Centennial Apartments in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Rent Near Centennial Olympic Park
Looking for Centennial apartments in Atlanta usually means you’re interested in living near Centennial Olympic Park and the surrounding downtown area. This part of the city combines walkable access to major attractions with a dense mix of high‑rise apartments, lofts, student housing, and luxury buildings.
This guide walks through what “Centennial apartments” typically means in Atlanta, what to expect from the neighborhood, common price ranges, who this area fits best, and how to search smartly if you want to live close to the park.
What People Mean by “Centennial Apartments Atlanta”
In Atlanta, there isn’t just one official complex called “Centennial Apartments.” Instead, the phrase usually refers to:
- Apartments and lofts around Centennial Olympic Park
- Buildings in the Downtown, Centennial Hill, and Luckie-Marietta area
- Student-oriented and young-professional communities close to Georgia State University, government buildings, and large employers
When you search for Centennial apartments Atlanta, you’re really looking at the broader Centennial Olympic Park / downtown residential zone, not a single branded property.
The Centennial Olympic Park Area: Quick Overview
Centennial Olympic Park (265 Park Ave W NW, Atlanta, GA 30313) anchors a busy part of downtown. Within a 5–15 minute walk of the park, you’ll find:
- Residential high-rises with skyline views
- Mixed-use buildings with apartments above restaurants and retail
- Converted lofts and condos in older downtown structures
- Student-focused housing near Georgia State University and nearby schools
Why renters look here
People in Atlanta tend to consider this area if they want:
- Walkability to work in downtown or nearby corporate offices
- Fast access to MARTA rail and bus lines
- To be close to major attractions, like:
- Georgia Aquarium
- World of Coca-Cola
- State Farm Arena
- Mercedes-Benz Stadium
- A more urban, high-rise experience than many in-town neighborhoods provide
Pros and Cons of Living Near Centennial Olympic Park
Here’s a quick snapshot of what to expect when renting in the Centennial area.
| Aspect | What Many Renters Like | What to Watch Out For |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Walkable to jobs, events, and attractions | Heavier traffic and event crowds on game and concert days |
| Transit | Close to MARTA rail and bus lines | Driving and parking can be expensive or inconvenient |
| Lifestyle | Urban feel, lots of activity, nightlife in walking range | Less “quiet neighborhood” vibe; can be noisy |
| Housing Type | High-rises, lofts, new buildings | Fewer single-family homes or traditional low-rise options |
| Cost | Wide range: some studios to luxury high-rises | Premium buildings and views can be pricey |
| Safety Perception | Security in many buildings, busy public spaces | Typical downtown concerns; requires normal urban precautions |
Types of Centennial-Area Apartments You’ll See
Within a few blocks of Centennial Olympic Park, expect to see several common apartment styles:
1. High-Rise Luxury and Mid-Rise Communities
These buildings often offer:
- Rooftop or elevated pools
- Fitness centers, clubrooms, and coworking spaces
- Controlled access, garages, and on-site management
- Modern interiors: quartz/granite counters, stainless steel, in-unit laundry
They typically cluster around major streets like Peachtree St NW, Williams St NW, Marietta St NW, and Ivan Allen Jr Blvd.
2. Loft-Style and Historic Conversions
Some downtown buildings offer:
- Exposed brick or concrete
- High ceilings and large windows
- Open floor plans more common in lofts than traditional apartments
These can feel more character-rich but may vary more in layout and sound insulation.
3. Student-Oriented Apartments
Given the proximity to:
- Georgia State University (33 Gilmer St SE, Atlanta, GA 30303)
- Other nearby downtown campuses and programs
You’ll find apartments that cater to:
- Student leases, sometimes by the bedroom
- Furnished units and short-term options
- Study rooms and group spaces
If you’re not a student, you’ll want to check whether a building is student-heavy before signing.
Typical Rent Expectations Around Centennial Olympic Park
Exact prices change frequently, but in the Centennial/downtown Atlanta area, it’s common to see broad ranges like:
- Studios / micro-units: often at or below the one-bedroom range, especially in student-focused or more compact buildings
- 1-bedroom apartments: frequently priced higher than many in-town neighborhoods due to location and building amenities
- 2-bedroom units: jump noticeably in price, particularly in high-rise luxury properties
- Lofts and premium-view units: can be at the top end of the market because of skyline and park views
In this area, amenities and views heavily influence cost. Two units the same size can differ significantly in rent depending on:
- Floor level
- Whether they face the park or city skyline
- Building age and amenities
For a current sense of the market, Atlanta renters typically:
- Compare several listings within a 5–10 block radius
- Factor in parking, amenity fees, and utilities, which can add a meaningful monthly cost downtown
Transportation: Getting Around from Centennial Apartments
One of the biggest advantages of Centennial-area apartments is transportation flexibility.
MARTA Rail and Bus
From the Centennial area, you’re near:
- MARTA Peachtree Center Station (N-S lines), with access via underground concourses from much of downtown
- MARTA GWCC/State Farm Arena/CNN Center Station for events and west-side connections
Using MARTA is practical for:
- Commuting to Midtown, Buckhead, and the Airport
- Avoiding parking at big events at Mercedes-Benz Stadium or State Farm Arena
Walking and Biking
The Centennial area is one of Atlanta’s more walkable zones:
- Short walks to offices, tourist attractions, restaurants, and hotels
- Sidewalks throughout the area; bike and scooter rental options are often nearby
If you own a bike, confirm:
- Bike storage options in your building
- Rules about bringing bikes in elevators or through lobbies
Driving and Parking
Driving downtown is common but comes with trade-offs:
- Parking can be limited or costly
- Many apartments charge separately for garage spaces
- Event days may bring congestion and blocked streets near the park, stadium, and arena
If you plan to drive daily:
- Ask specifically about parking availability, cost, and guest parking
- Check how often nearby streets close or back up for events
Who Is a Good Fit for Centennial Apartments?
