Bridging the Gap: Growing Sandy Springs’ Retail & Dining Scene Starts with Equitable Housing
Picture this: a lively Sandy Springs street brimming with shops, cafes, and restaurants filled with happy customers. Many residents want this kind of atmosphere for our city—a walkable, boutique-style environment teeming with life. But behind every bustling restaurant or thriving boutique are workers—servers, baristas, chefs, and sales associates—who make it all happen. The critical question we face is: Where do these workers live?
Recent feedback from our October Sandy Springs Community Spaces Survey highlights a shared vision for a more dynamic and inviting city. Residents called for more shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Yet, there’s a disconnect in the conversation. Many of the same respondents who dream of a vibrant retail and dining scene also push back against the housing developments needed to support it. Thriving businesses rely on accessible, affordable housing for the workforce that powers them, and finding a balanced approach is crucial for the long-term success of our community.
Building a Thriving Commercial Scene: What the Community Wants
In the survey, shopping, dining, and entertainment dominated the wish lists of Sandy Springs residents:
- “Bring more high-end boutiques.”
- “Fun areas to hang out like Barn.”
- “Outdoor dining.”
- “European-type environment.”
Residents want walkable spaces where they can shop, dine, and relax, all while fostering a sense of community and belonging.
A thriving retail and dining sector won’t just offer great cuisine—it will build local pride and the city’s tax base, , and define its identity as a destination for dining and shopping. The right mix of businesses can increase property values, attract visitors, and drive investment into the community.
But here’s the challenge: none of this can exist without those who work in those stores and restaurants. To build this dream for Sandy Springs, we need to first create the housing necessary to support the workforce, which will make it a reality.
The Workforce Housing Dilemma
Many survey respondents expressed a strong desire to limit new apartment construction:
- “No more apartments, please!”
- “Stop building everywhere.”
- “Less high-density housing.”
At first glance, this perspective makes sense for residents concerned about maintaining Sandy Springs’ suburban character. But it stands in direct contrast to another reality: the people staffing our desired shops, cafes, and restaurants often cannot afford to live nearby.
Most restaurant and retail workers earn modest wages, often making long commutes from surrounding areas. This creates a cycle of instability for local businesses, which struggle to attract and retain employees due to housing inaccessibility. The lack of affordable options means high turnover, inconsistent service, and reduced hours of operation—ultimately impacting the experience for Sandy Springs residents who crave vibrant retail and dining options.
A Balanced Approach to Growth: Housing and Community Prosperity
Some survey respondents offered a different perspective, advocating for housing solutions that reflect the diverse needs of Sandy Springs’ workforce:
- “Affordable housing for police and firemen.”
- “Affordable housing for purchase and rent.”
- “Condos like Bluestone with walkability to CityGreen.”
To attract the types of retail and restaurant activity our residents are asking for, we need to provide housing that is attainable for all of these workers. Affordable housing is not just a social good—it’s a practical necessity for economic sustainability. When workers live close to their jobs, businesses thrive. Employees can arrive on time, develop loyalty to their employers, and deliver better customer service. Employers are able to recruit quality talent and retain staff. This results in lower employee turnover negating expensive on-boarding and training. Stable housing also means more consistent business hours, better training for staff, and a stronger sense of community in local establishments.
Beyond benefiting individual businesses, workforce housing strengthens the overall community. It ensures that residents have convenient access to shopping and dining options, promotes a more vibrant economy, and reduces traffic congestion by cutting down on long commutes.
By embracing housing solutions that meet the needs of our diverse workforce, we set the stage for stronger local businesses and a more connected community. The choices we make today will determine whether Sandy Springs becomes a thriving destination or remains constrained by outdated perceptions of growth. Let’s work together to nurture a balanced approach—one that preserves our suburban feel while investing in the people and places that will bring our city’s fullest potential to life.
