High-Rise Apartments in Atlanta: Where to Look, What to Expect, and How to Choose
High-rise living is a big part of Atlanta’s skyline and lifestyle. Whether you want floor‑to‑ceiling views of Midtown, a walkable Buckhead address, or a sleek Downtown condo, high-rise apartments in Atlanta offer very different experiences depending on where you look and what you prioritize.
This guide walks through where high-rises are concentrated in Atlanta, typical features and costs, commute and transit realities, parking, safety, and how to compare buildings so you can choose the right tower for your lifestyle and budget.
What “High-Rise Apartment” Means in Atlanta
In Atlanta, “high-rise” typically means a residential building of roughly 10+ stories, often going up to 40–50+ floors in key neighborhoods.
Most high-rise rentals and condo buildings in Atlanta share some common traits:
- Steel or concrete construction (quieter than many garden-style complexes)
- Elevator access and controlled entry
- Structured or deck parking, often gated
- Balconies or floor-to-ceiling windows in many units
- Amenity levels (pool, gym, rooftop) that vary widely by building and age
You’ll find them clustered around Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, West Midtown, and parts of the Perimeter (Sandy Springs/Dunwoody) rather than in more suburban-feeling neighborhoods.
Best Atlanta Neighborhoods for High-Rise Apartments
1. Midtown Atlanta
Who it fits: Young professionals, students, people who want walkability and culture.
What it’s like:
Midtown has one of the densest concentrations of high‑rise apartments in Atlanta, with towers lining Peachtree Street NE and surrounding blocks.
Pros:
- You can often walk to work, MARTA, restaurants, the Fox Theatre, and Piedmont Park.
- Many buildings are newer, with modern finishes and resort-style amenities.
- Strong transit access via Midtown, Arts Center, and North Avenue MARTA stations.
- Active street life, festivals, and nightlife.
Cons:
- Higher rents compared with many other neighborhoods.
- Traffic on Peachtree, 10th St, and 14th St can be heavy.
- Street parking for guests can be limited.
Common Midtown high‑rise features:
- Rooftop or elevated pools with Midtown/Buckhead skyline views
- On-site fitness centers and yoga studios
- Pet-friendly policies (with pet rent and breed/weight rules)
- Package lockers and 24/7 concierge in many buildings
2. Buckhead
Who it fits: Professionals, frequent shoppers/diners, people wanting an “upscale” feel.
Buckhead’s high-rise apartments are concentrated around:
- Peachtree Road NE
- Lenox Road NE
- Areas near Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza
Pros:
- Many buildings have a luxury focus: valet, concierge, high-end finishes.
- Easy access to GA‑400, I‑85, and Buckhead and Lenox MARTA stations.
- Close to Buckhead Village dining and shopping.
Cons:
- Rents and fees can be among the highest in the region.
- Peak‑hour traffic is often slow on Peachtree and Lenox.
- Walking is possible but some blocks are very car‑oriented.
What to expect in Buckhead towers:
- Stylish lobbies, doormen/concierge, and sometimes valet parking
- Business centers and conference rooms
- Stricter dress-code style rules for amenities or common areas in some buildings
3. Downtown Atlanta
Who it fits: People who work Downtown, students, and those who want an urban feel and access to major attractions.
Downtown high-rises are clustered around:
- Peachtree Street NW
- Marietta St NW
- Near Georgia State University and State Farm Arena
Pros:
- Walkable to government buildings, Georgia State facilities, arenas, and attractions.
- Strong MARTA coverage: Five Points, Peachtree Center, Georgia State stations.
- Some buildings blend historic architecture with modern interiors.
Cons:
- Fewer grocery options right at your door compared with Midtown/Buckhead.
- Street activity can be intense around major events or certain blocks at night.
- Some older high-rises may have dated common areas or systems.
Good fit if you:
- Want a short commute to a Downtown job or classes.
- Prioritize MARTA access over easy highway access.
- Don’t mind a more “business district” vibe outside of event times.
4. West Midtown & Atlantic Station
Who it fits: People who want a mix of industrial loft feel, newer developments, and quick access to Midtown without being right in the core.
West Midtown and nearby Atlantic Station have grown into major hubs with mid‑rise and high‑rise options.
Pros:
- Atlantic Station offers a self-contained feel: shopping, restaurants, movies, and parks.
