Finding Apartments on the Southside of Atlanta: Neighborhoods, Prices, and What to Expect

Looking for apartments on the Southside of Atlanta means balancing commute, budget, and lifestyle across a part of the city that is changing quickly. The Southside stretches from neighborhoods just south of Downtown to suburbs near the airport and I-285, and it includes a wide mix of older communities, new developments, and more affordable options than many intown areas.

This guide focuses specifically on Atlanta, Georgia, and what you need to know if you live here, are relocating, or are trying to understand how Southside apartment hunting really works.

Where Exactly Is “The Southside” in Atlanta?

People use “Southside” loosely, but when renters talk about Southside apartments in Atlanta, they usually mean:

• Inside the city limits (City of Atlanta)

  • South Atlanta / Lakewood Heights
  • Pittsburgh, Capitol View, Capitol View Manor
  • Sylvan Hills, Hammond Park
  • Historic South Atlanta, Joyland

• Near the airport and I-285 (still generally considered Southside)

  • Parts of East Point and College Park (adjacent cities, but functionally part of the Atlanta Southside area)

These areas are all within practical commuting distance to Downtown, Midtown, and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, which heavily shapes the rental market.

Why Rent on the Southside of Atlanta?

Renters look at Southside Atlanta apartments for several reasons:

• Lower average rents than many areas on the Northside or in Midtown
• Proximity to the airport (flight crews, airline workers, frequent travelers)
• MARTA access from south-line stations (Garnett, West End, Oakland City, Lakewood/Fort McPherson, East Point, College Park, Airport)
• Easy interstate connections via I-75/85, Langford Parkway (SR 166), and I-285
• Growing redevelopment in neighborhoods like Pittsburgh, Mechanicsville, and near the BeltLine Southside Trail

If you want to stay close to the city core but can’t or don’t want to pay Midtown or Buckhead prices, the Southside is one of the first places many Atlantans consider.

Snapshot: Southside Apartment Areas at a Glance

Use this simple comparison to orient yourself before you start searching:

Note: East Point and College Park are separate cities, but many renters treat them as part of the broader Southside Atlanta rental market.

Key Southside Neighborhoods for Apartment Hunters

Pittsburgh, Capitol View & Capitol View Manor

These historic neighborhoods sit southwest of Downtown and West End.

What you’ll find:

• Smaller apartment buildings, converted houses, and duplexes
• Some newer mid-sized developments closer to the BeltLine Southside Trail
• Streets that feel more residential than commercial, with quick drives to Downtown

Pros:

• Close to Downtown, West End, and the I-20/I-75/85 interchange
• Potentially lower rents than many northern intown neighborhoods
• Growing amenities in nearby West End, Adair Park, and the BeltLine

Considerations:

• Block-by-block conditions can vary; it’s important to visit in person at different times of day
• Parking rules, older buildings, and ongoing construction or redevelopment can affect daily life

Sylvan Hills, Hammond Park & Surrounding Areas

South of West End and east of East Point, these neighborhoods are heavily residential.

What you’ll find:

• Garden-style apartment complexes from different eras
• Duplexes and single-family homes for rent
• Relative ease of access to Langford Parkway (SR 166) and I-75/85

Pros:

• Often more space for the price than closer-in neighborhoods
• Reasonable commute to Downtown or the Airport
• Access to Oakland City and Lakewood/Fort McPherson MARTA stations

Considerations:

• Some complexes are older; check maintenance, security features, and utilities carefully
• Noise from nearby interstates or busy streets can be a factor in certain pockets

Lakewood Heights & South Atlanta

Southeast of Downtown, near Lakewood Avenue, Jonesboro Road, and South Atlanta.

What you’ll find:

• Older multifamily buildings, single-family homes subdivided into units, and some newer developments
• Proximity to the Lakewood/Fort McPherson MARTA station and I-75/85
• Nearby industrial and warehouse areas mixed with residential blocks

Pros:

• Quick drive to Downtown, Grant Park, and stadium areas
• Mix of older, potentially more affordable units and newer options closer to main corridors

Considerations:

• Traffic around Jonesboro Road, Lakewood Avenue, and event routes can back up
• Amenities like grocery stores, pharmacies, and dining may be a short drive rather than a walk in some sections

Near the Airport: East Point & College Park (Adjacent to Atlanta)

While technically separate municipalities, many renters consider them part of “Southside Atlanta living.”

What you’ll find:

• Larger apartment complexes, extended-stay style properties, and townhome communities
• Historic downtown sections like Downtown East Point and Downtown College Park with some smaller apartment buildings
• Direct access to Airport, East Point, and College Park MARTA stations

Pros:

• Ideal for people working at Hartsfield-Jackson or nearby logistics/warehouse employers
• Good transit connections on MARTA’s south rail line
• Frequent flights and travel options nearby (useful if you fly often)

Considerations:

• Plane noise depending on location relative to flight paths
• Parking rules in some complexes and around stations can be strict
• Some areas feel more commercial/industrial than residential

Typical Rent Expectations on Atlanta’s Southside

Prices shift over time and can vary block-to-block, but Southside apartments in Atlanta generally:

• Cost less on average than apartments in Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, or Buckhead
• Vary widely depending on whether you’re renting:
  • An older garden-style unit
  • A renovated duplex or small building
  • A newer mid-rise or amenity-rich complex

To get a realistic sense for costs:

• Compare multiple complexes within the same neighborhood
• Look at whether utilities, parking, and trash are included
• Ask about mandatory fees (valet trash, “amenity fees,” pest control, technology packages)

What to Look for When Touring Southside Apartments

When you search apartments on the Southside of Atlanta, focus on more than just price.

