Is College Park, Atlanta Safe? What Locals, Visitors, and Movers Should Know

College Park sits just southwest of downtown Atlanta, right by Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport. It’s a major gateway area for travelers and an appealing option for people looking for more affordable housing near the city.

But if you’re asking, “Is College Park Atlanta safe?”, you’re really asking a few different questions:

• What are crime patterns like in and around College Park?
• Which parts feel safer or more residential?
• How does safety compare to other areas near the airport and south of I‑20?
• What can you do to stay safe if you live, work, or visit there?

This guide breaks it down in clear, practical terms for Atlanta residents, visitors, and people considering relocating.

Understanding College Park’s Location and Reputation

First, a quick orientation.

College Park is a separate city that borders Atlanta and the airport. It stretches across parts of Fulton County and Clayton County, with:

• Historic neighborhoods near Main Street and Virginia Avenue
• Older residential areas mixed with apartments and small businesses
• Large sections dedicated to airport-related jobs, hotels, and logistics

Because it’s close to a major airport and several highways (I‑85, I‑285), College Park sees:

• Heavy through-traffic
• Lots of visitors and short-term stays
• A mix of long-term residents and transient populations

These factors tend to increase property crime and opportunistic theft, especially near hotels, gas stations, and busy intersections.

At the same time, there are streets and pockets where long-time residents know their neighbors, watch out for each other, and emphasize that experiences can vary block by block — similar to many other metro Atlanta communities.

Crime in College Park: Big Picture Overview

1. Crime Types You’re Most Likely to Hear About

In and around College Park, people commonly talk about:

• Property crimes

  • Car break-ins and thefts
  • Theft from hotel parking lots
  • Package thefts and burglary

• Violent crime

  • Robberies
  • Aggravated assaults
  • Occasional shootings, usually concentrated in specific areas and times

You’ll often see higher reported incidents near:

• Busy MARTA stations and large parking lots
• Airport‑area hotels and extended‑stay properties
• Major corridors like Old National Highway and parts of Godby Road

That doesn’t mean every block is dangerous, but it does mean you need to use city-level awareness, especially at night and in crowded or isolated parking lots.

2. How College Park Compares Within Metro Atlanta

Within the Atlanta region, College Park is generally viewed as:

• Higher-crime than many northern suburbs (e.g., Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Johns Creek)
• More comparable to some other southside and airport-adjacent communities
• Mixed, with some revitalizing areas and others that struggle with ongoing crime

People who move from other parts of Atlanta to College Park often do so for:

• Proximity to the airport or downtown
• Lower housing costs
• Easy access to I‑85, I‑285, and the Airport MARTA Station

In return, they usually accept that extra safety precautions are part of daily life, especially around cars, mail, and late-night outings.

Safer-Feeling vs. Higher-Risk Areas Within College Park

No neighborhood is entirely “safe” or “unsafe,” but the feel on the ground can differ a lot.

Areas That Often Feel More Stable or Residential

Locals often describe these as having more established residential blocks and visible community presence:

• Historic College Park area

  • Around Main Street, Princeton Drive, and nearby side streets
  • Older homes, tree-lined streets, and some active neighborhood associations
  • Walkable spots near small restaurants and local businesses

• Some residential pockets off Virginia Avenue

  • Mix of single-family homes and smaller multi-unit buildings
  • Walkability to restaurants and services, but crime can still occur

Even in more residential sections, people still lock doors, use security cameras, and remain careful — but many residents say they feel comfortable walking dogs or jogging during daylight on familiar routes.

Areas Where Extra Caution Is Wise

You’ll often hear about more frequent safety concerns in:

• High-traffic corridors around the airport

  • Hotel clusters near the airport
  • Large, open parking lots
  • Gas stations and convenience stores right off I‑85 and I‑285 ramps

• Certain stretches of Old National Highway and nearby apartments

  • Heavier police presence at times
  • More reports of theft, loitering, or disturbances

• Isolated or poorly lit areas

  • Back lots behind businesses
  • Quiet industrial or office zones late at night

In these areas, even longtime locals usually avoid leaving valuables in cars, stay alert after dark, and pay attention to their surroundings.

Is College Park Safe to Live In?

The honest answer: It can be, but your experience will depend a lot on:

• The street and complex you choose
• Your personal habits and routines
• Your comfort level living in an area that has visible policing and some ongoing crime issues

Things Locals Consider Before Moving to College Park

When Atlantans consider moving to College Park, they often:

1. Visit at different times of day

   • Morning, afternoon, evening, and late night
   • Walk or drive around to see foot traffic, noise level, and lighting

2. Talk to current residents

   • Ask about car break-ins, package thefts, and noise
   • See how quickly neighbors or property management respond to issues

3. Check the feel of the immediate surroundings

   • Are there well-maintained homes or buildings?
   • Are there security gates, cameras, or patrols in apartments or condos?