- Many newer buildings with modern finishes and open layouts.
- Quick access to Midtown, Georgia Tech, and I‑75/I‑85.
Cons:
- MARTA rail access is less direct; you may rely more on buses, shuttles, or driving.
- Some areas are still transitioning from industrial to mixed-use.
- Street networks can feel confusing if you’re new to the area.
5. Perimeter Area (Sandy Springs / Dunwoody)
Who it fits: Professionals near the Perimeter Center office parks, people wanting high-rise living with a more suburban feel.
You’ll find clusters of high-rise apartments near:
- Perimeter Mall
- MARTA’s Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, and Medical Center stations
- Along Peachtree Dunwoody Rd and Hammond Dr
Pros:
- Many buildings are newer with large amenity decks.
- Easier access to I‑285 and GA‑400.
- A mix of suburban shopping centers and office towers.
Cons:
- Less “city street” energy than Midtown or Downtown.
- Walking is possible in pockets but overall area is car-oriented.
- Commutes into the city can still be long at rush hour.
Typical Features and Amenities in Atlanta High-Rise Apartments
High-rise buildings in Atlanta compete heavily on amenities. Here’s what you’ll commonly see:
Common Amenities
- Pools: Rooftop or elevated decks; some with cabanas and grilling areas.
- Fitness centers: Ranging from basic gyms to large facilities with studios.
- Clubrooms / lounges: Often with TVs, kitchenettes, and workspaces.
- Co-working spaces: Wi‑Fi lounges, phone booths, conference rooms.
- Pet amenities: Dog parks and pet-wash stations.
Unit Features (Typical in Many Newer Buildings)
- In-unit laundry (washer/dryer or hookups)
- Stainless steel appliances
- Quartz or granite countertops
- Hard-surface flooring (vinyl plank or hardwood) in main areas
- Balconies or Juliet balconies in many floor plans
- Smart home features in some buildings (keyless entry, smart thermostats)
Older high-rises may have:
- Carpeted units
- Smaller fitness rooms
- Fewer tech features, but sometimes larger floor plans and lower rents relative to brand‑new luxury towers.
What Does a High-Rise Apartment Cost in Atlanta?
Exact numbers change regularly, but typical patterns in Atlanta include:
- Location premium: Midtown, Buckhead, and the trendiest new towers often cost more than older Downtown or Perimeter buildings.
- Floor and view premiums: Higher floors and skyline views usually add to the rent.
- Amenity and age premium: Newer “luxury” high-rises charge more for amenities and finishes.
On top of base rent, budget for:
- Parking fees for garage spaces
- Pet fees and pet rent
- Amenity or administration fees
- Utilities (often electric and sometimes water/sewer/trash as separate items)
- Application fees and security deposits
When touring, ask the leasing office to walk through a “full monthly cost” scenario so you’re not surprised later.
Commute, Transit, and Parking: Atlanta-Specific Realities
MARTA and Transit Access
If you don’t want to rely entirely on a car, prioritize high-rises near MARTA rail stations. Key rail-adjacent areas include:
- Midtown, Arts Center, North Avenue (Midtown)
- Peachtree Center, Five Points, Georgia State (Downtown)
- Buckhead, Lenox (Buckhead)
- Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, Medical Center (Perimeter area)
Living within a 5–10 minute walk of a station can significantly cut commute time and parking costs, especially if you work Downtown, Midtown, at the airport, or near major hospitals.
Driving and Traffic
Atlanta traffic is well-known. High-rise residents often weigh:
- Distance and access to I‑75, I‑85, GA‑400, and I‑285
- Whether they can take surface streets to bypass highway backups
- How event traffic around State Farm Arena, Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, and Georgia Tech affects their routes
When you tour, ask:
- What is the typical rush-hour time to key destinations (Downtown, Perimeter, airport)?
- Are there alternative routes that avoid major choke points?
Parking in High-Rise Buildings
Most high-rise buildings in Atlanta offer:
- Structured garage parking with gated access
- Assigned or unassigned spaces
- Guest parking with time limits or paid options
Questions to ask:
- Is parking included or extra?
- Is there a waitlist for an additional space?
- How is visitor parking handled, and is there a cost?
- Are there EV charging stations, and what do they cost?
