Furnished Apartments in Atlanta: How to Find the Right Short‑Term Home
Looking for furnished apartments in Atlanta—for a few weeks, a few months, or longer—can feel overwhelming. Rents vary by neighborhood, options range from basic studios to luxury high‑rises, and every lease seems to have different rules.
This guide breaks down how furnished apartments work specifically in Atlanta, Georgia, where to look, typical costs, neighborhood differences, and what to watch for in leases so you can choose confidently.
What Counts as a “Furnished Apartment” in Atlanta?
In Atlanta, “furnished apartment” can mean a few different things. Always check the details, but you’ll usually see:
Fully furnished
- Bed, sofa, dining table and chairs
- Basic kitchen items (pots, pans, dishes, silverware)
- Lamps, dressers, maybe decor or TV
- Often geared to short‑term corporate stays, medical travel, or relocations
Partially furnished
- Larger furniture pieces only (bed, couch, table)
- You bring linens, kitchenware, and smaller items
Extended‑stay style / serviced units
- Feels like a cross between an apartment and a hotel
- Weekly cleaning may be available
- Utilities often bundled into the price
In Atlanta, a “corporate apartment” is usually just a fully furnished unit designed for professionals on short assignments—often in areas like Midtown, Buckhead, Perimeter Center, or near Downtown.
Who Furnished Apartments in Atlanta Are Best For
Furnished apartments in Atlanta are especially useful if you:
- Are relocating to Atlanta and need a place while you house‑hunt
- Have a short‑term work contract at Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, Perimeter, or near Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport
- Are a student or visiting academic at Georgia Tech, Georgia State, Emory, or Morehouse/Spelman/Clark Atlanta
- Need to be near one of Atlanta’s medical centers (Emory, Grady, Piedmont, Wellstar, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta)
- Are in between leases, remodeling your home, or dealing with insurance housing after a loss
If you know you’ll be in Atlanta less than 12 months, a furnished place often saves you the cost and hassle of buying, moving, then reselling furniture.
Popular Atlanta Neighborhoods for Furnished Apartments
Different areas of Atlanta draw different types of renters. Here’s how the city usually breaks down for furnished options:
Midtown Atlanta
Best for: Young professionals, students, people who want walkability.
You’ll find many high‑rise and mid‑rise buildings with furnished units aimed at corporate and student renters. Close to:
- Georgia Tech
- Piedmont Park
- Arts district (Fox Theatre, Woodruff Arts Center)
- Midtown MARTA Station (for car‑free commuting)
Expect higher prices for convenience and amenities.
Downtown & Centennial Olympic Park Area
Best for: Business travelers, convention visitors, people working near government and corporate offices.
Close to:
- Georgia State University
- State government buildings and courts
- Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena
- Atlanta City Hall (55 Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303)
Furnished apartments here often cater to short‑term stays and corporate contracts.
Buckhead
Best for: Corporate travelers, relocations, higher‑end stays.
Buckhead has a concentration of luxury high‑rises and condos, many with furnished options. Close to:
- Major office towers on Peachtree Road
- Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza
- Buckhead and Lenox MARTA stations
You’ll see more upscale amenities (pools, fitness centers, concierge).
Perimeter Center / Sandy Springs / Dunwoody
Best for: Corporate and medical professionals in the northern suburbs.
This area along GA‑400 and I‑285 has:
- Many corporate headquarters and office parks
- Northside Hospital, Emory Saint Joseph’s, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite
- A mix of furnished apartments and extended‑stay style housing
Often slightly more affordable than Midtown/Buckhead, with easier access to highways.
Near Major Universities
Students, visiting professors, and medical residents often look for furnished units near:
- Georgia Tech (Midtown/West Midtown)
- Georgia State University (Downtown)
- Emory University & CDC (Druid Hills / Decatur area)
- Morehouse, Spelman, Clark Atlanta (Westside, AUC area)
In these areas, you’ll see a mix of furnished apartments, carriage houses, and roommate‑style rentals.
