Your Guide to Apartments in Atlanta’s Highlands Neighborhoods

Looking for apartments in Highlands Atlanta usually means you’re interested in the Virginia-Highland (often “VaHi”) and Poncey-Highland areas just east of Midtown. These historic intown neighborhoods are known for tree-lined streets, 1920s homes, local restaurants, and a strong neighborhood feel—plus easy access to the BeltLine and major intown job centers.

This guide walks through what to expect from apartments in these parts of Atlanta, where they’re located, typical building types, price and parking realities, and how to apartment hunt effectively if you live in or are moving to Atlanta.

Where Exactly Is “The Highlands” in Atlanta?

Locals usually mean two overlapping intown neighborhoods when they say “the Highlands”:

• Virginia-Highland (Virginia Ave NE + North Highland Ave NE area)
• Poncey-Highland (Ponce de Leon Ave NE + North Highland Ave NE area)

Both sit:

• East of Midtown and Piedmont Park
• West of Druid Hills and Decatur
• North of I-20 / Inman Park area
• South of Morningside-Lenox Park

They’re walkable, close to Ponce City Market, the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail, Freedom Park, and a long stretch of North Highland Ave filled with bars, coffee shops, and boutiques.

Why Rent in Virginia-Highland or Poncey-Highland?

People looking for apartments in Highlands Atlanta are often after a specific lifestyle:

Key advantages:

• Walkability: Sidewalks, local shops, and restaurants in every direction.
• Proximity to jobs: Quick drives or bike rides to Midtown, Downtown, Emory/CDC, and Buckhead.
• Historic charm: Craftsman bungalows, brick duplexes, and cozy low-rise apartment buildings.
• Parks & outdoors: Close to Piedmont Park, the BeltLine, John Howell Park, Orme Park, Freedom Park.
• Neighborhood feel: Strong civic associations, festivals, and a “small-town in the city” vibe.

Common tradeoffs:

• Higher rents than many outer neighborhoods.
• Tighter parking, especially for older buildings without garages.
• Older construction (great character, but sometimes less storage, smaller closets).
• Noise near commercial strips and nightlife, especially along North Highland and Ponce.

Types of Apartments You’ll Find in the Highlands

You won’t see many high-rise towers here. Instead, expect lower-scale, neighborhood-style housing.

1. Historic Walk-Ups and Small Complexes

These are some of the most characteristic apartments in Highlands Atlanta:

• 1–3 story brick buildings from the early–mid 1900s
• Hardwood floors, tall windows, plaster walls, crown molding
• Smaller floor plans, sometimes no in-unit washer/dryer
• Window units or retrofitted central HVAC, depending on updates
• Street parking or small surface lots

These are common on and just off:

• North Highland Ave NE
• Greenwood Ave NE
• Drewry St NE
• St. Charles Ave NE
• Ponce de Leon Pl NE

They appeal to renters who value charm and walkability over amenities like pools and gyms.

2. Garden-Style and Courtyard Apartments

Scattered around the neighborhood:

• 2–3 story buildings grouped around a shared courtyard or lawn
• Mix of older brick and newer construction
• Sometimes include on-site laundry, small fitness rooms, or shared patios
• Surface lot parking is more common

You’ll see these especially where the neighborhood becomes more residential away from main streets.

3. Newer Mid-Rise Apartments

Closer to the BeltLine, Ponce de Leon Ave, and large retail, you’ll find newer mid-rise communities:

• 4–6 story buildings with elevators
• Modern amenities: pools, fitness centers, package rooms, clubrooms
• In-unit washer/dryer, granite or quartz counters, stainless-style kitchens
• Structured parking, sometimes additional storage

These tend to be more expensive, but offer a turn-key, amenity-heavy option while still putting you in or near the Highlands area.

