ATLANTA — A metro Atlanta city has been named one of the nation's fastest-growing and most affordable suburbs, according to Go Banking Rates.
After years of decline, Union City is in the middle of a major comeback.
Blighted properties are coming down as new neighborhoods are being built. The ground for a new Grady emergency health center has been broken. Several new parks have opened, and Amazon and other major companies have recently moved in.
"We created over 14 thousand jobs in less than five years," Union City mayor Vince Williams said.
Williams says in the past eight years, Union City's population has increased by more than 30%. Go Banking Rates recognized Union City as the 4th fastest-growing suburb in the nation, with average home values under $500,000.
"It's because we are turning the page on what Union City was thought of and the perception," said Williams.
It's a reversal from the early 2000s when the area in southern Fulton County was declining. It's economic driver, Shannon Mall, and other large businesses shut down.
Mayor Williams said city leaders had to find a way to resurrect the area.
The answer was Atlanta Metro Studios. The sound-stage complex opened in 2016 on 25 acres where Shannon Mall once stood.
It's created hundreds of jobs and attracted new companies to the area. Williams said it has also boosted existing small businesses like local barber shops.
"I've got barbers and customers coming back. I've seen new businesses coming in and doing better now than never," said longtime Union City resident and barber Gurvis Armstrong.
Union City is now home to four Amazon Warehouses. Microsoft also reportedly plans to build a billion-dollar data center in the area within two years.
Mayor Williams says that while some residents have criticized the number of warehouses in Union City, they've helped to jumpstart the area's economy. He says that's led to more housing.
As of October 2024, the average home value in Union City was $276,250. That ranks among the lowest in metro Atlanta.
Union City leaders are now focused on making the community a more attractive place to live by adding more parks, restaurants and retail. They'd also like to create a downtown area eventually.