Finding 1 Bedroom Apartments in Atlanta Under $900: What’s Realistic and Where to Look

Finding 1 bedroom apartments in Atlanta under $900 is challenging, but not impossible—especially if you’re flexible on neighborhood, amenities, and commute time. Rents in many in-town areas have climbed well above that price point, yet there are still pockets of the metro where you can find budget-friendly options or close alternatives.

This guide walks through where to look, what to expect, local resources, and smart strategies for renting in Atlanta on a tight budget.

Is $900 for a 1 Bedroom in Atlanta Still Realistic?

In many popular intown neighborhoods—Midtown, Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, Virginia-Highland, West Midtown—a 1 bedroom under $900 is extremely rare. These areas are dominated by newer buildings, luxury amenities, and higher market rents.

However, you may still find:

• Older, smaller complexes
• Basement or garage apartments
• 1 bedroom units in duplexes or triplexes
• “Junior” 1 bedrooms or large studios
• Units with fewer updates (older appliances, no in-unit laundry, window A/C)

Your chances are better if you:

• Look in outlying neighborhoods within the City of Atlanta
• Expand to metro Atlanta suburbs
• Consider income-restricted or subsidized housing
• Are open to smaller units or less trendy locations

Best Areas Around Atlanta to Find 1 Bedrooms Under $900

You’re more likely to find something close to your budget by looking slightly beyond the core urban neighborhoods. Below is a general guide—not every property you see will be under $900, but these areas tend to have more budget-friendly options than the hot intown markets.

H2: Inside the Perimeter (ITP) – More Affordable Atlanta Neighborhoods

1. Southwest & South Atlanta

These areas often offer the lowest rents within city limits, though building conditions and amenities can vary widely. Common neighborhoods include:

• Westview / West End (farther from the BeltLine hotspots)
• Adamsville
• Cascade Heights
• Oakland City
• Parts of Pittsburgh and Sylvan Hills

Pros:

• Closer to Downtown than many suburbs
• MARTA access in some areas
• Older garden-style complexes with lower rents

Cons:

• Some properties may be older or need updates
• You’ll need to pay close attention to safety, maintenance, and management reviews

2. Far East Atlanta

Areas east of Moreland and south of I-20 sometimes offer lower rents than Inman Park, Kirkwood, or East Atlanta Village:

• Parts of Gresham Park
• Candler-McAfee (technically unincorporated DeKalb, but very close in)
• Sections of Decatur outside the city limits (unincorporated Decatur / Belvedere Park)

These areas can offer:

• Older 1 bedroom floorplans in smaller complexes
• Occasional duplex or single-family-home conversions

H2: Outside the Perimeter (OTP) – Metro Suburbs With Lower Rents

If you’re willing to live OTP and commute, your chances of finding a 1 bedroom under $900 improve.

3. Clayton County (South of Atlanta)

Cities like:

• Forest Park
• Morrow
• Jonesboro
• Riverdale

Often have some of the most affordable rents in the metro region.

Pros:

• 1 bedrooms under $900 are more common than in central Atlanta
• Access to major roads like I-75 and I-285
• Near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and jobs in logistics and warehousing

Cons:

• Longer commute into Downtown/Midtown
• Limited walkability and fewer upscale amenities

4. South DeKalb & Stone Mountain Area

Look at:

• Panthersville
• Stone Mountain
• Lithonia
• Outer parts of Tucker

These areas often have older large apartment communities that may still list 1 bedroom units close to $900, especially for basic or unrenovated units.

5. West & Northwest Metro

Areas like:

• Austell
• Douglasville
• Parts of Marietta (especially older complexes)
• Mableton

These can occasionally offer 1 bedroom units around or under $900, especially in complexes built before the latest wave of development.

Typical Trade-Offs for 1 Bedrooms Under $900 in Atlanta

When you’re targeting sub-$900 rent, expect to compromise in at least one of these areas:

1. Age & Condition of the Property

• Expect older buildings (1970s–1990s) rather than newly built luxury apartments
• Fewer upgrades: laminate countertops, older cabinetry, possibly carpet instead of vinyl plank

2. Amenities

• Less likely to have:
  • In-unit washer/dryer
  • High-end fitness centers
  • Pools, lounges, or coworking spaces
• More likely:
  • On-site laundry room
  • Basic parking and minimal community features

3. Location & Commute

• Properties may be farther from MARTA rail
• You may rely more on buses, rideshare, or driving
• Commute into Midtown or Buckhead can be longer, especially during rush hour

4. Utilities & Fees

• Watch for:
  • Separate water, sewer, and trash bills
  • Monthly “amenity” or “valet trash” fees
  • Parking fees in some complexes

Sometimes a unit listed at $875 can effectively behave like a $950+ unit after fees, so read details carefully.

Quick Comparison: Where Sub-$900 1 Bedrooms Are More Likely

Strategies to Actually Land a 1 Bedroom Under $900

Finding listings is one step. Getting approved and locking in the rent is another. These strategies are especially useful in Atlanta’s competitive rental market.

H2: Timing and Flexibility

1. Look During the Off-Season

• Atlanta’s busiest rental periods are late spring through summer
• You may find slightly better deals or more negotiable landlords in late fall and winter

2. Be Flexible on Move-In Date

Owners are more likely to negotiate rent or waive a fee if:

• A unit is vacant right now, and
• You can move in quickly

H2: Expand the Types of Rentals You’ll Consider

3. Consider Smaller or “Alternative” 1 Bedrooms

To stay near your target price, you might look at:

• “Junior” 1 bedrooms or studios that function like a 1 bedroom (sleeping area separated by a partial wall or alcove)
• Garage or basement apartments attached to a single-family home
• ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units) in neighborhoods like Westview, West End, or East Atlanta, where homeowners occasionally rent small units on their property

4. Look at Older, Locally Managed Properties

Large, modern complexes in Atlanta often set rents based on market software and rarely drop as low as $900 for a 1 bedroom.

