Atlanta has a number of desirable neighborhoods with varying average rent prices.
The city boasts a thriving economy, booming film and music industries, vibrant culture and some of the best food in the South.
Atlanta also houses the Fortune 500 headquarters for Delta, UPS and worldwide favorite Coca-Cola. Add in the historical roots and family-friendly attractions, loved by locals and tourists alike.
Neighborhoods in Atlanta are often named after a park, and each has a unique personality — from young families to nightlife-centric. All 45 in-town neighborhoods connect through the Atlanta BeltLine, a walking trail that connects the city. There's something for everyone.
Thinking about moving to Atlanta or just to another neighborhood — how much should you budget ahead of time?
Despite having one of the wealthiest ZIP Codes in the U.S., Atlanta remains affordable for most residents. Currently, the average rent in Atlanta hovers around $1,969 per month for a one-bedroom apartment.
You should take into account your commute, proximity to dining and entertainment options, access to public transportation and interests before picking a neighborhood. These amenities, depending on your lifestyle, may be worth the price tag.
Read on to find out more about the most expensive and cheapest neighborhoods in Atlanta.
The rent in Atlanta runs the spectrum — you can find a one-bedroom for about $700 a month but also see one for more than $2,500 a month. It all comes down to the neighborhood.
Some of the most expensive neighborhoods in Atlanta are also in one of the wealthiest ZIP Codes across the state, including Buckhead Forest, South Tuxedo Park and North Buckhead. These neighborhoods are located near the city's financial center and luxury malls, north of the city.
As you move south down the connector (where I-75 and I-85 meet in downtown Atlanta), you'll see a more significant mix of price tags from Midtown on the higher end to the cheapest neighborhoods in Southwest Atlanta.
| Neighborhood | Average 1-BR Rent Prices |
|---|---|
| Virginia Highland | $2,697 |
| North Buckhead | $2,375 |
| Midtown | $2,325 |
| Buckhead Forest | $2,275 |
| South Tuxedo Park | $2,103 |
| Buckhead Village | $2,071 |
| Garden Hills | $2,036 |
| Centennial Hill | $2,034 |
| Peachtree Hills | $1,994 |
| Buckhead | $1,972 |
Closer to luxury boutiques and the city's financial center, most expensive neighborhoods in Atlanta are around Buckhead. Most rent prices will be in the $2,000 a month range and are condos with higher-end amenities like pools and tennis courts.
However, an east side neighborhood takes the top spot. Virginia-Highland boasts highly walkable, tree-lined streets, a small downtown area complete with boutiques, restaurants, wine shops and specialty stores. It's also walking distance from highly-rated schools, so it's perfect for young families.
| Neighborhood | Average 1-BR Rent Price |
|---|---|
| Lakewood Heights | $715 |
| Southwest Atlanta | $784 |
| Adams Park | $877 |
| Ben Hill* | $901 |
| Pleasantdale | $911 |
| Pittsburgh | $1,030 |
| Intown South | $1,042 |
| Embry Hills | $1,085 |
| Southside | $1,126 |
| West End* | $1,138 |
The south of Atlanta started undergoing a renaissance during the past decade with the BeltLine Westside trail coming through and Atlanta's young generation having more financial power. The historic black neighborhoods boast some of the best soul food and vegan food in Atlanta and history rarely told elsewhere in the city.
You'll see the most affordable neighborhoods border downtown Atlanta — they're also served by MARTA rail and buses. With new breweries and restaurants popping up near these neighborhoods, you can still find an apartment for less than $1,000.
For a complete rundown of average neighborhood prices in Atlanta, see the chart below.
| Neighborhood | Average 1-BR Rent Prices |
|---|---|
| Adams Park | $877 |
| Atlantic Station | $1,629 |
| Ben Hill* | $901 |
| Berkeley Park | $1,622 |
| Blandtown | $1,636 |
| Brookwood Hills | $1,542 |
| Buckhead | $1,972 |
| Buckhead Forest | $2,275 |
| Buckhead Village | $2,071 |
| Castleberry Hill | $1,695 |
| Centennial Hill | $2,034 |
| Colonial | $1,463 |
| Cross Creek* | $1,794 |
| Downtown | $1,765 |
| East Chastain Park | $1,713 |
| Eastside | $1,602 |
| Edgewood | $1,505 |
| Embry Hills | $1,085 |
| English Avenue | $1,589 |
| Garden Hills | $2,036 |
| Greenbriar | $1,430 |
| Home Park | $1,696 |
| Inman Park | $1,939 |
| Intown South | $1,042 |
| Kirkwood | $1,526 |
| Lakewood Heights | $715 |
| Lindbergh - Morosgo | $1,584 |
| Loring Heights | $1,466 |
| Marietta Street Artery | $1,599 |
| Martin Manor | $1,482 |
| Midtown | $2,325 |
| Morningside - Lenox Park | $1,642 |
| North Buckhead | $2,375 |
| Northeast Atlanta | $1,778 |
| Northwest Atlanta | $1,762 |
| Oakland | $1,656 |
| Old Fourth Ward | $1,652 |
| Ormewood Park | $1,426 |
| Paces | $1,629 |
| Peachtree Heights West | $1,474 |
| Peachtree Hills | $1,994 |
| Piedmont Heights | $1,640 |
| Pine Hills | $1,256 |
| Pittsburgh | $1,030 |
| Pleasantdale | $911 |
| Poncey-Highland | $1,901 |
| Princeton Lakes | $1,563 |
| Reynoldstown | $1,734 |
| SoNo | $1,856 |
| South Tuxedo Park | $2,103 |
| Southside | $1,126 |
| Southwest Atlanta | $784 |
| Sweet Auburn | $1,588 |
| The Villages at Carver | $1,260 |
| Underwood Hills | $1,901 |
| Virginia Highland | $2,697 |
| West End* | $1,138 |
| Westside | $1,589 |
In the middle of the Peach State, Atlanta has a lot to offer to tourists and locals alike, beyond being a former Olympics site or Coca-Cola headquarters. The city's civil rights history and thriving culture can be seen throughout each one of its neighborhoods.
Just don't call it Hotlanta, y'all.
Muriel Vega is an Atlanta-based journalist and editor who writes mostly about technology and its intersection with food and culture. She’s the managing editor of tech news publication Hypepotamus, and has contributed to The Guardian, Atlanta magazine, The Washington Post, The Atlantic, VICE and more. She spends her time eating her way through Buford Highway and exploring Atlanta's arts scene.