Famous People Who Call Atlanta Home: A Local’s Guide
Atlanta isn’t just the capital of Georgia—it’s a major hub for entertainment, sports, business, and culture, which means a surprising number of famous people live, work, or keep a home in and around the city.
If you’re living in Atlanta, thinking about moving here, or just curious who your famous “neighbors” might be, this guide walks through which kinds of celebrities live in Atlanta, notable names associated with the city, and where you’re most likely to spot them—without invading anyone’s privacy.
Why So Many Famous People Live in Atlanta
Atlanta attracts famous residents for a few big reasons:
- Booming film and TV industry: Major studios, soundstages, and production companies are based in and around the city.
- Music powerhouse: Atlanta is a longtime center for hip-hop, R&B, and gospel, plus growing pop and country scenes.
- Sports town: Three major professional teams, plus big college programs, draw athletes and coaches.
- Business and tech hub: Executives, media personalities, and creators base themselves here for work and lifestyle.
- Cost of living and lifestyle: Compared with Los Angeles or New York, Atlanta often offers more space, more privacy, and strong Southern culture.
Because of this, many famous people live full-time in Atlanta, keep a second home, or spend extended time here while working on projects.
Types of Famous People You’ll Find in Atlanta
Rather than a single “celebrity neighborhood,” Atlanta has clusters of well-known residents spread across the metro area. Broadly, you’ll find:
- Actors and filmmakers
- Musicians and producers
- Professional athletes and coaches
- Media personalities and influencers
- Business leaders and public figures
Below is an overview of notable categories and examples of famous people connected to Atlanta, with local context about where and how they’re involved in the city.
Hollywood of the South: Film & TV Stars in Atlanta
Atlanta’s film and TV industry is one of the main reasons you might see stars around town, especially near:
- Trilith Studios (Fayetteville, just south of Atlanta)
- Tyler Perry Studios (on the grounds of the former Fort McPherson in southwest Atlanta)
- EUE/Screen Gems Studios (Lakewood area)
- Various in-town filming locations in Midtown, Downtown, Buckhead, and the Westside
Film & TV Names Closely Tied to Atlanta
These celebrities have significant professional or residential ties to Atlanta:
Tyler Perry – Writer, director, actor, and studio founder.
- Based in Atlanta for many years.
- Owner of Tyler Perry Studios, one of the largest film studios in the country, located at:
Tyler Perry Studios
315 Deshler Street SW
Atlanta, GA 30310
Donald Glover (Childish Gambino) – Actor, writer, musician.
- Creator of the TV series “Atlanta,” largely filmed in and around the city.
- Frequently works in Atlanta’s creative and music scenes.
Danai Gurira, Norman Reedus, and other “The Walking Dead” actors
- The show filmed throughout metro Atlanta (Senoia, Newnan, and other nearby areas), so cast members spent long stretches living and working here.
Marvel actors (various)
- Many Marvel Cinematic Universe movies have filmed at Trilith Studios and around the city. While not all live here full time, big names often stay in Atlanta for months at a time while working.
Where You’re Most Likely to See Film & TV Activity
You may occasionally spot filming or production crews in:
- Downtown Atlanta – Around Peachtree Street, Fairlie-Poplar, and the government district.
- Midtown – especially near Peachtree, Tech Square, and certain side streets.
- Buckhead – Hotels, shopping districts, and some residential streets are often used as backdrops.
- Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, East Atlanta – Popular neighborhoods for “lived-in” street scenes.
If you live in these areas, you might see trucks, signage, or blocked-off streets when filming is happening.
Music Stars Who Live in or Are Based in Atlanta
Atlanta is one of the most influential music cities in the U.S., especially for hip-hop, R&B, and trap. Many artists either grew up here, still live here, or maintain strong ties to the local scene.
Notable Musicians Closely Associated With Atlanta
While not all of these artists live year-round in Atlanta, many own homes, record here, or are regularly in the city:
- T.I. – Rapper and entrepreneur long linked with Atlanta’s Westside.
- Ludacris – Rapper and actor with deep roots in the city and local business interests.
- Usher – R&B singer who spent key parts of his career based in Atlanta.
- Jermaine Dupri – Producer and founder of So So Def Recordings, historically tied to the city’s R&B and hip-hop sound.
- Gucci Mane – One of the defining voices of Atlanta trap music.
- 2 Chainz – Rapper often involved in local culture, events, and businesses.
- Future – Prominent figure in Atlanta’s modern hip-hop scene.
- Migos (Quavo, Offset, the late Takeoff) – Group heavily tied to metro Atlanta.
- Lil Baby, Gunna, Young Thug (and many others) – Connected to the city’s current wave of hip-hop.
You’ll also find influential producers, engineers, and songwriters based around Atlanta’s studios and creative spaces.
Common Music Hubs Around Atlanta
You won’t get a public map of “where celebrities live,” but many music professionals spend time in or around:
- Downtown and Midtown – rehearsal spaces, venues, event locations.
- West Midtown / Westside – creative studios and production spaces.
- Buckhead – nightlife, lounges, and private events.
- Various recording studios scattered across the metro area, often in unassuming commercial buildings.
Athletes and Coaches Living in Atlanta
As home to multiple professional teams, Atlanta naturally hosts a number of athletes, coaches, and sports commentators.