4. Consider daily life needs

   • Distance to grocery stores, schools, MARTA, and main workplaces
   • Whether they’ll often be coming home late at night

Pros and Cons of Living in College Park (From a Safety Lens)

If you value affordability and access to the airport and you’re comfortable with taking strong personal safety measures, College Park may work for you. If you want a more low-key, suburban feel with lower crime exposure, you may decide to look farther south or north of the city.

Is College Park Safe for Visitors and Airport Travelers?

Many people never “live” in College Park but stay in a hotel, attend a conference, or catch MARTA through the area.

Staying in Airport/College Park Hotels

Most major airport hotels are used to handling:

• Convention traffic
• Flight crews
• Short-term business visitors

They typically have:

• Cameras in common areas
• Keycard access to guest floors
• Shuttle services to the airport

However, hotel parking lots near major airports are prime targets for theft.

Smart safety habits for hotel guests:

• 🚗 Do not leave valuables in your vehicle, even hidden
• Use hotel safes for small electronics, passports, and cash
• Park in well-lit, visible areas close to entrances
• Avoid wandering alone around the perimeter late at night

Using MARTA in and Around College Park

The College Park MARTA Station is a major hub on the Red and Gold lines and is commonly used by:

• Airport workers
• Daily commuters
• Travelers heading downtown or to other parts of Atlanta

To stay safe:

• Keep bags zipped and phones secure when boarding or exiting
• Stay in more populated, well-lit areas of the platform
• Avoid loud displays of cash or valuables
• If something feels off, move closer to MARTA staff or security

Everyday Safety Tips for Living or Spending Time in College Park

Regardless of where you live in metro Atlanta, these habits make a big difference — but they’re especially important in College Park and other high-traffic areas.

At Home or in an Apartment

• Lock doors and windows consistently, even during the day
• Use deadbolts, peepholes, and security bars where appropriate
• Consider doorbell cameras or basic security systems
• Don’t prop open exterior doors in gated communities or apartment buildings
• Get to know at least a few neighbors you trust and exchange contact info

With Your Car

• Always lock your car and close windows fully
• Remove bags, laptops, and visible items from the seats and floor
• Avoid leaving firearms in vehicles (a frequent source of theft in metro Atlanta)
• Park in well-lit, higher-visibility spots, near entrances or under lights
• Be especially cautious at gas stations, convenience stores, and fast-food lots late at night

On Foot or Using Transit

• Stick to well-lit routes, especially after dark
• Walk with purpose and awareness, not staring at your phone
• Avoid cutting through alleys, back lots, or vacant properties
• If you feel followed or uncomfortable, go into a store, hotel lobby, or busy public place and ask for help

These are common-sense steps many Atlantans follow not just in College Park, but anywhere in the city where crime can spike.

How College Park and Surrounding Agencies Address Safety

College Park is served by several public safety agencies that residents and visitors should be aware of.

Law Enforcement and Emergency Contacts

• Emergency: Dial 911 for police, fire, or medical emergencies
• Non-emergency police line (College Park Police Department):
  Check for the most current non-emergency number via the City of College Park government listings, as contact lines can periodically change.

The College Park Police Department typically handles:

• Patrols in residential and commercial areas
• Traffic enforcement and accident response
• Responding to calls for service, disturbances, and suspicious activity

Nearby or overlapping agencies can include:

• Fulton County Sheriff’s Office (courts, warrants, some law enforcement roles)
• Clayton County Police Department or Sheriff’s Office in bordering areas
• Airport police and TSA agents within the airport property itself

Community and Safety Resources

Residents often look into:

• Neighborhood watch groups or community associations (especially in historic districts)
• City meetings or sessions where residents can voice safety concerns
• Online tools where some local agencies share crime maps or police reports

If you’re considering moving to College Park, you can contact City of College Park offices during business hours to ask:

• Which police precinct covers your potential address
• How to get involved in neighborhood programs or meetings
• Who to contact for ongoing safety concerns or code issues

Key Takeaways: Is College Park Atlanta Safe?

College Park is neither uniformly unsafe nor risk‑free. It’s a busy, airport-adjacent city with:

• Higher-than-average crime compared to many Atlanta suburbs
• Specific hot spots for property crime, car break-ins, and occasional violent incidents
• Residential pockets where long-time neighbors and families live and actively look out for one another
• Ongoing police presence and community efforts to manage safety concerns

If you:

• Choose your block, building, and landlord carefully
• Stay realistic about city-level safety habits
• Use strong personal precautions around your home, car, and daily routines

then living or visiting College Park can be manageable, especially if proximity to the airport or affordability are key priorities for you.

If you want a place where crime is rarely on your mind, you may lean toward lower-crime suburbs. But if you’re comfortable with urban tradeoffs and alertness, you can approach College Park with clear eyes and practical strategies to reduce your risk.