This part of Atlanta tends to work best for people who prioritize:
- Proximity to downtown workplaces (corporate, legal, government, or hospitality)
- A car-optional lifestyle, with strong use of MARTA, walking, or rideshare
- Enjoyment of big-city energy: events, conventions, and constant activity
- Living close to sports and entertainment at:
- State Farm Arena (1 State Farm Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303)
- Mercedes-Benz Stadium (1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313)
You might want to consider a different neighborhood if you prefer:
- Quieter, residential streets
- Easy on-street parking and larger homes
- More green space beyond the park itself
In those cases, many Atlanta residents look at Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, Westside, or neighborhood pockets further from the central business district and commute in instead.
Key Things to Check When Touring Centennial Apartments
When you visit apartments around Centennial Olympic Park, go beyond the model unit and ask questions tailored to downtown living:
Building and Security
- Is there 24/7 controlled access and on-site staff or security?
- How are guests handled—access codes, call boxes, or concierge check-in?
- What’s the policy for packages and deliveries, given frequent downtown traffic and high parcel volume?
Noise and Events
- Which units face busy streets, the park, or event venues?
- Are there quiet hours or specific noise rules?
- Can you tour during a weekday rush hour or event day to see typical noise and crowd levels?
Parking and Commuting
- Is parking reserved, assigned, or first-come, first-served?
- What are the monthly parking fees and guest parking policies?
- How far is it to the nearest MARTA station on foot, and is the walk well-lit?
Amenities and Fees
- Are amenities like pools, gyms, and lounges included or billed via extra fees?
- Is there a separate amenity fee, technology package, or valet trash charge?
- Are utilities submetered (you pay for actual usage) or bundled into a flat fee?
Lease Terms and Flexibility
- Are short-term or corporate leases available if you’re in town temporarily?
- Are there student-focused options like individual leases or furnished units?
- What are fees for breaking a lease or transferring to another unit in the building?
Safety and City Services in the Centennial Area
The Centennial/downtown area has:
- Regular Atlanta Police Department presence, especially around major attractions
- Private security connected to specific buildings, hotels, and venues
- Busy public spaces, especially during events, conventions, and tourist seasons
As with any dense downtown area, residents commonly:
- Stay aware of their surroundings, especially at night
- Use well-lit routes between MARTA, the park, and their building
- Take typical precautions with vehicles and packages
If you want more information or to get involved locally, some helpful public offices and resources include:
Atlanta Police Department – Zone 5 (Downtown)
200 Spring St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303
Main non-emergency line via Atlanta Police non-emergency: 404-658-6666City of Atlanta – Mayor’s Office of Constituent Services
55 Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone (City Hall main line): 404-330-6000
These offices can help with questions about city services, neighborhood initiatives, or general downtown concerns.
How to Start Your Centennial Apartment Search in Atlanta
If you’re ready to look for Centennial apartments in Atlanta, here’s a simple step-by-step approach:
Draw your core radius
- Use Centennial Olympic Park as your center and consider how far you’re willing to walk (e.g., 5–15 minutes) in each direction.
Decide on your top priorities
- Examples:
- Walking to work vs. paying less in rent
- High-rise amenities vs. smaller, quieter buildings
- Being near MARTA vs. relying mainly on a car
- Examples:
Build a short list of buildings
- Focus on those within your radius that:
- Match your budget
- Offer your must-have amenities (in-unit laundry, parking, pet-friendly, etc.)
- Focus on those within your radius that:
Tour at realistic times
- Visit at:
- Morning rush hour
- Evening commute time
- If possible, a day with a game or concert at State Farm Arena or Mercedes-Benz Stadium to feel event-day conditions.
- Visit at:
Compare total monthly costs
- Add:
- Base rent
- Parking
- Amenity and technology fees
- Estimated utilities
- Downtown apartments can vary widely in these add-ons.
- Add:
Ask about renewal expectations
- In fast-changing downtown markets, it’s worth asking:
- How often rents increase at renewal
- Whether the building tends to stay mostly full, or if turnover is common
- In fast-changing downtown markets, it’s worth asking:
If You’re New to Atlanta or Considering a Short Stay
For newcomers or those on temporary assignments:
- Consider whether a short-term lease or corporate housing arrangement in the Centennial area makes more sense than a long, traditional lease.
- Some residents start with a 6–9 month lease downtown to learn the city, then decide whether to stay near Centennial Olympic Park or move to another neighborhood that better fits their long-term lifestyle.
If you’re visiting and thinking about a future move, spending a weekend staying near Centennial Olympic Park can give you a realistic feel for:
- Daytime crowd levels
- Nighttime noise and lighting
- Commutes to places you’ll frequent, like job sites, schools, or favorite neighborhoods
Living in or near the Centennial Olympic Park area puts you in the middle of downtown Atlanta’s energy—close to jobs, transit, and major venues. If you understand the trade-offs (cost, parking, noise) and tour with the right questions in mind, you can decide whether Centennial apartments in Atlanta match how you want to live in the city.