10 Best Neighborhoods in Atlanta to Call Home in 2025
The Big Peach, Hotlanta, The City in a Forest—no matter what you call it—Atlanta has become one of the most popular places to live in Georgia and the greater Southeast, and for good reason. It’s home to world-famous attractions, numerous Fortune 500 companies, and renowned professional sports teams. Plus, the city is considered the capital of hip-hop, R&B, and gospel music.
It’s no wonder Atlanta’s population continues to grow. The city added a whopping 62,700 residents to its 11 counties between April 2023 and April 2024. And, the fact that you’re reading this means you may also be considering moving to this great city.
To help make your potential move easier, we’ve rounded up the 10 best neighborhoods in Atlanta, GA for you to call home. Whether you’re looking for a vibrant arts scene, suburban paradise, or easy access to downtown, there’s a neighborhood in Atlanta just right for you. Let’s find it now!
How We Reviewed the Best Neighborhoods to Live in Atlanta
To bring you this list of Atlanta's best neighborhoods, we meticulously reviewed each area for several key factors that make them desirable for residents. Each city includes a rating on a scale of one to five, with one representing a poor score and five a good score, for the following characteristics:
💸Affordability: We analyzed the average cost of homes in each neighborhood to ensure a range of options for different budgets. The more 💸 emojis you see for a neighborhood, the more affordable it is.
⛑️Safety: We reviewed neighborhood crime rates to identify areas that offer residents a safe and secure environment.
📍Community & Lifestyle: From nightlife to annual events and neighborhood feel, we considered what makes each area unique and appealing to various lifestyles.
🚶Walkability & Green Spaces: With Atlanta’s reputation as the "City in a Forest," we evaluated each neighborhood’s ease of access to parks and green spaces.
🏫School Quality: School ratings and nearby educational resources were important for our rankings.
10 Top Neighborhoods to Live In Atlanta, GA
Please note, the following list is in no particular order. Let’s dive in!
South Fulton
Located southwest of downtown, South Fulton offers a blend of urban convenience and natural beauty. Its location near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport makes it ideal for frequent travelers, while easy access to major highways ensures a smooth commute into the city. It also appeals to outdoor lovers and thrill-seekers, thanks to its proximity to Sweetwater Creek State Park and Six Flags Over Georgia.
South Fulton remains one of the more affordable areas in the Atlanta metro region, offering competitive home prices that cater to various budgets. This affordability makes it a popular choice for first-time homebuyers.
Located in the Fulton County School System, South Fulton features a mix of public and charter schools with the majority of its schools rated above average in quality. The area is committed to enhancing educational resources, with options like magnet programs, diverse extracurricular opportunities, and community involvement.
With its affordability, access to green spaces, and convenient location near the airport, South Fulton offers a balanced lifestyle that appeals to newcomers, young professionals, and frequent flyers alike.
Are you interested in living in South Fulton? Our community, Parkview Estates, offers modern single-family homes and desirable amenities. Explore the community’s available homes today!
Affordability: 💸💸💸💸💸
Safety: ⛑️⛑️⛑️
Community & Lifestyle: 📍📍📍
Walkability & Green Spaces: 🚶🚶
School Quality: 🏫🏫🏫🏫
Stone Mountain
Nestled about 20 minutes east of downtown Atlanta, Stone Mountain is known for its stunning natural scenery and easy access to city amenities. The area is best known for Stone Mountain Park, a 3,200-acre attraction featuring hiking trails, a scenic lake, historical sites, and the iconic Stone Mountain carving.
Stone Mountain is one of the more affordable neighborhoods in Atlanta, with lower-than-average home prices than other parts of the metro area. It offers a great opportunity for first-time buyers and retirees looking for a cost-effective, yet vibrant community.
The area is generally considered a safe, welcoming neighborhood. While crime rates are relatively low, it's important to research specific neighborhoods within Stone Mountain for the best fit for your lifestyle.
