Pencil Factory Atlanta Apartments: Living in Reynoldstown’s Historic Lofts

If you’ve searched for “Pencil Factory Atlanta apartments,” you’re almost certainly looking for the historic-style lofts and apartments clustered around the old pencil factory area near Reynoldstown and Cabbagetown—right where the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail cuts through some of the city’s most walkable intown neighborhoods.

This guide breaks down what people usually mean by “Pencil Factory apartments” in Atlanta, what living there feels like, and how to decide if this pocket of the city is right for you.

What Are “Pencil Factory” Apartments in Atlanta?

There isn’t just one official building called “Pencil Factory Apartments” that dominates Atlanta. Instead, the phrase usually refers to:

• Historic or industrial-style lofts converted from older commercial buildings
• Apartment communities near the former industrial area tied to pencil manufacturing
• Units clustered along or near the BeltLine Eastside Trail, especially around:
  • Reynoldstown
  • Cabbagetown
  • The area just southeast of Downtown and Inman Park

You’ll often see phrases like “factory lofts,” “pencil factory lofts,” or “warehouse-style apartments” used in the same breath. Many of these apartments feature:

• Exposed brick and beams
• Tall ceilings and large factory-style windows
• Open floor plans with a minimalist, industrial feel

If you’re specifically hunting for that converted-factory vibe close to central Atlanta, this is one of the main areas locals look at.

Where the Pencil Factory Area Sits in Atlanta

To understand what living here is like, it helps to place it on the map.

General area:

• East/southeast of Downtown Atlanta
• Directly connected to the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail
• A short drive or MARTA ride from Downtown, Midtown, and Little Five Points

You’ll commonly see listings advertised as being in or near:

• Reynoldstown
• Cabbagetown
• Edgewood
• Inman Park (a little to the north but still relevant if you’re BeltLine-focused)

These neighborhoods are known for being:

• Highly walkable and bikeable, especially along the BeltLine
• A mix of historic homes, new townhomes, and loft-style apartments
• Close to local restaurants, coffee shops, and street art

If you’re coming from out of town, think of this area as urban, but neighborhood-oriented—not as dense as Midtown’s high-rises, but more lively and walkable than many suburban parts of metro Atlanta.

What It’s Like to Live in Pencil Factory–Style Apartments

Everyday lifestyle

Most people interested in “Pencil Factory Atlanta apartments” are drawn by:

• Convenience – Quick access to Downtown, I-20, and key MARTA stations
• Character – Units with industrial design, not generic suburban layouts
• Walkability – Ability to walk to food, coffee, and the BeltLine

Typical daily perks include:

• Morning runs or dog walks on the BeltLine Eastside Trail
• Grabbing coffee at a nearby Reynoldstown / Cabbagetown café
• Easy access to Krog Street Market, Edgewood retail, and other intown hubs

Common apartment features you may find

While details vary by building, renters often see:

• Loft-style floor plans (open, with few interior walls)
• Exposed brick, ductwork, and concrete or hardwood floors
• Large windows with good natural light
• In-unit or on-site laundry
• On-site parking (surface lots, deck, or gated options)
• Pet-friendly policies with nearby greenspace or dog runs

Many properties in this part of the city also include:

• Small fitness centers
• Community courtyards or grilling areas
• Bike storage or easy BeltLine access

Pros and Cons of Pencil Factory–Style Apartments in Atlanta

To quickly compare whether this area is right for you, use the summary below.

Rent Expectations and Budgeting in This Area

Exact rent will depend on:

• Age and condition of the building
• How close you are to the BeltLine
• Unit size (studio vs. 1BR vs. 2BR+)

In the Reynoldstown/Cabbagetown/Edgewood zone, people commonly see:

• Studios / micro-units: typically toward the lower end of intown pricing
• 1-bedrooms: often more than older garden-style apartments, less than brand-new luxury high-rises
• 2-bedrooms and lofts: can climb quickly in cost, especially in renovated historic buildings or new mixed-use developments

When you’re budgeting for “Pencil Factory”–style apartments:

• Ask about parking fees (garage vs. surface, per car pricing)
• Check for pet fees and monthly pet rent
• Confirm utility arrangements (individually metered vs. flat fee)
• Ask about amenity fees (gyms, pools, community spaces)

Getting Around: Transportation and Commutes

One of the main advantages of this part of Atlanta is how centrally located it is.

