The best places to live in Atlanta

When deciding which area or suburb in Atlanta to choose, you will need to consider the proximity to your workplace, children’s schools and access to public transport. Atlanta is notorious for heavy traffic, so the commute time to work and other amenities is an important consideration.

The city’s layout can be confusing for new arrivals. Many neighbourhoods make up separate towns and cities that form part of the greater Atlanta Metropolitan area, and with dozens of roads named ‘Peachtree’, finding the right road in the right area can be frustrating.

Below is an overview of the most popular residential areas in Atlanta.

City living in Atlanta

MidtownMidtown

Midtown is often referred to as the heart of Atlanta’s art scene, and it offers residents a trendy city lifestyle with access to fine restaurants, shopping, nightlife and cultural activities. Midtown is also home to Piedmont Park, a large city park popular for sporting activities, festivals, arts, and entertainment.

Housing in Midtown is varied and includes freestanding houses, condos, and apartments. Its residents include an eclectic mix of young singles and professionals. Midtown is also home to several good schools and is popular with families.

Expats living in Midtown will find it easy to get around the area, as it is well serviced by MARTA public transport; it’s also one of the most walkable areas in Atlanta.

Downtown

Primarily a business district, Downtown Atlanta has many tourist and family-friendly attractions and is the city’s cultural centre. It is the largest of the three business districts in Atlanta and is home to notable corporations such as CNN. Downtown is also popular among students due to Georgia State University’s presence in the area.

Accommodation is largely in the form of condos and refurbished loft apartments. As Atlanta’s major transport hub, MARTA serves downtown well.

Buckhead

Home to the residence of Georgia’s governor, Buckhead is one of the most affluent neighbourhoods in Atlanta. As such, it has earned itself the nickname of ‘the Beverly Hills of the South’.

The area is a blend of business and pleasure. Home to many top companies, boutiques, and entertainment establishments, those living in Buckhead can access great restaurants and bars and enjoy a short commute to the area’s business districts for work.

Buckhead is popular with young professional singles living in condos and apartments and affluent families living in massive mansions straddling meandering, tree-lined streets. Despite being in the city, many of Buckhead’s neighbourhoods are actually surrounded by dense forest.

Suburban life in Atlanta

Atlanta suburbsGrant Park

Grant Park is one of Atlanta’s oldest neighbourhoods and an important historical district, with architecture dating back to the 1800s. Housing in Grant Park can be found in the form of Victorian houses and cottages dating back to the early 20th century.

There are many places to enjoy the fresh air, most notably the city’s oldest city park, Grant Park, a 131-acre green space with a playground and walking trails. Zoo Atlanta is also located in Grant Park.

With plenty of family-friendly activities and good schools, Grant Park is popular among families. Grant Park is well served by both the MARTA bus and rail.

Virginia-Highland

Virginia-Highland, often known as VaHi, is located east of Piedmont Park. Housing in this area is generally in the form of historic houses and bungalows. It is a popular area for eating out and entertainment, and it hosts several large festivals throughout the year.

Virginia-Highland is especially popular with young professionals and students thanks to its affordable housing. It is known as a very walkable neighbourhood, but there are also stops for MARTA buses.

Inman Park

Inman Park is Atlanta’s first planned neighbourhood, boasting Victorian homes and access to good schools. The local community in Inman Park is also known for being friendly and welcoming. Inman Park is a walkable neighbourhood, but the area also has access to the BeltLine and exciting amenities like the Krog Street Market.

Areas to avoid in Atlanta 

While Atlanta offers a vibrant lifestyle and many welcoming communities, expats should be mindful of certain areas that are best avoided, particularly for those unfamiliar with the city. Neighbourhoods such as Bankhead, parts of South and Southwest Atlanta, and sections of West End have struggled with higher crime rates and limited access to amenities. While some of these areas are undergoing revitalisation, they may still pose safety concerns, especially for newcomers adjusting to life in the US.

Expats often find that these neighbourhoods lack the infrastructure and community resources typically expected for a smooth relocation experience. Instead, exploring more established and secure areas such as Midtown, Decatur, or Buckhead is advisable. These offer a blend of safety, walkability, and access to international schools and healthcare facilities, making them far more suitable for expat families and professionals.

Further reading

►For information about transport and driving in the city, see Getting around in Atlanta

Image credits: Midtown – Wikimedia Commons; Fourth Ward – Wikimedia Commons

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