A Guide to the Best Neighborhoods in Atlanta

History, musical diversity, vibrant art and architecture—what more could you ask for? The city of Atlanta really seems to have it all when it comes to finding a place to call home. Weave in a touch of southern charm and hospitality, and you have a spot where any newcomer can feel immediately welcomed. 

Beyond the city as a whole, Atlanta is divided into several subsections, each with its own personality and appeal. So, when looking for the best neighborhoods in Atlanta, it might be helpful to take a stroll through the lively streets of:

• Midtown
• Grant Park
• Little Five Points
• Old Fourth Ward
• Inman Park 

Midtown

Among the best neighborhoods in Atlanta, GA, is Midtown. With plenty of restaurants, shopping, and green space galore, this is the Atlanta neighborhood that’s at the center of it all. Living in this high-energy hub puts you within walking distance of most of the city’s primary attractions and leaves you with plenty of options to fill your calendar. 

If you land in Midtown, don’t miss out on: 

• South American small plates at El Viñedo Local. Start with a selection of freshly prepared ceviches and empanadas, and wash them down with a glass (or two!) of wine from Chile, Argentina, or Uruguay. 
• Savi Provisions. Located on Peachtree Street NE, this small mom-and-pop shop offers up locally sourced foods, wine, and spirits.
• A boost of caffeine from Momo Cafe in Midtown. It has all the espresso drinks and loose leaf teas you could imagine. Plus, their inventive signature drinks—like the black sesame latte—are hard to come by anywhere else.
• A brunch date at Joy Cafe on Peachtree Street NE. It’s run by a husband and wife team, Joy and Jon, who have been inspired by traditional southern cooking as well as rural European recipes. Try the famous shrimp and grits or the brisket and eggs tacos. 

Grant Park

If you love being within just a couple of miles of the downtown buzz but prefer to live in a neighborhood that’s a bit quieter and more family-friendly, consider Grant Park. It’s one of the oldest sections of the city, speckled with bungalow homes and historic monuments dating back to the 1800s. 

Plus, nature lovers will rejoice knowing that 130 acres of city park are practically within arm’s reach. This expansive green space is home not only to jogging paths and outdoor play space, but also hosts a number of events like the Grant Park Farmers Market and Halloween Lantern parade—perfect for park-goers of all ages. 

If you land in Grant Park, don’t miss out on:

• Zoo Yoga, Twilight Treks, and even some beer sampling and live music at the nearby Zoo Atlanta.
• Smoothies, lattes, and fresh pastries at Grant Park Coffeehouse—just a three-minute walk from the zoo! 
• Top-notch breakfast and brunch at Ria’s Bluebird. Three words: caramelized banana pancakes. (The New York Times even goes so far as to call them the world’s best.) 
• Local produce, beer, wine, and deli sandwiches at the Grant Park Market—perfect for a lunch break snack or to stock up on weekly groceries. 
• A night out with friends for wine, oysters, and homemade desserts at Ziba’s Bistro, voted (unofficially) as the most likely to treat you like family and to remember your go-to cocktail order without having to ask twice. 

Little Five Points

Atlanta’s Little Five Points neighborhood earns five big stars for embodying all things bohemian, vintage, and artsy. Just 2.5 miles east of the city center is where you’ll find this hipster hub, overflowing with music stores, vegan restaurants, and brewpubs. It may be slightly more expensive than the Grant Park area (average rent per month is about $400 over Grant Park), but it’s worth it for those who prefer to eat, sleep, and breathe art and culture. 

If you land in Little Five Points, don’t miss out on:

• A comedy show or your favorite band at the historic Variety Playhouse, a converted movie theater dating back to 1940. 
• A brew and some pub fare inside The Porter Beer Bar. Match the exposed brick walls with a Red Brick Homestead Pilsner, brewed right in Atlanta, or a tart cider from Mercier Orchards handcrafted in the northern part of the state. 
• People who love coffee just as much as you do. Aurora Coffee is Atlanta’s first specialty coffee shop, located right on Moreland Avenue NE in Little Five Points. 
• Sevananda Natural Foods Market. It’s just across the street from Aurora Coffee and packed with fresh, local groceries. Plus, you can score some member deals if you decide to join the co-op. 
• Colorful, quirky, and downright awesome street art. Follow a map and take a self-guided walking tour so you can be sure you don’t miss a single bit of it. 
• The opportunity to build your record collection. If you’ve been on the hunt for some hard-to-find albums, Criminal Records might just be the treasure trove you’ve been hoping for. 

Old Fourth Ward

Another one of the best neighborhoods to live in Atlanta is Old Fourth Ward (OFW, for short). For about the same price as Little Five Points, you can live in OFW, a neighborhood whose historical roots run deep. As the birthplace of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. himself, this district on Atlanta’s east side is a significant marker for the Civil Rights Movement and has also developed into a trendy spot locals love. 

If you land in Old Fourth Ward, don’t miss out on:

• The Historic Fourth Ward Park. It’s located minutes away from the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site and offers 17 acres of green space for outdoor leisure activities, a playground, and even an amphitheater for outdoor concerts and shows. 
• A cozy dinner complete with picnic tables and patio lights at A Mano. Charred octopus, snickerdoodle gelato sandwiches, and gin cocktails with spiced sherry shrub and sage are just a few of the menu items you’ll be drooling over before they’ve even arrived at the table.
• A coffee date or a study session at Chrome Yellow Trading Co.—industrial-chic decor with a vanilla bourbon latte that you won’t want to miss out on. 
• The Ponce City Market along the Atlanta BeltLine. Get your day started with a free fitness class at the BeltLine and pop over later to your favorite shop or food kiosk in the bustling marketplace. 

Inman Park

Nestled in between Old Fourth Ward and Little Five Points is the Victorian neighborhood of Inman Park. It’s known as Atlanta’s first suburb, established in 1890, and it remains a desirable family setting that’s easily accessible to downtown Atlanta by public transportation (MARTA). The cost of living is a bit higher here, but residents will fall in love with the bucolic lifestyle and the 33 miles of biking and walking paths along the BeltLine. 

If you land in Inman Park, don’t miss out on: 

• Modern southern cuisine at Wisteria. Start off with the Charleston style lump crab cake appetizer and follow it up with an iron skillet fried half chicken—a classic complete with bacon braised collards and sweet corn pudding. 
• A weekend afternoon spent perusing the shops at Krog Street Market. A few standouts worthy of more than just window shopping? Xocolatl Small Batch Chocolate, The Little Tart Bakeshop, and Sweet Inman’s Candies. 
• The Inman Park Festival. It happens every year and its events are perfect for hanging with friends or the whole family. Come for an exploration of historic architecture at the Tour of Homes and stay for the parades, arts and crafts, and a jam-packed live music schedule. 
• A day spent reading alongside the pond at Springvale Park. Pack a picnic, and get lost in this woodland oasis without actually having to leave the city.

Land in a great Atlanta neighborhood

Whether you’re looking to explore Georgia’s great outdoors, wander around the Ponce City Market, or relax at Ansley Park, taking the time to explore the city is worth the extra bit of effort.

Fortunately, Landing takes the hassle out of searching for affordable housing, giving you ample time to explore the best parts of Atlanta. With fully furnished apartments in Atlanta, flexible leases, and 24/7 concierge service, you can take all the time you need to explore Atlanta and choose the best neighborhood for you.