Atlanta’s Elevation: How High Is the City Above Sea Level?
If you live in Atlanta, are planning a visit, or are just curious about the city’s geography, you might wonder: What is the elevation of Atlanta, Georgia? Here’s a clear, locally focused guide to how high Atlanta sits, how it varies across the metro area, and why it matters for everyday life.
The Short Answer: Atlanta’s Average Elevation
Atlanta’s elevation is roughly 1,000 feet above sea level.
More specifically:
- Downtown Atlanta: around 950–1,050 feet
- Midtown & Buckhead: commonly 1,000–1,100+ feet
- Higher neighborhoods and ridges: in some spots 1,100–1,200 feet or a bit higher
You’ll sometimes see a single, rounded figure listed (often around 1,050 feet). That number works as a good general reference, but the actual elevation changes as you move around the city.
Why Atlanta’s Elevation Matters
Even if you’re not a surveyor or pilot, elevation shows up in everyday Atlanta life more than you might think.
1. Weather and Climate
Atlanta’s elevation helps shape its climate:
- The city is higher and slightly cooler than many coastal Southern cities.
- Summers are still hot and humid, but the elevation can help moderate extreme heat compared with lower-lying areas closer to the coast.
- Elevation and terrain can influence localized storms, fog, and wind patterns around the metro.
For residents, this usually shows up as:
- Cool evenings in many higher neighborhoods
- Occasional differences in temperature or wind between low-lying areas and hilltops
2. Air Quality and “The City in the Trees”
Atlanta is often called a “city in the forest” and is surrounded by rolling hills. Elevation interacts with this landscape:
- Higher, tree-covered areas can feel a bit breezier and less stifling in summer.
- Valleys and low-lying areas near creeks and streams can sometimes feel more humid and may trap cooler air at night.
While the elevation doesn’t make Atlanta a mountain town, it does give the city a slightly different feel than lower, flat metro areas.
3. Flooding and Drainage
Elevation and slope matter when it comes to stormwater and flooding:
- Low-lying areas near creeks and rivers (like parts of neighborhoods along Proctor Creek, Peachtree Creek, and South River) can be more vulnerable to flooding during heavy rain.
- Higher neighborhoods and ridgelines are generally less flood-prone, though runoff can move downhill quickly.
If you’re buying a home or business in Atlanta, you may want to:
- Check the property’s elevation relative to nearby waterways
- Review local floodplain information and drainage patterns
- Ask about basement moisture, runoff, and grading
The City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management can provide resources on stormwater and drainage.
Main office: 72 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303 | Phone: (404) 330-6000
How Elevation Varies Across Atlanta
Atlanta doesn’t sit at one flat level. It’s a landscape of ridges, hills, and valleys. Here’s a simple way to think about it:
| Area of Atlanta / Feature | Typical Elevation (Approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown (around Five Points) | ~950–1,050 ft | Historic city center; moderate elevation |
| Midtown | ~1,000–1,100+ ft | Slightly higher, especially near Peachtree St ridge |
| Buckhead | ~1,000–1,200 ft | Some of the higher elevations in the city core |
| Westside (e.g., West Midtown) | ~950–1,100 ft | Rolling terrain with mixed elevations |
| East Atlanta & Decatur area* | ~900–1,050 ft | Gradual variation, pockets of higher ground |
| Along major creeks & valleys | Often lower than ridges | Can sit noticeably below adjacent hilltops |
*Decatur and some close-in suburbs aren’t within the City of Atlanta limits but are part of the immediate metro and share similar elevation patterns.
Elevation changes can be subtle as you drive, but if you pay attention:
- Peachtree Street often follows a ridge line.
- Many neighborhoods have noticeable slopes—you may feel it when walking or biking.
Popular Atlanta Landmarks and Their Elevations
While you usually don’t need exact numbers, it can help to know how some familiar places compare:
- Downtown Atlanta / Five Points: close to the city’s average, around 1,000 feet
- Georgia State Capitol area: similar range, just under or around 1,000 feet
- Midtown (near Piedmont Park): roughly 1,000+ feet
- Buckhead business district: often 1,000–1,100+ feet
These figures help show that most of central Atlanta sits near or just above 1,000 feet, with pockets that are slightly lower or higher.
