20 Best Atlanta Neighborhoods to Live in 2024

Choosing which Atlanta neighborhood to live in is challenging when each one has so much to offer. The best neighborhoods in Atlanta feature award-winning restaurants and pubs, galleries, museums, and entertainment venues.

Making the decision to relocate to Atlanta is an easy one — its healthcare, film and television, higher education, and booming industry of Fortune 500 companies make it an attractive city for urban dwellers. If you’re ready to make the move, here’s where to look for your next Atlanta apartment.

While what constitutes the "best" neighborhood can vary widely, we made our selections based on consideration of rent prices (presenting a mix of both high-end and affordable neighborhoods), overall desirability and trendiness of a neighborhood, transit scores/location, and features of a neighborhood that make it appealing.

A Note on Data: When possible, we draw average rents from current listings on our website for apartments in those areas. Click on one of the links to a neighborhoods page to view more listings. Transit scores come from walkscore.com.

Best Neighborhoods in Atlanta

1. Buckhead

Best for: Singles and young professionals growing their careers who want to live near the best of Atlanta.

• Starting two-bedroom apartment rent: $1,659
• Walk score (Buckhead Heights): 81
• Transit score: 52
• Bike score: 45
• Map of Buckhead

Buckhead is among the most desirable and richest neighborhoods in Atlanta, with towering high rises enveloping much of the area. There are also new condo buildings and a mix of old and new townhouse communities available at various price points.

Buckhead is known for its upscale vibe, retail epicenter, delicious dining options, and shopping areas like The Shops of Buckhead. This Atlanta neighborhood is also the epicenter of corporate business in Atlanta and one of the safest neighborhoods in Atlanta. Buckhead is also close to highways and roads including Highway 85, Lenox Road, Cheshire Bridge Road, and GA-400. But just because it’s convenient doesn’t mean it’s quick — Atlanta traffic is notoriously heavy, and Buckhead is no exception.

2. Peachtree Heights

Best for: Couples and growing families looking to live in an idyllic setting near the hub of Buckhead.

• Average two-bedroom apartment rent (Peachtree Heights West): $2,025
• Walk score (Peachtree Heights West): 68
• Transit score: 33
• Bike score: 44

As some of the best places to live in Georgia for families, Peachtree Heights East and Peachtree Heights West boast a safe, family-friendly atmosphere. Although these areas are technically part of Buckhead, they’re tucked away from the bustle.

These Atlanta neighborhoods are bedroom communities, with most businesses comprising fashionable boutiques, shops, restaurants, and luxury shopping centers. Like the rest of Buckhead, Peachtree Heights is known for its convenience. But it’s also known for having heavier traffic and a higher cost of living than in other parts of Atlanta. Locals have immediate access to the West Paces Ferry Road and Peachtree Road intersection, or you can travel a bit farther to get to I-85 or GA-400.

3. Midtown

Best for: Singles and students looking for art, outdoor fun, and diversity.

• Starting two-bedroom apartment rent: $1,880
• Walk score: 87
• Transit score: 61
• Bike score: 74
• Map of Midtown

Live in the middle of the action in Midtown Atlanta, where public transportation, green space, entertainment venues, and pubs sit at your fingertips. Step out of your condo or high rise, and you’ll find the best entertainment in Atlanta. You’ll find a mix of culture, dining, bars, and attractions like the Fox Theatre, the High Museum of Art, and the Atlanta Botanical Garden.

Midtown is home to its share of corporate headquarters and educational institutions, making it a popular neighborhood with professionals and students alike. Nearby are the Savannah College of Art and Design, Atlanta; Georgia State University; and the Georgia Institute of Technology, among other colleges and universities. You can walk around Midtown or turn to the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA), but exercise caution when living in Midtown, especially at night.

4. Piedmont Heights

Best for: Dog lovers who want to live near the largest park in Atlanta while enjoying the best of what Midtown has to offer.

• Average two-bedroom apartment rent: $1,890
• Walk score: 65
• Transit score: 31
• Bike score: 38
• Map of Piedmont Heights

Piedmont Heights sits adjacent to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens and Piedmont Park, where year-round festivals abound. This area of Atlanta is a dog lover’s paradise, with a dedicated run and park for furry friends at the Piedmont Dog Park.

Piedmont Heights and the surrounding Atlanta area are safe during the day, although you still need to keep an eye on your belongings and use common sense. However, it’s wise to steer clear of Piedmont Park at night, especially after 11 p.m., when the normal hours of operation cease.