While Stone Mountain is less walkable than downtown Atlanta, it has pockets of walkable neighborhoods with easy access to local shops, restaurants, and parks. The city is also well-connected by public transportation, making it easy to get around without a car.
If you want to live in Stone Mountain or one of the neighboring areas, check out our available homes at Kingsley Creek, a welcoming community only 15 minutes from Stone Mountain Park.
Affordability: 💸💸💸💸💸
Safety: ⛑️⛑️⛑️
Community & Lifestyle: 📍📍📍
Walkability & Green Spaces: 🚶🚶
School Quality: 🏫🏫🏫
Ellenwood
About 15 miles southeast of downtown Atlanta, Ellenwood offers a peaceful, suburban atmosphere with easy access to city and outdoor attractions. Ellenwood provides easy access to hiking and biking in Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area, plus downtown’s cultural and entertainment options like Zoo Atlanta, Grant Park, and the Lakewood Amphitheater.
Ellenwood is known for its affordable real estate options, making it attractive to young professionals and retirees alike. With a median home price of $308k, home prices are generally lower than those in many parts of the greater Atlanta area, allowing residents to enjoy more space without breaking the bank.
It’s a growing area, with new developments, like Northridge Station, providing additional amenities and housing inventory. Thanks to local activities and annual events, the neighborhood has a close-knit vibe.
Ellenwood is a more suburban, spread-out community, so it's not particularly known for walkability. However, some neighborhoods offer access to nearby parks, grocery stores, and other essentials. A car is generally the best option for those commuting to Atlanta or exploring the surrounding areas.
With its affordability and suburban charm, Ellenwood appeals to those seeking a quieter, laid-back lifestyle close to the conveniences of Atlanta. If that sounds like you, explore these new homes in the area.
Affordability: 💸💸💸💸💸
Safety: ⛑️⛑️⛑️
Community & Lifestyle: 📍📍📍
Walkability & Green Spaces: 🚶🚶
School Quality: 🏫🏫
Douglasville
Douglasville is a vibrant suburb of downtown Atlanta, known for its historic charm and appearances in movies and TV like “The Hunger Games” and “Stranger Things”. With a quaint, walkable downtown area featuring local shops and restaurants, Douglasville combines a small-town lifestyle with easy access to big-city amenities. It’s also close to outdoor recreation opportunities at Sweetwater Creek State Park.
Like several of our top neighborhoods, Douglasville is one of the more affordable areas in the Atlanta metro region, making it appealing for first-time homebuyers and young professionals. The area offers a variety of housing options, from charming historic homes to new developments, including our community, Ashley Falls, which features single-family homes with lofts, walk-in closets, and spacious open layouts.
Douglasville is known for being a welcoming community. However, the city’s crime rate varies across its neighborhoods. The area has several well-regarded schools with outstanding academic and extracurricular programs.
With its affordability, charming downtown, and welcoming environment, Douglasville is ideal for those seeking suburban living with a blend of history and modern amenities. Whether you're drawn to its natural beauty, close-knit community, or proximity to the city, Douglasville has something for everyone.
Affordability: 💸💸💸💸💸
Safety: ⛑️⛑️
Community & Lifestyle: 📍📍📍
Walkability & Green Spaces: 🚶🚶🚶
School Quality: 🏫🏫🏫
Sandy Springs
Located along the Chattahoochee River, just north of downtown Atlanta, Sandy Springs offers a blend of urban amenities, high quality of life, and scenic green spaces. Residents enjoy a wealth of outdoor recreation, like kayaking and fishing, plus cultural attractions.
Compared to a handful of communities on this list, Sandy Springs is a more upscale hub, with home prices higher than the Atlanta metro average. Although the area is known for its high standard of living, those on a budget may still find affordable options in nearby neighborhoods.
Sandy Springs is part of the highly regarded Fulton County School System, and the area features several top-rated public and private schools. The neighborhood is also known for having a lower crime rate than the rest of Georgia, attracting professionals who commute into the city.
