Finding the Right One-Bedroom Apartment in Atlanta: A Local Guide

Looking for a one bedroom apartment in Atlanta can feel overwhelming. Rents vary block by block, neighborhoods all have different personalities, and traffic and transit matter more here than many newcomers expect. This guide walks you through what to know, where to look, and how to decide what’s right for your budget and lifestyle in Atlanta, Georgia.

How Much Does a One Bedroom Apartment Cost in Atlanta?

Prices change frequently, but you’ll generally see:

• In-town, walkable areas (Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, West Midtown):
  Higher prices, often for newer or luxury buildings with amenities.
• Close-in neighborhoods outside the core (Grant Park, Edgewood, Kirkwood, West End, Buckhead’s older complexes):
  Moderate pricing and a mix of older and renovated units.
• Further out or more car-dependent areas (Doraville, Chamblee, parts of Southwest and South Atlanta):
  More space for the money, but usually longer commutes.

Typical cost drivers for one bedroom apartments in Atlanta:

• Location to job centers: Proximity to Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, Perimeter Center, or the airport often means higher rent.
• Walkability and transit: Being near MARTA rail stations (e.g., Midtown, Lindbergh Center, Five Points) or BeltLine access usually adds a premium.
• Building age and amenities: Newer “luxury” buildings with pools, gyms, and concierge services cost more than older garden-style complexes.
• Parking: Surface parking may be included; structured or reserved parking often adds a monthly fee.

📌 Tip: When comparing prices, check what’s included: parking, trash, pest control, amenity fees, and whether water/sewer is billed separately.

Best Atlanta Neighborhoods for One Bedroom Apartments

Here’s an overview of popular areas Atlantans consider for one bedroom rentals, and what they’re really like.

1. Midtown

Good for: Walkability, nightlife, restaurants, MARTA access, city-living feel.

• Close to Midtown MARTA Station, Piedmont Park, and Peachtree Street.
• Lots of high-rise and mid-rise one bedrooms with amenities like pools and fitness centers.
• Expect higher rents, but some older buildings and smaller properties can be more affordable than new towers.

2. Old Fourth Ward & Inman Park

Good for: BeltLine access, trendy restaurants, historic feel, active lifestyle.

• Near the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail and Ponce City Market.
• Mix of new developments, loft-style units, and older small buildings.
• Popular with young professionals; one bedrooms here often emphasize design and location over square footage.

3. Downtown & Surrounding Areas

Good for: Proximity to government offices, Georgia State University, and downtown employers.

• Includes areas around Five Points, Georgia State, and Castleberry Hill.
• Mix of loft conversions, high-rises, and mid-rise buildings.
• Convenient if you work in government, legal, or corporate offices in the city center.

4. Buckhead

Good for: Access to office towers, shopping, and dining.

• Includes Buckhead Village, Peachtree Road corridor, and Lenox/Phipps area.
• New luxury towers plus a large number of older apartment complexes slightly off main roads.
• Great if you work in Buckhead and want a shorter commute, but traffic can be intense.

5. West Midtown & Upper Westside

Good for: Modern apartments, dining, brewery scene, loft-style spaces.

• Industrial-to-residential conversion areas with many new one bedroom units.
• Access to Howell Mill Road, Marietta Street, and the growing mixed-use developments.
• Typically car-dependent but increasingly bikeable, depending on exact location.

6. East Atlanta, Edgewood, Kirkwood, and Surroundings

Good for: Neighborhood feel, older buildings, and some lower-cost options near intown Atlanta.

• Mix of single-family homes (for roommates/house shares) and small apartment buildings.
• Some renovated complexes and newer developments near Edgewood/Candler Park MARTA and along Memorial Drive.
• A good compromise between cost and proximity to intown amenities.

7. Perimeter Area (Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Brookhaven)

Good for: Access to major employers and more spacious complexes.

• Near Perimeter Center, Perimeter Mall, and multiple corporate headquarters.
• Many garden-style and mid-rise apartments with parking and amenities.
• Often better value per square foot than central Atlanta, but commute into the core can be busy.

