Atlanta is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, drawing a steady stream of new residents. Whether they’re making a long-distance move or a local move within the state, people come for the jobs, the culture, the weather, and the lifestyle.
You’ll find all kinds of neighborhoods here. Some are dense and urban, just minutes from Downtown, while others feel suburban, with parks, schools, and tree-lined streets. There are luxury communities with multi-million-dollar homes. There are also more affordable pockets full of creative people and humming with music, art, and street festivals.
As of early 2025, the median home price in Atlanta is around $392,471, while the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is about $1,758. Prices are rising in most areas, but some neighborhoods are still affordable. Others are not even close.
That’s why choosing the right neighborhood matters. Before you moving to Georgia, take time to consider your options. This guide breaks down the best Atlanta neighborhoods based on what you’re looking for — whether it’s safety, nightlife, walkability, or space to grow.
How We Chose the Best Neighborhoods in Atlanta
We looked at the data, but we also looked at the details that matter. School ratings. Crime statistics. Walkability. Commute times. Local character. Housing prices. Rent averages. These are the things that shape daily life.
Georgia is a state that offers a little bit of everything, and Atlanta is Georgia at its best. Each neighborhood in this guide stands out for one specific reason. Some are safe and quiet. Others are lively and full of culture. Some offer quick commutes. Others give you space to slow down (and maybe some extra storage.)
For each neighborhood, you’ll find the median home price, the average rent for a one-bedroom, and the drive time to Downtown. You’ll also get a quick look at what makes each place unique — whether that’s parks, events, food, or community.
8 Best Neighborhoods in Atlanta
Atlanta offers a wide range of living experiences. Here’s a breakdown of the neighborhoods that stood out in our review.
Jump to a neighborhood:
1. Ansley Park: Nicest neighborhood in Atlanta
Median home sale price: $1.4 million
Average rent: $2,202
Commute to Downtown: 10–15 minutes
Don’t miss: Piedmont Park, Atlanta Botanical Garden, The High Museum of Art
Ansley Park sits just north of Midtown, right next to Piedmont Park. The location is hard to beat: it’s close to Downtown, but tucked between green space and important cultural landmarks. You’ll see wide streets, mature trees, and some of the most beautiful homes in the city. Most houses are historic, built in the early 1900s, with architecture that ranges from Colonial Revival to Tudor and Italianate. The lawns are large, the landscaping is pristine, and it feels like old money without the snob factor.
This neighborhood is quiet, walkable, and meticulously maintained. You’ll find families walking dogs, joggers circling the park, and neighbors who wave. Residents are proud to live here — and it shows. The streets stay clean. The parks stay active. Most errands require a short drive, but the BeltLine is nearby, and MARTA stops are just a few blocks away.
2. Buckhead: Best Atlanta neighborhood for young professionals
Median home sale price: $675,000
Average rent: $1,930
Commute to Downtown: 15–20 minutes
Don’t miss: Lenox Square Mall, Chastain Park Amphitheatre, Atlanta History Center
Buckhead has all the perks young professionals look for — modern apartments, great nightlife, shopping, and quick access to the rest of the city. The area is packed with upscale high-rises, luxury condos, and townhomes, but you’ll also find some quiet residential streets with single-family homes. It’s one of Atlanta’s largest neighborhoods and sits about 15 minutes north of Downtown.
This area is known for the good life. There are rooftop bars, high-end restaurants, fitness clubs, and coworking spaces on every corner. MARTA stations make it easy to commute or explore without a car. Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza bring in shoppers from across the region. Chastain Park offers a green break from the buzz, with trails, a golf course, and concerts under the stars.
3. Candler Park: Best Atlanta neighborhood for families
Median home sale price: $725,000
Average rent: $1,332
Commute to Downtown: 10-15 minutes
Don’t miss: Candler Park Festival, Flying Biscuit Café, Freedom Park Trail
Candler Park has the kind of easygoing vibe that makes it feel like home from day one. Located just east of Downtown, the neighborhood is full of craftsman-style bungalows, historic homes, and shady, tree-lined streets. It’s one of the city’s most walkable areas, and the community feel is strong. Families bike together, neighbors chat on porches, and kids play in the park after school.
The park itself is the heart and soul of the neighborhood. It has tennis courts, a playground, a golf course, and regular community events. Freedom Park connects Candler Park to the BeltLine and other nearby neighborhoods, making it easy to stay active without leaving the area. Good public schools, a MARTA station, and a small commercial strip with local restaurants and coffee shops round out the family-friendly appeal.
4. Virginia-Highland – Safest neighborhood in Atlanta
Median home sale price: $465,750
Average rent: $1,848
Commute to Downtown: 10–15 minutes
Don’t miss: Virginia-Highland Summerfest, Murphy’s Restaurant, John Howell Park
Virginia-Highland blends charm, character, and safety better than just about anywhere in Atlanta. It sits northeast of Midtown, only a few miles from Downtown. Most of the homes are bungalows or craftsman-style, built in the early 1900s. Streets are narrow, shaded, and lined with sidewalks. Residents walk everywhere, whether they’re grabbing brunch, taking the dog out, or heading to the park.
