Living Near the Runway: Finding Apartments Close to Atlanta Airport

If you want to live near Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)—whether for work, frequent travel, or easy access to major highways—you’re far from alone. The airport area has a mix of older neighborhoods, new developments, and everything in between, and knowing where to look can save a lot of time and stress.

This guide walks through which areas to consider, what to expect from airport-adjacent living in Atlanta, commute tips, and how to evaluate specific apartments close to ATL.

How Close Is “Close” to Atlanta Airport?

When people say they want an apartment “near the Atlanta airport,” they usually mean one of three things:

• Under 10 minutes to a terminal or employee lot
• Under 20 minutes in typical traffic
• Easy MARTA access to the airport station

Because ATL is on the south side of the metro, most convenient apartments will be in or near:

• College Park
• Hapeville
• East Point
• Forest Park / Lake City
• Parts of Southwest Atlanta near Greenbriar and Cascade
• Areas in Clayton County along I‑75 and I‑285

Each area has its own vibe, price range, and pros/cons for airport access.

Key Neighborhoods and Cities Near Atlanta Airport

College Park: The Classic Airport Community

Where it is: Just west and southwest of the airport; the Airport MARTA Station is technically in College Park.

Why people choose it:

• Extremely close to the terminals and major ATL employers
• MARTA rail access via College Park and Airport stations
• Mix of historic homes, smaller apartment complexes, and newer developments
• Quick connections to I‑85, I‑285, and Camp Creek Parkway

Things to consider:

• Some areas are busier with airport-related traffic and hotels.
• Noise from low-flying planes is common, especially in certain flight paths.
• Street-by-street feel can change quickly; visiting at different times of day is important.

Who it fits best:
Airport employees, airline crew, and frequent flyers who want minimum commute time and don’t mind being in a very airport-focused area.

Hapeville: Small-Town Feel Next to the Runway

Where it is: Directly east of the airport, between ATL and the City of Atlanta along I‑75.

Why people choose it:

• Has a small-town Main Street feel with local restaurants and arts.
• Close to major employers, including airport support businesses.
• Convenient to I‑75, I‑85, and the Airport International Terminal.
• Some renovated apartments and loft-style units in older buildings.

Things to consider:

• Not as many large apartment complexes as other areas; inventory can be limited.
• Plane noise can still be noticeable, though often less intense than directly under certain flight paths.

Who it fits best:
People who want to be near the airport but prefer a walkable, low-key community over a big-city feel.

East Point: Close-In and Connected

Where it is: North of the airport, just adjacent to the City of Atlanta.

Why people choose it:

• East Point MARTA Station and Lakewood/Fort McPherson Station offer rail connections directly to the airport.
• Mix of older apartments, townhome communities, and some newer developments.
• Generally short drive to airport employee lots and cargo/maintenance facilities.
• Easier to reach Downtown and Midtown than from some other southside cities.

Things to consider:

• Neighborhood character varies; some areas are more residential and quiet than others.
• As with many close-in suburbs, parking, noise, and traffic patterns can vary block to block.

Who it fits best:
Renters who want airport access plus reasonable access to central Atlanta, possibly without needing a car if they’re close to MARTA.

Southwest Atlanta: Campbellton, Greenbriar, and Cascade Areas

Where it is: The portion of the City of Atlanta south and southwest of downtown, roughly between I‑285 and I‑20.

Why people choose it:

• Many apartment complexes around Greenbriar Mall, Campbellton Road, and Cascade Road.
• Short drive to ATL via I‑285, I‑85, and local routes like Camp Creek Parkway.
• Strong sense of community in many neighborhoods, with parks and local shopping centers.

Things to consider:

• Commute time can depend heavily on traffic at I‑285 and I‑85 interchanges.
• Not all areas are equally convenient to MARTA rail; some rely on bus connections.

Who it fits best:
People who want relatively quick access to the airport but also want to remain firmly “inside” Atlanta rather than in a separate city.

Forest Park, Lake City, and Clayton County

Where they are: Southeast of the airport along I‑75 in Clayton County.

Why people choose them:

• Often more budget-friendly than some in-city neighborhoods.
• Direct access to I‑75, I‑285, and Forest Parkway, making certain airport employee lots a short drive.
• Plenty of garden-style apartment communities and townhomes.

Things to consider:

• Travel time to the main domestic terminal may range from 15–25 minutes depending on exact location and traffic.
• Fewer rail options; most residents rely on cars or bus service.

Who it fits best:
Airport workers and families looking for more space or lower rent while still being within a reasonable commute of ATL.

Quick Comparison: Popular Areas Near ATL

*Times are general estimates in typical traffic; rush hour and construction can change this.

What to Expect When Living Near Atlanta Airport

Noise: How Loud Is It Really?

Living near the world’s busiest airport means airplane noise is a real factor. The impact depends heavily on:

• Exact flight paths over your neighborhood
• How well the building is insulated
• Whether your apartment faces major roads, runways, or quieter interior courtyards

When touring apartments:

• Visit during peak flight hours (early morning and evening) to hear typical noise levels.
• Ask whether windows are double-paned or if soundproofing upgrades were made.
• Check if bedrooms face away from main roads and flight paths when possible.

Noise tolerance is highly personal, so it’s worth evaluating carefully.

Commute Patterns for Airport Workers

If you work at ATL—TSA, airlines, concessions, cleaning, maintenance, or logistics—your hours may not match a 9–5.

Key tips:

• Overnight and early-morning shifts:
  Living very close (College Park, Hapeville, East Point) can save a significant amount of time and reduce stress when public transit is limited.