One of Sandy Springs’ most popular attractions, City Springs, is known for its walkable streets, where residents can stroll to shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. While much of the neighborhood requires a car for travel, it’s well-connected to downtown Atlanta by public transit options like MARTA. But, if you work at one of the many Fortune 500 companies in the area, you won’t have to worry about a long commute.
With its blend of high-quality schools, safety, and equal access to nature and city amenities, Sandy Springs is ideal for those seeking an active, community-oriented lifestyle close to Atlanta.
Affordability: 💸💸💸
Safety: ⛑️⛑️⛑️⛑️⛑️
Community & Lifestyle: 📍📍📍📍
Walkability & Green Spaces: 🚶🚶
School Quality: 🏫🏫🏫🏫🏫
Buckhead
Often considered the “Beverly Hills of the South,” Buckhead is one of Atlanta’s most iconic and upscale neighborhoods, with luxury shopping, high-end restaurants, and a more affluent lifestyle, just a few miles north of downtown. Buckhead’s major attractions include Lenox Square, Phipps Plaza, and the High Museum of Art.
As you might guess, Buckhead is one of Atlanta’s pricier neighborhoods, with home prices reflecting its upscale reputation. The area is popular with professionals and executives who prioritize a central location with high-end amenities.
Located in the Atlanta Public Schools district, Buckhead has highly regarded public and private schools. Many of the schools are known for their academic excellence, well-rounded programs, and active communities. Buckhead has also been labeled as one of Georgia’s safest neighborhoods.
While Buckhead is more walkable than other Atlanta neighborhoods, a car is still required for getting around. Thankfully, the area benefits from the city’s public transit options, providing easy access to downtown.
With its upscale amenities, prime location, and a strong sense of community, Buckhead appeals to those looking for a blend of luxury and convenience in Atlanta.
Affordability: 💸💸
Safety: ⛑️⛑️⛑️⛑️⛑️
Community & Lifestyle: 📍📍📍📍
Walkability & Green Spaces: 🚶🚶
School Quality: 🏫🏫🏫🏫🏫
Decatur
Decatur is a charming and vibrant city, known for its close-knit community and easy access to city amenities. Outside of downtown Atlanta, Decatur is one of the most walkable neighborhoods on this list. Its pedestrian-friendly downtown area offers boutique shops, craft breweries, and eateries, perfect for a night out on the town.
People are drawn to Decatur’s top-rated schools, as well as its proximity to prestigious Atlanta universities, like Emory University and Agnes Scott College. Decatur has a lower crime rate than the state and national averages, according to AreaVibes, making it a desirable place for newcomers.
From cozy bungalows to historic homes, Decatur offers a mix of housing options. While it’s generally more affordable than some of Atlanta’s high-end neighborhoods, Decatur’s growing popularity has led to an increase in home prices in recent years. The median sale price of a home in Decatur now sits at $630k, according to Redfin.
With its vibrant downtown, high-quality schools, and convenient access to nature and city attractions, Decatur is an ideal spot for those seeking a laid-back lifestyle with urban perks.
Virginia Highland
Virginia Highland, often abbreviated to “VaHi,” is one of Atlanta’s most beloved neighborhoods, known for its historic charm, eclectic shops, and vibrant dining scene. Located just a few miles northeast of downtown Atlanta, VaHi combines the best of urban convenience with a cozy, neighborhood feel.
Virginia Highland is one of Atlanta’s most walkable neighborhoods, with nearly everything residents need just a short stroll away. It’s within easy reach of popular destinations like Piedmont Park, Atlanta Botanical Garden, and the Atlanta BeltLine, making it a hotspot for outdoor enthusiasts. Additionally, the area appeals to citygoers, thanks to its proximity to MARTA and major highways.
As you might expect, Virginia Highland’s popularity and prime location have made it one of Atlanta's pricier neighborhoods, with higher-than-average home prices. Housing options include beautifully preserved bungalows, Craftsman-style homes, and a selection of upscale high rises.
