2 Bedroom Apartments in Atlanta: A Local Guide to Finding the Right Place

Looking for 2 bedroom apartments in Atlanta means juggling price, commute, neighborhood feel, and amenities—often all at once. Whether you’re sharing with a roommate, need a home office, or want extra space for family, Atlanta offers a wide range of options, from in-town high-rises to quieter suburbs just outside the Perimeter.

This guide breaks down what to expect in Atlanta’s 2 bedroom rental market, which neighborhoods to consider, typical price ranges, and how to rent smartly in and around the city.

What to Expect From a 2 Bedroom Apartment in Atlanta

Most 2 bedroom apartments in Atlanta fall into a few common setups:

• Roommate-style layouts
  Bedrooms on opposite sides of the living area, often with two full bathrooms. Popular in Midtown, Buckhead, and near major universities.

• Traditional family layouts
  Bedrooms side-by-side off a hallway, often with one or 1.5 bathrooms. More common in older intown buildings and many suburban complexes.

• Luxury or high-amenity units
  Larger floor plans, balconies, in-unit laundry, and access to pools, fitness centers, and gated parking. These cluster around Midtown, Buckhead, Old Fourth Ward, and select spots along the BeltLine.

Typical features you’ll see in Atlanta-area 2 bedroom apartments:

• Central air conditioning and heating (a must in Atlanta summers)
• Appliances (stove, oven, refrigerator; dishwashers are common in newer buildings)
• On-site laundry or in-unit washer/dryer in many mid-range and higher-end properties
• Parking – anything from open lots to covered garages; some areas may have paid or limited parking

Typical Price Ranges for 2 Bedroom Apartments in Atlanta

Exact rent depends on the neighborhood, age of the building, and amenities, but you can use this as a general orientation:

Rents can change quickly, so it’s best to compare current listings across several neighborhoods rather than focusing on a single “average” number. In general:

• You’ll pay more to be close to MARTA rail, the BeltLine, major job centers, and nightlife
• You’ll get more square footage as you move away from central Atlanta and major employment corridors

Best Atlanta Neighborhoods for 2 Bedroom Apartments

1. Midtown

Who it suits: Professionals, students, and anyone who wants to be near arts, nightlife, and MARTA.

Pros:

• Walkable to MARTA Midtown and Arts Center stations
• Close to Piedmont Park, the Fox Theatre, and major office buildings
• Many modern buildings with pools, gyms, and secured parking

Consider:

• Higher rents
• Parking fees in some buildings
• Noise from nightlife and traffic on major streets (Peachtree St, 10th St, etc.)

2. Buckhead

Who it suits: Renters looking for a polished feel, shopping, and newer apartment communities.

Pros:

• Many newer high-rise and mid-rise complexes
• Close to Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza
• Access to Buckhead and Lenox MARTA stations

Consider:

• Traffic along Peachtree Rd and GA-400
• Some areas feel more business and retail focused than neighborhood-like

3. Old Fourth Ward & BeltLine Area

Who it suits: People who want a mix of urban energy, parks, and access to the Eastside Trail of the Atlanta BeltLine.

Pros:

• Walk or bike along the BeltLine to Ponce City Market and nearby restaurants
• Many modern complexes built with open-concept 2 bedroom layouts
• Good for those who prefer an active, outdoor-oriented lifestyle

Consider:

• Higher rents close to the BeltLine
• Street parking can be tight in certain blocks

4. Downtown & Castleberry Hill

Who it suits: Students, downtown workers, and renters who want quick access to government buildings, arenas, and MARTA.

Pros:

• Close to Georgia State University, government offices, and State Farm Arena
• Some historic loft-style 2 bedroom units in Castleberry Hill
• Strong transit access with multiple MARTA stations

Consider:

• Less residential feel in some pockets
• Street noise and event traffic near major venues

5. West Midtown & Upper Westside

Who it suits: Renters who like an industrial-modern vibe, breweries, and trendy retail.

Pros:

• Newer developments with spacious 2 bedroom units
• Growing restaurant and retail scene
• Easy drive to Georgia Tech and Midtown

Consider:

• Most areas are car-dependent
• Ongoing development and construction can affect noise and traffic

6. Decatur (City of Decatur & Surrounding Areas)

Who it suits: People who want a more neighborhood feel with walkable town centers.

