Upscale Apartments in Atlanta: Where to Look, What to Expect, and How to Choose

Looking for upscale apartments in Atlanta means balancing luxury finishes, convenient locations, and the realities of living in a fast-growing city. Whether you’re relocating for work, upgrading from a starter place, or downsizing from a house, Atlanta offers a wide range of high-end apartments—each neighborhood with its own vibe and trade-offs.

This guide focuses specifically on Atlanta, Georgia: where upscale apartments are concentrated, what “luxury” usually includes here, realistic price expectations, and how to choose the right building for your lifestyle.

What “Upscale” Usually Means in Atlanta Apartments

In Atlanta, “upscale” or “luxury” apartments typically include a mix of:

  • High-end finishes: Quartz or granite counters, stainless steel appliances, tile backsplashes, designer lighting, upgraded fixtures.
  • Modern conveniences: In-unit washer/dryer, smart thermostats, keyless entry, fast internet access.
  • Resort-style amenities: Pools (often rooftop or with cabanas), fitness centers, clubrooms, dog spas, coworking lounges.
  • Security and access control: Gated or controlled access, secure package rooms, sometimes on-site courtesy officers.
  • Prime locations: Walkability to dining, nightlife, corporate offices, MARTA stations, BeltLine access, or major interstates.

Not every building checks every box, but most upscale apartments in Atlanta will at least give you upgraded interiors, solid amenities, and a convenient location.

Key Upscale Apartment Neighborhoods in Atlanta

Different parts of Atlanta offer different versions of “upscale.” Below is a quick overview to help you narrow your search.

Buckhead: Classic High-Rise Luxury

Buckhead is one of Atlanta’s best-known upscale apartment hubs, especially around:

  • Buckhead Village (near Peachtree Rd NE & Pharr Rd)
  • Lenox and Phipps Plaza area (around Peachtree Rd NE & Lenox Rd NE)
  • Peachtree Road corridor in general

What you’ll find:

  • High-rise and mid-rise buildings with doormen or concierge, rooftop pools, and valet trash.
  • Easy access to Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza, high-end dining, and boutique shopping.
  • Proximity to MARTA rail stations (Lenox, Buckhead, Lindbergh Center) for commuting.

Best for: Professionals wanting a polished, city feel with lots of restaurant and retail options; people who value building services like concierge and package handling.

Midtown: Walkable, Urban, and Arts-Focused

Midtown, especially around Peachtree St NE, 14th St, and near Piedmont Park, is a major hotspot for upscale apartments.

What you’ll find:

  • High-rise towers with BeltLine or skyline views.
  • Walkability to Piedmont Park, the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail (via 10th St/Monroe area), Fox Theatre, and cultural institutions.
  • Buildings with coworking spaces, yoga rooms, and rooftop terraces designed for socializing.

Best for: People who want to live in the heart of the city, walk to coffee shops, bars, and the park, and possibly work in Midtown or Downtown.

Old Fourth Ward & Inman Park: Trendy and BeltLine-Oriented

Along and near the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail, especially around:

  • Ponce City Market area (North Ave NE & the BeltLine)
  • Inman Park (around Highland Ave NE and Lake Ave NE)

you’ll find many luxury mid-rises and mixed-use developments.

What you’ll find:

  • Upscale apartments with industrial-chic design, exposed brick or beams, and open layouts.
  • Walkable access to Ponce City Market, Krog Street Market, and numerous BeltLine restaurants.
  • Strong sense of neighborhood, but still very urban.

Best for: Residents who prioritize walkability, outdoor lifestyle on the BeltLine, and a lively dining/bar scene.

West Midtown (Westside): Industrial-Chic and Growing Fast

The West Midtown / Westside area, especially near Howell Mill Rd NW, 14th St NW, and the Westside Provisions District, has become a hot spot for upscale lofts and apartments.

What you’ll find:

  • Modern, often industrial-inspired buildings near converted warehouses and design shops.
  • Easy access to restaurants, breweries, and boutique shopping.
  • A more “up-and-coming” feel than Buckhead or Midtown, but still very desirable.

Best for: People who like modern design, a creative or tech-adjacent vibe, and prefer being just outside of the densest part of the city center.