Beyond its superb location, people are drawn to Virginia Highland for its well-regarded schools, which are also served by the Atlanta Public School system, and its active community involvement in education. It’s also considered a relatively safe place to live near downtown, according to Areavibes.
With its historic charm, walkable streets, and location just minutes from downtown Atlanta, Virginia Highland offers a lively, yet relaxed lifestyle, perfect for young professionals and anyone seeking a neighborhood with character and convenience.
Affordability: 💸
Safety: ⛑️⛑️⛑️⛑️
Community & Lifestyle: 📍📍📍📍📍
Walkability & Green Spaces: 🚶🚶🚶🚶🚶
School Quality: 🏫🏫🏫🏫
Inman Park
Inman Park, Atlanta’s first planned suburb, is a historic neighborhood just east of downtown Atlanta. Known for its stunning Victorian homes and tree-lined streets, Inman Park seamlessly blends old-world charm with modern urban living.
Inman Park is one of Atlanta’s most walkable neighborhoods. Residents can easily access local cafes and restaurants, including the popular food hall, Krog Street Market. With direct access to the Atlanta BeltLine, walking or biking to nearby neighborhoods like Old Fourth Ward or Poncey-Highland is a breeze. The area is truly a hub for outdoor enthusiasts and foodies alike.
Inman Park’s historic charm and prime location have made it a more expensive neighborhood to call home, with a median sale price of $635k, according to Redfin, but prices have dropped over the past year. Housing options range from beautifully restored historic homes to modern condos, and while the price tag may be higher, the amenities and central location may justify the investment for many.
Inman Park is regarded as a welcoming neighborhood, with an active community association that works to maintain its charm and security. The neighborhood is also served by Atlanta Public Schools, which offers a good mix of quality academic programs.
Whether you’re drawn to its beautiful homes, walkability, or proximity to some of Atlanta’s best attractions, Inman Park offers an exceptional living experience that’s hard to match.
Affordability: 💸💸
Safety: ⛑️⛑️⛑️
Community & Lifestyle: 📍📍📍📍📍
Walkability & Green Spaces: 🚶🚶🚶🚶🚶
School Quality: 🏫🏫🏫🏫
Little Five Points
Little Five Points is an eclectic neighborhood just east of downtown Atlanta. Known for its bohemian vibe, this area is a haven for creatives, musicians, and anyone seeking a unique community. Little Five Points’ popular attractions include the Variety Playhouse, a beloved music venue, the Ponce City Market, a one-stop-shop for food and shopping, and the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park, which encompasses King’s birth home and final resting place.
Little Five Points is highly walkable, with most attractions, shops, and restaurants concentrated in a compact area. Easily explore the neighborhood’s abundant murals and art installations on its pedestrian-friendly streets. Additionally, its proximity to the MARTA system and major roads provides convenient access to downtown attractions.
Housing in Little Five Points is a mix of older bungalows, historic homes, and condominiums, offering options for a range of budgets. While Little Five Points offers some affordable housing options, the area is known for having a competitive housing market due to its popularity.
With its creative energy and unique culture, Little Five Points offers an experience unlike any other in Atlanta. Ideal for those who embrace individuality and creativity, this neighborhood is a fantastic place to call home for people looking to be in the heart of Atlanta’s cultural scene.
Affordability: 💸💸💸
Safety: ⛑️⛑️⛑️
Community & Lifestyle: 📍📍📍📍📍
Walkability & Green Spaces: 🚶🚶🚶🚶🚶
School Quality: 🏫🏫
Ready to Move to Atlanta? Let Us Help!
Atlanta offers a tapestry of neighborhoods that cater to the diverse needs of its residents. From the creative hub of Little Five Points to the suburban comforts of Ellenwood, The Big Peach has something for everyone. Hopefully, this list of Atlanta’s best neighborhoods gave you a better idea of which area best suits you and your desires.
If you’re ready to call Atlanta home sweet home, let us help you with your move. We have brand-new homes near your favorite Atlanta neighborhood available today. Plus, our streamlined online homebuying process makes it quick and simple to find a home both you and your budget will love.
