Is Atlanta Safe?
Atlanta is steadily becoming a safer place to live. According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), the city's overall crime rate has steadily been declining, with 2022 marking its safest year to date. 2023 projects to be safer, as crime has been dropping citywide in Atlanta.
However, it's important to note that Atlanta has a higher crime rate than most large cities, and the violent crime rate in Atlanta is more than twice that of the national average. So if you're moving to the city and safety is a concern, it's important to be familiar with the safest places to live in Atlanta.
7 Safest Neighborhoods in Atlanta
- North Buckhead
- Candler Park
- Morningside/Lenox Park
- Virginia-Highland
- Inman Park
- Midtown Atlanta
- Poncey-Highland
1. North Buckhead
North Buckhead is the safest neighborhood in Atlanta and includes the areas of Argonne Forest, Brandon, Brookhaven, Brookwood Hills, and Buckhead Village. An affluent residential area just north of Atlanta's center, North Buckhead is home to roughly 9,000 residents, making it one of the city's largest neighborhoods. Lush, forested greenery lines the streets, giving residents a sense of both peace and privacy. And the local community is committed to maintaining walkable streets with an upscale, family-friendly atmosphere. Property crimes, such as burglary and theft, pose considerable issues in North Buckhead. However, thanks to recent initiatives such as the 2021 Buckhead Security Plan, the area's overall crime rates are roughly 60% lower than the Atlanta average.
2. Candler Park
The second safest neighborhood in Atlanta is Candler Park. An outdoorsy area located slightly northeast of downtown Atlanta, this area is known for its accessible sidewalks, well-kept yards, exceptional parks, and tightly-knit community. Residents of all ages enjoy bike rides, golf games, live music, movie nights, and festivals – all of which are encouraged by the Candler Park Neighborhood Organization (CPNO). To keep its community safe, the CPNO has organized a Neighborhood Watch program known as the Candler Park/Lake Claire (CPLC) Patrol. Through the use of off-duty officers, this patrol system has helped reduce the overall crime rate to 40% of the Atlanta average, keeping Candler Park one of the safest areas in all of Atlanta.
3. Morningside/Lenox Park
Located northeast of downtown Atlanta, Morningside/Lenox Park is another one of the city's safest neighborhoods. This highly-rated district is known for its beautiful historic homes, walkable layout, and close proximity to both shopping and entertainment. And its generous selection of parks, walking paths, community gardens, and farmer's markets make it ideal for anyone interested in a healthy, active lifestyle. While petty theft in this area can be a bit problematic, the overall violent and property crime rates sit at nearly half the Atlanta average. This makes Morningside/Lenox Park among the top safest places for Atlanta residents.
4. Virginia-Highland
Virginia-Highland, more commonly known as "VaHi," is one of the safest places to live in Atlanta. During the day, this area comes alive through the hustle and bustle of local boutiques, restaurants, coffee shops, and brunch spots. At night, the local bars are home to some of the best cocktails in Atlanta. With a welcoming atmosphere and laid-back vibe, this neighborhood is popular with folks of all ages and walks of life. Theft and robbery are the primary crimes seen throughout this neighborhood. But, thanks to the efforts of local volunteer organizations like the Virginia-Highland Security Patrol, these crimes are becoming less and less of an issue. Currently, Virginia-Highland has an overall crime rate that is 61% lower than the city-wide average in Atlanta.
5. Inman Park
One of the oldest neighborhoods in Atlanta, Inman Park has a great reputation for being both safe and welcoming. The Victorian-style homes, cobblestone lanes, lush greenery, and bikeable streets give this neighborhood a charm that is difficult to find anywhere else. Nature lovers will appreciate this neighborhood's convenient access to the Eastside Trail portion of the Atlanta Beltline. Or, for those more interested in commerce and entertainment, Highland Avenue provides plenty of boutiques, eateries, yoga studios, business centers, and more.
Inman Park does experience higher rates of robbery and theft than other neighborhoods on this list; however, its overall crime rate is still 45% below the Atlanta average. Additionally, the Inman Park Neighborhood Association strives to discourage crime by working with local law enforcement to ensure its streets are safe and well-patrolled.
6. Midtown Atlanta
Midtown is another one of Atlanta's safest neighborhoods. It's also one of the best Atlanta neighborhoods for singles and young professionals. Known as an epicenter for food, art, business, and entertainment, Midtown provides its residents with a satisfying mix of both work and play.
In addition to booming business opportunities, members of this community find themselves only a short walk away from Atlanta staples such as the High Museum of Art, the Fox Theater, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Piedmont Park, and the infamous Atlanta Botanical Gardens. Its commitment to maintaining a strong working relationship with local law enforcement makes this neighborhood safe. Additionally, programs such as Court Watch and Midtown Blue help to keep streets well-patrolled and crime rates 60% below the Atlanta average.
7. Poncey-Highland
Poncey-Highland is also one of the safest areas in Atlanta. Located only two miles northeast of downtown, this neighborhood's current overall crime rate falls roughly 21% below the Atlanta average. Centered around Freedom Park, Poncey is best known for its various walking trails and the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library And Museum. Other attractions, such as the Plaza Theater and the deco-style Hotel Clermont, add to the neighborhood's eclectic atmosphere. And, of course, the neighborhood's chic assortment of restaurants and bars make Poncey Heights an attractive option for singles and young professionals.