Major Teams Based in Atlanta
Here are a few of Atlanta’s biggest sports organizations and where they play:
| Team | Sport | Home Venue | Primary Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta Falcons | NFL (football) | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, 1 AMB Dr NW, 30313 | Downtown/Westside |
| Atlanta Hawks | NBA (basketball) | State Farm Arena, 1 State Farm Dr, 30303 | Downtown |
| Atlanta Braves | MLB (baseball) | Truist Park, 755 Battery Ave SE, 30339 | Cumberland/The Battery (Cobb Co.) |
| Atlanta United FC | MLS (soccer) | Mercedes-Benz Stadium | Downtown/Westside |
| Atlanta Dream | WNBA | Gateway Center Arena, College Park | Near Hartsfield-Jackson Airport |
Players and coaches from these teams often live in the greater metro area, commonly in suburban or gated communities that provide more privacy and space.
Local Spots Connected to Atlanta Sports Figures
- The Battery Atlanta (at Truist Park) – Retail, restaurants, and entertainment venue where Braves fans and, occasionally, players spend time.
- Practice facilities in Flowery Branch (Falcons), Brookhaven (Hawks), and other suburban locations – not typically open to the public, but key hubs for where athletes commute daily.
You may spot athletes in everyday places—restaurants, malls, or gyms—especially near Cumberland, Buckhead, Midtown, and certain northside suburbs.
Business Leaders, Media Personalities, and Influencers
Beyond entertainers and athletes, Atlanta is home to CEOs, media hosts, authors, and digital creators.
Business and Media Figures with Atlanta Ties
Examples of public figures often associated with Atlanta include:
- Arthur Blank – Co-founder of The Home Depot and owner of the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United.
- Ted Turner – Media entrepreneur who founded CNN in Atlanta and has long-standing ties to the city.
- Local TV and radio hosts – Anchors and personalities based at stations around Midtown, Brookhaven, and West Midtown.
- Regional influencers and YouTubers – Many content creators choose Atlanta for access to film, music, and lifestyle scenes.
Because these individuals are part of public-facing organizations, you’re more likely to encounter them at public events, charity galas, or local business functions than to know exactly where they live.
Where Famous People Tend to Live in Atlanta (Generally)
While you’ll find celebrities all over the metro, certain areas are more commonly associated with high-profile residents and visiting stars:
- Buckhead – Known for luxury homes, condos, and high-end shopping; often linked with business leaders, entertainers, and professional athletes.
- Midtown – Popular for condos and high-rise living, close to cultural venues like the Fox Theatre, Alliance Theatre, and High Museum of Art.
- Intown neighborhoods like Inman Park, Virginia-Highland, Old Fourth Ward, and Morningside – Attractive for people who want walkable, historic neighborhoods with privacy.
- Northside suburbs (e.g., parts of Sandy Springs, Brookhaven, and farther north in metro Atlanta) – Known for larger properties and gated communities that appeal to families and anyone seeking more space.
Because many famous residents value privacy, details about exact homes are usually not public and should be respected as private information.
Everyday Places in Atlanta Where You Might Spot Famous People
You don’t need to know where someone lives to spot them around the city. Some common public spots attract celebrities and locals alike:
Sports venues
- Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Falcons, Atlanta United, major concerts)
- State Farm Arena (Hawks, concerts, events)
- Truist Park & The Battery Atlanta (Braves)
Music and performance venues
- Tabernacle – 152 Luckie St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303
- Coca-Cola Roxy – 800 Battery Ave SE #500, Atlanta, GA 30339
- Fox Theatre – 660 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
- Variety Playhouse, Center Stage, and other popular show locations
Film and TV adjacent areas
- Neighborhoods near major studios, especially when productions are active
- Downtown and Midtown streets being used as sets
Restaurants, lounges, and shopping districts
- Particularly in Buckhead, Midtown, and The Battery Atlanta
If you live in Atlanta, it’s not unusual to see a familiar face in line at a coffee shop, at the airport, or at a game, especially during big event weekends or film/TV production seasons.
How to Respectfully Enjoy Celebrity Culture in Atlanta
If you’re excited about the fact that famous people live in Atlanta, there are respectful, safe ways to enjoy that side of the city:
- Focus on public events
- Concerts, games, film festivals, and charity events are designed for public interaction.
- Avoid seeking out private homes
- Driving through neighborhoods known for celebrity residents in hopes of spotting a house crosses privacy boundaries.
- Be courteous if you encounter someone
- Many Atlantans treat celebrities like any other neighbors—polite, low-key, and respectful of personal space.
- Use official sources for appearances
- Check team schedules, concert listings, or venue calendars for opportunities to see public figures perform or speak.
Moving to Atlanta? What Celebrity Residents Mean for You
If you’re considering relocating to Atlanta, the presence of famous residents usually affects life in a few practical ways:
- Strong arts and entertainment scene – You’ll have access to concerts, live tapings, premieres, and festivals across the city.
- Occasional filming disruptions – Certain streets or blocks may be temporarily closed for film and TV production.
- Vibrant nightlife and dining – High-profile residents and visitors help support diverse restaurants, lounges, and cultural spots.
- Real estate pockets with higher prices – Neighborhoods known for high-profile residents may have elevated home and rental costs, especially in Buckhead and some northside suburbs.
For most Atlantans, celebrities are simply part of the background fabric of a big, fast-growing city.
In short, yes, many famous people live in Atlanta—from music and film stars to athletes and business leaders. You’re far more likely to pass them in public spaces or see their work on local stages, screens, and fields than to know exactly where they live, but their presence is a big part of what makes Atlanta’s culture and daily life so dynamic.