Finding the Right 1 Bedroom Apartment in Atlanta: A Local Guide

Looking for 1 bedroom apartments in Atlanta can feel overwhelming. Rents vary a lot by neighborhood, traffic can change your commute completely, and amenities range from basic to luxury high-rise. This guide walks through how 1 bedroom apartments work in Atlanta, what to expect in different areas, typical price drivers, and how to search smart if you live in, work in, or are moving to the city.

What to Expect From 1 Bedroom Apartments in Atlanta

Most 1 bedroom apartments in Atlanta include:

• A separate bedroom with a door
• One full bathroom
• A combined living/dining area
• A full kitchen (sometimes galley-style in older buildings)

You’ll see a few common layouts:

• Traditional 1 bedroom – Separate bedroom and living room, often with a small hallway.
• Open-concept 1 bedroom – Kitchen opens into the living area, sometimes with an island.
• 1 bedroom with den – Extra small room that can work as an office or guest area.
• “Junior” 1 bedroom / 1 bedroom studio – A smaller space where the bedroom area may be partially open to the living room.

In Atlanta, newer apartments often emphasize:

• In-unit laundry
• Central heating and air (essential with Atlanta summers)
• Balconies or patios
• Parking options (garage, deck, or surface lots)

Older or smaller buildings may trade some of these extras for lower rent or better in-town locations.

How Location Changes Your 1 Bedroom Options

In Atlanta, neighborhood choice may matter more than square footage. A 1 bedroom in the same price range can feel very different in Midtown versus the suburbs.

Intown Hotspots for 1 Bedroom Apartments

These areas are popular if you want walkability, nightlife, or a short commute:

Midtown Atlanta

• Walkable to restaurants, bars, Piedmont Park, and arts venues.
• Lots of high-rise and mid-rise 1 bedroom apartments.
• Many buildings with pools, fitness centers, and secure parking.
• Expect a more urban feel and higher rents than many outer neighborhoods.

Buckhead

• Mix of luxury high-rises, mid-rise communities, and some older garden-style buildings.
• Close to office towers, Lenox Square, and Phipps Plaza.
• Good for people working in Buckhead or along Peachtree Road.

Old Fourth Ward & Inman Park

• Popular for those who want to be near the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail.
• Many renovated lofts, modern mid-rise buildings, and smaller communities.
• Often appealing to renters who value access to parks, coffee shops, and local restaurants.

Downtown Atlanta

• Close to Georgia State University, government buildings, and major attractions.
• Mix of historic buildings converted to apartments and newer towers.
• Good if you value transit access, but nightlife is more spread out than Midtown’s.

Trendy and Transitional Intown Areas

West Midtown / Westside

• Former industrial area turned into a hub for restaurants, design shops, and new apartments.
• Many modern 1 bedroom units with industrial-style finishes (exposed beams, concrete floors).
• Convenient to Georgia Tech and the northwest side of the city.

Grant Park, Reynoldstown, Edgewood

• Quieter residential areas compared to Midtown, but still close in.
• Smaller apartment communities, renovated older buildings, and some new construction.
• Good balance of neighborhood feel with access to I-20 and the BeltLine.

More Suburban or Budget-Friendly Areas

If you’re focused on value and space, you may look beyond the core:

Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Brookhaven (North of the city)

• Many garden-style complexes with 1 bedroom units.
• Often more parking and sometimes larger floor plans than central Atlanta.
• Good for commuters using GA-400 or I-285.

Decatur & surrounding areas (East)

• City of Decatur has a walkable downtown with some newer apartment buildings.
• Further east, you’ll find more budget-friendly and older communities.
• MARTA access from Decatur station is a plus for car-light lifestyles.

South and Southwest Atlanta

• Neighborhoods near the airport or along I-285 may offer lower rents.
• Good for people working near Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport or in logistics/industrial corridors.

How Much Space Do 1 Bedrooms in Atlanta Usually Offer?

Square footage varies by building age and style, but many Atlanta renters see:

Larger isn’t always better if commuting or lifestyle matters more. For example, a smaller 1 bedroom steps from a MARTA station may be worth more to you than an extra 150 square feet in a car-dependent area.

