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Published Sunday, June 28, 2009 in Local

Newnan is named one of 51 'best old house neighborhoods'

By Elizabeth Richardson

The Times-Herald

Most Newnan residents already know that the city is among the best in the nation.

On Monday, everyone else will be privy to the secret.

"This Old House" editors have announced the top 51 best old house neighborhoods in the United States and Canada, and Newnan made the list. The July/August issue hits newsstands Monday and will appear online at www.thisoldhouse.com/best-places .

The magazine solicited thousands of responses from preservation groups, real estate agents, neighborhood groups and residents, and then editors picked their favorites based on the nominations, according to Karen Affinito Greco, spokesperson for "This Old House."

Editors were searching for great neighborhoods that have "promising futures and homes that truly deserve a long-term commitment," according to an issued press release. Editors looked at a wide range of criteria, including architectural diversity, craftsmanship of the homes, the preservation momentum in the area, as well as neighborhood amenities -- walkability, safety and community.

Newnan ranked among the best in the South, best bedroom community, best for families and best place for food lovers.

Newnan made the list thanks to the efforts of Robin Stewart, marketing director at Parks & Mottola.

A few years ago, Stewart says she ran across "This Old House's" solicitation for candidate cities in a historic homes newsletter. She sent in a variety of information, including photographs and real estate listings from the historic districts.

"Newnan was a no-brainer," she said.

Stewart had forgotten all about entering Newnan into the competition when she was contacted by a staff writer about a month ago who wanted to verify information about the city.

"I was actually hopeful they would select Newnan -- they should," said Stewart. "I love downtown Newnan -- any and everything about it. We love this city, and we're glad to have the recognition."

Newnan Mayor Keith Brady got the surprising news in an e-mail while he was at Tuesday's Newnan-Coweta Chamber of Commerce breakfast. He decided there was no better place to make the announcement that Newnan was the only community in Georgia selected for the exclusive list.

"I think Newnan is that kind of hometown where you're proud to live there," said Brady. "It's a great place to raise children and it's a safe community."

Newnan's magazine write-up goes into detail about how the city was incorporated in 1828 and is home to six districts recognized by the National Register of Historic Places. The article mentions the Confederate military hospital that once called Newnan home and the city's abundance of antebellum structures. Redneck Gourmet is mentioned as a place where locals "flock for the grits and bacon." A few of the movies that filmed scenes in the city are listed, and readers will hear about a few of Main Street Newnan's popular downtown events.

"I'm not surprised [by the recognition], because Newnan is a great place for all those reasons they list and more," said Brady.

"The city is delighted to be on this year's top 51 Best Old House Neighborhoods," said Newnan Public Information Officer Gina Snider. "We have always been a historic, beautiful community. It is an honor to be recognized this way nationally."

"This Old House" is a publication for home how-to and inspiration. It currently has a circulation of 950,000 and reaches an audience of almost six million.