Summerhill Apartments in Atlanta: A Local Guide to Living Near the Former Turner Field

Looking for apartments in Summerhill, Atlanta puts you right in the middle of one of the city’s most talked‑about in-town neighborhoods. Once known mostly for Turner Field and the old Braves stadium area, Summerhill has been transforming into a walkable, mixed-use district with new apartments, restaurants, townhomes, and student housing.

If you’re considering Summerhill apartments in Atlanta, this guide breaks down what to expect: location, commute, types of buildings, average price ranges, nearby amenities, and how to decide if this neighborhood is right for you.

Where Is Summerhill in Atlanta?

Summerhill is a historic in-town neighborhood in southeast Atlanta, just south of downtown and the Georgia State Capitol. It sits:

• North of the I‑20 freeway
• South of the Georgia State University (GSU) Stadium area
• East of the Downtown Connector (I‑75/85)
• West of Grant Park and the Zoo Atlanta area

Many apartments that advertise as “Summerhill Atlanta” are clustered around:

• Georgia Avenue SE (the main commercial corridor)
• The GSU Stadium / former Turner Field redevelopment area
• Residential streets like Fraser St SE, MLK Jr Dr SE, and Capitol Ave SE

Because of how close it is to downtown, people often cross-shop Summerhill with Grant Park, Peoplestown, Mechanicsville, and Pittsburgh.

Why Rent an Apartment in Summerhill?

People who choose Summerhill apartments usually prioritize location, walkability, and access to downtown. Some common reasons renters are drawn here:

• Proximity to downtown and the Capitol – Useful if you work in government, law, or at a downtown office building.
• Easy access to Georgia State University – Convenient for students, staff, or anyone tied to GSU’s main campus or stadium area.
• Walkable commercial corridor – Georgia Avenue SE has a growing mix of food, drink, and small businesses.
• Quick highway access – Right by I‑75/85 and I‑20, making regional commuting easier.
• Emerging neighborhood feel – Mix of historic homes, new modern buildings, and ongoing development.

If you want a city feel without being right in the high-rise core of Midtown or downtown, Summerhill can be a good middle ground.

Types of Summerhill Apartments You’ll Find

The Summerhill area isn’t dominated by just one type of building. You’ll see a mix of:

1. New Mid-Rise Apartment Communities

Around the GSU Stadium and Georgia Avenue corridor, you’ll find newer 4–6 story apartment complexes with:

• Controlled access buildings
• On-site leasing offices
• Amenities like small fitness centers, courtyards, lounges, or rooftop spaces
• Ground-floor retail in some buildings

These are often marketed as “luxury” or “modern” apartments in Summerhill and tend to be on the higher end of the neighborhood’s rent range.

2. Renovated Older Buildings and Duplexes

On residential streets branching off Georgia Avenue and Capitol Avenue, expect:

• Garden-style buildings with fewer units
• Duplexes and triplexes converted into rental units
• Homes that have been split into multiple apartments

These can provide more character and sometimes lower rents than the newest mid-rises, but amenities may be limited to basics like on-site parking or laundry (or none at all).

3. Single-Family Homes for Rent

In the broader Summerhill/Peoplestown/Grant Park border area, some renters look for:

• Small single-family homes or bungalows for lease
• Townhomes or row houses in newer developments

These may cost more than standard apartments but provide more space and privacy, often with a small yard.

4. Student-Oriented Housing

Because of GSU’s presence:

• Some complexes gear their leases and layouts (roommate-friendly floor plans) toward students and young professionals.
• Properties close to the stadium or shuttle routes may market themselves as convenient for Georgia State housing alternatives.

What Does It Cost? Typical Rent Expectations

Exact prices change often, but in general, Summerhill apartments in Atlanta sit between traditional “affordable in-town” and “premium in-town” price points.

To make sense of the range, compare Summerhill to nearby areas:

*This is a general neighborhood comparison, not a quote. Actual rents depend heavily on building age, amenities, and unit size.

In broad terms, you can expect:

• Studios / Small 1BR – Often near entry-level rates for new in-town construction, but still higher than suburbs.
• 1BR apartments – More expensive in new Summerhill complexes, somewhat lower in older buildings.
• 2BR+ units – Can climb quickly in newer properties or townhome-style units.

