Calling all Stein Steel residents! If you haven’t heard, Breaker Breaker, Reynoldstown’s newest restaurant located at Stein Steel is now open. The indoor-outdoor, seafood-centered restaurant features delectable dishes and a warm ambiance to create a dining experience like no other along the BeltLine’s Eastside Trail. Living at Empire Stein Steel or looking for an unforgettable meal in Atlanta? You’ve arrived at the right place.

Interested in living at Stein Steel near the BeltLine and local conveniences? Learn more about the community and its surrounding area.

Next, take a closer look at these stunning townhomes in our newest communities and discover a few fun things to do along the BeltLine.

Images courtesy of: Eater Atlanta (Breaker Breaker); Atlanta Magazine (Breaker Breaker); Instagram (Appetizers, Cocktails); Amanda’s Cookin’ (Mini Key Lime Pie).

Fridays are perfect for unwinding and spending time with loved ones. The weekend is just beginning, the work week is done, and you have the next day to rest and recharge. With that being said, sometimes you don’t want to go out — you’d rather stay local, in the comfort of home. At Heirloom, that’s made possible with activities and amenities on the community’s grounds which ensure life never bores. For our existing homeowners and future ones too, read on to learn more about all the things to get up to on Fridays (but really on any night of the week) at Heirloom — a community that embraces the best of Boomerhood™.

A Glimpse of Boomerhood™

Ready to call Heirloom home? Check out the community’s available homes and contact a New Home Specialist via email or phone.

Next, discover these fun things to do in Cumming all-year-round, and check out these local-approved activities in Alpharetta.

Image courtesy of East Bank Club (Water Aerobics).

Welcome to Empire’s Model Village, a collection of sophisticated home designs in Atlanta. Here, you’ll find a variety of model townhomes and stacked condominiums — each designed to suit the needs of our residents. With open-concept layouts and luxurious features, these homes redefine urban living. Join us as we explore the remarkable qualities of these residences offered in our Stein Steel, Longreen, and Zephyr communities.

The Executive | Available at Empire Longreen

3 Beds | 2 Baths | 1 Half-Bath | 2-Story | 2 Garages

Key Design Features:

• Flex Space
• Outdoor Terrace
• Two Secondary Bedrooms with Shared Bathroom
• Primary Suite and Ensuite Bath with Two Walk-in Closets
• Similar Floor Plan Available at Stein Steel

Experience the epitome of contemporary living with the Executive stacked condominium. The main floor welcomes you with a stylish kitchen seamlessly integrated with the family room, promoting togetherness and effortless entertaining. A flex space on this floor offers the perfect setting for a home office or dining area, allowing you to personalize your space just as you’d like. If you’re looking to enjoy some fresh air, the terrace is the ideal outdoor haven, perfect for dining or hosting gatherings. The second floor boasts a primary suite with an ensuite bathroom, featuring two walk-in closets for optimal storage. Additionally, two secondary bedrooms with a shared bathroom provide comfort and convenience for family or guests.

The Author | Available at Empire Longreen

2 Beds | 2 Baths | 1-Story | 2 Garages

Key Design Features:

• Outdoor Terrace
• Large Primary Suite with Ample Storage
• Spacious Secondary Bedroom
• Tandem 2-Car Garage
• Similar Floor Plan Available at Stein Steel

Enter the realm of the Author one-story stacked condominium, where luxurious design meets everyday functionality. The spacious kitchen takes center stage, boasting ample counter and cabinet space for culinary enthusiasts. The open-concept family room connects seamlessly to the covered terrace, offering a picturesque backdrop for outdoor entertaining and intimate dinners with loved ones. The primary suite is a retreat in itself, with a generously-sized bedroom and a well-appointed bathroom, complete with abundant storage options. An additional bedroom and bathroom cater to the needs of roommates or guests, while the tandem 2-car garage ensures convenience and practicality.

The Pioneer | Available at Empire Longreen

1 Bed | 1 Bath | 1-Story | 1 Garage

Key Design Features:

• Large Kitchen Island
• Outdoor Terrace
• Spacious Primary Suite with Walk-in Closet
• Similar Floor Plan Available at Stein Steel

The Pioneer was designed with the modern resident in mind. The spacious kitchen features an expansive island, stainless steel appliances, and an abundance of counter space that effortlessly marries convenience and practicality. The family room beautifully extends to the covered terrace, an enchanting outdoor oasis ideal for relaxation and entertaining. At the core of this home is the enviable primary suite, complemented by a walk-in closet that seamlessly combines style and utility. For additional convenience, this home offers one covered assigned parking space, a subtle yet significant amenity that enhances the ease of your daily routine.