Typical Costs for Furnished Apartments in Atlanta
Prices change frequently, but some general patterns hold in Atlanta:
Furnished costs more than unfurnished.
You’re paying for furniture, convenience, and flexibility. Monthly rent can be significantly higher than a similar unfurnished unit.Shorter leases usually cost more per month.
A 3‑month lease is normally more expensive per month than a 12‑month lease.Location is a major factor.
Midtown, Downtown, and Buckhead usually cost more than farther‑out neighborhoods like Westside, East Atlanta, or parts of Southwest Atlanta.
Here’s a simple way to compare what you might pay:
| Factor | Furnished Apartment | Unfurnished Apartment |
|---|---|---|
| Up‑front costs | Higher rent, lower furniture cost | Lower rent, must buy or move furniture |
| Typical lease length | 1–3 months, 3–6 months, or flexible | 12 months standard |
| Who it suits | Short‑term, relocating, corporate, students | Long‑term residents |
| Setup time | Move‑in ready, minimal shopping | Need time to furnish and set up utilities |
For budgeting in Atlanta, consider total monthly costs, not just rent:
- Rent
- Utilities (power, gas, water)
- Internet
- Parking fees (common in Midtown, Buckhead, Downtown)
- Pet fees (if relevant)
Some furnished rentals bundle utilities and internet into the rent, which can simplify budgeting.
Where to Look for Furnished Apartments in Atlanta
You have several realistic options when searching in Atlanta:
1. Apartment Complexes with Furnished Units
Many large Atlanta apartment communities, especially in Midtown, Buckhead, and Perimeter, offer:
- Designated furnished units
- Partnerships with furniture rental companies
- Corporate housing programs
You can usually call a building’s leasing office and ask:
- “Do you offer furnished units or a furnishing package?”
- “What’s the minimum lease term for a furnished apartment?”
- “Are utilities included or billed separately?”
2. Corporate Housing & Extended‑Stay Style Options
Atlanta’s role as a business and travel hub means there are many corporate‑style furnished rentals, especially:
- Near Downtown and Midtown (for business travelers and convention guests)
- Around Perimeter Center and Cumberland/Galleria (for corporate offices)
- Close to Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport for airline crew and frequent travelers
These setups often include:
- Fully furnished units
- Housewares and linens
- On‑site amenities like fitness centers, parking, sometimes cleaning
3. Private Landlords & Smaller Buildings
In intown neighborhoods like:
- Old Fourth Ward
- Inman Park
- Virginia‑Highland
- Grant Park
- West Midtown
You’ll see condos, duplexes, and basement apartments occasionally rented fully furnished. These can feel more “home‑like” than a corporate high‑rise but often have:
- More varied lease terms
- Different expectations around maintenance and communication
Always review the lease carefully and verify who handles repairs.
What’s Usually Included in an Atlanta Furnished Apartment?
Each listing is different, but many Atlanta furnished units include:
Furniture
- Bed and mattress
- Sofa and coffee table
- Dining table and chairs
- Dresser, nightstands, lamps
Appliances
- Refrigerator, stove/oven, microwave
- Often a dishwasher
- In‑unit or on‑site washer/dryer
Housewares (more common in fully serviced units)
- Basic cookware (pots, pans)
- Plates, bowls, glasses, utensils
- Basic cleaning tools (broom, mop)
Utilities/Services (varies)
- Some include electric, water, gas, trash in the rent
- Many include Wi‑Fi in short‑term setups
- Parking may be extra, especially in Midtown and Buckhead garages
Always ask the landlord or leasing office for a written list of what’s included before you sign.
Lease Terms to Watch for in Atlanta
Furnished leases in Atlanta can be more flexible than standard 12‑month leases, but read the fine print. Important points:
Lease Length & Extension
- Is there a minimum stay (e.g., 30 days, 3 months)?
- Can you extend month‑to‑month after the initial term?
- Is there a rate change if you extend?
Deposits & Fees
Common charges in Atlanta include:
- Security deposit (often one month’s rent, but can vary)
- Application fee and possible administrative fees
- Cleaning fee (especially in corporate or shorter‑term units)
- Pet deposit and/or monthly pet rent
Ask whether these are refundable or nonrefundable.
