Apartments on Howell Mill Road in Atlanta: A Local Guide to Living on the Westside

Looking for apartments on Howell Mill Road in Atlanta puts you right in the middle of one of the city’s most active and quickly changing corridors. This stretch of road runs through the West Midtown / Upper Westside area and connects you to Buckhead, Midtown, and downtown with relative ease.

Below is a practical, Atlanta-focused guide to help you understand what it’s like to rent along Howell Mill Rd NW, what types of apartments you’ll find, typical price and lifestyle trade-offs, and how to choose the right spot for your needs.

Why Howell Mill Road Is a Popular Apartment Corridor

Howell Mill Road has transformed from a largely industrial street into a mixed-use urban neighborhood with:

• Large apartment communities and mid-rise buildings
• Shopping centers and big-box stores
• Walkable dining and nightlife pockets
• Easy driving access to I‑75, I‑85, and I‑285

If you want to be close to West Midtown, the Upper Westside, and Buckhead without being right in the high-rise core of Midtown, apartments along Howell Mill Road are often considered a good middle ground.

Key advantages of living on or near Howell Mill Road:

• 🚗 Commuting convenience to Midtown, Georgia Tech, downtown, and Buckhead
• 🛍️ Shopping and services just minutes away (groceries, pharmacies, etc.)
• 🍽️ Restaurants and nightlife concentrated nearby
• 🏗️ A mix of new luxury developments and older, more budget-friendly options

Main Sections of Howell Mill Road for Apartment Hunters

Howell Mill Road runs a long way; where you rent along that stretch will shape your daily experience. It helps to think of it in three broad sections commonly used by locals.

1. West Midtown / Georgia Tech Area (South Howell Mill)

Roughly from 10th St NW up toward the I‑75 area, this section is popular with:

• Young professionals
• Georgia Tech and Georgia State grad students
• Renters wanting a more urban, walkable setting

What to expect:

• Mid-rise apartment buildings with modern amenities
• Short drive or bike ride to Georgia Tech and Midtown offices
• Busy streets, especially during rush hour and game/event days

This part of Howell Mill gives you better access to:

• Westside Provisions District – known dining and boutique shopping area
• Midtown and West Midtown offices, creative spaces, and tech companies

2. Upper Westside / Bolton Area (Central Howell Mill)

Further north, past the core West Midtown section, Howell Mill becomes more of a mixed commercial and residential corridor. Here you’ll see:

• Garden-style and mid-rise apartment complexes
• Townhome communities just off the main road
• Shopping centers and big-box stores

Appeals to:

• Renters wanting more space and parking
• People who drive often or commute to Cumberland, Vinings, or Perimeter
• Those who like access to shops without needing to go into Midtown/Buckhead every day

The vibe is less “nightlife” and more day-to-day convenience. You’ll often find somewhat more square footage for the price than in the densest parts of West Midtown.

3. North Howell Mill / Near I‑75 and Toward Buckhead

As you approach connections to Northside Drive, Collier Road, and I‑75, the area starts leaning more suburban in feel, but you still get:

• Proximity to Piedmont Hospital / medical offices
• Easier access to Buckhead and Northside job centers
• A mix of condos, newer apartments, and established complexes

This section works well if you:

• Work along Peachtree Road, in Buckhead, or at medical centers
• Want to be able to hop on the interstate quickly
• Prefer a slightly quieter feel than the very core of West Midtown

Types of Apartments You’ll Find on Howell Mill Road

Most Howell Mill Road apartments in Atlanta fall into a few broad categories.

Newer Luxury or Mid-Rise Communities

Common features:

• 1–3 bedroom floor plans, often smaller but more modern
• In-unit laundry, updated kitchens, walk-in closets
• Amenities like pools, gyms, rooftop lounges, dog parks, and coworking spaces
• Secured parking garages or gated surface lots

These are concentrated closer to West Midtown / Georgia Tech and some parts of the Upper Westside. Rents are usually higher here, reflecting amenities and newer construction.

Garden-Style and Older Apartment Complexes

You’ll see many of these as you move away from the very dense West Midtown core.

Common features:

• Larger floor plans compared to some newer mid-rises
• Lower rise buildings (2–3 stories) with surface parking
• Fewer amenities, but often more budget-friendly
• More pet-friendly options, though policies vary

These can be good fits if you drive frequently, want more space, or are watching your budget.

Townhomes and Condo-Style Rentals

Just off Howell Mill Road, you’ll find:

• Small townhome communities
• Condo buildings with individual units for rent
• Duplexes and single-family homes converted into rentals on nearby side streets

These may offer:

• More privacy and multi-level layouts
• Attached garages or private driveways
• A quieter, neighborhood feel while still being minutes from Howell Mill’s commercial areas

Typical Price and Value Trade-Offs

Exact rents change frequently, but some general patterns apply along Howell Mill Road:

• Closer to West Midtown / Georgia Tech:
  • Higher prices per square foot
  • More amenities, denser urban environment, walkability to nightlife
• Further north toward Upper Westside / Bolton area:
  • Potentially more space for the same budget
  • Heavier reliance on a car, more suburban-style shopping
• Condo/townhome rentals nearby:
  • Sometimes higher monthly rent but more space and privacy
  • Individual landlords may offer slightly different lease terms than large complexes