Downtown and Around Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Downtown Atlanta has fewer high-end options than Midtown or Buckhead, but there are some upscale buildings near:

  • Centennial Olympic Park
  • Peachtree Center
  • Mercedes-Benz Stadium and State Farm Arena

What you’ll find:

  • High-rises close to corporate offices, government buildings, and tourist attractions.
  • Good MARTA access from Five Points, Peachtree Center, and Civic Center stations.

Best for: People who work downtown, travel often on MARTA, or want to be near major venues and government offices.

Upscale Options Outside the Core: Brookhaven, Sandy Springs, and More

If you want luxury finishes and amenities but not necessarily intown bustle, consider:

  • Brookhaven (along Peachtree Rd NE near Dresden Dr)
  • Sandy Springs (around Roswell Rd, Hammond Dr, near Perimeter Center)
  • Dunwoody / Perimeter Center (near Perimeter Mall and corporate offices)
  • Vinings / Cumberland (near Cobb Pkwy and The Battery Atlanta)

What you’ll find:

  • Upscale garden-style or mid-rise communities, often with larger floorplans and more parking.
  • Convenient access to I-285, GA-400, or I-75, plus nearby shopping centers.
  • A more suburban feel with pockets of walkability.

Best for: Renters who want space, quieter surroundings, and easier highway access while keeping luxury finishes and solid amenities.

Typical Features of Upscale Apartments in Atlanta

Most upscale properties around Atlanta share some common features. Use this section as a checklist while you shop.

Interiors and Finishes

Look for:

  • Stone or quartz countertops
  • Stainless steel or high-end black matte appliances
  • Hard-surface floors (often LVP or hardwood-style) in living areas
  • Walk-in closets and ample storage
  • Large windows; some units have floor-to-ceiling glass in high-rises
  • In-unit washer and dryer (very common in upscale units)

Building Amenities

Upscale Atlanta buildings typically include some combination of:

  • Resort-style pool (sometimes heated, frequently with lounge decks)
  • Fitness center (often with separate yoga/spin rooms)
  • Clubroom or resident lounge with kitchen, TVs, and work tables
  • Coworking spaces or private conference rooms
  • Pet amenities: dog park, dog spa, or pet wash area
  • Rooftop or sky lounge with city views, especially in Midtown and Buckhead
  • Secure package lockers or package room

Services and Security

You’ll commonly see:

  • Controlled access (fob or code entry)
  • On-site property management and maintenance
  • Valet trash pickup from your door in many properties
  • Sometimes concierge or front-desk staff, particularly in Buckhead and Midtown high-rises

How Much Do Upscale Apartments Cost in Atlanta?

Prices change over time and vary by building, but as a general pattern within the city:

  • Upscale one-bedroom apartments in prime areas (Midtown, Buckhead, O4W) often rent at a premium compared with more basic properties in the same neighborhood.
  • Two-bedrooms in luxury buildings command more, especially corner units or those with views, balconies, or extra den space.
  • Rent may be lower in more suburban-style upscale communities (Brookhaven, Sandy Springs, Vinings) compared with a comparable unit in a high-rise in Midtown.

On top of base rent, factor in:

  • Parking fees (common in high-rises; sometimes extra per space)
  • Pet rent and pet deposit if you have animals
  • Amenity or community fees, admin fees, and application fees
  • Utilities (sometimes partially included, but often separate)

When you tour, ask the leasing office for a full cost breakdown, including average utility estimates they see from residents.

Choosing the Right Upscale Neighborhood for Your Lifestyle

Here’s a simple comparison to help you match your priorities with an area:

Priority/PreferenceConsider First
Walk to bars, restaurants, and parksMidtown, Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park
Upscale shopping and classic luxuryBuckhead (Lenox, Buckhead Village)
Trendy, creative, industrial vibeWest Midtown / Westside
Commuting to Perimeter business areaSandy Springs, Dunwoody / Perimeter
Larger layouts in quieter surroundingsBrookhaven, Vinings, some Sandy Springs
Quick MARTA rail accessMidtown, Buckhead, Downtown

Use this as a starting point, then drill down into specific streets or developments during your search.

Practical Tips for Touring Upscale Apartments in Atlanta

When you start touring, it helps to approach it with a plan. Here are some locally relevant things to pay attention to:

1. Test the Commute

Atlanta traffic is a major factor.

