I'd totally go for the Candler Park/Little Five Points area. Most houses are 50-60ish year old bungalow style small city houses(NB I don't know anything about architecture) usually restored and very garden-ey in places. The Atlanta PATH passes through this area, and pretty much drills right into the city via a very pretty double path park ride. Freedom parkway is a relatively low use road into downtown, as it fills up quickly and meanders through Freedom Park;its also home of the Carter center and presidential library. Little Five is a trendy hipster area, pretty decent food all around, a good bike shop dead center. People are much friendlier in this area as compared to pretty much anywhere else in the metro area. Quick ride to Decatur for nightlife(city closes bars in buckhead pretty early, so decatur is #2 for that) which is also a very pretty city, home of a girls college and plenty of hippies and bicyclists. If you're looking for a "cool, older neighborhood" this area is pretty much where its at. If I sound enthusiastic its because i'm moving there in a month or so, for an easier commute to school. Gonna PM you some additional stuff.