Scouting the best neighborhoods in Atlanta? In Atlanta, every neighborhood tells a story of progress, diversity, and heartfelt connection. You are invited to become not just a visitor but a part of its ongoing narrative. If you don’t have a clue about which community to choose, or if you’re simply eager to learn more about this area, rest assured, you can meet with your dream neighborhood in this blog.
Is Atlanta a Good Place to Live?
Atlanta, one of the nation’s top ten cities, is the capital and heart of Georgia. Tucked in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in the eastern United States, Atlanta boasts one of the country’s highest percentages of forest cover. This natural beauty has earned Atlanta the nickname ‘Forest City‘. Additionally, the city’s abundance of rivers and lakes adds to its allure, making it one of the most sought-after places to live in the United States.
We learned about Atlanta’s superior natural environment. The next thing to introduce is the economy and living conditions. Atlanta is the political, economic, financial, and commercial centre of the southeastern United States and an important transportation hub in the United States. Atlanta’s economy has grown steadily among many large cities in recent years. The reason is that Atlanta is one of the top high-tech cities in the nation, home to many Fortune Global 500 and other competitive startups. There are familiar international companies headquartered in Atlanta, such as Coca-Cola, Delta Air Lines, UPS Transportation, and Home Depot. Over 100,000 high-paying jobs are available each year. The relatively low cost of living and many job opportunities attract many aspiring young people to come here to start a family.
Factors to Consider the Best Neighborhood in Atlanta
Atlanta is a city for all types of people. When choosing an ideal neighbourhood, international students should consider safety, affordability, school, and amenities.
1 Safety
Neighborhood safety is necessary for people’s decisions about where to settle. 2023 was Atlanta’s safest year on record, and 2024 is expected to be even safer as crime continues to decline throughout the city. But, crime rates in Atlanta are still high compared to other major cities. Safety is an essential criterion for judging the best neighborhood in Atlanta. So, knowing the safest neighborhoods is crucial.
2 Affordability
One key advantage of Atlanta for international students is its lower cost of living than other developed cities in the United States. This advantage contributes to its reputation as the best neighborhood to stay in Atlanta. It means more reasonable housing, dining, shopping, and entertainment expenses. The neighborhoods we’ll discuss in this article offer some of Atlanta’s most affordable living options.
3 Institution
Choosing a neighborhood around your university is the best option. The closer you live to the university, the better. It is ideal to keep your commute to 30 minutes so that you can sleep half an hour longer in the morning.
Atlanta boasts a distinguished higher education landscape, with several of the most esteemed institutions of higher learning. These include Georgia Institute of Technology, Emory University, Georgia State University, Kennesaw State University, Clark Atlanta University, Agnes Scott College, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Mercer University. These universities are situated in different districts. When selecting a neighborhood to reside in, start by evaluating the areas surrounding your university. Consider factors such as safety, cost of living, and the amenities in each neighbourhood to make an optimal choice.
4 Amenities
Neighborhood amenities are a top priority if you want to improve your overall quality of life. Neighborhoods with convenient transportation can save you a lot of time and money. Besides, it is best to have large shopping malls, hospitals, high-quality recreational facilities, and other supporting services in the neighborhood for easy living. With all these factors, the neighborhood can be deemed one of the best neighborhoods in Atlanta.
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10 Best Neighborhoods in Atlanta
1 Midtown
Midtown is one of the best neighborhoods in Atlanta, GA, located north of downtown. Midtown is known for its vibrant arts scene, featuring several high-class museums and performing arts centres. High Museum of Art and the Fox Theatre are must-go-toes among them. The area also boasts an array of trendy restaurants, bars and luxury stores, making it a popular destination for young people and city dwellers. Housing options in Midtown range from historic houses and apartments to modern high-rise apartments. For overseas students, the average rent for a studio apartment in Midtown is $1767. Midtown is a safe neighborhood with a relatively low crime rate. The neighborhood is also home to several MARTA stations, making it easy to explore the city.
The neighborhood also has several brilliant universities, including the highly regarded Georgia Institute of Technology.
2 Virginia Highland
Located east of downtown Virginia, Highland is a picturesque neighborhood known for its charming bungalows and tree-lined streets. As one of the best neighborhoods to live in Atlanta, Virginia Highland is popular with families and young students who enjoy a comfortable, laid-back lifestyle. There is an eclectic mix of stores and restaurants. Virginia Highland is considered one of the safest neighborhoods in Atlanta, with a low crime rate and an active neighborhood watch program. Virginia Highland’s housing consists of many historic and beautifully restored single-family homes. Besides, if you prefer a one-bedroom apartment, the average rent in Virginia Highland is $2046.
Virginia Highland is an ideal neighborhood for students at Georgia State University.
3 Buckhead
Buckhead is at the top of Atlanta’s list of safe neighborhoods. Apart from safety, Buckhead has always been a centre of wealth, making it one of the best neighborhoods in Atlanta, Ga, for families. Buckhead has many upscale restaurants, from luxury French dining to delicious Asian cuisine, with various dining options to satisfy multiple tastes. Additionally, Buckhead is home to considerable trendy nightclubs and bars that offer an exciting nightlife experience. As to commercial and recreational facilities, Buckhead also possesses some beautiful parks and natural attractions. The famous Chastain Park and Blue Heron Nature Preserve offer residents and visitors a place to unwind. The average monthly rent for a studio apartment in Buckhead is $1767.
4 Decatur
Decatur is a charming, family-friendly neighborhood located east of Atlanta. Decatur always comes to mind when talking about the safest neighborhood in Atlanta. It has the lowest crime rates. Besides, Decatur has a rich cultural life. There are many art galleries, music venues and cultural events where residents can enjoy the charm of art and culture. The area is home to several lovely parks and green spaces, including the famous Decatur Square, which has many restaurants and shops and holds events frequently. Housing options in Decatur range from historic bungalows and cottages to modern condos and apartments. The average rent for a studio apartment in Decatur is $1767.