5. Old Fourth Ward

Best for: Families who want to live in a historic neighborhood with access to the best of the BeltLine, shopping outlets, and dining options.

• Starting two-bedroom apartment rent: $2,173
• Walk score: 82
• Transit score: 55
• Bike score: 85
• Map of Old Fourth Ward

The industrial center turned historic Old Fourth Ward (O4W) has exploded into one of the best areas to live in Atlanta. Residents enjoy easy access to the Atlanta BeltLine, pubs, restaurants, and hot spots. Locals can take their pick of historic apartments for rent, new condos, and industrial lofts turned apartments. Whether you want to hit the skate park or sip on craft beer at a rooftop bar, you can find it in the O4W.

The neighborhood also holds deep, historic ties to the Civil Rights Movement. For that reason, the Old Fourth Ward is home to several attractions like the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site. You can also make your way off the BeltLine toward Freedom Park for picnic tables, a playground, and a seasonally available splash pad. You might need a car to make the most of the Old Fourth Ward, but you do have some public transportation options. MARTA stops at North Avenue and King Memorial stations.

6. The BeltLine

Best for: Families and active lifestyle individuals who want to take advantage of Atlanta’s popular mixed-use path for biking, walking, and perusing local shops.

• Starting two-bedroom apartment rent: N/A
• Walk score: 92
• Transit score: 41
• Bike score: 79
• Map of The Beltline

The Atlanta BeltLine is an abandoned railway trestle that’s now used as a mixed-use path. You can enjoy strolling, biking, skateboarding, and pub-crawling your way through the area. Rents here vary but are comparable to the nearby Old Fourth Ward neighborhood. Locals spill out from condos, apartments, and townhouses nestled along the BeltLine to grab a meal or a drink at some of the best bars in Atlanta. Crowds are thick near Ponce City Market, Krog Street Market, and Piedmont Park, where locals enjoy strolling, jogging, and biking.

During the day, safety isn’t much of a concern along the BeltLine. However, it’s not the safest to venture out alone at night unless there’s a festival or event going on.

7. Inman Park

Best for: Anyone who lists "trendy" and "historic" in their top preferences for a neighborhood

• Starting two-bedroom apartment rent:$2,595
• Walk score: 87
• Transit score: 56
• Bike score: 82
• Map of Inman Park

Brushing up against the boundaries of Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park is among the best Atlanta neighborhoods, offering a creative, upscale vibe. A combination of new apartment buildings, condos, and colorful Victorian homes dot the landscape. The neighborhood has grown rapidly in the last decade, and mid-rise apartment complexes and townhouses attract college students, Gen-Xers, and millennials looking to make the most of the city.

There are plenty of options to dine and bar-hop around Inman Park. Grab a drink at Wrecking Bar Brewpub before browsing record stores and vintage shops like Criminal Records.

Inman Park also offers easy access to other Atlanta neighborhoods like the BeltLine to easily connect to your favorite haunts. One example is the nearby Krog Street Market for shopping and dining. Depending on where you live, the neighborhood can get noisy at night from the nightlife crowds. Choose your apartment wisely, or throw caution to the wind and enjoy the late-night vibe.

Inman Park is one of the more walkable neighborhoods in Atlanta and offers access to MARTA. It’s safe to explore during the day but stay cautious at night and keep your car in off-street parking whenever possible. Major roads around Inman Park include Moreland Avenue and John Lewis Freedom Parkway. I-85 and I-20 are nearby for access to the broader city.

8. Poncey-Highland

Best for: People looking to live near the action but in a quieter setting with laid-back bars, shops, and dining.

• Average two-bedroom apartment rent: $2,381
• Walk score: 86** **
• Transit score: 43
• Bike score: 80
• Map of Poncey-Highland

Named for its location at a tangle of intersections, Poncey-Highland (also called “Poncey”) is a trendy stop for coffee, drinks, and shopping. Newer condos and apartment buildings soar above North Avenue, which connects the neighborhood to the Old Fourth Ward and Druid Hills.

You can work and play in Poncey, but the surrounding businesses are less about climbing corporate ladders and more about small businesses, retail, and dining. Poncey-Highlands is walkable and bikeable, although you’ll need a car to get around the rest of Atlanta. MARTA bus service and rideshares are also available. Poncey-Highlands is safe during the day but requires caution at night.