If you’re budget-conscious, it may be worth:

• Comparing older Summerhill buildings with newer ones
• Looking slightly further south or east, then weighing the increased commute

Commute and Transportation in Summerhill

One of the biggest variables for Atlanta renters is how easy it is to get around. Summerhill has several advantages:

🚗 Driving and Highways

• Immediate access to I‑75/85 via the Downtown Connector
• Quick access to I‑20 heading east-west
• Driving time to Downtown Atlanta is typically short outside of peak traffic, though rush hour on the Connector can be slow.

If you work in Midtown, downtown, or at state government offices, living in Summerhill can cut down your commute significantly compared with outer suburbs.

🚌 Public Transit Options

While Summerhill does not have a MARTA rail station within the neighborhood, residents often use:

• MARTA Bus routes along major streets such as Capitol Ave SE and MLK Jr Dr SE, connecting to downtown or to nearby rail stations.
• Georgia State University shuttles (for eligible GSU students/staff) running between main campus and the stadium area.

The closest MARTA rail stations typically used by Summerhill residents include:

• Georgia State Station (Blue/Green Line) – near the Capitol and GSU campus
• Garnett Station (Red/Gold Line) – slightly west of the Capitol area

Many residents bike, scooter, or walk to these stations from Summerhill, then ride trains into other parts of the city.

🚶 Walkability and Biking

Summerhill’s core around Georgia Avenue SE is increasingly walkable:

• Sidewalks and crosswalks are common in the immediate redevelopment area.
• The streets near the GSU Stadium have been redesigned to be more pedestrian-friendly.
• Biking to downtown or Grant Park is feasible for many, though hills and traffic patterns may influence your comfort level.

What It’s Like to Live in Summerhill Day-to-Day

Neighborhood Character

Summerhill blends:

• Historic Atlanta roots – Older homes, long-time residents, and a strong sense of history.
• New development – Modern apartments, new restaurants, and mixed-use projects.
• Student and young professional presence – Due to proximity to GSU and downtown offices.

It is still an evolving neighborhood, so you may notice construction, new businesses opening, and ongoing redevelopment.

Noise and Activity

Depending on exactly where your apartment is:

• Near Georgia Avenue and GSU Stadium:
  • Expect more activity, game-day or event traffic, and restaurant/bar noise at certain hours.
• On interior residential streets:
  • Generally quieter, more residential feel, with less nightlife noise but still close to busy corridors.

When touring, it’s wise to visit both daytime and evening to get a feel for sound, traffic, and overall comfort.

Nearby Amenities: Groceries, Parks, and Everyday Needs

One of the advantages of renting a Summerhill apartment is proximity to everyday necessities and recreation.

Groceries and Shopping

Within a short drive or rideshare, residents usually access:

• Full-service grocery stores (often just outside the neighborhood, such as along Memorial Dr, Moreland Ave, or in Grant Park)
• Convenience stores and small markets located along main streets
• Drugstores and discount retailers in nearby commercial corridors

Because Summerhill is relatively close to downtown and eastside neighborhoods, you can often reach multiple grocery options within a 5–15 minute drive.

Parks and Green Space

You’re close to several popular outdoor spots:

• Grant Park – One of Atlanta’s oldest parks, with walking paths, playgrounds, and Zoo Atlanta. Located just east of Summerhill.
• Phoenix II Park and other local greenspaces – Small neighborhood parks and fields around the stadium area, used for walking dogs or casual recreation.
• Atlanta BeltLine (Southside segments) – As BeltLine connections expand, some residents bike or drive a short distance to access the trail system.

If outdoor time is important to you, check how far your prospective building is from Grant Park or your preferred green space.

Dining, Coffee, and Nightlife

The Georgia Avenue SE corridor has become a local dining destination, with:

• Casual restaurants and eateries
• Bars and breweries
• Coffee options and dessert spots

You’ll also be close to food and nightlife in nearby:

• Grant Park / Memorial Drive corridor
• Downtown and Castleberry Hill
• Edgewood and Old Fourth Ward (a short drive or rideshare)

For renters who like being out and about without long drives, Summerhill’s central location is a major plus.

