Are you moving to Atlanta – or thinking about it? If so, get the scoop on Atlanta living with our “Moving to Atlanta: Neighborhood Guide!” In this post, we’ll explore 10 popular Atlanta neighborhoods. Read on to discover the neighborhood that’s perfect for you!
A few of our favorite ideas to explore Atlanta neighborhoods:
- Take a walking tour of a neighborhood you’re interested in
- Visit your desired neighborhood at different times of the day and week to see what it’s like
- Cruise through various Atlanta neighborhoods virtually on Google Maps
- Scope out the spots you’ll visit most: your desired neighborhood’s grocery store, daycare and schools, walking trails, parks, post office, and more!
In this guide, you’ll find:
- Descriptions and highlights of 10 of our favorite Atlanta neighborhoods
- Where to eat, explore, and relax in Atlanta
- Ideas to explore Downtown Atlanta and popular suburbs
- Hip neighborhoods like Old Fourth Ward (O4W), Little 5 Points (L5P), and East Atlanta Village (EAV)
- Information about Atlanta suburbs and areas “OTP” (outside the perimeter of the 285 highway)
1. Grant Park
One of Southeast Atlanta’s most residential neighborhoods, Grant Park features parkside living amongst Atlanta’s oldest remaining Victorian architecture. Gaining its namesake from the area’s 131-acre park, this neighborhood is easily walkable and full of nature trails.
This neighborhood has a host of annual festivals, farmers markets, and strips of local shops to enjoy. Additionally, Grant Park offers some of the city’s best Southern cuisine. As a result, this neighborhood is sure to satisfy foodies and Southern food lovers.
Neighborhood guided tours like the Grant Park Past & Future Food Walk show off the gems of the area’s restaurants while exploring Atlanta’s past. For instance, nearby Oakland Cemetery (pictured above) adds to the area’s history. This spot is a resting place for thousands of Atlantans dating back to the 1860s, including many famous names.
While you’re in Grant Park, be sure to check out Zoo Atlanta, which has more than 1,000 animals from around the world. In addition, the Starlight Drive-In Theater is a perfect spot for movies under the stars.
The residential streets lined with scenery attract families and young professionals with the neighborhood’s low-key and animal-friendly lifestyle. Therefore, as one of Atlanta’s oldest neighborhoods, Grant Park continues on full of life.
2. Chamblee
The Chamblee area combines a suburban neighborhood feel with the delights of an international oasis. This area is home to a wide variety of residents, all seeking the convenience of city living without the hustle and bustle of Downtown.
Within a short drive, you can explore Chamblee’s rich culture through a wide range of global cuisine and locally owned boutiques. At every stop along Buford Highway, you’ll find a new taste to experience!
Enjoy walking historic downtown “main street” style strips with eateries and shops or take a stroll in a pristine nature preserve. The area is also home to Downwind, a runway-side restaurant where you can watch planes take off from the Peachtree-Dekalb Airport. Nearby, Brookhaven offers a wide variety of intown shopping and dining experiences.
With residents at every stage of life, this community is one to stay and grow in.
3. Old Fourth Ward (O4W for short)
Join one of Atlanta’s most desirable neighborhoods in Old Fourth Ward – or O4W. With a rich history, this revitalized neighborhood is situated along Atlanta’s old rail line and has high energy.
With its easy access to the Atlanta BeltLine, this neighborhood offers 2 miles of paved pathway perfect for exercise or a day of leisure. For this reason, you’ll find residents from all of Atlanta enjoying restaurants, bars, and even a skate park in Old Fourth Ward. O4W is home to some of the city’s trendiest shops and eateries and even has a rooftop carnival park at landmarks like Ponce City Market (pictured).
Old Fourth Ward also has deep historical roots. Atlanta’s King Historic Area is located here, with tours like the Martin Luther King, Jr. Atlanta History Tour showcasing his hometown legacy. O4W is also home to the Ebenezer Baptist Church where Dr. King served as co-pastor with his father.
In general, O4W has immense pride for its honorable figures and is a popular social scene in the city. The formal industrial area has a dense, urban feel, with a youthful twist.
4. East Atlanta Village (EAV for short)
East Atlanta Village, better known as EAV, is a bohemian pocket with the best of urban living and a small town feel. Exuding a lot of east-side edge, this neighborhood is full of shops and restaurants that will win over a heart looking for lively vibes and walkable amenities.
EAV is perfect for foodies. That’s because this neighborhood offers a restaurant incubator/food hall called Southern Feedstore and multiple international cuisine options that will leave you wanting more. Along with a music venue, farmers market, dance club, coffee shop, and thrift stores, there is something for everyone here.
Filled with color, East Atlanta Village is proudly covered in murals and embraces a free spirit vibe. If you’re looking for a tight-knit community with a variety of things to enjoy in your free time, EAV is the place for you!
5. Midtown
If you are looking for authentic city living, check out Midtown Atlanta. In brief, this commercial district is a live-work-play hub in the heart of Atlanta.
The high-rise neighborhood has several upscale shopping and restaurant districts, including the landmark of Atlantic Station. Also known for its bustling nightlife scene, the neighborhood has some of Atlanta’s most popular bars and clubs.