The Professional | Available at Empire Longreen

2 Beds | 2 Baths | 1 Half-Bath | 2-Story | 2 Garages

Key Design Features:

• Flex Space
• Outdoor Terrace
• Large Primary Suite with Ensuite Bathroom and Walk-in Closet
• Secondary Bedroom with Walk-in Closet and Ensuite Bathroom
• Similar Floor Plan Available at Stein Steel

Comfort meets sophistication in the Professional floor plan. The gourmet kitchen boasts stainless steel appliances and a stunning island that stands as a testament to both style and functionality. The family room opens up to a covered terrace, an enchanting outdoor space for moments of leisure and entertainment. The home’s coveted primary suite is a sanctuary of relaxation and elegance, boasting an impressive ensuite bathroom and a generous walk-in closet. A secondary bedroom, with its own walk-in closet and bathroom, is a haven for children or guests seeking privacy and tranquility. Adding to the appeal of this home is a versatile flex space that can be tailored to your preferences, ideal for a home gym or a productive home office. Completing this home is a tandem 2-car garage, perfect for multiple vehicles and storage.

The Lindsey | Available at Empire Zephyr

3 Beds | 3 Baths | 3-Story | 2 Garages

Key Design Features:

• Second-Floor Deck
• Top-Floor Primary Suite with Ensuite Bathroom and Walk-in Closet
• Top-Floor Secondary Bedroom with Ensuite Bathroom
• 2-Car Side-by-Side Garage

Step into the Lindsey, a masterpiece of modern living and everyday functionality. The heart of this home is its vibrant kitchen with an oversized island, a haven for culinary enthusiasts. As you move through the home’s open-concept layout, you’ll notice that the family room seamlessly blends with the kitchen, flowing out onto a charming deck – an idyllic setting for hosting and eating meals al fresco. On the lower level, a sizeable bedroom with a full bath is the perfect space to host guests from out of town. The top floor is where you’ll find the impressive primary suite, boasting plenty of space and a lavish ensuite bathroom. And for those who appreciate both practicality and luxury, the side-by-side 2-car garage ensures both convenience and ease for multiple vehicles and storage.

The Middleton | Available at Empire Zephyr

3 Beds | 3 Baths | 3-Story | 1 Garage

Key Design Features:

• Covered Porch
• Built-in Kitchen Pantry
• Top-Floor Primary Suite with Ensuite Bathroom
• Top-Floor Secondary Bedroom with Ensuite Bathroom
• Additional First-Floor Bedroom with Full Bath

The Middleton floor plan sets the stage for seamless living with its open-concept layout on the middle floor. Step inside and be captivated by the expansive kitchen, complete with an oversized island that serves as the heart of the home and a built-in pantry which ensures storage is never a concern. Chefs and entertainers alike will appreciate the generous space, while the connected family room invites relaxation and downtime. Ascend to the top floor of the home and discover a private owner’s suite and bath, providing a serene retreat. A secondary bedroom and bathroom offer versatility, ideal for accommodating roommates or guests.

Have your eye on a specific townhome or stacked condominium? Contact us via phone or email to tour our Model Village today.

Next, learn how buying a home can lead to wealth creation, and get acquainted with Empire Homebase.

Ever toured one of our model homes and fallen in love with the beautifully curated furniture and decor? Now, imagine bringing that same style and charm into your own space. Through our partnership with MINE, Empire makes it easier than ever to transform your home into a reflection of your style. From designer-selected pieces to complete home looks, you can create a space that feels just as inspired as the ones you’ve dreamed of.

A Tip for New Homebuyers

While it’s tempting to start shopping for furniture and décor before closing day, waiting until after your home purchase is finalized ensures your financing remains on track. Once you’ve officially closed, you can bring your dream home to life with confidence — and all the beautiful details that make it yours.

For more design inspiration, discover our Designer-Approved Tips to Maximize Every Space in Your Home and our Guide to Curating a Capsule Home Decor Collection, offering expert advice to enhance your space with thoughtful design.

EmpireFIT is a new program designed to inspire healthy living in Empire’s communities while strengthening connections among residents. It reflects Empire’s commitment to wellness beyond traditional approaches, integrating movement and well-being into everyday life.

Studies show that access to fitness amenities is linked to increased physical activity, improved mental health, and greater life satisfaction. That’s why Empire builds communities in well-connected locations along Atlanta’s BeltLine and the GA 400 Corridor, ensuring residents have convenient access to recreational spaces that support their well-being.

With outdoor trails, fitness studios, workout classes, and a strong sense of community, life in these neighborhoods offers more than just convenience—it encourages a healthier, more active lifestyle. Through well-connected locations, fitness amenities, and access to outdoor recreation, EmpireFIT makes it easier for residents to prioritize their physical and mental well-being.

