic Station will have services like those in trendy hotels.

European American Realty/Chartwell Development's 22-story Paces 325 is the first building in the new Buckhead Village across from gallery row. "It offers affordable upscale living within walking distance of dozens of retail establishments plus swim/tennis facilities," Williams said. Prices range from the $170,000s to the $500,000s.

Julian LeCraw & Co.'s 36-story Buckhead Grand has 286 homes priced from the $190,000s to more than $1 million and luxury services, incuding a concierge, valet parking and wine cellar.