Key Factors That Affect 1 Bedroom Rent in Atlanta

When you compare apartments, these are the main drivers of price:

• Neighborhood – Midtown, Buckhead, and BeltLine-adjacent communities generally cost more.
• Building age and style – Newer luxury high-rises and mixed-use buildings usually command higher rents.
• Amenities – Pools, fitness centers, package lockers, coworking lounges, and 24/7 concierge add to the cost.
• Parking – Covered or garage parking may be an extra monthly fee.
• Transit access – Being close to a MARTA station or bus line can raise demand and price.
• Lease length – Short-term leases (3–6 months) are often more expensive per month than 12–15 month leases.
• Pet policies – Pet rent, deposits, and breed restrictions matter if you have animals.

Where Transit Fits In: MARTA and Commuting

Traffic is a daily reality in Atlanta, so how you get around should shape your apartment search.

MARTA Rail Access

Living near a MARTA station can make a small 1 bedroom feel much more livable:

Major MARTA rail stops near many 1 bedroom communities include:

• Midtown Station – Serving central Midtown.
• Arts Center Station – Near Arts Center, High Museum, some high-rises.
• North Avenue Station – Between Midtown and Downtown, convenient for Georgia Tech and Georgia State.
• Buckhead, Lenox, and Brookhaven/Oglethorpe Stations – Serving the Buckhead corridor and beyond.
• Decatur Station – Central to Downtown Decatur.

If you want to preview routes and schedules, the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) main office is:

• 2424 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30324
• Customer information: (404) 848-5000

Driving and Parking Considerations

When touring 1 bedroom apartments, ask:

• Is parking included, or is there a monthly fee per vehicle?
• Is guest parking available, and is it free or limited?
• How difficult is it to exit the property during rush hour?

If you work in areas like Perimeter Center, Downtown, Midtown, or near the airport, test-drive your route during peak times if possible.

Types of 1 Bedroom Buildings You’ll See in Atlanta

High-Rise and Luxury Mid-Rise

Most common in Midtown, Buckhead, West Midtown, and along major corridors.

Common features:

• Rooftop or resort-style pools
• Fitness centers, yoga rooms, or spin rooms
• Concierge or front desk staff
• Controlled-access garages
• Modern finishes (stone counters, stainless appliances, plank flooring)

These are popular with:

• Professionals working in big office districts
• People who want walkable access to restaurants and nightlife
• Renters who value in-building amenities over maximum space

Garden-Style and Older Communities

Found throughout Sandy Springs, Doraville, Chamblee, Decatur, Southwest Atlanta, and some intown side streets.

Typical traits:

• 2–3 story buildings with outdoor stairwells
• Larger green spaces or courtyards
• Sometimes larger floor plans at lower cost
• Surface parking lots instead of garages

These can be attractive if you:

• Want more space for the price
• Value a quieter residential feel
• Don’t mind driving for most errands

Lofts and Historic Conversions

Scattered in Old Fourth Ward, West Midtown, Downtown, and near the BeltLine.

You may see:

• Exposed brick, beams, and ductwork
• Tall ceilings and big windows
• Open or semi-open 1 bedroom layouts
• Unique floor plans compared to standard apartments

These can be good for:

• Remote workers who want a character-filled space
• Creatives who value style and light over traditional layouts

Budgeting for a 1 Bedroom in Atlanta

To plan realistically:

1. Set a rent target
   Many renters aim for housing costs (rent plus utilities) to stay within a manageable portion of their monthly income. Decide what you can comfortably handle rather than stretching to the top of your approval range.

2. Account for additional monthly costs

   • Utilities (electricity, water/sewer, trash, sometimes gas)
   • Internet and streaming services
   • Parking fees (if any)
   • Pet rent and pet insurance (if applicable)
   • Renters insurance (often required in leases)

3. Plan for move-in costs

   • Security deposit
   • Administrative or application fees
   • Pet deposit or nonrefundable pet fee
   • First month’s rent (and sometimes last month’s rent in certain situations)

Ask during tours for a written breakdown of all recurring and one-time charges so there are no surprises.

How to Search Smart for 1 Bedroom Apartments in Atlanta

Step 1: Prioritize What Matters Most

Decide your top 3 must-haves. For example:

• ≤ X minutes commute to a specific office or campus
• In-unit washer/dryer
• Walking distance to MARTA or the BeltLine
• Pet-friendly building with nearby green space

Being clear on priorities helps narrow down Atlanta’s many neighborhoods.