Atlanta’s BeltLine and the GA 400 Corridor integrate these wellness-focused amenities seamlessly, making it easier than ever for residents to stay active. With pedestrian-friendly pathways, bike racks, and public transit access, residents can reach gyms, fitness studios, and outdoor activities without needing a car. Whether it’s walking to a nearby class, cycling to a yoga session, or jogging along a scenic trail, staying fit is a natural part of life here.

Green spaces like Freedom Park and The Atlanta Botanical Garden further enhance the wellness experience, offering venues for outdoor fitness classes, farmers markets, and community wellness events. These initiatives promote sustainability, environmental awareness, and a healthier way of living.

On-Site Amenities That Support Your Wellness Goals

The BeltLine is a model of sustainability, and Empire’s communities along this route — Stein Steel, Longreen, and Zephyr — echo that vision with thoughtfully designed on-site amenities that promote fitness, relaxation, and social connection.

With EmpireFIT, we’ve reimagined traditional community spaces to encourage movement and well-being. Whether you start your day with a trail run, unwind in the community dog park, meditate in outdoor green spaces, lift weights in state-of-the-art gyms, or relax with a book in the clubhouse lounge, wellness is built into every aspect of daily life.

Designed for Healthy Living

For those living along these vibrant routes, fitness is more than an aspiration—it’s an everyday reality. EmpireFIT makes it easier than ever to stay active, connect with neighbors, and embrace the energy of one of the South’s most exciting cities—a place many are proud to call home.

Want to learn more about staying active in Atlanta? Discover local fitness spots to find your next workout in Atlanta, and explore everything the BeltLine has to offer.

About 40 miles north of Atlanta in the well-known Forsyth County is Cumming — a small city rooted in history that’s anything but ordinary. Rich in modern conveniences, bustling entertainment, and mouth-watering restaurants, it’s a great place to live for people of all ages. From beautiful parks to historic sites, here you’ll find attractions that appeal to the masses. Read on to discover some of the best things to do in Cumming and learn why this area of Atlanta is unlike any other.

Feeling like planting roots in Cumming and living close to these incredible conveniences? Check out the available homes in our Heirloom community just minutes from all the fun.

Images courtesy of: Pond & Company (Big Creek Greenway); Reddit (Sawnee Mountain Preserve); GolfPass (Polo Golf & Country Club); The Preston Partnership (The Collection at Forsyth); Explore Georgia (Vickery Village); Patch (Cumming City Center).

You may have heard the term “temporary buydown” during your new home search in Atlanta, but what does it mean? We asked Shachi Bhardwaj of BankSouth Mortgage to give us the details on how this financing arrangement works to help you understand its benefits.

What Is a Temporary Rate Buydown?

A buydown is a way for a borrower to obtain a lower interest rate for a period of time. When offered by one of our preferred lenders in Atlanta, Empire will purchase discount points against the buyer’s mortgage loan which is the equivalent of paying interest upfront at closing. It allows the buyer to make lower mortgage payments for the first few years of their loan, with payments increasing slightly once the buydown period is over.

A builder-paid buydown allows Empire to reduce the buyer’s monthly mortgage payment for an initial period — typically one or two years — and can bring the borrower significant savings. The amount of savings each month depends on the terms of the buydown, interest rate, and the loan amount.

How It Works

Depending on your overall goals, this is a great way to reduce your monthly mortgage payment without taking on additional risk with other loan options such as Adjustable-Rate Mortgages (ARMS) since buydowns are fixed-rate programs. Buying a home is an exciting milestone but can come with additional acquisition costs. With our 2-1 Buydown Program, buyers are able to lock in lower mortgage payments for the first two years, making it easier to transition to homeownership and move on their own timeline. Between things like new furniture, blinds, and appliances; a seller paid buydown is a great solution to help offset out-of-pocket expenses. There are six buydown programs that buyers can take advantage of when certain eligibility requirements are met. Here are the details:

• Buydowns are available for Conventional, FHA, and VA loan programs.
• They are only offered on 30-year fixed purchase loan programs.
• The borrower must qualify at the final interest rate and meet all loan guidelines.
• The home must be the buyer’s new primary residence.

2/1 Buydown

• The buydown period on a 2/1 Buydown is two years.
• In year one, the mortgage payments are based on an interest rate that is 2% below the actual interest rate of the mortgage, which is called the Note rate.
• In year two, the mortgage payments are based on an interest rate that is 1% below the Note rate.
• In year three and the remaining years of the loan, the mortgage payments are based on the Note Rate.
• The borrower saves money each month during the 24-month buydown period by having lower monthly payments.

