High-Rise Apartments in Atlanta: Where to Live, What to Expect, and How to Choose
Looking for high-rise apartments in Atlanta means you’re probably picturing skyline views, modern amenities, and a walkable neighborhood close to work, nightlife, or transit. Atlanta has all of that—just spread across several distinct areas that each feel a little different.
This guide breaks down where high-rise apartments cluster in Atlanta, what they’re like, typical costs and trade-offs, and how to decide which tower and neighborhood are right for you.
What “High-Rise” Living Really Means in Atlanta
In Atlanta, “high-rise” apartments usually means:
- 10+ stories, often 20–40+ floors in the core intown areas
- Elevator buildings with controlled access
- Amenities like pools, gyms, rooftop decks, clubrooms, coworking spaces, and parking garages
- Central or intown locations, usually near MARTA, major employers, and busy corridors
You’ll mostly find them in neighborhoods like Midtown, Buckhead, Downtown, West Midtown, Atlantic Station, and around the BeltLine. Unlike some cities, Atlanta still has plenty of mid-rise buildings, so true high-rises tend to stand out in each neighborhood.
Best Atlanta Neighborhoods for High-Rise Apartments
Midtown Atlanta
Midtown is Atlanta’s classic high-rise district for renters who want a dense, walkable, urban feel.
What to expect:
- Tall towers along Peachtree Street NE, West Peachtree St NW, and 14th St
- Easy access to MARTA at Midtown Station and Arts Center Station
- Short commutes to major employers like tech companies, law firms, and arts institutions
- Walkability to Piedmont Park, the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail, and the Midtown dining/bar scene
Best for:
- Young professionals who want to walk to work or MARTA
- People who want a busy, city feel with nightlife and events
- Renters who value views of the skyline and Piedmont Park
You’ll see a mix of luxury high-rises with concierge service, rooftop pools, and structured parking, plus newer towers offering coworking lounges and pet spas.
Buckhead
Buckhead is Atlanta’s upscale, business-and-shopping hub, with many high-rise apartments clustered around major commercial corridors.
Key areas:
- Buckhead Village (around Peachtree Rd NE & West Paces Ferry Rd NW)
- The corridor near Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza
- Around Lenox and Buckhead MARTA stations
What to expect:
- High-rises connected to or near high-end retail and restaurants
- Easy access to GA-400 and Peachtree Rd for commuters
- More of a “business district meets luxury shopping” vibe
- Many buildings with valet, concierge, and resident event spaces
Best for:
- Professionals working in Buckhead towers or medical offices nearby
- People who want a more polished, corporate feel than Midtown
- Shoppers and diners who want quick access to Lenox, Phipps, and Buckhead Village
Downtown Atlanta
Downtown has fewer new-build residential towers than Midtown and Buckhead, but it attracts renters who want to be near government buildings, arenas, and convention centers.
Key features:
- Close to State Farm Arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Georgia State University, and government offices
- Easy MARTA access: Five Points, Peachtree Center, Georgia State, and Garnett Stations
- Mix of high-rise apartments, condos, and office-to-residential conversions
Best for:
- Students or staff at Georgia State University
- People working at government, legal, or corporate offices Downtown
- Renters who prioritize transit access and stadium/event proximity
West Midtown & Atlantic Station
These areas are a bit different from the Peachtree corridor—more industrial-chic and redeveloped, with a mix of mid-rise and select high-rise options.
Atlantic Station:
- Master-planned area with shops, restaurants, and a central promenade
- High-rises and mid-rises overlooking the I-75/85 Connector and Midtown skyline
- Shuttle connection to Arts Center MARTA Station
West Midtown (Howell Mill / Marietta St corridor):
- Fewer true high-rises, but taller mixed-use buildings are growing
- Trendy feel with restaurants, breweries, and interior design studios
- Appeals to people who want modern buildings but a more low-key scene than Midtown
Areas Near the Atlanta BeltLine
While many BeltLine-area buildings are mid-rise, some taller structures along the Eastside Trail and around certain nodes feel close to high-rise living:
- Old Fourth Ward / Poncey-Highland near Ponce City Market
- Sections of Inman Park and Edgewood
- Portions of Westside / West End near the Westside Trail (more growth over time)
These areas prioritize walkability and outdoor access. If “high-rise” to you means lots of floors plus instant access to the BeltLine, check buildings with rooftop decks, higher floor counts, and direct trail connections.
