9 Best Places to Live in Atlanta
- Virginia-Highland
- Midtown
- Little Five Points
- Old Fourth Ward
- Grant Park
- Decatur
- East Atlanta Village
- Westview
- Summerhill
1. Virginia-Highland
The best neighborhood in Atlanta is Virginia-Highland, which is also known as “Va-Hi.” The neighborhood has long been praised as one of Atlanta’s most family-friendly areas. It was even recently recognized as the “#4 Best Neighborhood in the South” by Southern Living Magazine. A well-rounded area, Virginia-Highland attracts both families and young professionals with its laid-back vibe. It has an array of shops, restaurants, and pubs, as well as some stunning architecture, from updated apartment buildings to cute bungalows. And, for those who still need a little nightlife, Virginia-Highland holds quick access to both Midtown and Piedmont Park.
2. Midtown
Midtown is hands down the best neighborhood in Atlanta for students and young professionals. This vibrant neighborhood is located just north of downtown Atlanta and is one of the city’s most diverse areas. A center for business, art, and culture, Midtown is perfect for anyone interested in both daytime business opportunities and exciting nightlife. It is home to the High Museum of Art, the Fox Theater, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Piedmont Park, and the infamous Atlanta Botanical Gardens. Or, for restaurants, comedy bars, pub crawls, and more, head over to Peachtree Street for the best in the business. While traffic and lack of parking can make driving in this neighborhood a little more difficult, it has plenty of sidewalk space for both walking and biking.
3. Little Five Points
Arguably the most happening area in all of Atlanta, Little Five Points is home to some of the best festivals, concerts, and parties in the entire city. A district on the east side of Atlanta, Little Five Points, has an alternative atmosphere. Its lineup of vegan eateries, street performers, thrift shops, independent bookstores, tattoo parlors, and metaphysical shops make it perfect for those who possess a more bohemian spirit. Known as the “hippie hood” of Atlanta, any artist or indie music fan will find something to love in this delightfully expressive neighborhood.
4. Old Fourth Ward
Another family and foodie favorite, Old Fourth Ward is the best neighborhood for anyone interested in easy access to the Atlanta Beltline. This intensely popular walking/biking path is the best way to both enjoy the outdoors and connect to nearby neighborhoods like Midtown and Piedmont Park. In addition to its outdoorsy nature, Old Fourth Ward also possesses a rich history, which is primarily seen through its surrounding architecture. Recent redevelopment has given old buildings new life; both historic homes and industrial lofts are often available to either rent or buy. And, of course, don’t forget to stop by the Ponce City Market for a dazzling array of food and fun!
5. Grant Park
One of the most affordable places to live in Atlanta, this neighborhood is known for being one of Georgia’s best. It has a mixture of both urban and suburban atmospheres and is famous for its namesake, Grant Park. This 131-acre recreational area is one of the largest in the city and features a weekly farmer’s market, Zoo Atlanta, and various walking trails. The homes surrounding the park are a mixture of Craftsman-style bungalows and Victorian mansions, and the community strives to encourage small businesses, restaurants, and beer bars, as well as local artists. Plus, if you’re a coffee aficionado, their local artisan coffee shops can’t be beaten.
6. Decatur
Decatur is one of the best places in Atlanta for young couples interested in starting a family. This neighborhood is located about six miles from the heart of Atlanta, a bit further away than most others on this list. Even so, it is still a hub for shops, eateries, local pubs, and plenty of entertainment. With museums, art galleries, book festivals, and even the nation’s second-best beer bar, this neighborhood gives you the best of Atlanta without that cramped city feel. With some of the best schools in the state, it’s also a great place for education.
7. East Atlanta Village
This walkable neighborhood is the epicenter of Atlanta’s live music scene; it pours into the streets from local bars and restaurants, attracting a younger crowd. With its fantastic assortment of cocktail bars and clubs, East Atlanta possesses a wild, edgy energy perfect for pub crawlers and partiers alike. But even if concerts and parties aren’t for you, East Atlanta still has a lot to offer. Local farmer’s markets, coffee shops, artisan cupcake bakeries, bookshops, and more await both residents and visitors during the daylight hours.
8. Westview
Westview is the perfect neighborhood for those looking to invest in an affordable area only minutes from downtown. Located in Atlanta’s southwestern quadrant, Westview features a mix of architectural styles, ranging from Tudor homes to unique bungalows. It’s ideal for anyone looking for an up-and-coming area where a fix-and-flip might be available. Many families and young professionals prefer to live in Westview, as its various parks give it a more suburban feel than other parts of the city. Other attractions include the beautiful Westview Cemetery and the Westside Trail portion of the Atlanta Beltline.
9. Summerhill
The best area for both rich history and convenient access to everything is Summerhill. This 80-acre neighborhood, located in the southeastern quadrant of Atlanta, was first established in 1865, making it one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods. In recent years, Summerhill has been home to Atlanta’s Olympic Stadium, which hosted the 1996 Summer Olympics, and Turner Field, the home of the Braves Baseball Team, for roughly 20 years. Today, Summerhill has redeveloped the former Olympic Stadium and its surroundings into Georgia State University’s new-and-improved stadium. Highly accessible to Downtown, Midtown, Grant Park, and Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, Summerhill is only minutes away from the center of everything. Both a walkable and bikeable area, it is the ideal community for anyone interested in being close to the action while still far away enough to enjoy peace and quiet.