Atlanta Student Apartments: Where to Live, What to Pay, and How to Choose

Finding the right student apartment in Atlanta can shape your entire college experience. Between MARTA lines, heavy traffic, and very different neighborhood vibes from block to block, where you live matters just as much as your floor plan.

This guide walks through Atlanta student housing options, focused on major colleges and universities, typical rental costs, transportation, safety, and practical steps to actually land a place.

Key Areas for Student Apartments in Atlanta

Atlanta has several major student hubs. Where you look will usually depend on your school and how close you want to be to campus.

Georgia Tech (Midtown & West Midtown)

Most Georgia Tech students look near:

• Centennial Place / Home Park / West Midtown
• Midtown along Spring St, West Peachtree, and Peachtree St
• Areas along Tech Trolley and MARTA’s North Avenue and Midtown stations

Pros:

• Walkable or bikeable to campus
• Strong transit access via MARTA and Tech Trolley
• Lots of student-focused apartments and roommate opportunities

Cons:

• Higher rents than many other parts of the city
• Limited parking in some buildings
• Noise and heavy traffic, especially around major intersections

Georgia State University (Downtown & Edgewood)

GSU’s campus is spread through Downtown Atlanta, so student apartments are commonly found in:

• Downtown near Peachtree Center, Five Points, and the State Capitol
• Sweet Auburn / Edgewood corridor
• Old Fourth Ward, especially for students who don’t mind a slightly longer walk or short ride

Pros:

• Walkable to classes, libraries, and GSU facilities
• Direct access to several MARTA stations (Five Points, Georgia State, Peachtree Center)
• Plenty of food, coffee shops, and late-night options

Cons:

• Downtown can feel busy and loud
• Street parking is limited and expensive
• Rents can be high for newer buildings

Emory University & CDC (Druid Hills / Decatur)

Emory students often look in:

• Druid Hills (family-oriented, leafy neighborhood)
• Virginia-Highland and Morningside (more restaurants and nightlife)
• Decatur (small-city feel with its own downtown)

Pros:

• Quieter, residential feel compared with Midtown/Downtown
• Emory shuttles (Cliff shuttles) make getting to campus easier
• A mix of older duplexes, small apartment complexes, and newer luxury buildings

Cons:

• Fewer purpose-built “student apartments”
• Parking can be tight in older neighborhoods
• Limited direct MARTA rail to Emory; more bus/shuttle-based

Georgia State – Perimeter College & Other Campuses

For satellite and community college campuses (like GSU Perimeter campuses, Atlanta Metropolitan State College, etc.), many students live in:

• Clarkston, Dunwoody, Decatur, or South Atlanta (depending on the campus)
• Older garden-style apartments, townhomes, or shared houses

These areas typically have lower rent but may require a car or careful planning around MARTA routes.

HBCU Cluster (Atlanta University Center)

Students at Morehouse College, Spelman College, and Clark Atlanta University often look near:

• West End
• Vine City
• Sections of Westview

Pros:

• Strong student community
• Close to AUC campuses
• Access to West End and Vine City MARTA stations

Cons:

• Mix of renovated and older housing; quality can vary
• Nighttime safety awareness is important
• Some streets are still transitioning, with active redevelopment

Typical Rent Ranges for Student Apartments in Atlanta

Rental prices in Atlanta change regularly, but you can expect broad ranges like these for areas close to major campuses:

Patterns to keep in mind:

• Closer to a rail station = higher rent in many cases.
• Newer “luxury student” buildings with pools, gyms, and study lounges usually cost more than older, basic complexes.
• Sharing with more roommates usually brings your per-person cost down, but at the expense of privacy.

When apartments list “by-the-bed” pricing, that usually means you’re renting a bedroom in a shared unit rather than the entire apartment.

Types of Student Apartments You’ll Find in Atlanta

1. Purpose-Built Student Housing

These are the buildings marketed directly to students, especially around Georgia Tech and GSU:

• Often by-the-bed leases
• Individual bedroom + private or semi-private bathroom
• Shared kitchen and living room
• Amenities: study lounges, computer labs, gyms, pools, roommate-matching

Upside: Easy to meet other students, often furnished, utilities can be partly bundled.

Downside: Premium pricing, noise, and sometimes strict guest rules.

2. Traditional Apartments Near Campus

These are regular market-rate apartments where many residents happen to be students:

• Studio, 1BR, 2BR, or 3BR units
• You sign one lease for the whole apartment
• You and your roommates decide how to split rent and utilities

Upside: More control over roommates, sometimes better long-term value.