Typical Features of High-Rise Apartments in Atlanta
While every building is different, many Atlanta high-rise apartments offer:
- Secure access: Key fobs, call boxes, front desks, and cameras
- Parking garages: Often assigned or paid monthly, with guest parking policies
- Amenities:
- Pools (often rooftop or elevated decks)
- Fitness centers, sometimes 24/7
- Clubrooms, game rooms, and lounges
- Business centers or coworking niches
- Pet runs or dog wash stations
- Unit features (especially in newer buildings):
- Floor-to-ceiling windows or large picture windows
- In-unit washer/dryer
- Stone or quartz counters, modern cabinets, stainless appliances
- Balconies or Juliet balconies on many units
Older high-rises or converted buildings may offer larger floor plans at slightly lower rents, but with fewer flashy amenities.
Cost, Fees, and Budgeting for Atlanta High-Rise Living
Prices vary by neighborhood, building age, and amenities, but high-rises tend to sit at the higher end of the Atlanta rental market.
Common costs to expect
- Base rent: Higher for top floors, corner units, and premium views
- Parking: Often monthly per space in a garage
- Pet rent and pet fees: If you have a cat or dog
- Admin, application, and move-in fees: One-time costs charged by many management companies
- Utilities:
- Water, sewer, and trash may be billed through the property
- Electric and internet usually set up in your name
Quick Comparison: Midtown vs. Buckhead vs. Downtown (High-Rise Living)
| Area | Overall Vibe | Who It Suits Best | Typical Perks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Midtown | Artsy, walkable, busy | Young professionals, creatives, students | Close to parks, BeltLine, nightlife |
| Buckhead | Upscale, business-focused | Corporate professionals, shoppers | Near malls, offices, I-400 access |
| Downtown | Government & campus hub | GSU students, government & legal workers | Transit access, stadiums, civic life |
Use this as a starting point, then compare actual buildings and floor plans within your budget.
Pros and Cons of High-Rise Apartments in Atlanta
Benefits
- Views: Midtown, Buckhead, and Downtown skyline views, or park views near Piedmont Park and the BeltLine
- Security: Controlled access, regular staff, and monitored common areas
- Amenities on-site: Gym, pool, and social spaces reduce the need for memberships elsewhere
- Location: Close to major job centers, MARTA, and major roads
- Less yard upkeep: No lawn work or exterior maintenance on your part
Trade-offs
- Higher rents than many low-rise or older buildings
- Parking costs if garage spaces aren’t included
- Noise: City noise below, or hallway noise in busy buildings
- Elevator waits: Especially during rush hours and move-in days
- Pet limitations: Breed or size restrictions in some properties
If you’re sensitive to noise or crowding, ask to tour during peak times (early morning, evening) and ride the elevators to get a feel for daily life.
How to Evaluate a High-Rise in Atlanta Before You Sign
When touring, go beyond the model unit. Here are practical checks:
1. Test Your Commute
- Drive, bike, or take MARTA during the actual time you’d normally commute
- If using transit, check the distance to stations like:
- Midtown Station (41 10th St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309)
- Arts Center Station (1255 W Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309)
- Buckhead Station (3360 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326)
- Consider how traffic on Peachtree, I-75/85, GA-400, and I-285 will affect you
2. Check Noise Levels
- Stand in the unit with windows closed and open
- Listen for:
- Highway or MARTA track noise
- Nearby bars or clubs (especially in Midtown or Buckhead)
- Construction (Atlanta has frequent development)
Ask the leasing staff if any large construction projects are planned nearby.
3. Evaluate Building Operations
Ask about:
- Package handling: Is there a package room, lockers, or front desk?
