Fairburn Gordon Apartments in Atlanta: What To Know Before You Rent
If you’re searching for “Fairburn Gordon Apartments Atlanta,” you’re most likely looking for apartments along or near Fairburn Road SW and Gordon-type corridors on the west side of Atlanta, especially in or around neighborhoods like Cascade Heights, Princeton Lakes, and parts of Southwest Atlanta near I-20 and I-285.
There is not one single, city-famous complex officially called “Fairburn Gordon Apartments,” but Atlanta renters often use that phrase as shorthand for apartment communities near Fairburn Road SW and nearby cross streets, sometimes including properties closer to Campbellton Road, Cascade Road, or MLK Jr. Drive. This guide focuses on how to navigate apartment hunting in that area specifically, what to expect from the local housing stock, and how to evaluate if it’s a good fit for your needs.
Where Is the “Fairburn & Gordon” Area in Atlanta?
In casual conversation, people in Atlanta may say “around Fairburn and Gordon” or “on Fairburn near Gordon” to describe areas:
- Off Fairburn Road SW near:
- I-20 (West Atlanta)
- Campbellton Road SW
- Cascade Road / Cascade Heights
- Within Southwest Atlanta ZIP codes like 30331 and 30311
You’ll find a mix of:
- Garden-style apartment complexes
- Townhome-style rentals
- Single-family homes for rent mixed in with owner-occupied properties
- Some subsidized or income-restricted housing, depending on exact location
If you live in Atlanta, you probably recognize this as the stretch that’s south of I-20, roughly west of downtown, and tied into major arterials that connect to Ben Hill, Princeton Lakes, and Greenbriar.
Types of Apartments You’ll Find Near Fairburn Road SW
1. Garden-Style Apartment Communities
These are the most common in the Fairburn Road corridor.
Typical features:
- 2–3 story buildings
- Outdoor parking lots
- Shared green space or courtyards
- Mix of 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, and 3-bedroom floor plans
They may offer:
- On-site leasing office
- Laundry room or in-unit laundry, depending on age of the property
- Playgrounds and occasionally small fitness rooms or pools
2. Townhome and Duplex Rentals
Closer to some residential pockets, you may find:
- Attached townhomes managed by small property companies
- Duplexes or triplexes that function like small apartment buildings
- More “neighborhood” feel, often on quieter streets
These can suit renters who want:
- More privacy than a large complex
- Small yards or patios
- Parking directly in front of the unit
3. Income-Restricted and Voucher-Friendly Properties
Southwest Atlanta, including the Fairburn corridor, has:
- Income-restricted apartment communities
- Properties that may accept Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)
Availability and policies change, so if that’s important to you:
- Ask each property directly:
“Do you accept Housing Choice Vouchers or participate in income-restricted programs?” - Check with the Atlanta Housing office for voucher and waitlist info.
Atlanta Housing – Main Office
230 John Wesley Dobbs Ave NE
Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: 404-892-4700
Price and Value Expectations in the Fairburn Road Area
Rent can shift quickly across Atlanta, but in general, renters look to the Fairburn/Gordon area for:
- More affordable options than neighborhoods closer to Midtown or Buckhead
- Larger units at lower per-square-foot costs than intown hot spots
- A tradeoff: longer commute for some, but better space and budget flexibility
What typically affects price here:
- Age and renovation level of the building
Newer renovations or upgraded interiors will command higher rent. - Amenities such as gated access, pools, or in-unit laundry
- Whether utilities are:
- Included
- Flat-fee billed
- Or fully paid by the tenant
🔎 Tip: When you tour, ask for a written breakdown of base rent + fees (parking, trash, pest control, amenities, insurance, etc.) so you see the true monthly cost.
Commute, Transit, and Access to the Rest of Atlanta
One of the biggest pros of renting near Fairburn Road SW is road access.
Driving
You’re usually within a short drive of:
- I-20 (for trips to Downtown, Midtown, and East Atlanta)
- I-285 (for perimeter and north/south access)
- Arterial roads like:
- Campbellton Road SW
- Cascade Road SW
- Martin Luther King Jr. Drive SW
Approximate drive times in normal traffic (can vary widely):
- To Downtown Atlanta: about 15–25 minutes
- To Midtown: about 20–30 minutes
- To Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport: around 15–25 minutes, depending on exact starting point
MARTA Bus and Rail
The area is generally bus-dependent, with service that connects to rail stations like:
- Oakland City Station
- West End Station
- Sometimes Hamilton E. Holmes Station, depending on route
If you rely on MARTA:
- Check current bus routes serving Fairburn Road SW and Campbellton Road SW
- Look at frequency and late-night schedules if you work nontraditional hours
MARTA Customer Information
Customer Service: 404-848-5000
Everyday Convenience: Groceries, Services, and Amenities
Living near Fairburn Road SW puts you within reach of several everyday necessities.
Groceries and Retail
You’ll commonly find:
- Regional grocery chains along Campbellton Road SW, Cascade Road SW, or nearby shopping centers
- Discount grocers and neighborhood markets
- Pharmacies and convenience stores within short driving distance
Larger shopping options are usually:
- At or near Greenbriar Mall area
- In Camp Creek Marketplace (a bit further southwest but popular with area residents)
Parks and Recreation
Southwest Atlanta has several parks and trails accessible from the Fairburn corridor, including:
- Neighborhood parks with basketball courts and playgrounds
- Larger recreation spaces reachable in a short drive, depending on exact address
If outdoor activity is a priority, check:
- How long it takes to reach your preferred park or trail
- Whether sidewalks are available for walking or biking from your complex
Schools and Childcare
Families renting in the Fairburn Road area are often zoned for Atlanta Public Schools in Southwest Atlanta, but exact zoning depends on your specific address.