Downside: Everyone on the lease is usually jointly responsible for the full rent, and you’ll likely need higher combined income or a guarantor.

3. Shared Houses / Rooms for Rent

In neighborhoods like Home Park, West End, Old Fourth Ward, and around Decatur/Emory, some students rent:

• A room in a shared house
• A basement or carriage house apartment
• Rooms managed by individual landlords

Upside: Often cheaper, more space, yard access, residential vibe.

Downside: Less structured, quality and responsiveness depend heavily on the landlord, and leases can be less formal—read everything carefully.

How to Choose the Right Neighborhood as a Student

When evaluating where to live in Atlanta as a student, consider more than just rent.

Commute & Transportation

Ask yourself:

• Can I walk or bike to campus?
  Midtown (Georgia Tech) and Downtown (GSU) are more walkable. Emory and AUC areas rely more on shuttles and buses.

• Is there nearby MARTA access?
  Key student-friendly rail stations include Midtown, North Avenue, Arts Center, Five Points, Georgia State, West End, Vine City, and Decatur.

• Do I need a car?

  • Car-free living is more realistic around Midtown, Downtown, and Decatur.
  • Emory, Druid Hills, and many Perimeter campuses are easier with a car or reliable shuttle access.

Safety and Noise

In Atlanta, safety can vary block by block. To gauge an area:

• Visit at different times of day, especially in the evening.
• Look for lighting, foot traffic, and active businesses.
• Ask current students about their experiences on and off campus.
• Consider whether you’re comfortable walking from the MARTA station to your building at night.

Remember, more nightlife usually means more noise, especially near Midtown clubs or Edgewood Avenue.

Groceries, Food, and Daily Needs

Check how close you are to:

• Grocery stores (Kroger, Publix, Aldi, smaller markets)
• Pharmacies
• Laundry (if not in-unit)
• Affordable restaurants, coffee shops, and quiet places to study

For example:

• Georgia Tech / Midtown: lots of food options, but some are pricey.
• GSU / Downtown: more fast-casual spots and coffee, heavy lunch crowds.
• Emory / Decatur: smaller local shops, farmers markets, neighborhood restaurants.
• AUC / West End: mix of local spots, chain stores, and big-box retail along I-20.

Budgeting for a Student Apartment in Atlanta

When you build your budget, include more than base rent. Typical monthly costs might include:

• Rent
• Utilities: electricity, water, trash, gas (sometimes partially included)
• Internet: if not included in rent
• Parking: garages or surface lots, where applicable
• Renters insurance: often required by landlords
• Transit / Gas: MARTA fares, rideshares, or car expenses

Upfront Move-In Costs

Commonly due before you get keys:

• Security deposit
• First month’s rent
• Application and admin fees
• Possible pet deposit or pet rent, if you have an animal

For many students, this is where cosigners or guarantors become important. Most Atlanta landlords will:

• Want to see proof of income (often 2.5–3x the rent in monthly income), OR
• Accept a parent/guardian or sponsor as guarantor, OR
• Offer a third-party guarantor service for an extra fee.

Where to Start Your Search in Atlanta

You can use big rental sites, but don’t ignore local, campus-connected options.

On-Campus Housing & Off-Campus Services

Most Atlanta colleges have an Office of Housing or Off-Campus Housing Services. These can provide:

• Lists of nearby apartments
• Roommate matching boards
• Guidance on leases and tenant rights

Common offices include:

• Georgia Tech Housing & Residence Life – main hub for on-campus options and off-campus resources.
• Georgia State University Housing – manages downtown housing and can point you toward nearby options.
• Emory University Housing – includes on-campus, graduate housing, and off-campus support.
• Morehouse, Spelman, Clark Atlanta Housing Offices – key for students at AUC schools.

Contact information changes over time, but each university’s main address in Atlanta is a good starting point for getting routed to housing:

• Georgia Institute of Technology
  225 North Avenue NW, Atlanta, GA 30332
  Main phone: (404) 894-2000

• Georgia State University (Downtown Campus)
  33 Gilmer Street SE, Atlanta, GA 30303
  Main phone: (404) 413-2000

• Emory University
  201 Dowman Drive, Atlanta, GA 30322
  Main phone: (404) 727-6123

• Clark Atlanta University
  223 James P. Brawley Drive SW, Atlanta, GA 30314
  Main phone: (404) 880-8000

• Morehouse College
  830 Westview Drive SW, Atlanta, GA 30314
  Main phone: (470) 639-0999

• Spelman College
  350 Spelman Lane SW, Atlanta, GA 30314
  Main phone: (404) 681-3643

Ask specifically for “housing” or “off-campus housing resources” when you call.

