Student Apartments in Atlanta: How to Find the Right Place Near Campus

Finding student apartments in Atlanta can feel overwhelming, especially if you are new to the city or moving off campus for the first time. Atlanta is spread out, student-heavy, and full of different neighborhoods, so where you live can shape your daily life just as much as your classes.

This guide walks through how student housing works around Atlanta’s major colleges and universities, what areas to consider, typical price and commute tradeoffs, and practical steps to find a place that fits your budget and lifestyle.

Key Atlanta Schools and Where Students Usually Live

Many student apartments in Atlanta cluster around a few major campuses. Knowing where students typically live can help you focus your search.

Georgia State University (GSU) – Downtown Atlanta

Location: Downtown, near the Georgia State Capitol and Five Points.

Popular areas for GSU students:

• Downtown Atlanta

  • Very close to academic buildings.
  • Mix of purpose-built student housing, older high-rises, and small apartments.
  • Walkable to MARTA rail (Five Points, Peachtree Center, Georgia State stations).

• Old Fourth Ward & Inman Park

  • Trendy with restaurants, the BeltLine Eastside Trail, and newer apartments.
  • Often more expensive but popular for students wanting a lively neighborhood.

• Midtown

  • Connected by MARTA; some students commute a few stops.
  • More high-rise buildings and mixed-use developments.

GSU has both university-managed housing and private student apartments near campus, plus many students renting standard apartments downtown and sharing with roommates.

Georgia Tech – Midtown Atlanta

Location: West side of Midtown, near North Avenue.

Popular areas for Georgia Tech students:

• On or near campus (Midtown west side)

  • Many student-focused complexes just off Tech Parkway and North Avenue.
  • Walking or biking distance to campus, close to Tech Trolley routes.

• Midtown core

  • East of campus, closer to Peachtree Street and Piedmont Park.
  • More mixed residents (professionals, students, families).
  • Good access to MARTA (North Avenue, Midtown Arts Center).

• Home Park

  • Residential neighborhood just north of campus.
  • Many single-family houses and small apartments rented to students.

Georgia Tech students often weigh proximity to labs, safety at night, and access to Tech buses when choosing apartments.

Emory University – Druid Hills / Decatur

Location: Northeast of downtown, in the Druid Hills area.

Popular areas for Emory students:

• Druid Hills

  • Many small apartment buildings and rental houses.
  • Leafy, residential, close to Emory’s main campus and Emory Village.

• Decatur

  • Small-city feel with restaurants, bars, and local shops.
  • MARTA rail access (Decatur, Avondale stations) plus bus routes to Emory.

• Toco Hills / North Druid Hills

  • More suburban-style complexes, often with parking included.
  • Short drive or bus commute to campus.

Emory’s location means car or shuttle access often matters more than rail transit.

Other Atlanta-Area Schools and Typical Housing Areas

• Clark Atlanta University, Spelman College, Morehouse College (Atlanta University Center / AUC)

  • Area: Westside, near Vine City and West End.
  • Many students live in on-campus housing, nearby student apartments, or houses rented by groups of students.

• Georgia State Perimeter College (various campuses)

  • Often more commuter-heavy; students may live closer to work or family and drive or take MARTA.

• Atlanta-area private colleges (e.g., Oglethorpe University, SCAD Atlanta)

  • Oglethorpe: Brookhaven/Chamblee area.
  • SCAD: Midtown and surrounding neighborhoods.

Types of Student Apartments in Atlanta

When people say “student apartments” in Atlanta, they may mean a few different setups. Understanding the differences will help you narrow options.

1. Purpose-Built Student Housing

These are apartment communities designed specifically for students, often near Georgia State, Georgia Tech, Emory, and the AUC.

Typical features:

• Individual leases by the bedroom (you are responsible for your portion, not your roommates’).
• Furnished units (bed, desk, basic living room furniture).
• Utilities and Wi‑Fi often bundled into rent.
• Amenities like study rooms, computer labs, pools, gyms, and resident events.

Pros:

• Predictable costs, simple setup, and easier roommate matching.
• Often close to campus and transit.

Cons:

• Can be more expensive per square foot than older, standard apartments.
• Busy, social atmosphere not ideal for everyone.
• Lease terms may be strict around move‑in/move‑out dates tied to the school year.

2. Standard Market-Rate Apartments

These are regular apartments not exclusively for students.

Typical features:

• One lease for the entire unit; all roommates share responsibility.
• Usually unfurnished.
• Utilities are often separate (electric, water, internet).

Pros:

• More flexibility in neighborhood choice and building style.
• Sometimes cheaper per person if you share with roommates.
• More variety in quiet vs. lively areas.

Cons:

• You and your roommates handle all setup (furniture, utilities).
• Landlords may require higher income or guarantors.
• Shorter supply directly across from campuses, especially in Midtown and Downtown.