Key Factors to Consider When Renting a One Bedroom in Atlanta

Commute and Transportation

Atlanta is known for traffic. When choosing a one bedroom, factor in:

• Distance to work or school: A cheaper apartment can cost more in time and gas.
• Access to MARTA rail:
  Stations like Arts Center, Midtown, North Avenue, Lindbergh Center, Buckhead, Five Points, and West End can greatly simplify commuting.
• BeltLine and bike lanes: Living near the BeltLine Eastside or Westside Trail can make biking or walking realistic alternatives.

🚗 Ask:

• How long is the drive during actual rush hour?
• Is there a direct MARTA route to your workplace?

Safety and Neighborhood Feel

Safety perceptions vary from block to block. Common steps Atlantans take:

• Visit the area at different times of day and night.
• Talk to current residents in the building or nearby.
• Check lighting, sidewalk conditions, and general activity in the immediate area.
• Look for secure building access and parking controls (gates, key fobs, cameras).

Noise and Environment

With busy streets, nightlife areas, and highways, noise can matter:

• Units near Peachtree Street, major interstates (I‑75/85, I‑20, GA‑400), or train tracks can be louder.
• Ask to see the unit you’ll actually rent, not just a model.
• Check window insulation and where the bedroom faces (street vs. courtyard).

Amenities vs. Rent

Atlanta’s newer buildings often offer:

• Pools and rooftop decks
• Fitness centers
• Clubrooms and business centers
• Package lockers
• Pet amenities (dog parks, pet washing stations)

These can be great, but:

• Many buildings charge amenity fees, valet trash, or technology packages.
• Some residents find they rarely use the pool or gym once the novelty wears off.

💡 Tip: Decide which amenities you will genuinely use (gym, secure package room, in-unit laundry) and avoid paying for extras that don’t matter to you.

Typical One Bedroom Layouts in Atlanta

One bedroom apartments around Atlanta often come in a few common formats:

• Traditional One Bedroom:
  Separate bedroom with a door, living room, kitchen, and usually 1 bathroom.
• One Bedroom + Den / Office:
  Extra flex space for a home office—valuable if you work from home.
• “Junior” One Bedroom / Studio-Style:
  Some Atlanta buildings offer smaller units marketed as one bedrooms with partial walls or sliding doors.
• Loft-Style One Bedroom:
  Open layouts, high ceilings, sometimes with exposed brick or beams (common in converted industrial buildings in areas like West Midtown or Castleberry Hill).

When touring, check:

• Closet space (Atlanta humidity makes good storage important).
• Laundry setup (in-unit washer/dryer vs. on-site laundry room).
• Kitchen size if you cook often (counter space, pantry, storage).

Understanding Fees and Lease Terms in Atlanta

Besides base rent, common charges for one bedroom apartments in Atlanta include:

Upfront Costs:

• Application fee: Often non-refundable.
• Administration fee: A one-time move-in or processing fee.
• Security deposit: May vary with credit and rental history.
• Pet deposit and/or fee: If you have pets.

Monthly Costs:

• Parking: Especially in Midtown, Buckhead, and Downtown, structured parking often costs extra.
• Utilities:
  • Electric (often through Georgia Power)
  • Water/sewer/trash (sometimes billed by the apartment company)
  • Gas (if applicable)
• Amenity or “community” fees
• Pet rent, in addition to any deposits.

Before signing a lease, ask for a sample monthly statement showing all typical fees so you can estimate the real monthly cost.

Affordable and Income-Restricted One Bedroom Options

If you’re looking for more affordable one bedroom options in Atlanta, it can be helpful to know about local resources and programs.

City and Housing Authority Resources

• Atlanta Housing Authority (AHA)
  230 John Wesley Dobbs Ave NE
  Atlanta, GA 30303
  Phone: (404) 892-4700

  AHA administers housing choice vouchers and works with mixed-income communities in the city. Waiting lists may open and close, so it’s best to check directly for current options and eligibility.

• City of Atlanta – Department of City Planning / Housing Programs
  55 Trinity Ave SW
  Atlanta, GA 30303
  Main City Hall line: (404) 330-6000

  The city coordinates various affordable housing initiatives, incentive programs, and sometimes lists mixed-income or income-restricted properties where a portion of units are reserved at lower rents.