How to Find Elevation at Your Exact Atlanta Location
If you want to know the precise elevation of your home, business, or favorite park in Atlanta, you have a few options:
1. Online Interactive Maps
Many widely available map tools let you:
- Type in your Atlanta address.
- Zoom in and click on your exact location.
- View elevation information in the details or info box.
These are rough but usually accurate enough for everyday use.
2. Phone GPS & Altimeter Apps
Some smartphones and weather or hiking apps can display:
- Current elevation based on GPS and barometric sensors.
- Changes in elevation as you move around the city.
These are approximate, can be affected by weather and GPS accuracy, and may vary by a few dozen feet, but they’re convenient for quick checks.
3. Surveying & Detailed Site Information
For situations that require exact elevation, such as:
- Construction or major renovations
- Drainage and grading projects
- Some types of permitting or engineering work
Residents and professionals often use:
- Licensed land surveyors to measure site elevation and contours.
- Official maps and data from government agencies, such as the City of Atlanta Department of City Planning or Fulton County GIS resources, which may include detailed topographic information.
Elevation and Air Travel: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Atlanta’s main airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), sits at a slightly lower elevation than some of the city’s highest neighborhoods.
- The airport’s elevation is just under 1,100 feet above sea level at its primary reference point.
- Atlanta’s overall topography and elevation are factors in runway design, flight operations, and approach paths, but for travelers, the main effect is simply that ATL is a high-elevation major airport compared with some coastal cities, though not as high as airports in mountain states.
If you’re curious about the exact numbers used for aviation, they are usually listed on airport diagrams and pilot resources.
Elevation in the Wider Atlanta Metro Area
If you step beyond the city limits into the broader metro:
- North of Atlanta (toward Sandy Springs, Roswell, and up into the foothills) you’ll encounter gradually higher terrain, especially as you move toward the Appalachian foothills.
- South and east of Atlanta (toward Clayton, Henry, Rockdale, and Newton counties), the terrain includes rolling hills and valleys, with elevations that can be somewhat lower or similar to the city center depending on the area.
From a practical standpoint for daily life—commuting, recreation, or choosing a neighborhood—these elevation differences are noticeable in the shape of the land (more hills, steeper driveways, changing views) rather than in extreme changes in temperature or oxygen levels.
Does Atlanta’s Elevation Affect Health or Fitness?
Atlanta’s elevation around 1,000 feet is:
- Not high enough to cause typical high-altitude issues for most visitors.
- Lower than many well-known high-altitude cities or mountain destinations.
For most people:
- You won’t feel altitude-related symptoms coming to Atlanta.
- Runners and cyclists may notice Atlanta more for its hills and humidity than its elevation.
If you’re training outdoors, the city’s rolling terrain provides natural variation in effort—especially in neighborhoods like Virginia-Highland, Inman Park, Buckhead, West Midtown, and parts of Southwest Atlanta where hills are common.
Practical Ways Elevation Shows Up in Daily Atlanta Life
Here are a few everyday examples of how elevation quietly shapes the city:
Views and Vistas:
Higher spots in Atlanta can offer skyline views or sightlines over treetops. Some hilltop streets and buildings have long views across the metro area.Walking and Biking:
Routes that look short on a map can feel more challenging because of steep stretches or long uphill grades.Home and Yard Design:
Sloped lots may need retaining walls, terracing, or special drainage solutions to manage rainwater and soil movement.Stormwater Runoff:
In heavy rain, water tends to move quickly downhill, affecting how streets, yards, and parking lots handle standing water.
For questions about how elevation might influence building, grading, or stormwater requirements at a specific address, residents often start with:
- City of Atlanta Department of City Planning
55 Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303 | Main line: (404) 330-6150
Staff can usually direct you to zoning, permitting, and technical resources that take terrain and elevation into account.
In summary, Atlanta’s elevation averages around 1,000 feet above sea level, with modest but important variations across its hills, ridges, and valleys. That height helps define the city’s climate, drainage, and landscape—and it quietly shapes how Atlanta looks, feels, and functions every day.