Understanding Atlanta Leases and Student-Friendly Terms

Student leases in Atlanta can vary. Pay special attention to:

Lease Length

• 12-month leases are standard, even if you’re only on campus for fall and spring.
• Some student complexes may offer shorter terms or align with academic calendars, but at a higher price per month.

By-the-Bed vs. By-the-Unit

• By-the-bed:

  • You’re responsible for your portion only.
  • If a roommate doesn’t pay, you’re not directly responsible for their rent.
  • Common in student-focused buildings near Georgia Tech and GSU.

• By-the-unit:

  • Everyone on the lease shares full responsibility.
  • If someone moves out, the remaining tenants must still cover total rent.

Utilities and Fees

Ask for a clear breakdown of:

• What utilities are included in rent
• What is billed separately
• Any monthly “amenity fees,” valet trash fees, or required tech packages

Small fees can add up quickly in Atlanta’s newer buildings.

Roommate Matching

Many student apartments offer roommate matching, where you fill out a lifestyle questionnaire and they assign roommates.

• Read the policy for roommate changes and any fees if conflicts arise.
• Consider whether you’d rather bring your own roommates from the start.

Safety, Tenant Rights, and Local Support

Basic Safety Tips for Student Apartments in Atlanta

• Check that the building has controlled access (key fobs, call box, or front desk).
• Make sure parking areas and walkways are well-lit.
• Ask about package handling (front desk, lockers, or mailroom) to avoid theft.
• Use MARTA station escorts, campus shuttles, or campus police escort services where available, especially at night.

Understanding Your Rights as a Renter in Georgia

Atlanta renters are protected by Georgia landlord-tenant law. Common issues include:

• Security deposit returns
• Repair requests and timelines
• Notice requirements for ending a lease
• Rules about entering your unit

If you run into serious problems, you can reach out to:

• Atlanta Legal Aid Society
  54 Ellis Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30303
  Phone: (404) 524-5811

• Georgia Legal Services Program (for areas outside metro Atlanta)
  Administrative office: 104 Marietta Street NW, Suite 250, Atlanta, GA 30303
  Main phone: (404) 206-5175

These organizations may offer guidance or direct you to other local resources if you qualify.

Step-by-Step: How to Secure a Student Apartment in Atlanta

1. Set your monthly budget
   Include rent, utilities, transportation, and groceries. Decide your absolute maximum.

2. Pick 1–2 target neighborhoods near your campus
   For example: Georgia Tech → Midtown & West Midtown; GSU → Downtown & Old Fourth Ward.

3. Decide on living style

   • Purpose-built student complex
   • Traditional apartment with roommates
   • Room in a house or smaller building

4. Start 3–4 months before move-in
   Atlanta’s student-heavy areas fill quickly before the fall semester.

5. Tour in person when possible
   Walk the surrounding blocks, check transit options, and visit at night if you can.

6. Gather documents

   • ID
   • Proof of income or financial aid
   • Cosigner/guarantor information
   • Previous landlord references, if any

7. Read the lease carefully
   Look for: move-in fees, penalties, guest policies, subletting rules, and what happens if a roommate leaves.

8. Plan your move
   Summer in Atlanta is hot and humid, and elevators are in heavy use at the start of each term. Reserve move-in times and, if needed, moving trucks well in advance.

Quick Pros and Cons of Popular Student Areas in Atlanta

Midtown / Georgia Tech Area

• ✅ Walkable, vibrant, strong transit
• ❌ Higher rent, busy streets, limited parking

Downtown / GSU Area

• ✅ Central, close to MARTA, lots of food options
• ❌ Crowded, noisy, some buildings older or more basic

Druid Hills / Emory / Decatur

• ✅ Quieter, leafy, neighborhood feel
• ❌ Less direct rail access, can be car-dependent

West End / AUC Area

• ✅ Strong student community, nearer to AUC campuses
• ❌ Mixed housing quality, need to be thoughtful about safety and street-by-street differences

Perimeter / Suburban Campuses

• ✅ Lower rent, more space
• ❌ Heavier reliance on cars or buses, fewer late-night options

Choosing a student apartment in Atlanta comes down to balancing cost, commute, safety, and lifestyle. Start early, use your school’s housing resources, and walk the neighborhoods you’re considering. With a clear budget and realistic expectations, you can find a place that fits both your studies and your life in the city.