- Staffing: Front desk/concierge hours and maintenance response times
- Guest parking: Where visitors can park and if there are fees or time limits
- Quiet hours: Any building rules that help control noise
4. Understand the Lease and Rules
Read for:
- Early termination policies (in case you need to move for a job)
- Rent increases at renewal and how they’re determined
- Subletting or roommate rules
- Pet policies and any pet-specific fees
If a building is managed by a large company, policies will usually be more standardized and strictly enforced.
Parking, Transit, and Getting Around from a High-Rise
Atlanta is still car-leaning, but high-rise areas are among the most transit-friendly parts of the city.
Parking
- Many high-rises have garage parking attached or adjacent
- Some include one space with rent; others charge per space
- In busy areas (Midtown, Buckhead Village), street parking for guests can be limited
If you own more than one car or have frequent visitors, clarify parking in detail.
MARTA and Other Options
High-rise renters often rely on:
- MARTA Rail for commuting to work or the airport
- MARTA Bus routes along major streets like Peachtree, North Ave, and 10th St
- Walking and biking along sidewalks and the BeltLine, especially in Midtown and Old Fourth Ward
- Rideshare and scooters for last-mile connections
You can get transit help or fare information from:
- MARTA Headquarters & Customer Service Center
- 2424 Piedmont Rd NE
- Atlanta, GA 30324
- Customer Service: 404-848-5000
Safety, Regulations, and Tenant Rights in Atlanta
High-rise living involves shared spaces and safety systems that are regulated at the city level.
Fire and Building Safety
Typical features in Atlanta high-rises include:
- Sprinkler systems and fire alarms
- Clearly marked stairwells and evacuation routes
- Emergency lighting and regular inspections
You can check concerns about unsafe conditions with:
- City of Atlanta Office of Buildings
- 55 Trinity Ave SW, Suite 3900
- Atlanta, GA 30303
- Main line (via Atlanta City Hall): 404-330-6000
Tenant Rights and Concerns
If you encounter issues such as:
- Habitability problems (persistent leaks, mold concerns, pest issues not addressed, etc.)
- Deposit disputes
- Questions about your lease terms
You can seek information or assistance from:
- Georgia Landlord-Tenant resources through local legal aid services
- Atlanta Legal Aid Society (for qualifying residents)
- 54 Ellis St NE
- Atlanta, GA 30303
- Phone: 404-524-5811
They can help explain how Georgia landlord-tenant law works and what steps you may take in different situations.
Tips for Choosing the Right High-Rise in Atlanta
Use these steps to narrow your options:
Pick your primary area first
- Midtown for walkability and arts
- Buckhead for upscale shopping and corporate offices
- Downtown for government, stadiums, and GSU
- Atlantic Station/West Midtown for a modern, slightly more laid-back feel
Decide your non-negotiables
- Must-have: in-unit washer/dryer, pets allowed, covered parking, or walk to MARTA
- Nice-to-have: rooftop pool, on-site gym, balcony, coworking space
Set a clear budget range
- Include rent, parking, pet fees, utilities, and internet
- Factor in commuting costs (gas, transit fares, or parking near work)
Tour at different times of day
- Visit once during daylight and once at night if possible
- Pay attention to lobby activity, elevator speeds, and street noise
Ask about future construction and renewal expectations
- When buildings nearby may be going up
- Typical rent increase at renewal
If You’re New to Atlanta and Considering a High-Rise
If you’re relocating to Atlanta:
- Start by staying in a short-term rental or corporate housing near Midtown or Buckhead to get your bearings
- Spend a few days walking or driving through:
- Midtown (Peachtree St NE, 10th St, 14th St)
- Buckhead (Peachtree Rd NE, around Lenox and Phipps)
- Atlantic Station and West Midtown
- Pay attention to which area’s traffic, noise level, and overall feel matches your daily life and work schedule
High-rise apartments in Atlanta give you fast access to the city’s jobs, nightlife, culture, and transit, but each neighborhood has its own pace and personality. Once you match your budget and lifestyle with the right pocket of the city, choosing a specific building becomes much easier.
