An urban jungle of skyscrapers rising from rolling hills and a canopy of old-growth trees, Greater Atlanta sprawls across a broad, 20-county, 110-municipality expanse, encompassing a busy downtown hub, thriving suburbs and rural charm.

The financial and economic center of the South and Georgia' capital city, Atlanta is a sterling example of a quality education- and research and development-driven economy that turns out a topnotch work force of bright minds, feeding a diverse mix of employers from Coca-Cola to United Parcel.

Atlanta is a staple on many "Top" and "Best" lists because of its high profile as an entrepreneurial magnet, transportation hub, domestic and foreign corporate headquarter mecca, export leader, professional sport town, travel and convention destination, and home-based business promoter.

The cradle of the U.S. Civil Rights movement and birthplace of the nation's foremost civil rights leader, Martin Luther King, Jr., Atlanta is a city of transplants and tradition with a little something for everyone.

The median single-family detached home price was $170,200 at the beginning of 2006 in the Greater Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta, GA area and condos stood at $151,500, but home prices vary dramatically throughout the expansive region.

For example, exclusive executive mansions in Buckhead easily crack the seven-figure barrier but starter-home condos and bungalows begin in the low $100,000's. Similar ranges exist for larger three- and four-bedroom homes in new subdivisions more than an hour from Atlanta proper.

Rentals vary as well from $650 or $700 for a modest, two-bedroom, one-bath home to more than $2,000 for a similar home with an added bath in the right neighborhood with a view.

From this urban kaleidoscope, we chose four neighborhoods that illustrate what the New South offers. Our picks include close-knit Decatur; Gwinnett county's historic Duluth; the city's cultural hub, Midtown, and one of the older yet newly-revived neighborhoods, East Atlanta Village.