9. Sandy Springs

Best for: Families and folks looking for a suburb that offers a break from the city

• Starting two-bedroom apartment rent: $1,379
• Walk score: 27
• Transit score: 25
• Bike score: 20
• Map of Sandy Springs

You may not even notice that you left Atlanta city limits and drove into its northern neighbor of Sandy Springs. This safe area seamlessly blends nature, upscale single-family homes, and urban amenities. Residents explore the "playable art park" at Abernathy Greenway Park and head downtown for bars, pubs, restaurants, and popular spots to unwind like Battle and Brew.

If you want to commute from one of the best suburbs of Atlanta, you're not too far away from Midtown. But Sandy Springs also has its share of major companies to grow your career. Despite its location outside of Atlanta, you can still take the MARTA train to Sandy Springs or nearby North Springs for a convenient commute. Major roads include I-285, Turner McDonald Parkway, and Roswell Road.

10. Cabbagetown

Best for: Creative individuals looking for a quirky part of town with resident artists.

• Average two-bedroom apartment rent: $2,400
• Walk score: 83
• Transit score: 61
• Bike score: 87
• Map of Cabbagetown

As Cabbagetown is arguably the best place to live in Atlanta for artists, creatives make themselves right at home in the artsy neighborhood. The area is small, but it still has its share of cozy restaurants and bars. Old warehouses that have been turned into loft apartments dwarf colorful 1800s mill cottages on narrow streets known as “shotgun houses.”

Cabbagetown is popular among college students and young professionals looking for a quirky neighborhood near the rest of Atlanta. You're not far from Krog Street Market, Candler Park, Little Five Points, and the BeltLine, but Cabbagetown has its own park and community center.

Traffic quickly backs up on DeKalb Avenue and Krog Street, so plan your commute accordingly. The neighborhood is safe, although you should avoid walking through the Krog Street tunnel at night or wandering alone after dark.

11. Grant Park

Best for: Young professionals and singles looking for a quieter enclave of Atlanta with access to bars, shopping, and other urban amenities.

• Average two-bedroom apartment rent: $1,836
• Walk score: 59
• Transit score: 44
• Bike score: 60
• Map of Grant Park

Grant Park is one of the hottest Atlanta neighborhoods right now, reflected in the fact that rents are on the rise. New apartment buildings have sprung up in Grant Park in the last few years, and you’ll also find Craftsman bungalows and Victorian mansions dotting the sloping streets. Look for an apartment or condo along Memorial Drive or near the park.

Grant Park, a 131-acre recreational area, is this neighborhood’s namesake. This gem of a park is among the largest in the city and features Zoo Atlanta, a weekly farmers market, and a network of trails offering plenty to do over the weekends.

This neighborhood’s reputation for safety has improved over the last decade, but walking around in the park at night is not recommended. To get around, you can take MARTA to King Memorial station and take a 15-minute walk into Grant Park or rely on bus service or hop on I-20 or I-85 to connect to the rest of the city.

12. East Atlanta Village

Best for: Students and singles looking to live in an off-beat neighborhood with trendy bars, restaurants, and a grittier vibe.

• Starting two-bedroom apartment rent: $1,195
• Walk score: 90
• Transit score: 79
• Bike score: 49
• Map of East Atlanta Village

Live music spills into the streets in East Atlanta Village (EAV), where bars, venues, and restaurants attract a young crowd. Among Atlanta neighborhoods, East Atlanta is one of the best for its seasonal farmers market. It also features East Atlanta Strut music and arts festivals.

Keep in mind that East Atlanta Village isn’t the place to live if you’re looking for peace and quiet. Dive bars, quirky restaurants, and lively shops line the streets and attract pub crawlers in the evening. There are several mid-rise apartment complexes and townhouses brushing up against late-night bars and restaurants.

There isn't much green space in East Atlanta Village, although the Brownwood Park and recreation center offers trails and tennis courts for community use. The neighborhood has access to MARTA bus service and rideshares. If you're commuting, Flat Shoals Avenue and I-20 are convenient to East Atlanta Village. Although the neighborhood is less dangerous than other areas in Atlanta, it still experiences its share of crime each year.

13. Downtown Atlanta

Best for: Young and experienced professionals looking to grow their careers by living in the middle of the action.

• Average two-bedroom apartment rent: $1,710
• Walk score: 83
• Transit score: 77
• Bike score: 59
• Map of Downtown Atlanta

Live in one of the best neighborhoods of Atlanta in the heart of Downtown. You’ll find quick access to the city's bustling central business district and area attractions, including Mercedes-Benz Stadium and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. You’ll find major corporations and headquarters around Downtown Atlanta, including the Coca-Cola Company and the CNN Center.