Pros:

• Walkable downtown Decatur with restaurants and shops
• Access to Decatur, Avondale, and East Lake MARTA stations
• Mix of older apartments, smaller complexes, and some newer buildings

Consider:

• Many newer or centrally located 2 bedrooms are in the higher price range
• Parking rules can be stricter in central Decatur

7. Affordable & Up-and-Coming Areas to Consider

If you’re trying to keep costs down while staying reasonably close to the city, look at:

• West End & Southwest Atlanta – Older buildings, some access to MARTA and the BeltLine’s Westside Trail
• East Atlanta & Gresham Park area – More single-family rentals and duplexes with 2 bedroom options
• Chamblee & Doraville – Along the Gold Line MARTA, with a mix of mid-century and newer complexes
• Smyrna & Marietta (near I-75/I-285) – Popular for commuters, especially those working near the Cumberland area

Commuting and Transportation: How It Affects Your 2BR Choice

In Atlanta, commute patterns can matter just as much as rent:

• If you rely on MARTA Rail, look near stations like:
  • Midtown, Arts Center, North Avenue, Five Points, Peachtree Center, Lindbergh Center, Buckhead, Lenox, Decatur, Inman Park/Reynoldstown, Edgewood/Candler Park
• If you drive, pay attention to:
  • Proximity to I-75, I-85, I-20, and I-285
  • Whether your building includes assigned, gated, or free parking
  • How long it actually takes at rush hour, not just off-peak

Living closer to work or school can sometimes justify a slightly higher rent if it reduces commuting time, gas, and parking costs.

Budgeting for a 2 Bedroom Apartment in Atlanta

When you plan your budget, go beyond just the advertised rent:

Common monthly costs to factor in:

• Base rent
• Utilities: Electricity (often higher in summer), water/sewer, trash
• Internet and cable/streaming
• Parking fees, if applicable
• Renters insurance (often required by complexes)
• Pet rent and pet deposits, if you have animals

Some Atlanta buildings bundle water, trash, and sewer into a flat monthly fee. Others bill usage separately, which can add up, especially if multiple people share the unit.

💡 Tip: Many renters in Atlanta aim to keep rent at or below a set portion of take-home income. Landlords often apply an income multiple when screening, so check this before applying to avoid application denials.

Roommates vs. Solo Renting: What Works in Atlanta

Renting a 2 Bedroom With a Roommate

Pros:

• Lower personal cost per person
• Access to nicer buildings you might not afford alone
• More flexibility (office + guest room) if one bedroom is larger and you split costs accordingly

Consider:

• Many Atlanta landlords require each adult to apply separately, with background and credit checks.
• Some buildings require each roommate to meet a minimum income standard or a combined standard.
• Clarify in writing how you’ll handle utilities, parking, and shared spaces.

Renting a 2 Bedroom Alone

Pros:

• More space for a home office, guests, or hobbies
• Full control over noise levels, cleanliness, and visitors
• Easier decision-making if you move or renew

Consider:

• Higher overall cost
• You’ll likely be the only one on the hook for rent and utilities if something changes in your income

Where and How to Search for 2 Bedroom Apartments in Atlanta

When searching, use a mix of online listing platforms, management company sites, and local contacts. To stay practical and neutral, here’s how to organize your search:

• Filter by:
  • Neighborhood or ZIP code (e.g., 30308 for Midtown, 30309 for parts of Midtown/Ansley, 30324 for Lindbergh/Buford Highway)
  • Minimum square footage if space is a priority
  • Number of bathrooms (1 vs. 2 can make a big difference for roommates)
• Pay attention to:
  • Photos and floor plans – check where windows, closets, and bathrooms are
  • Pet policies, parking details, and whether utilities are included
  • Lease terms: minimum lease, short-term options, renewal policies

If you’re new to Atlanta or moving from out of state, consider:

• Visiting for a weekend of showings
• Focusing on 2–3 main neighborhoods rather than the whole metro
• Asking leasing offices about noise, security features, and typical resident profiles (students, families, professionals, etc.)