  • If you work in Midtown or Downtown, try driving or taking MARTA from the building during rush hour if possible.
  • For commuters to Perimeter Center or Cumberland, test how long it really takes from Buckhead, Brookhaven, or Vinings during peak times.
  • If you rely on MARTA, identify the nearest rail station or bus stop and see how realistic the walk feels in hot or rainy weather.

2. Check Noise Levels

Some upscale buildings are close to:

  • Busy rail or highway corridors (e.g., near I-75/I-85 Downtown Connector or GA-400).
  • Popular nightlife strips in Midtown, Buckhead, or Old Fourth Ward.

During your tour:

  • Ask to see a unit on the side facing streets vs. courtyards.
  • Visit at different times of day if you can (early morning, evening, late night).

3. Ask About Parking and Guests

In many Atlanta upscale buildings:

  • Resident parking may be assigned, unassigned, or limited by unit count.
  • Guest parking can be tight, especially in Midtown, Buckhead Village, and West Midtown.

Ask:

  • Is parking included or extra per month?
  • How many spaces per unit are allowed?
  • Where do guests park, and is there a fee or time limit?

4. Understand Security Measures

Ask the leasing office:

  • How do residents enter the building, garage, and amenities?
  • Are there security cameras and after-hours contacts?
  • Is there an on-site courtesy officer or security patrol?

Most upscale communities have solid systems in place, but it’s worth confirming what’s actually active day-to-day.

5. Evaluate Amenities Realistically

Many Atlanta luxury apartments emphasize amenities heavily. Before deciding:

  • Tour the gym and see if the equipment matches your routine.
  • Check the pool area—is it something you’d genuinely use or more for occasional guests?
  • If you work from home, spend a moment in the coworking or lounge areas to gauge noise, seating, and outlets.

Amenities can justify a higher rent if you truly use them; otherwise, you may prefer a slightly simpler building in a better location.

Understanding Lease Terms and Fees

Upscale buildings in Atlanta often use detailed lease packets. Pay close attention to:

  • Lease length: 12 months is common; shorter leases may cost more.
  • Move-in specials: Some offer reduced rent for the first few months. Clarify what your effective average monthly rent will be over the full lease.
  • Renewal expectations: Ask how often rent typically changes on renewal and whether increases lately have been significant.
  • Pet policies: Weight limits, breed restrictions, and pet rent/deposits vary by property.

You can also check how the community is regulated and what your rights are by reviewing information from:

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

For broader housing or tenant-rights questions, many residents contact:

  • Atlanta Legal Aid Society (Atlanta office)
    54 Ellis St NE, Atlanta, GA 30303
    Phone: (404) 524-5811

These organizations do not choose apartments for you, but they can be useful if you have questions about leases, landlord responsibilities, or local ordinances.

Using Local Resources to Refine Your Search

When narrowing down upscale apartments in Atlanta, you can:

  • Drive or walk through target neighborhoods like Midtown, Buckhead Village, Old Fourth Ward, and West Midtown to see buildings in person.
  • Check whether the building is close to major parks and trails such as:
    • Piedmont Park (1320 Monroe Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306)
    • Atlanta BeltLine access points (e.g., near 10th St & Monroe Dr, Ponce City Market, Krog St)
  • Look up the City of Atlanta Department of City Planning for zoning and neighborhood information:
    55 Trinity Ave SW, Suite 1450, Atlanta, GA 30303
    Phone: (404) 330-6070

Local knowledge—like how busy a particular intersection gets on weekend nights, or whether a street feels active vs. isolated—often makes a big difference in how an upscale building actually feels to live in.

Quick Checklist Before You Sign

Use this Atlanta-focused checklist when you think you’ve found the right upscale apartment:

  • Location works for daily commute and your regular errands.
  • You’re comfortable with traffic patterns getting in and out of the area.
  • Noise levels are acceptable in the exact unit you’re renting.
  • Parking and guest parking rules are clear and workable.
  • Amenities you’re paying for are ones you will likely use.
  • All fees and deposits (amenity, admin, pet, parking) are clearly listed in writing.
  • You’ve walked or driven around the surrounding blocks during both day and evening.

If those boxes are checked, you’re well on your way to finding an upscale apartment in Atlanta that fits both your lifestyle and your budget.