4. Basement Apartments, Carriage Houses, and Duplexes

A lot of “apartments” here are actually:

• Basement or terrace-level apartments in single-family houses
• Garage apartments or carriage houses behind homes
• Side-by-side duplexes and triplexes split from original houses

These are often advertised as:

• “Virginia-Highland basement apartment”
• “Carriage house near BeltLine”
• “1BR in VaHi duplex”

They can feel very residential and private, often with small yards or porches, but may come with quirks like:

• Separate/limited parking
• Shared outdoor spaces
• Older plumbing or electrical layouts

Typical Rent Range and Cost Considerations

Exact rents shift over time, but Virginia-Highland and Poncey-Highland generally sit in the “higher but not ultra-luxury” range for intown Atlanta.

In these neighborhoods, you’ll often see:

• Studios / Small 1BRs: More affordable, especially in older buildings or basements
• 1BRs: Popular with professionals working in Midtown, Emory, and remote workers
• 2BRs and up: Command a premium, especially in newer buildings or fully updated duplexes

Price is strongly affected by:

• Age of building: New construction vs. historic walk-up
• Amenities: Garage parking, pool, gym, in-unit laundry
• Proximity to the BeltLine and Ponce City Market: Closer usually means pricier
• Noise level: Apartments right above bars or on a busy corner may be a bit cheaper than quiet side streets

If you’re comparing within Atlanta:

• Highlands rents often sit above many Westside and south-of-I-20 neighborhoods,
• but can be similar to or slightly below prime Midtown high-rises, depending on the unit and building type.

Parking, Traffic, and Getting Around

Parking is one of the biggest practical considerations when renting in the Highlands.

Parking Realities

• Many historic buildings have limited off-street parking or none at all.
• Street parking can be tight, especially evenings and weekends near restaurant clusters.
• Some streets require resident permits during certain hours to deter bar and restaurant parking.

To check or manage permits, you may interact with:

• City of Atlanta – Office of Transportation
  68 Mitchell St SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  Main City Hall info line: (404) 330-6000

Always verify the current permit rules for your specific street; they can change block by block.

Commuting and Transit

Advantages for commuters:

• Drive times to Midtown, Downtown, and Emory are usually short in distance, but peak traffic can be slow.
• MARTA rail access: You’re not directly on a rail station, but:
  • Midtown Station and North Avenue Station are a short drive, bike, or bus trip away.
  • Several bus routes run along Ponce de Leon Ave and North Highland Ave.

Many residents rely on:

• Walking or biking to Ponce City Market, BeltLine, and Virginia-Highland commercial nodes
• Rideshare for nights out or airport trips
• Short drives to MARTA stations or major highways (Freedom Pkwy to I-75/85)

Noise, Nightlife, and Neighborhood Vibe

Virginia-Highland and Poncey-Highland are active, social neighborhoods.

Where It’s Livelier

Areas likely to be noisier, especially late and on weekends:

• Near North Highland Ave NE restaurant and bar clusters
• Near Ponce de Leon Ave NE with traffic and nightlife
• Close to Ponce City Market and the BeltLine entrance points

You might experience:

• Bar and restaurant noise
• Foot traffic late at night
• Occasional live music or patio crowds

Quieter Pockets

For a calmer environment, look for apartments:

• Several blocks off North Highland Ave on side streets
• Farther from Ponce, closer to Orme Park, John Howell Park, or residential Morningside edges
• On streets primarily lined with single-family homes rather than shops

When touring, it can help to:

• Visit once in the daytime and once on a Friday or Saturday evening
• Listen from inside the unit with windows closed and open
• Ask current residents about typical noise levels

Comparing Virginia-Highland and Poncey-Highland

Here’s a simple comparison to help you when searching for apartments in Highlands Atlanta:

You’ll often find apartments marketed as being in both, or “between VaHi and Poncey-Highland,” especially close to North Highland Ave.

How to Search for Apartments in the Highlands

Use Local Neighborhood Terms

When searching listing sites or talking to agents, relevant terms include:

• “Virginia-Highland apartment”
• “VaHi 1BR”
• “Poncey-Highland apartment”
• “Near Ponce City Market”
• “Walk to BeltLine Eastside Trail”

Also plug in streets like:

• North Highland Ave NE
• Greenwood Ave NE
• Drewry St NE
• Ponce de Leon Pl NE
• St. Charles Ave NE

These street names help narrow to the core Highlands area.