Move‑Out Requirements
- How clean must the apartment be?
- Are you responsible for carpet cleaning or professional cleaning?
- How are damages beyond normal wear and tear handled?
Utilities & Overages
If utilities are included, ask:
- Is there a cap on monthly utility use?
- How are overages billed?
Atlanta summers can be hot and humid, and air conditioning use can be significant, so it’s worth clarifying.
Safety, Licensing, and Local Considerations
When renting a furnished apartment in Atlanta:
Check the area in person if possible.
Walk or drive the neighborhood at different times of day.Ask about security features.
Gated parking, controlled building entry, good exterior lighting, on‑site staff.Understand local rules.
Some Atlanta buildings and homeowner associations restrict short‑term rentals. Make sure your arrangement complies with property rules so you’re not surprised later.
If you ever feel a rental situation in Atlanta seems suspicious (for example, being asked to wire money overseas or pay before seeing the unit), you can:
- Verify property ownership through Fulton County or DeKalb County property records (depending on location).
- Report potential scams to the Georgia Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division:
- 2 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive SE, Suite 356, Atlanta, GA 30334
- Consumer hotline: 404‑651‑8600 (within metro Atlanta)
Furnished Apartments Near Atlanta’s Major Employers & Hubs
If you’re coming for work or school, it helps to target areas near your main destination:
Downtown / Government / Courts
- Look in Downtown, Castleberry Hill, Old Fourth Ward, and parts of Midtown.
Tech & Startups (Midtown/West Midtown)
- Georgia Tech, Midtown Tech Square, and West Midtown have many newer, amenity‑rich buildings with furnished options.
Medical Centers
- Emory University Hospital / CDC (Druid Hills area): Look in Druid Hills, Decatur, Virginia‑Highland.
- Grady Memorial Hospital (Downtown): Look in Downtown, Old Fourth Ward, Cabbagetown.
- Piedmont Atlanta Hospital (Midtown/Buckhead border): Look in Brookwood, Midtown, and South Buckhead.
Corporate Offices (Perimeter Center, Cumberland, Buckhead)
- For Perimeter Center: Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, and Perimeter area complexes.
- For Cumberland/Galleria: Vinings and Cumberland area apartments.
- For Buckhead business district: Buckhead Village and Peachtree corridor high‑rises.
Practical Tips for Choosing a Furnished Atlanta Apartment
Use these steps to narrow things down:
Define your priorities.
- Commute time vs. rent cost
- Walkability vs. easier parking
- Building amenities vs. budget
Set a realistic total budget.
Include rent, parking, utilities (if not included), internet, and any pet or cleaning fees.Check transportation options.
- Proximity to MARTA rail stations (Midtown, Arts Center, North Avenue, Buckhead, Lenox, Perimeter, etc.)
- Access to I‑75/85, I‑20, and I‑285 if you’ll drive often
Request photos and an inventory list.
Especially for smaller landlords or condo owners, confirm exactly what’s in the unit and its condition.Ask about noise and building rules.
Some Midtown and Downtown buildings can be livelier; others are quiet. Ask about quiet hours, guest policies, and mail/package handling.Review the lease carefully before sending money.
Avoid paying deposits or rent via non‑traceable methods. In Atlanta, reputable landlords and properties usually accept standard payment methods and provide written leases.
When a Furnished Apartment in Atlanta Makes the Most Sense
A furnished apartment is often the right fit in Atlanta if you:
- Need a turnkey place within days, not weeks
- Plan to stay for a few months and don’t want to invest in furniture
- Want to test different neighborhoods (Midtown vs. Buckhead vs. in‑town east side) before committing long term
- Are here for a temporary assignment, internship, residency, or academic term
If you already live in Atlanta and expect to stay several years, an unfurnished apartment or home will usually be more cost‑effective in the long run. But for many people who are relocating or between places, furnished apartments offer a practical, flexible way to live in Atlanta without a heavy setup burden.