• MARTA:
  The Airport Station is at the domestic terminal. Many workers use MARTA from College Park, East Point, Oakland City, West End, Downtown, and Midtown directly to the airport.

• Employee Parking:
  Some airport jobs require using employee lots and shuttles. When apartment hunting, plug your employee lot address (if you know it) into your map app, not just “ATL.”

Cost, Amenities, and Apartment Types

Near Atlanta Airport, you’ll see:

• Garden-style complexes with parking lots and shared green space
• Mid-rise buildings closer to transit hubs and commercial corridors
• Renovated older properties that may be more affordable but vary in quality
• A spectrum of older, no-frills units to newer, amenity-heavy communities

Common amenities include:

• On-site or nearby laundry
• Surface parking or gated lots
• Fitness rooms, pools, or community rooms in some newer communities
• Shuttle services in a few cases, especially near ATL hotels, though apartments offering direct shuttles are less common

Finding the right balance of budget, commute, and quality is key. Many people working at ATL choose slightly longer commutes for quieter surroundings or more space, while others prioritize a 5–10 minute drive over everything else.

Using MARTA and Transit When You Live Near ATL

If you don’t want to rely solely on a car, look closely at MARTA service.

MARTA Rail to the Airport

The Red and Gold Lines both end at Airport Station, directly inside the domestic terminal.

Stations that commonly appeal to airport workers and frequent flyers include:

• Airport Station (inside the terminal)
• College Park Station
• East Point Station
• Oakland City and West End (slightly north but still direct line access)

Apartments within walking distance or a short bus ride from these stations make it easier to:

• Avoid parking costs at the airport
• Handle early or late shifts without driving
• Travel to Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and beyond for errands or leisure

Bus Connections

MARTA buses serve much of the southside:

• Routes in College Park, Hapeville, East Point, and Southwest Atlanta often connect to either the Airport Station or other rail stations.
• Clayton County is also served by MARTA buses, but many residents still prefer having a car due to longer travel times and transfers.

If transit is important to you:

• Use MARTA’s official route maps or trip planner.
• When touring an apartment, look at nearby bus stops and ask management which routes residents tend to use.

Practical Tips for Choosing an Apartment Near ATL

1. Map Your Actual Routine, Not Just the Terminal

Think through everything you regularly do:

• Work location: Terminal, concourse, maintenance hangar, off-airport office, or cargo area
• Grocery and errands: Which stores and services matter to you—Camp Creek Marketplace, Greenbriar Mall, or north toward Downtown?
• Family and social life: Will you be driving north often for school, family, or entertainment?

Then, test-drive or map those routes, not just “home to ATL.”

2. Visit at Different Times of Day

When possible, do at least two visits:

• Weekday rush hour: Check highway and surface-street congestion.
• Early morning or late evening: Experience noise, lighting, and how the area feels when it’s less busy.

This can reveal noise patterns, traffic bottlenecks, and neighborhood activity that you might miss on a single midday tour.

3. Ask Specific Questions About Utilities and Noise

When talking to leasing staff, consider asking:

• Are utilities (especially heating/air) separately metered or flat-rate?
• What type of windows does the unit have—single or double pane?
• Do they receive frequent noise complaints about planes or traffic?
• Are there any quiet-hour policies or rules about loud music?

Given ATL’s volume, good insulation and HVAC can matter a lot.

4. Look at Safety and Local Services

Whatever part of the airport area you consider:

• Check the lighting and visibility in parking lots and along paths to buildings.
• Note sidewalks, crosswalks, and bus stop locations if you’ll be on foot.
• Look for nearby grocery stores, pharmacies, clinics, and public services you may use regularly.

For city services and neighborhood information, these offices can be starting points:

• City of College Park City Hall
  3667 Main Street, College Park, GA 30337
  Main line: (404) 766‑3000

• City of East Point City Hall
  2757 East Point Street, East Point, GA 30344
  Main line: (404) 270‑7091

• City of Hapeville City Hall
  3468 N. Fulton Avenue, Hapeville, GA 30354
  Main line: (404) 669‑2100

These offices can help you find local zoning information, code enforcement contacts, and community resources that may influence your choice of neighborhood.

5. Consider Parking, Guests, and Long Trips

If you travel often:

• Ask about long-term parking rules at your apartment. Some communities have limits on how long a car can sit.
• Clarify guest parking and whether there are fees or permits.
• If you use ride-hailing to the airport, check how easy it is for drivers to find your building and where pickup typically happens.

How to Start Your Search Efficiently

To focus quickly on apartments close to Atlanta Airport:

1. Choose your priority:

   • Absolute fastest commute
   • Access to MARTA
   • Lower rent and more space
   • Quieter setting, even if slightly farther

2. Target 2–3 main areas from this list:

   • Fastest commute: College Park, Hapeville, East Point
   • Transit-heavy: Near MARTA stations in East Point, College Park, Southwest Atlanta
   • Budget/space: Forest Park, Lake City, broader Clayton County
   • City feel but still close: Southwest Atlanta (Greenbriar, Cascade/Campbellton corridors)

3. Use mapping tools to filter for:

   • Commute times to your specific work location at ATL
   • Transit access if needed
   • Proximity to the daily essentials you care about

4. Schedule tours and bring a simple checklist:

   • Noise level inside the unit
   • Transit and driving routes
   • Parking rules and costs
   • Condition of windows, doors, and insulation
   • Nearby services and amenities

Living near Atlanta’s airport can mean short commutes, easy flight connections, and quick access to major highways that reach the rest of the metro. By understanding the neighborhoods around ATL, the tradeoffs between distance, cost, and noise, and the transit options available, you can narrow in on apartments that fit both your airport needs and your everyday life in Atlanta.