When you live in Downtown Atlanta, you can walk right out of your high rise to work. Other transportation options include the city’s light rail or MARTA public transportation system to get everywhere you need. Downtown Atlanta is safe to explore during weekdays — the area is filled with tourists and businesspeople making their way to work. At dusk and nightfall, it's not the place to walk around alone. There are exceptions, including when crowds are gathering at sporting events and concerts.

14. Castleberry Hill

Best for: Anyone looking for a creative downtown neighborhood in the middle of the action.

• Average two-bedroom apartment rent: $2,000
• Walk score: 74
• Transit score: 71
• Bike score: 67
• Map of Castlebury Hill

Nestled alongside Downtown Atlanta, the neighborhood of Castleberry Hill was once an industrial area. Today, it’s an indie artistic area known for its residential lofts, galleries, and Second Friday Art Strolls, for which locals turn out to support local businesses

Castleberry Hill is popular with students attending nearby Clark Atlanta University, Spelman College, and Morehouse College, but you’ll also call plenty of Gen-Xers and millennials neighbors. There aren't any major corporations located in Castleberry Hill, but you'll find plenty of Black- and minority-owned businesses, restaurants, bars, and coffee shops.

Castleberry Hill has seen its ups and downs with violence and crime. Since the pandemic, the neighborhood has been experiencing some issues, and residents must stay cautious in the evening and late-night hours. Although you’re mere minutes’ walk from Downtown Atlanta, it’s best to grab a rideshare after nightfall.

15. Summerhill

Best for: Families looking for a historic neighborhood with a lower price tag and proximity to popular areas like Grant Park.

• Starting two-bedroom apartment rent: $3,280
• Walk score: 62
• Transit score: 49
• Bike score: 52
• Map of Summerhill

Live in Summerhill for convenient access to everything the city has to offer. Summerhill apartments are scattered among shotgun homes and oversized bungalows. The neighborhood is home to the beautiful Phoenix II Park and is ideally situated between Center Parc Credit Union Stadium and Grant Park.

Summerhill attracts Atlantans looking for proximity to Grant Park without having to pay its rising rents. But the neighborhood is also historically significant, as it was first home to freed slaves and Jewish immigrants. Although Summerhill's public transportation access is limited to bus service, it's looking to bolster its connection to the rest of the city. If you’re driving, you’re close to I-85, I-20, and Hank Aaron Drive. Summerhill is relatively safe compared to what it was a few decades ago, but it still requires caution at night.

16. Westview

Best for: Students attending nearby Atlanta University, Morehouse College, or Spelman College.

• Starting two-bedroom apartment rent: $1,195
• Walk score: 50
• Transit score: 40
• Bike score: 47
• Map of Westview

Westview gained momentum over the last decade with the rise of the Atlanta BeltLine and the Westside Trail. This neighborhood boasts a quirky dining scene and its own unique green space. Old historic homes and fixer-uppers are the norm here, as well as newer apartment buildings and condos. Residents settle in for long-haul Atlanta living in Westview, but home prices and rents continue to rise.

Westview's convenient location is unbeatable, and it’s located just four miles from Downtown Atlanta. For quick access to the rest of the city, you're minutes from I-20, Langhorn Street, Route 139, and Cascade Avenue. Or you can take MARTA to the West Lake or West End stations.

Crime is higher in Westview than in other areas of Atlanta, but residents are working toward a tight-knit community and a safer neighborhood. Whether you're a young professional or a student attending a nearby institution, you'll quickly feel at home in Westview.

17. Underwood Hills

Best for: Young professionals and growing families looking to make the most of nearby Atlantic Station and quick access to Atlanta’s amenities.

• Starting two-bedroom apartment rent: $1,787
• Walk score: 52
• Transit score: 34
• Bike score: 54
• Map of Underwood Hills

Colloquially referred to as the Upper Westside of Atlanta, Underwood Hills features condo complexes, apartments, and renovated homes that were once the neighborhood for employees of the Seaboard Coast Line Railroad. Locals love having access to the mixed-use Atlantic Station complex for shopping, entertainment, dining, and taprooms. Or you can spread out in the 150-acre Crest Lawn Memorial Park, which offers beautiful views of the city.

Located northwest of Midtown and South of Buckhead, Underwood Hills sits between I-75 and Marietta Boulevard. Aside from the traffic, it’s an easy commute to the rest of the city. MARTA bus service is also available. Underwood Hills is relatively safe, as long as you use common-sense caution when heading out at night.