The neighborhood stays busy, but never chaotic. John Howell Park and the nearby BeltLine give residents room to stretch out. Local festivals like Summerfest bring the community together. The main commercial strip offers a mix of restaurants, bars, and independent shops. It’s a true neighborhood feel.
5. Midtown: Most walkable neighborhood in Atlanta
Median home sale price: $372,500
Average rent: $2,488
Commute to Downtown: 5-10 minutes
Don’t miss: Fox Theatre, Colony Square, Atlanta Pride Festival
Midtown is built for people who like to be in the thick of things. It’s located just north of Downtown and features one of the highest Walk Scores in the city. Condos, lofts, and high-rises dominate the skyline. Restaurants, cafés, and grocery stores sit right at street level. The BeltLine runs through the area, and Piedmont Park opens up into miles of green space.
The neighborhood blends culture and convenience. The High Museum, Fox Theatre, and Woodruff Arts Center are all within walking distance. So are grocery stores, gyms, and MARTA stations. Residents walk to work, walk their dogs, and walk out to dinner. Street festivals, concerts, and outdoor yoga sessions fill the weekends. Midtown stays active day and night, which makes it ideal for anyone who wants access without needing a car. The energy stays high, and everything you need is just a few blocks away.
6. Little Five Points: Best Atlanta neighborhood for creative types
Median home sale price: $210,000
Average rent: $2,088
Commute to Downtown: 10-15 minutes
Don’t miss: Variety Playhouse, Junkman’s Daughter, L5P Halloween Festival
Little Five Points isn’t polished — and people love it for that. It’s colorful, loud, weird, and proud of it. The neighborhood sits east of Downtown and just south of Candler Park. You’ll find street art, record shops, skate punks, vintage boutiques, dive bars, and maybe someone playing saxophone on the sidewalk. It feels like a crossroads between punk, indie, and Southern counterculture.
Housing options lean toward older duplexes, modest single-family homes, and upstairs apartments above shops. It’s not the spot for luxury high-rises. It’s the spot for people who value personality and creative energy.
The community is tight-knit and expressive. Events like the L5P Halloween Festival bring out massive crowds in costume, and music venues like Variety Playhouse keep the local scene alive. Little Five Points stays walkable, bikeable, and unpredictable, perfect for anyone who wants to live a little left of center.
7. East Atlanta Village: Hippest neighborhood in Atlanta
Median home sale price: $520,000
Average rent: $1,569
Commute to Downtown: 15–20 minutes
Don’t miss: The Earl, East Atlanta Strut, Argosy
East Atlanta Village (EAV) has edge. It’s a place where murals cover the buildings, bands play late into the night, and every bar has a story. Located just southeast of Downtown, the neighborhood has earned its reputation as Atlanta’s creative playground. Dive bars, tattoo shops, record stores, and indie restaurants line the main strip. The vibe stays casual but intentional.
For housing in EAV, you’ll find classic bungalows, renovated ranches, modern infill homes, and small apartment buildings. The streets feel lived-in and a little raw. People walk, bike, and gather at spots like Joe’s Coffee or Midway Pub. The East Atlanta Strut, an annual grassroots neighborhood festival, shuts down roads and fills them with music, art, and food. The community is young, expressive, and proud of its identity. In short, EAV is unapologetically itself, and people love it for that.
8. Morningside-Lenox Park: Best Atlanta neighborhood for nature lovers
Median home sale price: $1.1 million
Average rent: $1,836
Commute to Downtown: 10–15 minutes
Don’t miss: Morningside Nature Preserve, Alon's Bakery & Market, Lenox-Wildwood Park
Morningside-Lenox Park offers a quieter side of Atlanta. Located northeast of Midtown and west of Emory, the neighborhood is full of mature trees, placid winding streets, and well-kept yards. The housing stock is mostly single-family homes, many of them historic or custom-built. Yards are big, sidewalks are wide, and the whole area feels tucked away, even though it’s just a short drive to Downtown.
Nature is built into daily life here. Morningside Nature Preserve has trails, creeks, and off-leash areas for dogs. Smaller pocket parks like Lenox-Wildwood and Noble Park offer more green space without the crowds. Farmers markets, tree-lined walks, and outdoor brunches are part of the community’s rhythm. The area skews residential, with families and professionals who value peace and green space over nightlife.
The Right Move Starts With the Right Place
Neighborhoods do more than dictate commute times. They shape routines, conversations, habits, and the pace of your days. In a city like Atlanta, that choice carries weight. Yes, you’re picking a place on a map. But you’re also picking a way of moving through the world.
As you pack for moving and are deciding whether your next chapter should unfold in the front-porch calm of Candler Park or the high-rise energy of Midtown, Colonial Van Lines is ready to help you get there. With over 50 years of experience in long-distance moving, we take care of the logistics so you can focus on starting fresh. Get your free quote today!