Virginia-Highland Apartment Homes in Atlanta: How to Find the Right Place in This Intown Favorite

Virginia-Highland is one of Atlanta’s most popular intown neighborhoods for renters who want walkability, charm, and quick access to both Midtown and Decatur. If you’re searching for Virginia Highlands apartment homes in Atlanta (often written “Virginia-Highland” or “VaHi”), you’re really looking at a specific pocket of the city with its own feel, price range, and rental options.

This guide walks through what to expect from apartments in Virginia-Highland, nearby alternatives, typical features and price tiers, plus practical tips for renting in this part of Atlanta.

Where Exactly Is Virginia-Highland in Atlanta?

Virginia-Highland sits just east of Midtown Atlanta and just north of Poncey-Highland, roughly bounded by:

• North: Around Amsterdam Ave NE
• South: Ponce de Leon Ave NE
• West: Monroe Dr NE
• East: Briarcliff Rd NE / N Highland Ave NE area

The neighborhood name comes from the intersection of Virginia Avenue NE and North Highland Avenue NE, a central spot lined with restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and boutiques.

If you’re using GPS or maps, searching “Virginia-Highland, Atlanta, GA 30306” usually centers you in the right place.

Why Rent in Virginia-Highland?

Virginia-Highland is popular with renters who want a village-style, walkable environment but still live near Atlanta’s major job centers.

Key draws for apartment hunters:

• Walkable lifestyle
  You can often walk to:

  • Coffee shops and brunch spots on N Highland Ave
  • Bars and patios along Virginia Ave and St. Charles Pl
  • Grocery stores and everyday services along Ponce de Leon Ave

• Intown location
  Quick access to:

  • Midtown (via Monroe Dr or Ponce de Leon Ave)
  • Inman Park / Old Fourth Ward (via the BeltLine or Freedom Pkwy)
  • Emory / Druid Hills (via Briarcliff Rd NE or N Decatur Rd)

• Historic charm
  The area is known for:

  • 1920s–1940s bungalow homes
  • Small brick apartment buildings
  • Mature trees, sidewalks, and front porches

• BeltLine and parks nearby

  • The Eastside Trail of the Atlanta BeltLine is accessible via the Ponce City Market area or through nearby side streets.
  • John Howell Park (on Virginia Ave NE) and Orme Park (near Brookridge Dr) add green space within easy walking distance.

Types of Apartment Homes You’ll Find in Virginia-Highland

Virginia-Highland does not have as many high-rise apartment towers as Midtown, but it offers a mix of older, smaller buildings and boutique communities.

1. Classic Small Apartment Buildings

Common along side streets off N Highland Ave and Virginia Ave:

• 1–3 story buildings
• Brick exteriors, often built mid-20th century
• Studio, 1-bedroom, and smaller 2-bedroom units
• Hardwood floors, plaster walls, and vintage details in many units
• Sometimes window units or older systems instead of central HVAC in the most vintage properties

These appeal to renters who want character and don’t need high-end amenity packages.

2. Mid-Sized Apartment Communities

Scattered within Virginia-Highland and especially close by in surrounding neighborhoods:

• 3–5 story mid-rise buildings
• Mix of 1-, 2-, and sometimes 3-bedroom apartments
• More modern features: central AC, in-unit or on-site laundry, dishwashers
• On-site parking, sometimes gated

These properties often brand themselves with neighborhood-focused names like “Virginia-Highland” or “Highland” in the title, even if they sit on the edge of VaHi or in adjacent areas like Poncey-Highland, Morningside, or Inman Park.

3. Duplexes, Triplexes, and Garage Apartments

In and around Virginia-Highland you’ll also find:

• Basement apartments in older homes
• Garage or carriage house apartments
• Duplexes and triplexes on residential streets

These rentals may be listed by individual owners rather than large property managers. They can offer more of a “home-like” feel, often with small yards or private entrances.

Typical Features and Amenities in Virginia-Highland Apartments

While each building is different, renters in this neighborhood often look for and encounter:

Common in Virginia-Highland:

• Hardwood floors and older architectural details
• Street parking or small off-street lots
• On-site laundry rooms or in-unit laundry in updated units
• Pet-friendly policies, often with breed or size limits
• Walkability to restaurants, bars, and coffee shops

Less common, but available in some communities:

• Pools and full fitness centers (more typical in newer or nearby luxury buildings)
• 24-hour staffed concierge
• Large shared co-working spaces

If those “big amenity” features are a priority, you may find more options just outside of Virginia-Highland in areas like Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, or Inman Park while still staying within a quick drive or bike ride of VaHi.

Rent Expectations in Virginia-Highland (General Ranges)

Specific rental prices change frequently, but Virginia-Highland is usually considered a mid to upper-tier rental market in Atlanta due to location and demand.

Below is a simple orientation table to help you frame expectations compared to other nearby intown areas. These are relative, not exact dollar amounts:

*Relative to other intown neighborhoods, not to far-suburban areas.