18. Virginia-Highland

Best for: Singles and small families looking for city living, a close-knit community, and local charm.

• Starting two-bedroom apartment rent: $3,280
• Walk score: 77
• Transit score: 40
• Bike score: 73
• Map of Virginia-Highland

Virginia-Highland, locally known as “VaHi,” is one of the long-standing, best places to live in Atlanta. With quick access to Midtown and Piedmont Park, Virginia-Highland teems with historic homes, updated apartment buildings and condos, and gorgeous bungalows. Virginia-Highland attracts a diverse mix of college students, families, and young professionals looking for a laidback lifestyle in the city. The walkable neighborhood is laid-back and offers great options for dining and shopping.

It's easy to get to Virginia-Highland from Ponce De Leon Avenue, John Lewis Freedom Parkway, Briarcliff Road, and more. MARTA bus service is also available. Virginia-Highland is safer than most areas of Atlanta but still requires caution at night.

19. Kirkwood

Best for: Families looking for a cozy, historic neighborhood that still offers nightlife amenities and a central location.

• Starting two-bedroom apartment rent: $2,096
• Walk score: 56
• Transit score: 39
• Bike score: 57
• Map of Kirkwood

Kirkwood was once considered a relatively affordable neighborhood just minutes from Downtown. Like the rest of the city, rents are on the rise as the neighborhood becomes a more popular place to live, work, and play. Even so, this family-friendly neighborhood offers a thriving arts scene and influx of restaurants and bars. Kirkwood and its surrounding neighborhoods are known for their laid-back, creative vibe. There are always festivals, joggers, and college students at the bars and cafes in this leafy Atlanta neighborhood.

To connect to the rest of Atlanta, head to Memorial Drive or I-20. If you don't mind the walk, you can also take the MARTA train line to Edgewood/Candler Park and East Lake stations and make your way into the neighborhood. Kirkwood's crime rate is relatively low, but as always, remember to exercise caution when walking alone at night.

20. Decatur

Best for: Retirees who want spirited, small-city living with proximity to everything Atlanta has to offer.

• Starting two-bedroom apartment rent: $1,027
• Walk score: 60
• Transit score: 45
• Bike score: 69
• Map of Decatur

Although Decatur is technically beyond Atlanta city limits, it’s just a stone's throw from its eastern edge. Decatur boasts a quaint downtown, fine dining, live entertainment, green space, and access to Downtown via MARTA. Choose apartment complexes off the downtown square to walk to restaurants and community events. Less expensive apartment options are available on the outskirts of Atlanta toward Scott Boulevard.

As one of the best places to live in Georgia, Decatur is known for its safety and strong community spirit. From bookstores to record shops, you’ll find a little of everything in Decatur. Festivals are also a draw for the surrounding Atlanta area, with options including art, barbecue, live jazz, beer tastings, and more.

Find Your Next Apartment in Atlanta Today!

Atlanta’s growing metropolis and melting pot of entertainment, work life, and culture make the city an ideal place to start a new chapter. You’ll be able to find a vibe to match your preferences, from low-key to artsy to upscale charm. There’s something for everyone in the best neighborhoods in Atlanta.

Moving to Atlanta and ready to start looking for your new home? Browse Apartment List to find that dream Atlanta apartment. Get started with our quiz to find your ideal place. With us, you’ll spend 5 minutes and save 50 hours searching.

Best Neighborhoods in Atlanta FAQs

What is the safest neighborhood in Atlanta?

Buckhead, a neighborhood known for its upscale restaurants and shopping, is the safest place in Atlanta on our list, and also takes the number one spot for best neighborhood.

Where do celebrities live in Atlanta?

When it comes to Atlanta's A-listers, the spotlight undeniably shines brightest on Buckhead. This swanky neighborhood, nestled north of downtown, is a magnet for the rich and famous, offering a luxurious lifestyle that's hard to resist. Think Beverly Hills with Southern charm.

What is a comfortable salary to live on in Atlanta?

We can use the 30% rule of budgeting to figure out a comfortable salary in Atlanta; if the average rent for a one-bedroom is currently $1,835, and rent should be no more than 30% of your budget, then you would need to make $6,116 a year or $73,392 a year to live comfortably in the city.

Is 70k a good salary in Atlanta?

Yes, you can live comfortably on $70,000 in Atlanta. According to our calculations, if one-bedroom prices remain at an average around $1,895 for the foreseeable future, then you would need just under $74,000 a year for rent to be 30% of your total budget.