1. Commute & Transportation

Ask yourself:

• How long is the drive to Downtown/Midtown during rush hour?
• Is there a MARTA station nearby (Garnett, West End, Oakland City, Lakewood/Fort McPherson, East Point, College Park, Airport)?
• If you depend on transit, can you walk safely to the station at the hours you need?
• How quickly can you reach I-75/85, I-20, I-285, or Langford Parkway?

For many Southside renters, shaving 10–15 minutes off the commute makes a big difference.

2. Building Condition & Maintenance

In both newer and older properties, check:

• Hallways and common areas: clean, well-lit, and maintained?
• Water pressure and hot water in the unit
• Air conditioning: crucial in Atlanta’s summers
• Evidence of ongoing repairs (peeling paint, broken fixtures, leaks)
• How quickly the management says they respond to maintenance requests

It can help to politely ask current residents in the parking lot or mail area how they feel about maintenance.

3. Safety and Security

No part of a big city is risk-free, but you can evaluate how a community handles safety:

• Are entrances controlled (gates, key fob access, etc.) and do they work properly?
• Are parking lots and walkways well-lit at night?
• Does the property have visible management presence and posted office hours?
• Are there clear rules about guests, noise, and parking?

You can also look up crime information through the Atlanta Police Department (APD) or local jurisdictions (East Point, College Park) to better understand trends in specific areas.

4. Noise, Traffic, and Environment

For Southside apartments near:

• Interstates – check for highway noise, especially in units facing the road
• Airport flight paths – step outside and listen for plane noise at different times
• Busy commercial corridors – check for truck traffic and late-night activity

Schedule tours at different times of day (rush hour, evening, weekend) if possible to get a realistic feel.

Practical Steps for Apartment Hunting on the Southside

Use Local and Regional Listings

You can use major listing platforms, but also:

• Check local property management companies that specialize in South or Southwest Atlanta
• Look for yard signs, community boards, and “For Rent” signs when driving the area
• Watch for new construction or rehabilitated buildings along key roads like Metropolitan Parkway, Cleveland Avenue, Jonesboro Road, and around MARTA stations

Visit the Neighborhood Before You Commit

Many Atlanta renters recommend:

• Driving the area during rush hour to test your commute
• Passing through after dark to see lighting and activity
• Timing how long it actually takes to reach grocery stores, pharmacies, schools, and work

On the Southside, distances may look short on a map, but train crossings, congestion, and interstate traffic can change your experience.

Know Your Tenant Rights in Atlanta and Georgia

If you’re signing a lease, it helps to understand basic tenant protections under Georgia law and Atlanta local practices.

For general guidance, you can contact or review information from:

• Atlanta Legal Aid Society

  • 54 Ellis St NE, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • Phone: (404) 524-5811

• Georgia Legal Services Program (GLSP) – focuses on areas outside metro Atlanta but offers general resources on Georgia landlord–tenant issues

• City of Atlanta – Mayor’s Office of Constituent Services

  • City Hall, 55 Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • Main City Hall line: (404) 330-6000 (can direct you to appropriate departments)

These organizations often provide plain-language explanations of leases, security deposits, habitability, and eviction processes.

Affordable and Income-Restricted Options on the Southside

If you are prioritizing affordability or have a fixed income, you may want to explore:

1. Subsidized or Income-Based Housing

Housing Authority of the City of Atlanta (AHA)

• Main Office:
  230 John Wesley Dobbs Ave NE
  Atlanta, GA 30303
• Phone: (404) 892-4700

AHA works with voucher programs and mixed-income communities. Availability, waitlists, and eligibility rules can change, so calling or checking their current materials is important.

2. Nonprofit and Community Housing Organizations

Several organizations help connect residents with affordable housing resources or counseling, such as:

• Atlanta Housing-related nonprofits and counseling agencies (often listed through the City of Atlanta or United Way information lines)
• Housing counseling programs that can explain credit requirements, rental applications, and budgeting

For a centralized starting point, you can dial:

• United Way of Greater Atlanta – 211
  • Phone: 2-1-1 (from most phones in the metro area)

They can often refer you to local housing assistance programs, shelters, and rental help resources based on your specific situation.

Application, Credit, and Upfront Costs

When applying for Southside Atlanta apartments, expect many landlords and property managers to require:

• Application fee (often per adult)
• Background and credit check
• Security deposit, sometimes equal to one month’s rent or more
• Proof of income, such as pay stubs or offer letters

To prepare:

• Have digital copies of your ID, pay stubs, and references
• Ask in advance about minimum income and credit requirements
• Clarify whether the deposit is refundable, and under what conditions
• Request a sample lease to review before paying any nonrefundable fees

If you have concerns about your credit or rental history, housing counselors or legal aid groups in Atlanta may offer free or low-cost advice on how to present your application and understand your rights.

Tips for Choosing the Right Southside Apartment

Keep these points in mind as you narrow down your choices:

• Prioritize safety and daily convenience over purely chasing the lowest rent
• Consider your access to MARTA or key interstates based on your job and lifestyle
• Visit the neighborhood more than once, including evenings and weekends
• Ask current residents about maintenance, noise, and management responsiveness
• Read your lease carefully, including early termination, rent increases, and fees

If you’re living in Atlanta now, physically touring multiple properties on the Southside will give you a much clearer sense of what’s available than photos alone. If you’re relocating from out of town, try to schedule at least a short visit before signing anything, or work with someone you trust locally to check out places on your behalf.

By focusing on neighborhoods like Pittsburgh, Capitol View, Sylvan Hills, Lakewood Heights, South Atlanta, and the airport-adjacent areas in East Point and College Park, you’ll have a solid starting map for finding an apartment on the Southside of Atlanta that fits your budget, commute, and daily routine.