When comparing prices, pay attention to:

• Parking fees (some mid-rises charge per space)
• Amenity fees or community fees
• Pet rent and pet deposits
• Utility billing (flat fee vs separate metering for water, trash, and sewer)

Pros and Cons of Living Along Howell Mill Road

Potential Benefits

• Central location: Quick access to Midtown, Buckhead, and I‑75/I‑85
• Food and nightlife: Short drive to Westside Provisions District, breweries, and restaurants
• Jobs and schools: Near Georgia Tech, tech and creative employers, and medical centers
• Ongoing development: New apartments, shops, and road improvements continue to roll out

Potential Drawbacks

• Traffic: Howell Mill Road is frequently congested, especially at rush hours and near shopping centers
• Noise: Busier sections can be loud; if you’re sensitive to noise, ask about unit placement (interior courtyard vs street-facing)
• Construction: Ongoing development means possible construction noise and temporary lane closures
• Walkability gaps: Some blocks are walkable, but others have limited sidewalks or long stretches between crosswalks

What to Look For When Touring Howell Mill Road Apartments

When you visit apartments on Howell Mill Road in Atlanta, focus on practical details beyond just the finishes.

1. Commuting and Transportation

Ask yourself:

• How long does it really take to reach your workplace at peak times?
• Are you close to a MARTA bus route you’ll actually use?
• Is it easy to access I‑75, I‑85, or Northside Drive from the property?
• Is visitor parking available, and is overnight parking restricted?

Many renters in this area rely primarily on cars, but some sections are reasonably good for biking or short bus connections into Midtown or to MARTA rail stations.

2. Noise and Building Location

On Howell Mill Road, building orientation matters:

• Street-facing units may get more traffic and siren noise
• Courtyard- or rear-facing units can be noticeably quieter
• Ask to tour at rush hour or in the evening when noise and traffic are at their peak

If you work from home, check:

• Cell signal inside the unit
• Internet provider options and speeds
• Where common areas and pools are located in relation to your potential unit

3. Safety and Security Features

Look for:

• Controlled-access entries or gates
• Well-lit parking and walkways
• Visible cameras in common areas
• On-site or patrol security, especially in larger communities

You can also:

• Visit during the evening to see lighting and activity
• Check how close the complex is to major intersections, gas stations, or nightlife venues, which can affect late-night activity

4. Day-to-Day Convenience

Consider what you’ll do every week:

• How close is the nearest grocery store, pharmacy, or bank?
• Can you easily grab food without getting back on the highway?
• Are there safe routes for walking your dog or getting a quick run in?

Many places off Howell Mill give you short drives to major retailers and local spots, but the exact mix varies by block.

Quick Comparison: Different Parts of Howell Mill Road

Here’s a simplified view to help you weigh your options:

Use this as a starting point, then match it with your specific commute and lifestyle.

Finding Affordable or Income-Restricted Options Near Howell Mill

If you’re looking for more affordable or income-restricted apartments in the Howell Mill / Westside area, there are a few strategies:

• Look slightly off the main corridor on side streets and neighboring neighborhoods (e.g., areas near Chattahoochee Avenue, Marietta Blvd, Bolton Road, or older complexes).
• Search for “workforce housing” or “income-restricted” keywords tied to West Midtown or the Upper Westside.
• Stay flexible on exact location while keeping Howell Mill as your main access route.

You can also contact Atlanta Housing (formerly Atlanta Housing Authority) for assistance and information about programs:

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

They can provide guidance on voucher programs, income-based housing options, and partner properties throughout the city, including areas reachable from Howell Mill.

Practical Steps for Renting on Howell Mill Road

To make the process smoother:

1. Define your top priorities.

   • Is it short commute time, quiet, price, or amenities? Rank these before touring.

2. Narrow your segment of Howell Mill.

   • Decide whether you prefer to be closest to West Midtown, Upper Westside, or near I‑75/Buckhead based on your daily routes.

3. Plan tours around your normal schedule.

   • Visit during the times you’d normally be driving to work or coming home to see actual traffic and parking conditions.

4. Bring a checklist.

   • Parking cost and availability
   • Lease length and break penalties
   • Fees for pets, amenities, and utilities
   • Noise level, building access, and package handling

5. Ask specific local questions.

   • How does traffic look near Georgia Tech game days or big events?
   • Are there any planned roadworks or construction nearby?
   • What are typical electric and water bills for a unit your size in that building?

When Howell Mill Road Is (and Isn’t) the Right Fit

Apartments on Howell Mill Road in Atlanta are often a good choice if you:

• Want fast access to both Midtown and Buckhead
• Enjoy being near popular Westside restaurants, breweries, and shops
• Prefer a busier, active corridor over a quiet residential street
• Don’t mind driving and dealing with some traffic in exchange for location

They may be less ideal if you:

• Strongly prefer very quiet, low-traffic neighborhoods
• Rely heavily on rail-based transit rather than buses or driving
• Are looking for large outdoor green spaces right at your doorstep (though parks and the river trails are a drive away, not always a walk)

By focusing on where you are along Howell Mill, what your commute looks like, and which trade-offs you’re comfortable with, you can narrow down to apartments that actually match how you live—not just how they look in photos.