Nonprofit and Community Assistance

Several nonprofit organizations in Atlanta provide:

• Housing counseling
• Tenant rights education
• Assistance with locating affordable or income-restricted apartments

General strategies Atlantans use for lower-cost one bedroom options:

• Look for older buildings slightly farther from high-demand corridors (for example, older properties off main Buckhead or Midtown streets).
• Check areas near, but not directly on, the BeltLine or major entertainment districts.
• Consider one bedroom units in house conversions, duplexes, or small complexes managed by local owners.

Renting Near Atlanta Colleges and Universities

Atlanta’s many colleges and universities create strong demand for one bedroom apartments in certain areas:

• Georgia State University (Downtown):
  Many students live in or near Downtown, Old Fourth Ward, and surrounding neighborhoods. One bedrooms here can go quickly, especially before fall semester.

• Georgia Tech (Midtown):
  Popular areas include Midtown, Home Park, and West Midtown. One bedroom apartments in walking distance or near the North Avenue and Midtown MARTA stations tend to rent fast.

• Emory University (Druid Hills) & Morehouse/Spelman/Clark Atlanta (West End/Vine City):
  Students and staff often look for one bedroom units in nearby neighborhoods or along transit routes with reasonable commute times.

If you’re tied to a campus schedule:

• Start your search several months before the semester.
• Expect higher prices close to campus and consider transit-accessible areas a bit farther out.

Pet-Friendly One Bedroom Apartments in Atlanta

Atlanta is generally pet-friendly, but rules vary by property.

Common considerations:

• Breed and weight restrictions: Many complexes restrict certain dog breeds or have weight limits.
• Pet fees and rent:
  • Non-refundable pet fee at move-in.
  • Monthly pet rent added to your base rent.
• Pet amenities: On-site dog parks, pet washing stations, and nearby green spaces like Piedmont Park, Freedom Park, or neighborhood dog parks.

If you have a dog, also consider:

• Quick access to outdoor areas for early morning and late-night walks.
• Whether the unit is on a high floor (elevators can slow down quick trips outside).

How to Evaluate a One Bedroom Apartment in Atlanta (Step-by-Step)

Use this simple process when touring or comparing options.

1. Check Location First

• Map your daily routine: work, school, groceries, gym, social life.
• Estimate commute times with real Atlanta traffic patterns, not just distance.
• Check proximity to:
  • MARTA stations or reliable bus routes
  • Major highways if you drive often
  • Essential services (groceries, pharmacy, bank)

2. Inspect the Actual Unit

When you’re inside the apartment:

• Test water pressure and hot water.
• Check windows and doors for drafts and proper locks.
• Listen for noise from the hallway, street, or neighboring units.
• Look for signs of moisture, leaks, or pest issues.

3. Understand All Costs

Ask for:

• A breakdown of monthly recurring charges.
• Average utility costs for a similar one bedroom unit.
• Any move-in specials and when regular rent kicks in.

4. Review the Lease Carefully

Pay attention to:

• Lease term (12 months is standard; shorter terms may cost more).
• Renewal process and how rent increases are handled.
• Early termination rules and associated fees.
• Guest policies, subletting rules, and parking regulations.

Quick Comparison: What Changes Most Between Atlanta Neighborhoods?

Use this as a starting point to decide which trade-offs make sense for you.

Local Offices and Contacts That Can Help

If you run into housing issues, have questions about tenant rights, or want to explore assistance:

• Fulton County Government (Atlanta main area)
  141 Pryor St SW
  Atlanta, GA 30303
  Main line: (404) 612-4000

• City of Atlanta Information Line
  City Hall, 55 Trinity Ave SW
  Atlanta, GA 30303
  Main line: (404) 330-6000

These offices can provide direction to housing, zoning, and community development departments, as well as point you toward tenant assistance and housing resources that operate in the city.

Finding a one bedroom apartment in Atlanta is about balancing budget, commute, lifestyle, and comfort. By focusing on neighborhood fit, total monthly costs, and the daily realities of living in each part of the city, you can quickly narrow your search and choose a place that feels right for how you actually live in Atlanta.