3. Shared Houses and Rooms for Rent

Common around Home Park (Georgia Tech), West End / Vine City (AUC), and pockets near Emory and Decatur.

Options include:

• Renting a whole house with friends.
• Renting a single room in a student house.
• Basement apartments or in‑law suites.

Pros:

• Often more space (yard, porch, larger common areas).
• Potentially lower cost per person.
• Can feel more like a home than a complex.

Cons:

• Quality and management can vary widely.
• Parking, maintenance, and safety depend heavily on the specific property and landlord.

What Does Student Rent Look Like in Atlanta?

Exact prices change frequently, but there are consistent patterns across the city.

General expectations:

• Closer to campus or the BeltLine = higher rent.
• Midtown, Downtown, Old Fourth Ward, and central Decatur tend to be pricier.
• West End, Vine City, parts of Southwest Atlanta, and more distant suburbs are usually cheaper but longer commutes.

Rough Rent Range Overview (Very General)

*Not listing numbers because they shift quickly; always check current local listings.

How to Choose the Right Area in Atlanta as a Student

When comparing student apartments in Atlanta, focus on four main factors: commute, budget, safety, and lifestyle.

1. Commute and Transit

Key questions:

• Can you walk or bike to campus?
• Is there a MARTA station or bus line nearby?
• How late do you expect to be on campus (labs, library, events)?

For certain campuses:

• Georgia State (Downtown):

  • MARTA rail and buses make it possible to live in Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, or even further out and still commute.
  • Walking distance from downtown apartments is a big plus if you are on campus at night.

• Georgia Tech (Midtown):

  • Many rely on Tech Trolley, campus buses, biking, and MARTA.
  • Living west or north of campus often means easy walks or short bus rides.

• Emory (Druid Hills):

  • No MARTA rail at the campus itself, but Emory shuttles connect to stops like Decatur and Northlake.
  • A car or access to Emory shuttles often matters more than rail proximity.

2. Safety and Surroundings

Atlanta is like most big cities: safety can change block to block.

Tips:

• Visit the area during the day and at night.
• Notice street lighting, foot traffic, and how comfortable you feel walking.
• Ask current students or campus housing staff for neighborhoods they commonly recommend.

City resources that may help:

• Atlanta Police Department – Zone maps and precincts

  • Main line: 404‑614‑6544
  • Public lobby: 226 Peachtree St SW, Atlanta, GA 30303

• Fulton County Sheriff’s Office for broader area awareness

  • Main office: 185 Central Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • Phone: 404‑612‑5100

These offices can provide general safety resources and information about neighborhood watch or community policing programs.

3. Budget and Hidden Costs

When comparing apartments, factor in more than just base rent:

• Utilities: electricity, gas, water/sewer, trash, internet.
• Parking fees: especially in Midtown and Downtown garages.
• Renter’s insurance: often required, typically low monthly cost.
• Transit: MARTA passes, gas, or campus parking permits.
• Furniture and setup costs for unfurnished units.

Many student-focused apartments will bundle Wi‑Fi and some utilities, which can simplify budgeting but may raise the base rent. In standard apartments, you often manage each bill separately.

4. Lifestyle and Noise Level

Think about:

• Do you prefer a quiet, residential area (Druid Hills, some parts of Decatur, side streets in Home Park)?
• Or a busy, high-energy environment (Midtown high-rises, Old Fourth Ward, downtown student communities)?
• Do you plan to work off campus? Living near employment centers (Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, Perimeter Center) might help.

Students who participate heavily in clubs, Greek life, sports, or late labs often choose to live within a short commute to cut down on late-night travel.

Practical Steps to Find a Student Apartment in Atlanta

Step 1: Start With Your School’s Housing and Off-Campus Office

Most Atlanta universities offer some combination of:

• On-campus housing (dorms, suites, or apartments).
• University-affiliated apartments near campus.
• Off-campus housing resources and roommate finder tools.

Typical locations:

• Georgia State University Housing Office

  • Commonly based near Downtown campus (around Piedmont Ave SE and Edgewood Ave SE).
  • Check GSU’s main phone line: 404‑413‑2000 (ask for Housing).

• Georgia Tech Housing & Residence Life

  • Main presence on the west side of campus, around Ferst Drive NW.
  • General switchboard: 404‑894‑2000 (ask to be directed to Housing).

• Emory University Housing Operations

  • Near Druid Hills campus, clustered around Asbury Circle.
  • Main number: 404‑727‑6123.

These offices often maintain current lists of trusted student housing options and can explain common lease terms in Atlanta.

Step 2: Decide Your Budget and Preferred Areas

Make two lists:

1. Must-haves:

   • Max monthly budget (including utilities).
   • Max commute time.
   • Need for parking or proximity to transit.