Understanding Leases, Deposits, and Fees in Atlanta

Most large apartment communities in Atlanta use standardized leases with similar terms. Key points to review:

• Lease length:
  • Most leases run 12 months, with some options for 6 or 15+ months at different rates.
• Security deposit:
  • Can be a flat amount or based on credit; sometimes replaced or supplemented by a nonrefundable administrative fee.
• Application fees:
  • Typically nonrefundable and charged per adult applicant.
• Early termination:
  • Many Atlanta leases include a lease-break fee, often multiple months’ rent plus notice; important to understand before signing.
• Rent increases:
  • Renewals may include an increase; ask what typical annual increases have been in that building.

💡 Tip: Walk through the unit at move-in and document any pre-existing issues with photos and written notes. This helps protect your security deposit when you move out.

Safety, Code, and Tenant Support Resources in Atlanta

If you’re concerned about safety, conditions, or tenant rights, a few local resources can help:

• City of Atlanta Code Enforcement

  • Handles complaints related to property maintenance and certain housing conditions within city limits.
  • Main Office:
    818 Pollard Blvd SW
    Atlanta, GA 30315
    Phone: (404) 546-0311

• Fulton County Government – Housing-Related Services

  • For areas of Atlanta within Fulton County, the county provides various housing and community development services.
  • Fulton County Government Center:
    141 Pryor St SW
    Atlanta, GA 30303
    Main Phone: (404) 612-4000

• DeKalb County Government

  • For Atlanta addresses and nearby areas in DeKalb County (such as parts of Decatur and East Atlanta).
  • 1300 Commerce Drive
    Decatur, GA 30030
    Main Phone: (404) 371-2000

If you live in a smaller building, duplex, or single-family rental, your landlord might be an individual owner rather than a large company. In that case, keep all communications documented in writing and save copies of your lease, payment confirmations, and repair requests.

Tips for Comparing 2 Bedroom Apartments in Atlanta

When you tour or evaluate multiple units, use the same checklist each time so it’s easier to compare:

1. Location & Commute

   • How long is the commute to your job, school, or main daily destinations?
   • Is there nearby MARTA or reliable bus service?

2. Noise & Surroundings

   • Are you near major roads, railroad tracks, or late-night businesses?
   • What’s the noise level inside the unit with windows closed?

3. Layout & Storage

   • Are the bedrooms roughly equal in size (important for roommates)?
   • Is there enough closet and pantry space?

4. Building & Amenities

   • Does the building feel well-maintained (hallways, elevators, parking areas)?
   • Are amenities you’ll actually use (gym, pool, coworking space) in good condition?

5. Total Monthly Cost

   • Base rent + utilities + parking + pet fees + any monthly amenity or trash fees
   • Ask whether there are separate billing companies for utilities, which can add service fees.

6. Lease Flexibility

   • What happens if you need to move before your lease ends?
   • Are subletting or lease takeovers allowed, and under what conditions?

Short-Term and Corporate-Style 2 Bedroom Rentals in Atlanta

If you’re in Atlanta temporarily (project work, internship, medical rotations, etc.), you might look at:

• Short-term furnished 2 bedroom units in major business areas (Midtown, Buckhead, Downtown)
• Extended-stay style apartments with flexible lease terms

These often cost more per month but may include:

• Furniture and kitchen basics
• Utilities bundled into the rent
• Shorter commitments (month-to-month or 3-month leases)

They can work well if you’re testing neighborhoods before committing to a standard 12-month lease.

When You’re Ready to Sign for a 2 Bedroom in Atlanta

Once you’ve found a place that fits your budget, commute, and space needs, plan for:

• Application documents:
  • Government-issued ID
  • Proof of income (pay stubs, offer letter, or other verified income sources)
  • Rental history and references, if requested
• Move-in funds:
  • First month’s rent
  • Security deposit
  • Any administrative or move-in fees
• Logistics:
  • Reserve move-in times/elevator with the building if required
  • Set up power and gas service (Georgia Power and/or local gas providers, depending on your building)
  • Arrange renters insurance before key pickup, if required

With a clear sense of neighborhoods, price expectations, and what to look for in a lease, you can navigate Atlanta’s 2 bedroom apartment market more confidently and choose a place that fits how you actually live in the city.