To confirm:
- Use APS’s school zone lookup (available on the Atlanta Public Schools website), or
- Call Atlanta Public Schools – Main Line: 404-802-3500 and request zoning info for your address.
There are also:
- Daycare centers and private childcare providers scattered around Campbellton, Cascade, and Greenbriar corridors
- After-school programs at local schools or community centers
Safety, Noise, and Quality-of-Life Factors
Experiences in any Atlanta neighborhood can vary block by block. Fairburn Road SW is no exception.
When evaluating an apartment:
Visit at different times of day
- Morning commute hours
- Evening rush
- Late at night
This helps you gauge noise levels, traffic, and typical activity around the complex.
Ask about on-site security measures
Common features to ask about:- Controlled access gates
- Security patrols or courtesy officers
- Adequate lighting in parking lots and walkways
Check building maintenance quality Look for:
- How quickly work orders are typically addressed
- Condition of hallways, stairwells, mail areas, and trash facilities
Review your lease carefully
Especially:- Maintenance responsibilities
- Noise policies
- Guest and parking rules
👀 Practical step: It can help to sit in your car outside the complex for 20–30 minutes in the evening before signing a lease to get a candid feel for the environment.
Comparing Fairburn/Gordon Area Apartments With Other Parts of Atlanta
Here’s a simple side‑by‑side view of how the Fairburn Road / Southwest Atlanta apartment experience often compares with other popular areas:
| Factor | Fairburn Rd / Southwest Atlanta | Midtown / Inman Park / Old Fourth Ward |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent level | Generally lower | Generally higher |
| Unit size | Often larger for the price | Sometimes smaller but more updated |
| Commute to Downtown | Short drive, bus-to-rail options | Often walk, bike, or short rail ride |
| Walkability | Car-oriented, limited walkability | Higher walkability in many blocks |
| Apartment style | Garden, townhome, older renovations | Mid- and high-rise, newer construction |
| Proximity to nightlife | Limited nearby; mostly local spots | Many bars, restaurants, and venues |
| Parking | Usually surface lots, easier to park | More garages, paid parking, limited street |
This doesn’t make one area better or worse; it’s about matching your lifestyle and budget to what each part of Atlanta offers.
How to Vet a Fairburn Road Area Apartment Before You Commit
To make your search around Fairburn / Southwest Atlanta more effective, focus on a few practical checks.
1. Verify Management and Maintenance Responsiveness
Ask the leasing office:
- Average turnaround time for maintenance requests
- Whether 24/7 emergency maintenance is available
- If there is on-site management or if staff is off-site
You can also:
- Observe how the grounds and shared areas look
- Note whether trash and common areas appear well-managed
2. Inspect the Unit Thoroughly
During your tour:
- Run water in sinks and showers (check water pressure and hot water)
- Turn on stove/oven and HVAC
- Look at windows and doors to confirm they close and lock properly
- Check for visible signs of leaks, mold, or pest activity
Bring a simple checklist and take photos (with permission) so you can compare multiple apartments later.
3. Confirm Total Monthly Costs
Before signing:
- Ask for an itemized list of:
- Rent
- Utilities (if billed through the complex)
- Amenity fees
- Required renters insurance
- Parking or trash fees
- Verify any move-in specials in writing, including how long the discounted rate lasts.
4. Understand Public Services and Support Options
If you need help with housing costs, renters’ rights, or disputes:
Atlanta Legal Aid Society – Atlanta Office
54 Ellis St NE
Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: 404-524-5811City of Atlanta – Mayor’s Office of Constituent Services
55 Trinity Ave SW
Atlanta, GA 30303
Main City Hall Line: 404-330-6000
These organizations can offer guidance on navigating housing concerns in Atlanta.
Who Is the Fairburn Road / Southwest Atlanta Apartment Area Best For?
Renting around Fairburn and nearby corridors can be a good fit if you:
- Want more space for your money than many intown neighborhoods
- Don’t mind being car-dependent or using MARTA buses to connect to rail
- Prefer a residential, neighborhood-oriented feel rather than dense nightlife
- Work in Downtown, near the airport, or around the southwest side and want a reasonable commute
It may be less ideal if you:
- Demand high walkability and immediate access to trendy restaurants and bars
- Prefer brand-new luxury high-rise amenities
- Do not own a car and rely solely on frequent rail access
Practical Next Steps for Apartment Hunters in This Area
If you’re actively searching for apartments near Fairburn Road SW in Atlanta:
Map your daily routine
Note where you work, shop, and socialize, then see how those line up with this corridor.Identify 3–5 complexes or small properties
Focus within your rent budget and target commute time.Schedule in-person or virtual tours
Try to see units at different times of day, especially evenings.Ask direct questions about:
- Lease terms and renewal policies
- Security measures
- Parking rules and guest policies
- Maintenance response times
Review the lease slowly
If needed, consult with a local legal aid resource before signing.
By approaching the Fairburn Gordon apartments area with clear expectations and a structured search process, you can find a rental in Southwest Atlanta that aligns with your budget, commute, and quality-of-life priorities.