Areas and suburbs in Atlanta

The best places to live in Atlanta

When deciding on which area or suburb in Atlanta to choose, new arrivals will need to consider the proximity to their 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 layout of the city 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.

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City living in Atlanta

Midtown

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. Residents of Midtown include an eclectic mix of young singles and professionals. It is also home to a number of 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 a centre of culture in the city. It is the largest of the three business districts in Atlanta and 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, Downtown is well serviced by MARTA.

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 will have access to great restaurants and bars while enjoying a short commute to the area's business districts for work.

Buckhead is popular with young professional singles living in condos and apartments as well as 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. 

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Suburban life in Atlanta

Grant 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 lots of 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 serviced by both 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 plays host to several large festivals throughout the year.

Virginia-Highland is especially popular with young professionals. It is known as a very walkable neighbourhood but is also serviced by MARTA buses.