Safety, Parking, and Practical Considerations

Safety

Summerhill is a city neighborhood near downtown Atlanta, and experiences the same general considerations as other in-town areas:

• Some blocks feel more active and well-lit than others.
• Crime patterns can vary by street and building.
• GSU’s presence and redevelopment often bring more foot traffic, lighting, and patrols to certain areas.

When evaluating safety:

• Visit at different times (morning, midday, nighttime).
• Talk to the leasing office about security features (gates, cameras, building access).
• Look at street lighting, foot traffic, and how comfortable you feel walking from your car or bus stop.

Parking

Parking situations vary by building:

• Newer mid-rise apartments may offer:
  • Structured parking decks
  • Assigned spaces
  • Guest parking policies
• Older buildings and duplexes may rely more on:
  • Street parking
  • Small surface lots

If you own a car, ask about:

• Monthly parking fees
• Guest parking rules and towing practices
• Whether parking is reserved or first-come, first-served

Noise from Events and Traffic

Because of the stadium and main roads:

• If you live very close to GSU Stadium or near Georgia Avenue, expect event-related traffic and occasional noise.
• Apartments closer to major streets may experience more road noise.

If you’re sensitive to noise, request to see units that don’t face major roads or active commercial spaces.

Who Typically Chooses Summerhill Apartments?

Summerhill tends to appeal to people who:

• Work in downtown Atlanta, at state government offices, or nearby hospitals and businesses.
• Attend or work at Georgia State University.
• Want to live in an in-town neighborhood but don’t necessarily need to be in Midtown or Buckhead.
• Prefer a walkable corridor with access to food and nightlife, but are okay with some ongoing construction and change as development continues.

People who might look elsewhere often include:

• Those wanting a very quiet, suburban-style environment
• Anyone needing a large yard or a fully detached home with lots of space
• Renters who prefer rail transit right at their doorstep (instead of needing a short bus, bike, or walk connection)

Tips for Apartment Hunting in Summerhill

To get the most out of your search for Summerhill apartments in Atlanta, consider:

1. Map your real routine

   • Plug in your workplace, school, or frequent destinations and check:
     • Drive times at rush hour
     • Bus options to nearby MARTA stations
     • Walking/biking routes

2. Compare new vs. older buildings

   • Newer properties may offer more amenities (pools, gyms, lounges) but higher rents.
   • Older or smaller buildings might trade amenities for lower monthly payments.

3. Visit at different times

   • Midday: see typical traffic and noise.
   • Evening: evaluate lighting, safety comfort, and nightlife activity.
   • Weekend: if there’s a stadium event or busy night, you’ll feel the “peak” version of the neighborhood.

4. Ask detailed questions at the leasing office

   • What’s included in rent (parking, trash, pest control)?
   • Utility responsibility (water, sewer, electric, gas, internet)?
   • Lease flexibility and fees (breaking lease, subletting, pet fees)?

5. Plan for visitors

   • If you host friends or family frequently, ask where guests park and whether passes are required.

Helpful Local Contacts and Resources

While specific apartment buildings manage their own leasing, it can be useful to know about nearby public services and general points of contact:

• City of Atlanta – Department of City Planning
  55 Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  Main line: (404) 330-6150

  • For zoning, land use, and development questions affecting the Summerhill area.

• Atlanta BeltLine, Inc.
  100 Peachtree St NW, Suite 2300, Atlanta, GA 30303
  Main line: (404) 477-3003

  • For information on future trail connections and projects near Summerhill.

• Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA)
  Headquarters: 2424 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30324
  Customer service: (404) 848-5000

  • To understand bus routes and rail connections serving Summerhill and nearby stations.

If you’re new to Atlanta or relocating from outside the area, contacting these agencies or reviewing their official materials can help you understand how the Summerhill redevelopment fits into the broader city.

Looking at Summerhill apartments in Atlanta means weighing in-town convenience, a rapidly evolving neighborhood, and proximity to downtown and GSU. By touring multiple properties, checking your commute, and paying attention to the exact location within the neighborhood, you can decide whether Summerhill’s mix of history and new development matches the way you want to live in Atlanta.