The entertainment hub also offers one of the city’s largest parks. Piedmont Park spans 185 acres and attracts residents in all stages of life for year-round outdoor activities and festivals.
Midtown is also known as the heart of Atlanta’s arts. To that end, this arts district has venues to enjoy theater performances, live concerts, and art galleries. For example, some of the hottest spots are:
- The Fox Theater (pictured above)
- Alliance Theatre
- Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
- The High Museum of Art
- Center for Puppetry Arts
- Museum of Design Atlanta
In short, Midtown’s mix of luxury living and vibrant community makes it an Atlanta hot spot for new residents.
6. Little 5 Points (L5P for short)
Little 5 Points is one of Atlanta’s hippest neighborhoods. A center point for East Atlanta, ‘Little 5’ is a hub for alternative city culture. The community has a bohemian vibe, attracting a wide variety of neighbors.
With quirky boutiques, thrift and vinyl shops, and popular dive bars along the main shopping strip, there is something for everyone in Little 5 Points. This neighborhood is for those looking to live outside the mainstream hustle.
A hotspot for street artists of all talents, residents here enjoy a good time full of creativity. With landmarks like The Variety Playhouse, the artsy neighborhood brings life to the area and soul to Atlanta’s Eastside.
You should expect the unexpected in Little 5. The collective and off-beat vibe is always ready to welcome anyone and any flair.
7. Downtown
Atlanta’s Downtown has an action-packed lifestyle! This central business district is true urban living, with Atlanta’s biggest attractions right in your backyard.
Downtown is energetic, with something for everyone on any day of the week. Along its walkable streets, you’ll feel Atlanta’s spirit of growth and its historic roots. Diverse residents, from college students to seasoned professionals among 9 neighborhoods make Atlanta’s Downtown home for all.
Downtown Atlanta finds its unique flavor in areas like Centennial Olympic Park (pictured), the epicenter of Atlanta’s Olympic legacy since hosting the 1996 Summer Olympics. Moreover, Downtown bolsters city pride at hometown team pro-sports games in Mercedes-Benz Stadium and State Farm Arena.
Additional world-class attractions in Downtown Atlanta include:
- The World of Coca-Cola
- Georgia Aquarium
- The National Center for Civil and Human Rights
- CNN Center
- Children’s Museum of Atlanta
- College Football Hall of Fame
On the whole, Downtown Atlanta offers unique neighborhoods that are perfect for those looking to join all the action.
8. Westside Atlanta
This former industrial area is now one of Atlanta’s fastest-growing neighborhoods. Westside Atlanta offers residents a live-work-play lifestyle that attracts those looking for a fun-loving community.
Once abandoned warehouses, the Westside is now teaming with life amongst its revitalized architecture. The neighborhood offers popular shopping and dining districts, like Westside Provisions District and The Works, which attract the city’s large young professional and college student communities.
Westside Atlanta is a hotbed for social outings and nightlife. The area’s energy for fun fuels its rapid commerce and residential expansion. Find some of the city’s most popular breweries and delicious local eateries along the Atlanta BeltLine on the Westside.
Join this growing, walkable neighborhood and its youthful edge at the beginning of its new age. With the local saying, “west side, best side” you will find a community looking to enjoy all life has to offer.
9. Decatur
Get a college town feel within the city, in the neighborhood of Decatur. Imagine a traditional, small-town atmosphere mixed with the excitement and growth of the next generations.
The spirit of Decatur is found mixed among its family-centric neighborhoods and world-renowned institutes. For instance, the Decatur area is home to Emory University and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) headquarters.
This neighborhood is home to a vibrant art scene, felt in the walkable blocks of downtown Decatur’s small business shops, local festivals, and intimate live music spots. Additionally, the neighborhood offers a host of parks and nature trails, including 75 acres at the Fernbank Museum of Natural History.
All in all, Decatur is a welcoming, tight-knit community with lots of neighborhood pride. Here, you’ll find residents boasting, “It’s greater in Decatur!”
10. East Point
Find a quaint city feel with the happenings of a big city in the area of East Point. With a unique historic downtown, you’ll find true charm and soul in this growing community.
Only minutes away from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, East Point is conveniently located along Atlanta’s public transportation lines. With its own attractions like Georgia’s only velodrome and the Porsche Experience Center, this haven has diverse happenings.
Its growing population makes the East Point area a desirable up and coming location for Atlanta newcomers. Great for all ages and walks of life, this historic city with electric allure is ready for new residents. Other popular spots in this area include College Park and Hapeville.
More Atlanta Neighborhoods to Explore
There are so many areas to explore as you look to make Atlanta your next home. Additionally, some other neighborhoods we highly recommend checking out are:
- Smyrna (pictured above: Truist Park in Smyrna, where the Atlanta Braves play)
- Buckhead
- Virginia Highlands
- Castleberry Hill
- Grove Park
- Sandy Springs
- Roswell
As you explore Atlanta, be sure to check out our other Atlanta blog posts for more ideas and activities. For example, browse Things to Do in Atlanta with Teenagers, Atlanta Activities for History Lovers, and more!