Smaller, locally managed buildings may offer:

• Lower base rent
• More room for case-by-case discussions about move-in costs or minor repairs

Affordable & Subsidized Housing Options in Atlanta

If standard market-rate apartments are still out of reach, you may qualify for income-restricted or subsidized housing that can bring your effective rent near or under $900 for a 1 bedroom.

H2: Atlanta Housing Authority (AHA)

The Atlanta Housing Authority partners with private owners to provide subsidized and mixed-income housing in the city.

• Atlanta Housing Authority (AHA)
  • 230 John Wesley Dobbs Ave NE
  • Atlanta, GA 30303
  • Phone: (404) 892-4700

Key points:

• AHA runs voucher programs and works with properties that reserve units for income-qualified renters
• Waitlists can open and close, so you need to check availability and requirements directly
• If eligible, you might pay a percentage of your income instead of full market rent

H2: Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA)

For options across the metro region (including suburbs), the Georgia Department of Community Affairs oversees several rental assistance and affordable housing programs.

• Georgia Department of Community Affairs
  • 60 Executive Park South NE
  • Atlanta, GA 30329
  • Main Phone: (404) 679-4940

They coordinate:

• Housing Choice Vouchers in some areas
• Tax credit properties that cap rent based on income levels

Many Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) properties offer 1 bedrooms where rents are set below typical market rates, sometimes around or under $900, depending on unit type and area.

Local Nonprofits and Housing Counselors

Housing-focused nonprofits in Atlanta can help you:

• Understand income limits
• Navigate applications and waitlists
• Learn about tenant rights and eviction protections

Some organizations commonly involved in housing support include:

• Atlanta Legal Aid Society

  • 54 Ellis St NE
  • Atlanta, GA 30303
  • Phone: (404) 524-5811
  • Provides legal help related to housing issues for eligible clients

• United Way of Greater Atlanta – 2-1-1

  • Dial 2-1-1 from most phones in the Atlanta area
  • Can connect you to rental assistance, shelter, and housing-related resources

These services won’t find an apartment for you, but they can expand your options and help if you’re facing an urgent housing situation.

How to Evaluate a Low-Cost Apartment in Atlanta

When something is under $900, you should check it carefully before signing anything. In Atlanta’s busy market, some low-cost units may come with issues.

H2: Safety and Building Quality

When you tour:

• 🚪 Check doors and windows

  • Do they lock securely?
  • Are there deadbolts and peepholes?

• 💡 Look at common areas

  • Are hallways and parking lots well lit?
  • Is trash overflowing, or is the property reasonably clean?

• 🧰 Ask about maintenance response times

  • Is there a 24/7 emergency number?
  • How quickly do they typically handle repairs?

H2: Lease Details That Matter

Before you commit:

• Confirm what’s included in rent:

  • Water, sewer, trash, pest control, parking, and amenity fees can add up

• Ask about:

  • Application fee and whether it’s per person
  • Admin or move-in fees
  • Security deposit amount and conditions for refund
  • Penalties for breaking the lease early

Keeping a simple checklist while touring multiple apartments around Atlanta can help you compare true monthly costs, not just the advertised base rent.

Transportation Costs: Don’t Ignore the Commute

If you find a 1 bedroom for $875 in Clayton County and a $1,000 unit closer to Midtown, the cheaper unit might become more expensive if you have a long, daily drive.

Consider:

• MARTA access

  • Being near a MARTA rail station or reliable bus route can save gas and parking costs
  • Some more affordable complexes sit along bus lines that reach rail stations or job centers

• Parking and car expenses

  • Check if parking is free, assigned, or extra
  • Account for tolls (if you use express lanes), insurance, and wear on your car

Sometimes, a place slightly above $900 closer to your job can be more affordable overall once you factor in time, fuel, and stress.

Practical Steps to Start Your Search in Atlanta

To keep things organized and realistic, use this approach:

1. Set a firm budget range

   • Target $900, but know your absolute maximum including utilities and fees.

2. Choose 2–3 target areas

   • For example:
     • Southwest Atlanta + South DeKalb
     • Clayton County + Stone Mountain
     • Westview/Oakland City area + Panthersville

3. Search for older and smaller complexes

   • Filter for 1 bedroom units, but include studios and “efficiencies” if you’re flexible.

4. Call leasing offices directly

   • Ask: “Do you have any 1 bedrooms at or below $900, before utilities and fees? If not now, do you expect any in the next 1–2 months?”

5. Prepare your application documents

   • Photo ID
   • Proof of income (pay stubs or offer letter)
   • Past landlord contact info
   • This helps you move fast when you find something suitable.

6. Explore affordable housing options if eligible

   • Contact Atlanta Housing Authority or Georgia DCA
   • Call 2-1-1 (United Way) if you need help with housing resources or rental assistance.

Key Takeaways for 1 Bedroom Apartments in Atlanta Under $900

• Under $900 is tough but not impossible in the Atlanta area—especially in older complexes, outer neighborhoods, and metro suburbs.
• You’ll likely need to compromise on location, amenities, or building age to stay within this budget.
• Explore South and Southwest Atlanta, parts of East Atlanta, South DeKalb, Clayton County, and some west/northwest suburbs for more realistic options.
• Look into affordable and income-restricted housing through the Atlanta Housing Authority and Georgia DCA if your income qualifies.
• Always factor in fees, utilities, and commuting costs, not just base rent, when comparing options.

By combining a realistic view of Atlanta’s rental market with a targeted area search, flexible expectations, and awareness of local housing resources, you give yourself the best chance of finding a 1 bedroom apartment that stays at or near that $900 mark.