1/0 Buydown

• The buydown period for a 1/0 Buydown is one year.
• In the first year, the buyer’s mortgage payments are based on an interest rate that is 1% below the Note rate.
• In year two, the borrower starts paying the mortgage based on the Note Rate and will continue to do so for the remaining payments on the loan.
• The borrower saves money each month during the 12-month buydown period by having lower monthly payments.

If you’re purchasing a home valued at $600,000 with 10% down, the monthly principal and interest payment would be approximately $3,413 at a 30-year fixed rate of 6.5%. But with a 2-1 buydown, here’s how things change:

• Your monthly payment for the first year would be around $2,736 ($677 lower at the 4.5% discounted rate for the first year).
• Your monthly payment in year two would be around $3,066 ($347 lower at the 5.5% discounted rate for the second year).
• This translates into savings of $8,124 for the first year, and approximately $4,164 for the second year — total savings of $12,290 over the two-year period.
• In comparison, if you used $12,000 to negotiate a lower sales price to $588,000, your monthly payment at 6.5% is $3,344 — a difference of only $99.

The Benefits

Buydowns reduce your interest cost, making your dream home that much more attainable. In today’s market, they allow you to take advantage of today’s home prices and lower payments, saving you money during the initial loan term and allowing you to ease into your homeownership experience.

• A buydown temporarily reduces your interest rate, saving you (the borrower) money and lowering your payments during the initial buydown phase.
• The Builder pays the buydown fee, not the borrower.
• This type of financing arrangement could make sense for homebuyers whose income will increase in the years to come.

The buydown funds are held in an escrow account and if and when the rates drop, you can refinance into a lower monthly payment for the remainder of the term. The balance (if any) of the funds in the escrow account will be applied to your principal balance if you refinance before the buydown period is complete. In other words, you will not lose any of the un-utilized seller-paid buydown funds.

Is It Right For Me?

When it comes to finances, the best way to determine what’s right for you is to speak with a Mortgage Loan Officer. These industry experts can point you in the direction of the best financing options based on your individual scenarios, goals and needs.

Next, discover our preferred lenders, the benefits of buying a new home, and the top reasons to move to Atlanta.

Whether you’re visiting the area for a few hours or considering planting more permanent roots, there’s always something exciting to do in Alpharetta. To ensure you’re getting the most authentic experience, we’ve rounded up the top things to do in Alpharetta this weekend, with a local stamp of approval.

Interested in living in Alpharetta? Contact our New Home Specialist, Vanessa, via email at chiswick@empirecommunities.com to learn more about new homes for sale in our Chiswick community.

And while you’re exploring the Atlanta metropolitan area, check out the city’s best hot spots and the top reasons why you should make the move.

Images courtesy of: City Center Alpharetta (Downtown Alpharetta); Auerbach Consultants (Ameris Bank Amphitheatre); Atlanta Business Chronicle (AlphaLoop); Nelson Worldwide (Avalon Mall); Wikipedia (Big Creek Greenway); Topgolf Atlanta (Topgolf Alpharetta); Trip Advisor (Webb Bridge Park); Awesome Alpharetta (Alpharetta Famers Market). 

While giving is often associated with the holidays, giving back to our community is something we prioritize and encourage all year long. With the help of our partners, employees, and volunteers, Empire Communities has been a proud sponsor of various charitable organizations in Atlanta that rely heavily on donations to not only survive, but thrive. Read on to learn more about our contributions to a community that gives us so much.

Living in Atlanta for 10 years, Brian Rabedioux and his fiance moved to Buckhead after being drawn to the area for its unparalleled convenience. “I moved to Buckhead because of Buckley specifically, one of Empire’s communities that has since sold out,” says Rabedioux. “It’s great to have access to bars and restaurants that are within walking distance from our house, and being able to walk to Taxco with friends or having the option of eating at The Chastain, one of our favorite restaurants in the area.”

As a well-connected neighborhood, the area offers unparalleled walkability and easy access to many nearby amenities like Lenox Mall, Phipps Plaza and the Shops of Buckhead Village. Now with the launch of Empire’s newest Buckhead community, Empire Preserve at Lenox Park, comes another chance to call one of the most in-demand areas of the city home.

Convenience and peace of mind were among Rabedioux’s top reasons to move to Buckhead, but what really sealed it for him was the positive homebuying experience he had. “Empire is not just about getting folks in the door, they’re committed to keeping them happy,” he says. “Our move-in process was streamlined; there’s user-friendly manuals for vendors of all kinds, be it internet providers or waste management services; and a huge plus is also the free 11-month touch-up for cracks and settlements.”

Interested in moving to Buckhead? Learn more about the housing opportunities we have available at Empire Preserve at Lenox Park. Next, discover the top 7 reasons to move to Atlanta and how our team helps you design your home with intent at Homebase.