If you rely on a car daily, these details can change the true monthly cost of your apartment.
Safety, Security, and Building Access
No building can guarantee safety, but high-rises in Atlanta commonly use several layers of security:
- Controlled access doors with key fobs or codes
- Video or in-person concierge/front desk
- Gated garages and sometimes license plate scanning
- Cameras in common areas and elevators
When touring, it’s reasonable to:
- Ask how visitors are admitted (callbox, concierge check-in, guest passes).
- Check whether elevator access is restricted by floor.
- Look at lighting in hallways, parking decks, and around entry points.
- Walk the surrounding blocks during the day and after dark to see how they feel in practice.
For broader safety context, many residents reference Atlanta Police Department (APD) zone information:
- APD Headquarters: 226 Peachtree St SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
Non-emergency line: 404‑658‑6666
Emergency: 911
You can also ask property managers about on-site security personnel or patrols and whether they work with any local neighborhood or business improvement districts.
Comparing High-Rise Apartments in Atlanta: Key Factors
When you’re looking at several towers, it helps to evaluate them by the same standards.
1. Location & Lifestyle Fit
Consider:
- How long is the commute to work or school in rush hour?
- Can you walk to grocery stores, gyms, parks, or nightlife you actually use?
- How noisy is the area (near train tracks, bars, highways, or stadiums)?
2. Building Age and Condition
Newer isn’t always better, but it often predicts:
- More modern finishes and amenities
- Higher rents and fees
- Better sound insulation (sometimes)
Older high-rises may offer:
- Larger floor plans
- Lower rent for similar square footage
- A quieter, more residential feel in some cases
3. Amenities You’ll Actually Use
It’s easy to be wowed by a rooftop pool you’ll visit twice a year. Focus on:
- Gym quality (is it enough to replace your current membership?)
- Co-working or quiet spaces if you work from home
- Package and mail handling (concierge vs. self-service lockers)
- Pet friendliness and dog-walk options nearby
4. Lease Flexibility and Fees
Ask:
- Lengths of lease they offer (12, 15, 18 months; any short-term options).
- Early termination rules and costs.
- How rent increases on renewal are typically handled.
- Total move-in costs: deposit, admin fees, parking, pet fees, etc.
Simple Comparison Checklist for Atlanta High-Rise Apartments
You can use a table like this to compare 2–3 buildings side by side:
| Factor | Building A | Building B | Building C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Neighborhood | |||
| Distance to MARTA station | |||
| Approx. monthly rent (1 BR) | |||
| Parking cost per month | |||
| Year built / last renovated | |||
| Pool (rooftop/ground/none) | |||
| Gym quality (basic/strong) | |||
| Pet policy & fees | |||
| Noise level (your impression) | |||
| Walkability to groceries |
Filling this out after tours helps you remember what actually matters to you instead of just which lobby looked nicest.
Practical Tips for Touring High-Rise Apartments in Atlanta
A few Atlanta-specific tips can make your search smoother:
Time your tours around rush hour.
See what traffic and train crowds really feel like when you’d normally commute.Check cell service and internet options.
Some dense areas or older towers can have odd coverage spots. Ask which internet providers serve the building.Look at the windows and balcony orientation.
In Atlanta summers, west-facing units get more afternoon sun and may feel hotter, increasing cooling costs.Ask about noise from nearby venues.
If you’re near Georgia Tech, State Farm Arena, or bar-heavy streets, event nights may be loud.Review building rules.
This can include quiet hours, balcony use (e.g., grilling restrictions), guest limits at the pool, moving fees, and elevator reservation rules for move‑ins.
Key Takeaways for High-Rise Apartment Hunting in Atlanta
- Midtown and Buckhead offer the most high-rise choices and amenities, with a price premium.
- Downtown is best for short commutes to central jobs and heavy MARTA use.
- West Midtown/Atlantic Station and Perimeter give more of a mixed urban-suburban balance.
- Factor in parking, transit, and traffic as seriously as rent itself; in Atlanta, they can change your daily life and monthly costs significantly.
- During tours, focus on location fit, total cost (including fees), building age/condition, and amenities you will genuinely use, not just what looks impressive.
With a clear sense of your priorities—commute, nightlife, budget, or quiet—you can narrow in on the Atlanta high-rise that matches the way you actually live.