Near Emory University, Decatur is the best neighborhood in Atlanta for overseas students here to live at ease.
5 Vinings
Vinings is located on the banks of the Chattahoochee River. Its extremely low crime rate and fascinating community construction make it one of the best neighborhood to stay in Atlanta for those seeking peace and security. The neighborhood is ideally located just a few miles from downtown Atlanta. With a convenient transportation network, it is easy for residents to get to downtown and the surrounding area. In addition, Vinings has several parks and leisure facilities, providing residents with a wealth of outdoor activity options. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Vinings is $2031 per month.
In addition to its convenient location, Vining also has quality educational resources. The neighborhood is near Georgia State University Buckhead Center and United Education Institute – Morrow.
6 Old Fourth Ward
Old Fourth Ward is Atlanta’s most promising area and one of the best neighborhoods to live in Atlanta, Ga. Located east of downtown Atlanta, Old Fourth Ward is an emerging, trendy neighborhood known for blending historical buildings with modern architecture. The neighborhood has several popular attractions, including the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site and Atlanta’s BeltLine Eastside Trail. The Ponce City Market is a mixed-use community of shops, cafeterias, co-working spaces and apartments. Housing options in Old Fourth Ward range from historic bungalows and apartments to modern apartments and lofts. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Vinings is $2046 per month.
Clark Atlanta University is the top university around Old Fourth Ward.
7 East Atlanta Village
East Atlanta Village is located in the southeast of the city. The neighborhood is home to some of the best street art in the region, making it one of the best neighborhoods to visit in Atlanta. Its residents are so cool they even have their own Internet radio station. East Atlanta Village is a diverse, eclectic neighborhood with independent fine shops, bars, and restaurants. The area also has parks, such as Brownwood Park. The East Atlanta Farmers Market is the best Atlanta farmers market. East Atlanta Village is filled with single-family houses, many of which are historic and lovingly restored. Regarding safety, East Atlanta Village is considered a relatively safe neighborhood with a low crime rate. In East Atlanta Village, the average rent for a studio apartment is $1767 per month.
8 Brookhaven
Brookhaven is a city in DeKalb County, Georgia, part of the Atlanta metropolitan area. It officially became a city in 2012. The city covers 12 square miles and has a population of about 55,000. As a relatively new community, its safety, modern facilities and high-end living environment are the biggest highlights of the neighborhood. So, it is one of the best neighborhoods in Atlanta for young professionals. The neighborhood has excellent educational resources, including several outstanding schools and libraries, providing residents with a good learning environment. The community is full of diversity and energy. It has rich cultural resources, including art galleries, concert halls and theatres. Residents can enjoy various art and cultural performances here to enrich their spiritual life. In addition, the Brookhaven community has a variety of dining and shopping options to meet the tastes of its residents. Residents here are relatively wealthy, and the cost of living is higher than in other neighborhoods. The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Brookhaven is $2,617.
9 Candler Park
The neighborhood has a long history, rich cultural heritage, a unique community atmosphere and friendly residents. Candler Park covers an area of approximately 55 acres and is one of the best areas to live in Atlanta for residents to enjoy themselves. The park’s tree-lined trails, lawns and outdoor sports facilities attract many people for walks, morning runs and outdoor sports. In addition, the park regularly hosts various community events, such as concerts, fairs and festival celebrations. These activities provide a wide variety of entertainment and leisure options for residents. The neighborhood also has excellent educational resources and convenient transportation conditions. Several bus lines and bicycle lanes are convenient for residents to travel and commute, making it an ideal place for families and international students to live. Several quality public and private schools in the community provide residents with good educational options. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Candler Park is $1369.
Agnes Scott College is located in Candler Park.
10 Morningside
Morningside, located northeast of downtown Atlanta, is known for its safety and is considered one of the safest neighborhoods in Atlanta. This highly regarded area has grand historic houses and convenient facilities, making it one of the best areas in Atlanta. In addition, it has a variety of parks, walking trails, community gardens, and farmers markets, which are perfect for those interested in a healthy lifestyle. Although theft may be a concern in this area, the overall violent and property crime rate is below the Atlanta average. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Morningside is $2046.
An excellent university near Morningside is Savannah College of Art and Design.
Conclusion
Atlanta’s neighborhoods uncover the soul of a vibrant, diverse, and dynamic city. Each area offers its unique blend of culture, community, and charisma. Midtown stands out for those craving the energy of urban life alongside lush parks, while Decatur appeals to those seeking a small-town vibe with all the amenities of city living. Choosing the best neighborhoods in Atlanta isn’t just about location; it’s about envisioning a future in a community that feels like home, in a city that is always looking ahead.
FAQ
What is the nicest neighborhood in Atlanta?
Midtown stands out for its picturesque skyline and the sense of community and vibrancy it nurtures. This neighborhood is a cultural and artistic hub. It is considered one of the best neighborhoods in Atlanta.
What is the safest area to stay in Atlanta?
Buckhead’s well-maintained neighborhoods, alongside its professional and responsive police presence, provide a sense of security and tranquillity amidst the hustle and bustle of city life. For travellers and residents alike, Buckhead represents a harmonious blend of safety, sophistication, and the spirit of Atlanta.
What's the nicest suburb of Atlanta?
Decatur’s downtown area is a treasure trove of local boutiques, delectable eateries, and cultural institutions that echo the community’s inclusive spirit and forward-thinking outlook. The neighborhood boasts an outstanding school system, further accentuating its appeal to families and individuals seeking a nurturing environment for growth and learning.