Decide on Your Must-Haves

Before touring, clarify what matters most:

• 🚗 Parking: Do you need a dedicated space, or is street parking fine?
• 🏋️ Amenities: Are a gym and pool important, or would you trade that for lower rent?
• 🧺 Laundry: Do you require in-unit washer/dryer, or is shared laundry acceptable?
• 🐶 Pets: If you have a dog, look for nearby greenspace and clear pet policies.

Consider Renters’ Rights and Local Rules

For questions about leases, deposits, and landlord-tenant issues in Atlanta or Fulton County, residents sometimes consult:

• Fulton County Magistrate Court – Landlord-Tenant Division
  185 Central Ave SW, Suite TG-100, Atlanta, GA 30303
  Phone: (404) 613-5360

• Atlanta Legal Aid Society (for qualifying tenants)
  54 Ellis St NE, Atlanta, GA 30303
  Main office phone: (404) 524-5811

These resources can help you understand eviction processes, security deposits, and lease terms under Georgia law if questions arise.

Safety, Schools, and Everyday Living

Safety

Like most intown Atlanta neighborhoods, the Highlands have:

• Busy, well-lit main streets
• Quieter side streets
• Typical city concerns such as occasional property crime

When evaluating a specific apartment:

• Visit at different times of day
• Walk the surrounding blocks
• Check lighting, visibility, and general activity
• Ask neighbors or current residents how they feel about safety

For official police and neighborhood coordination:

• Atlanta Police Department – Zone 6 (covers much of this area)
  2025 Hosea L Williams Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30317
  Non-emergency line: (404) 658-6666

Always call 911 in emergencies.

Schools and Families

Public school zoning can vary by specific block, but many addresses in the Highlands area fall within the Atlanta Public Schools (APS) system, potentially feeding into:

• A local elementary school serving Virginia-Highland and surrounding areas
• Middle and high schools that draw from the broader east side

To confirm zoning for a specific apartment:

• Atlanta Public Schools – Central Office
  130 Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  Main phone: (404) 802-3500

APS can provide current information about school zones, transfers, and enrollment.

Families often appreciate:

• Walkability to parks such as John Howell Park, Orme Park, and Freedom Park
• Access to the BeltLine for strollers and bikes
• Nearby libraries and kid-friendly events across intown neighborhoods

Tips for Out-of-Towners Moving to the Highlands

If you’re relocating to Atlanta and looking specifically at apartments in Highlands Atlanta:

1. Stay nearby first. Consider a short-term rental somewhere along the BeltLine or in Midtown, then spend a few weeks walking Virginia-Highland and Poncey-Highland to learn the blocks you like best.
2. Tour without a car if possible. This shows you how realistic it is to live car-light, especially if you’re aiming to rely on walking, biking, or rideshare.
3. Time your move. Rental inventory can fluctuate, but many leases renew in spring and summer, which may bring more choices.
4. Ask about utilities. Older buildings can have different setups—some include water or gas, some bill separately. Clarify heating/cooling costs, especially for older construction.

Quick Checklist When Viewing Apartments in the Highlands

Use this to stay focused while touring:

• [ ] How far is it to North Highland Ave, the BeltLine, or your preferred commute route?
• [ ] What’s the parking situation? Dedicated spot, shared lot, or street only?
• [ ] Where is laundry? In-unit, in-building, or off-site?
• [ ] Check for noise: bars, restaurants, traffic, or nearby venues.
• [ ] Look at storage: closets, pantry, bike storage, or outdoor space.
• [ ] Confirm pet policies and fees if applicable.
• [ ] Review lease length, renewal terms, and any amenity or parking fees.

If you value walkability, neighborhood character, and quick access to Atlanta’s core, apartments in Virginia-Highland and Poncey-Highland offer a strong mix of historic charm and modern convenience, with options ranging from classic brick walk-ups to full-amenity mid-rise communities.