Step 2: Map Your Daily Life

On a map, mark:

• Your workplace or campus
• Regular destinations (gym, grocery stores, places of worship, family/friends, airport)
• Any MARTA stations you want to use

Then explore 1 bedroom options within a realistic commute radius, not just a straight line distance.

Step 3: Schedule Tours Efficiently

When booking tours:

• Group viewings in the same area on the same day (e.g., Midtown one day, Decatur another).
• Visit at different times (daylight vs. evening) to get a sense of activity and noise.
• Ask to see multiple floor plans of 1 bedrooms if available.

Bring a simple checklist so you can compare:

• Natural light
• Storage space (closets, pantry, linen closet)
• Noise level from neighboring units and streets
• Water pressure and hot water consistency
• Cell phone reception inside the apartment

Step 4: Understand Lease Terms

Common Atlanta lease elements:

• 12-month leases are standard; some buildings offer 3–18 month options.
• Early termination clauses may include fees or “reletting” charges.
• Rent may include certain utilities, but not always. Clarify:
  • Who pays water/sewer?
  • Is trash/valet trash a separate fee?
  • Is there a monthly “amenity fee”?

Ask for written copies of all policies before signing.

Working With Local Housing and Support Organizations

If you’re navigating tight finances or need help understanding your options, some Atlanta-area resources can provide guidance, especially for lower-cost or income-restricted housing:

• Atlanta Housing (Public Housing & Housing Choice Vouchers)
  230 John Wesley Dobbs Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30303
  Main phone: (404) 892-4700

• City of Atlanta – Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development
  Frequently involved in affordable housing initiatives and grant/assistance programs.
  55 Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  City main line: (404) 330-6000

These agencies can explain:

• Income-restricted 1 bedroom options
• Waitlists for certain properties or programs
• Eligibility requirements for assistance

Tips for Different Types of Renters in Atlanta

If You’re New to the City

• Start with intown neighborhoods (Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, West Midtown, Inman Park) to get a feel for the city’s layout and lifestyle.
• Consider a shorter lease (10–12 months) so you can relocate once you know Atlanta better.
• Leverage MARTA and rideshare instead of committing to long drives across I-75, I-85, or I-285 right away.

If You’re a Student or Intern

If you attend or work near:

• Georgia Tech – Look at Midtown, Home Park, and West Midtown.
• Georgia State University (GSU) – Downtown, Old Fourth Ward, and nearby intown neighborhoods.
• Emory University – Druid Hills, Decatur, and surrounding east Atlanta areas.

Ask landlords:

• Whether they offer student-friendly lease terms.
• If they have quiet hours or rules that matter for studying.

If You Work Remotely

• Prioritize a layout with a separate workspace (a den or wide living area).
• Check internet options and speeds available at the building.
• Look for walkable access to coffee shops, parks, and gyms so you’re not isolated.

Safety, Noise, and Quality-of-Life Considerations

While every building is different, you can improve your experience by checking:

• Building security features – Controlled-access entries, gated parking, cameras in common areas.
• Neighborhood feel – Walk around the block during both daytime and evening.
• Proximity to bars, highways, or train lines – Great for convenience, but can impact noise.

You can also contact the Atlanta Police Department non-emergency line at (404) 614-6544 with general questions about neighborhood safety practices (not for emergencies).

Simple Checklist for Comparing 1 Bedroom Apartments in Atlanta

Use this quick list when touring or reviewing options:

• ✅ Commute: Under ___ minutes to work/school? Near MARTA or major roads?
• ✅ Rent & Fees: Total monthly cost (rent + utilities + parking + pet fees) within budget?
• ✅ Space: Enough storage, closet space, and room for your furniture?
• ✅ Amenities: Must-haves like in-unit laundry, gym, pool, or secure package delivery?
• ✅ Location: Near groceries, parks, or the BeltLine if that matters to you?
• ✅ Lease Terms: Clear on length, renewal, rent increases, and early termination rules?
• ✅ Noise & Comfort: Satisfied with sound level, lighting, and overall feel at different times of day?

By focusing on these factors and keeping Atlanta’s specific layout, traffic, and transit in mind, you can narrow down the city’s many 1 bedroom apartment options to the ones that genuinely fit your life.