What's the best neighborhood / street to live close to downtown Atlanta?

We're a 20 something couple where money isn't a problem. We're moving from Soho, New York and want to live in the best area near downtown Atlanta. Although money isn't a problem, I (the wife) personally hate driving and though my husband will have a car, I'd like a place where I could bike around. He will work beside Piedmont Park. We'll both be probably getting degrees at Emory, Tech, or State. My husband is very used to "the scene" of Soho so I know he'll be happy closer to a happening place. Since we're only going to be in Atlanta for 5-7 years, enough time to have the first kid, he wants to rent a luxurious apartment though I wouldn't mind pressuring him into a house if it was upon a lake somehwere. Any suggestions?