Union City: A Rising Star in Metro Atlanta
ATLANTA — Union City is making headlines as one of the fastest-growing and most affordable suburbs in the nation. With major developments and significant improvements, this once-declining city is showing off its incredible transformation and proving that it’s back and better than ever!
From Decline to Revival
Once upon a time, Union City faced tough challenges. The early 2000s brought a decline, with businesses shutting their doors and blighted properties becoming a common sight. But, oh how times have changed! Today, fresh paint and new buildings are replacing the old, as Union City undergoes a remarkable revival.
With an eye towards the future, city leaders recognized the need to turn things around. They knew that if they wanted to breathe new life into this community, they had to take bold steps. And that’s precisely what they did with the introduction of the Atlanta Metro Studios, which opened in 2016. This sound-stage complex kicked off a major economic boom, generating jobs and attracting new businesses.
Job Creation and Growth
Union City has seen phenomenal job growth, with over 14,000 jobs created in less than five years. Mayor Vince Williams proudly shares that the city’s population has surged more than 30% in the past eight years. With an average home value of under $500,000, Union City proudly stands as the fourth fastest-growing suburb in the country!
But that’s not all; Union City is stepping up its game even further. A groundbreaking ceremony for a new Grady emergency health center has already taken place, and several new parks are popping up throughout the area. With four Amazon warehouses calling Union City home, and a billion-dollar Microsoft data center reportedly on the way, it’s evident that big players are taking notice.
The Local Perspective
Local barber Gurvis Armstrong has seen firsthand the positive impact of these changes. “I’ve got barbers and customers coming back. I’ve seen new businesses coming in and doing better now than ever,” he says with a smile. As established businesses thrive alongside new ones, the sense of community is growing stronger.
Balancing Development and Community
While some residents have voiced concerns about the number of warehouses sprouting up around Union City, Mayor Williams reassures them that these developments are essential for economic growth. More jobs mean more families moving to the area, which leads inevitably to increased housing demand—and with that, the city is committed to keeping it affordable.
A Bright Future Ahead
City leaders aim to keep building upon this momentum. Plans are in place to create additional parks, more dining options, and a wider variety of retail spaces. The goal is to transform Union City into a vibrant community with a bustling downtown area that everyone can enjoy.
As the sun sets on another day in Union City, a wave of excitement fills the air. The charm of this community, paired with its thriving economy, has set the stage for residents and business owners alike to embrace the promising future ahead. Union City’s revival story is truly one for the ages—proof that hard work and vision can spark incredible change!
