Eastern Atlanta covers a wide swath of the city east of Downtown and east of the Connector, stretching out toward Decatur, Gresham Park, and I-285. When people in the city say “east side” or “Eastern Atlanta,” they’re often talking about a mix of historic neighborhoods, fast-changing corridors, and pockets that still feel distinctly old Atlanta.
If you live in Atlanta, are thinking of moving here, or you’re visiting and want to understand the east side of Atlanta, this guide walks through the major areas, how they connect, what to do, and what to know.
There’s no single official boundary for “Eastern Atlanta.” In everyday use, it usually includes:
Locally, people may say “in-town east side” for neighborhoods close to Downtown and Midtown, and “east side off the Perimeter” for areas approaching I-285 and beyond.
Personality: Creative, laid-back, nightlife-friendly, and very local.
Where it is: Centered around the intersection of Flat Shoals Ave SE and Glenwood Ave SE, south of I-20 and east of Moreland Ave.
What it’s known for:
Who it appeals to:
Personality: Quiet, historic, and family-friendly, with a community-driven feel.
Where it is: East of Edgewood, west of East Lake, generally between Memorial Dr to the south and DeKalb Ave to the north.
Highlights:
Why it matters:
Personality: Transitional and urban, with both older residential blocks and newer retail.
Where it is: East of the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail’s southern end and south of Little Five Points, centered partly around Moreland Ave NE and Candler Rd.
Key features:
Good to know:
Personality: Historic, walkable, and quickly redeveloping, with strong BeltLine access.
Where it is: Just east of Inman Park, south of DeKalb Ave, and north of I-20.
Why people talk about it:
Best for:
Personality: Residential, leafy, and close to both the BeltLine and East Atlanta Village.
Where it is: South of I-20, along and around Moreland Ave SE, stretching toward Glenwood Park and East Atlanta Village.
Highlights:
These two neighborhoods are often grouped into the east side because of their location east of Downtown and their connection to DeKalb Ave, Moreland Ave, and the BeltLine.
Both offer easy access to Reynoldstown, Edgewood, Kirkwood, and further east.
Personality: Residential and golf-famous, with a mix of legacy residents and newer arrivals.
Where it is: East of Kirkwood, bordering Decatur and roughly framed by Glenwood Ave, Candler Rd, and 2nd Ave.
Known for:
As you travel east on I-20 or Flat Shoals Rd toward I-285, you move into areas like Gresham Park and nearby neighborhoods.
What to expect:
Eastern Atlanta is crisscrossed by several major roads and transit lines. Understanding these can make daily life or a visit simpler.
Eastern Atlanta is better-served by transit closer to town, with coverage decreasing further east.
Key MARTA rail stations serving Eastern Atlanta:
Bus routes connect these stations to neighborhoods like East Atlanta Village, Gresham Park, and parts of South DeKalb. Routes and schedules change periodically, so checking MARTA customer information at (404) 848-5000 or via their official tools is helpful.
Eastern Atlanta has a mix of large regional parks and smaller neighborhood greenspaces.
| Area | Park / Feature | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Near Reynoldstown | BeltLine Eastside Trail | Multi-use trail for walking, running, and biking |
| Cabbagetown area | Cabbagetown Park | Neighborhood park, playground, open field |
| Inman Park area | Freedom Park | Long greenway with walking and bike paths |
| East Lake | East Lake Park | Lake views, trails, playground |
| Gresham Park | Gresham Park Recreation | Fields, courts, and recreation facilities |
🎯 Tip: If you’re new to the east side, walking or biking along the BeltLine Eastside Trail and nearby streets is one of the easiest ways to get a feel for multiple neighborhoods in a single outing.
Eastern Atlanta includes everything from renovated historic homes to new townhomes and older apartment complexes.
If you’re planning renovations or building in the City of Atlanta, most permitting goes through:
DeKalb County properties just outside city limits follow different rules:
Confirm whether your address is within the City of Atlanta or DeKalb County before starting any major project.
Schools on the east side fall under either Atlanta Public Schools (APS) or DeKalb County School District, depending on exact location and city limits.
Atlanta Public Schools (APS)
130 Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
Main line: (404) 802-3500
DeKalb County School District
1701 Mountain Industrial Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083
Main line: (678) 676-1200
Neighborhoods like Kirkwood, East Atlanta Village, Reynoldstown, Edgewood, and Ormewood Park are commonly in APS, but boundary lines can be block-specific. The safest step is to:
Some families also use charter schools, magnet programs, or private schools located elsewhere but accessible from the east side.
Most in-town east side neighborhoods fall under the City of Atlanta. Important city service contacts include:
City of Atlanta ATL 311 (non-emergency city services)
Phone: (404) 546-0311
Atlanta Police Department – Zone 6 Precinct (covers much of Eastern Atlanta, including EAV, Kirkwood, and surrounding areas)
2025 Hosea L Williams Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30317
Main line: (404) 371-5002 (non-emergency guidance)
For emergencies anywhere in the area, dial 911.
If you are in unincorporated DeKalb or parts of eastern Atlanta annexed differently, some services may run through:
Services like water, trash, zoning, or policing may be handled by DeKalb rather than Atlanta, depending on your specific address.
Eastern Atlanta can feel more neighborhood-focused and less tourist-heavy than some other parts of the city, but there is plenty to explore.
You can easily make an evening out of walking between venues, especially around EAV and Inman Park/Reynoldstown.
Living or staying in Eastern Atlanta gives relatively quick access to many other parts of metro Atlanta:
Eastern Atlanta blends historic neighborhoods, rapid change, and strong local identity. Whether you’re choosing an east side neighborhood to call home, planning a day of exploring, or just trying to understand how this part of the city fits together, focusing on these core areas and connections will help you navigate the east side with confidence.