By car

• Fast access to I-20 and a short drive to Downtown and Midtown
• Commute times can vary widely depending on rush hour, events, and construction
• Parking situations differ by building (open lots vs. structured garages vs. street)

By MARTA

Nearby transit resources can include:

• King Memorial MARTA Station (Blue/Green Line), convenient to many areas just west of Reynoldstown and Cabbagetown
• Inman Park/Reynoldstown MARTA Station, a bit farther north but still an option if you’re on that side of the BeltLine

From these stations, you can reach:

• Downtown (Five Points, Georgia State area)
• Midtown (North Avenue, Midtown, Arts Center)
• Connections to bus routes reaching other neighborhoods

On foot or by bike

If walkability and biking are priorities, this corridor is one of Atlanta’s strongest choices:

• Direct access to the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail
• Bikeable routes to Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, Krog Street Market, and into Midtown via the BeltLine and connecting streets
• Plenty of crosswalks and pedestrian traffic compared to many other parts of the city

Nearby Neighborhoods to Know

When people search for “Pencil Factory apartments,” they often end up comparing nearby neighborhoods with a similar feel.

Reynoldstown

• A mix of historic bungalows, new townhomes, and modern apartments
• Strong BeltLine presence and good bike/pedestrian infrastructure
• Close to Memorial Drive retail and restaurants, plus quick Downtown access

Cabbagetown

• Known for its historic mill homes and vibrant street art
• Feels slightly more tucked away but still near Memorial Drive and the BeltLine
• Mix of smaller apartment communities, single-family rentals, and loft-style units

Edgewood

• East of Reynoldstown, with more single-family homes and small apartment buildings
• Slightly more residential feel, with retail clustered along Moreland Avenue and nearby shopping centers

Inman Park / Old Fourth Ward

• North along the BeltLine, popular for restaurants, nightlife, and parks
• Typically commands higher rents, but offers many apartment options—from modern mid-rises to boutique lofts

Practical Tips for Apartment Hunting in the Pencil Factory Area

Use these steps to narrow down your search:

1. Decide how “industrial” you want your space to feel

Some buildings are true factory conversions with:

• Exposed brick and concrete
• Original industrial features
• Unique layouts in each unit

Others are newer constructions designed to look industrial, which may include:

• More consistent floor plans
• Modern amenities and improved soundproofing
• Less “raw” character, but more convenience

2. Visit at different times of day

Because you’re in a busy intown corridor, it’s smart to:

• Visit during rush hour to see traffic and parking patterns
• Walk around in the evening to gauge noise from nearby restaurants, bars, or BeltLine events
• Check weekend activity if you prefer quieter surroundings

3. Ask about security and building policies

When you tour:

• Ask how building access works (key fobs, gates, call boxes)
• Check for camera coverage in garages and common areas
• Ask about package handling (lockers vs. front office vs. open lobby)
• Confirm guest parking and guest access rules

4. Look closely at sound and insulation

Loft-style buildings and converted industrial properties can sometimes have:

• Thinner interior walls
• More echo or noise transmission
• Shared hallways or open atriums that carry sound

When touring, it can help to:

• Listen in the hallway for noise levels
• Ask about quiet hours and noise policies
• Consider top-floor or corner units if you’re sensitive to sound

Local Services and Offices That May Help

If you’re relocating, renting for the first time in Atlanta, or planning to stay long-term, a few local resources can be useful:

• City of Atlanta Department of City Planning
  55 Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  General information line (City of Atlanta): (404) 330-6000
  Helpful if you want to understand zoning, planned development, or long-term neighborhood changes.

• City of Atlanta Office of Housing and Community Development
  Often works with affordable housing initiatives and community programs. You can reach them through the city’s main information line to confirm current locations and services.

• Fulton County Magistrate Court – Landlord-Tenant Division
  185 Central Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  Phone: (404) 613-5000 (main Fulton County Courts line; follow prompts)
  Useful if you need general information about evictions, security deposits, or lease disputes within Fulton County.

Always verify current contact details and office hours before visiting, as locations and phone trees can change.

Is the Pencil Factory Area Right for You?

You’re usually a good fit for Pencil Factory–style Atlanta apartments if you:

• Want to live intown with quick access to Downtown, Midtown, and the BeltLine
• Prefer character and industrial design over traditional garden apartments
• Are comfortable with an urban environment that includes more activity, events, and foot traffic
• Value walkability, biking, and transit options as part of your daily routine

If you prefer quieter streets, more parking space, and larger floor plans for the same price, you may want to compare these apartments with communities farther east or outside the immediate BeltLine corridor.

By touring a few loft-style and factory-inspired properties in Reynoldstown, Cabbagetown, and nearby neighborhoods, you’ll quickly get a sense of whether this unique corner of Atlanta matches how you want to live.