🌱 Metro Ranked No. 1 To Buy A House + Black History Month Programming

Hello and happy Monday! I'm back in your inbox this morning to walk you through everything you need to know about what's happening in Sandy Springs these days.

But first, today's weather:

A little morning rain; cloudy. High: 62 Low: 46.

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Here are the top three stories in Sandy Springs today:

1. According to a report from the National Association of Realtors, the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta metro has been named the No. 1 place to buy a house. Despite national trends of inflated home prices and interest rates, the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta market remains one of the most affordable, with over 20 percent of renters able to afford a typical property in the area. The metro also received high points for a hot job market, particularly with companies like Apple and Microsoft launching offices nearby. (21 Oak)
2. In recognition of Black History Month, PNC Bank will host a month of programming at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta. Upcoming events include an evening of jazz music on Saturday, Feb. 18 and a conversation with Ambassador Andrew Young on Thursday, Feb. 23. Cristel Williams, Director of Client and Community Relations at PNC Bank, spoke more about the programming with WCLK 91.9 FM; you can listen to the full interview at the link. (WCLK)
3. The Sandy Springs Perimeter Chamber and the Brookhaven Chamber of Commerce invite local business owners to join them for Coffee & Contacts tomorrow. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with other area businesses while enjoying coffee and a light breakfast. This week's event will take place from 8:30-10 a.m. at State Farm – Rick Mottern Insurance Agency in Brookhaven. (Sandy Springs Patch)

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Today in and around Sandy Springs:

• Interview Workshop (Virtual Event) Hosted By CAC Career Center (11:00 AM)
• Monday Night Comedy ATL At Uptown Comedy Corner, Hapeville (8:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• North Springs High School's own Clara Peres received first place in the North Fulton Art Show this past weekend. Congratulations to Peres and all the students nominated! (North Springs High School via Facebook)
• SK Battery, a South Korea-based electric vehicle manufacturer, is opening a new IT center in nearby Roswell. The new center will create 200 new jobs in the area and help support SK Battery's manufacturing facilities here in Georgia and across the United States. (WSB Atlanta)
• Looking for some fun, romantic activities this Feb. 14? Visit Sandy Springs shares six Valentine's Day outing ideas right here in town. (Visit Sandy Springs)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Atlanta Academy — (Visit website)
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Events:

• Crossing Over With Psychic Medium John Edward (Live)! (February 23)
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That's it for today. I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow with your next update!

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.