2. Nice-to-haves:

   • In-unit laundry vs. shared.
   • Gym, pool, study rooms.
   • Furnished vs. unfurnished.

Then choose 2–3 neighborhoods that match your campus and lifestyle:

• GSU: Downtown, Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, Midtown.
• Georgia Tech: Midtown, Home Park, Westside.
• Emory: Druid Hills, Decatur, Toco Hills.
• AUC: West End, Vine City, Ashview Heights.

Step 3: Tour in Person When Possible

For Atlanta specifically, touring matters because:

• Building quality and noise level can vary wildly on the same street.
• You can check hallway cleanliness, security measures, and actual condition of units.
• You get a real feel for walking routes, lighting, and nearby shops or bus stops.

If you are relocating and can’t visit:

• Ask leasing offices for video tours or live walkthroughs.
• Request exact unit photos, not just model units.
• Talk to current students from your school who live in the area.

Step 4: Read Atlanta Leases Carefully

Common Atlanta lease points to review:

• Lease length: 12 months is standard; student apartments may match the academic year but still charge for full months.
• Subletting rules: Important if you plan to leave in the summer.
• Early termination fees: What happens if you transfer or withdraw?
• Utilities and fees: Clarify what’s included and what’s separately billed.
• Co-signer/guarantor requirements: Many students need a parent or guardian on the lease.

If you feel unsure, you can often get basic legal guidance:

• Atlanta Legal Aid Society (for eligible residents)
  • Central office: 54 Ellis St NE, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • Phone: 404‑524‑5811

They may provide information about tenant rights, though availability can vary by income and situation.

Roommates, Co-Living, and Split Costs

Sharing an apartment is one of the most common ways students in Atlanta control housing costs.

Options for Sharing

• Bedroom-by-bedroom leases in student complexes.
• One joint lease for a standard apartment.
• Room-for-rent arrangements in houses near campuses.

When sharing:

• Discuss expectations about guests, quiet hours, cleaning, and bills before signing.
• Decide who will handle bill payments and how roommates will reimburse each other.
• Consider a simple written roommate agreement for clarity, especially if you are on a joint lease.

Transportation and Parking Considerations

Atlanta is car-friendly but not car-only. Your apartment choice and campus will shape what you need.

MARTA and Campus Transit

• MARTA Rail & Bus

  • Downtown and Midtown campuses (GSU, Georgia Tech, SCAD) are especially well-served.
  • Main customer service (phone): 404‑848‑5000
  • Headquarters: 2424 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30324

• University Shuttles

  • Georgia Tech, Emory, and some AUC institutions operate campus buses and shuttles to nearby neighborhoods and transit stations.

If you rely on transit, verify:

• The nearest MARTA stop or bus line.
• Typical service hours and frequency, especially at night.

Parking

In many Atlanta student areas:

• Midtown and Downtown garages can be expensive and may be separate from rent.
• Surface lots in more residential neighborhoods are more common but can still require a parking decal or monthly fee.
• Around Druid Hills and some residential pockets, street parking may be limited or require permits.

Ask each property:

• Is a parking spot included?
• Is the parking assigned, gated, or first-come-first-served?
• Are there guest parking options?

Local Resources for Renters and Students in Atlanta

Having a few official contact points can be helpful if issues arise with your apartment or landlord.

• City of Atlanta – Office of Housing and Community Development

  • Provides information on housing programs and, at times, rental assistance resources.
  • Address: 55 Trinity Ave SW, Suite 2400, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • Phone: 404‑330‑6390

• Fulton County Government – Housing & Community Development

  • For students renting in Fulton County (which includes much of Atlanta, including Downtown and Midtown).
  • Address: 137 Peachtree St SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • Phone: 404‑612‑0720

• DeKalb County Community Development

  • For students near Emory, Decatur, and other DeKalb locations.
  • Address: 178 Sams St, Decatur, GA 30030
  • Phone: 404‑371‑2727

These offices can point you toward tenant resources, fair housing information, and housing support programs if you ever need them.

Quick Checklist for Student Apartments in Atlanta ✅

Use this as a fast reference while you search:

• Distance to your campus (walk, bike, shuttle, MARTA, or car).
• Neighborhood feel (quiet vs. lively, day vs. night).
• Monthly cost including rent, utilities, parking, and transit.
• Lease type (individual vs. joint), length, and rules on subletting.
• Safety features: locks, gates, lighting, cameras, and building access controls.
• Amenities that actually matter to you (laundry, Wi‑Fi, study spaces).
• Move-in timing aligned with your semester schedule.

By focusing on your campus location, budget, daily commute, and preferred lifestyle, you can narrow down student apartments in Atlanta to options that fit both your education and your day-to-day life in the city.