Because many Virginia-Highland properties are smaller or individually owned, listed prices can vary widely based on:

• How recently the unit was renovated
• Whether utilities are included or partly included
• Street parking vs. off-street or covered parking
• Lease length (short-term vs. 12-month or longer)

Pros and Cons of Renting in Virginia-Highland

Advantages

• Strong neighborhood feel
  Sidewalks, people walking dogs, neighbors out on porches, local events, and a “village” atmosphere.

• Convenient location
  Easy access to I-85/400 via Monroe Dr or Ponce de Leon, and relatively quick routes to Emory University, Piedmont Park, and Downtown.

• Food and nightlife scene
  Many renters like being able to walk to:

  • Casual bars and patios
  • Brunch and dinner spots
  • Coffee shops and ice cream shops

• Tree-lined streets
  Compared to denser parts of Midtown, streets often feel more residential and shaded.

Trade-offs

• Parking can be tight
  On some streets, especially near commercial sections, street parking can be competitive. Some older buildings do not have dedicated lots, so it’s important to ask about parking before you sign a lease.

• Older construction quirks
  In vintage buildings:

  • Soundproofing can be limited
  • Layouts can be less open-plan
  • Windows or insulation may not be as energy-efficient as newer buildings

• Higher rents than some neighbors
  You might find somewhat lower rent options a short drive away in parts of Edgewood, Candler Park, or Lake Claire, while still being able to visit Virginia-Highland easily.

How to Search for “Virginia Highlands Apartment Homes” Effectively

When you start searching rental sites or contacting property managers, these tips help narrow down results to Virginia-Highland specifically or similar areas that fit your needs.

1. Use Multiple Spellings and Nearby Neighborhood Names

When searching online, try:

• “Virginia-Highland apartments Atlanta”
• “Virginia Highlands apartment homes”
• “VaHi apartments”
• “Apartments near North Highland Ave NE 30306”
• “Poncey-Highland apartments”
• “Apartments near Emory / Virginia-Highland”

Some properties market themselves as “Virginia Highland” even if they’re technically on the border with Morningside or Poncey-Highland, so check the map location carefully.

2. Check Commute and Transit Options

Virginia-Highland itself does not have a MARTA rail station inside the neighborhood, but you can access nearby stations:

• Midtown MARTA Station
  41 10th St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
• North Avenue MARTA Station
  713 W Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30308

Many residents:

• Drive or bike to a station
• Use bus routes along Monroe Dr, Ponce de Leon Ave, or Briarcliff Rd NE
• Rely on rideshare for late-night or weekend trips

When viewing an apartment, ask about:

• The nearest MARTA bus stops
• Whether there is bike storage
• Travel times during rush hour to your work or school

3. Confirm Parking and Street Restrictions

In some parts of Virginia-Highland:

• Streets may have resident-only or time-limited parking during certain hours.
• Visitor parking can be limited near the busiest commercial stretches.

Before signing a lease, clarify:

• Is there assigned parking?
• Is it included or an extra monthly fee?
• Are there guest parking options?
• Are there any city-issued parking permits you might need (through the City of Atlanta’s Office of Parking)?

Practical Renting Tips Specific to Virginia-Highland

Timing Your Search

In Atlanta, many leases turn over in late spring and summer, but in Virginia-Highland:

• Listings can appear year-round because of small, individually owned units.
• Early spring and late summer may see more options, particularly for students and professionals moving for the academic or fiscal year.

Touring Strategy

When you tour:

• Walk the immediate block to see what noise and traffic are like.
• Notice:
  • Proximity to restaurants and bars (noise levels at night)
  • Street lighting and sidewalks
  • How full the parking is in the evening

If possible, visit at different times of day—a calm midday visit can feel very different on a busy Friday night.

Ask Local, On-the-Ground Questions

Helpful questions for leasing agents or owners:

• How responsive is maintenance, and who handles it?
• Are there any ongoing construction projects nearby?
• How does trash and recycling work (city pickup, private services, alley access)?
• What are typical utility costs for this unit type in this building?

Nearby Neighborhoods to Consider If You Like Virginia-Highland

If you like the feel of Virginia-Highland but want more options, you might also explore:

• Poncey-Highland
  Directly south along N Highland Ave. Slightly more mixed-use and closer to the BeltLine and Ponce City Market.

• Morningside–Lenox Park
  North of Virginia-Highland. More residential, with a quieter feel, but still close to VaHi restaurants and retail.

• Inman Park
  East of VaHi, over the BeltLine. Historic homes and newer apartments with strong restaurant and nightlife scenes.

• Old Fourth Ward
  Slightly farther south and west. More modern apartment communities, especially around the BeltLine and Ponce City Market, but still a short drive or bike ride to Virginia-Highland.

Helpful Local Contacts and Resources

If you’re renting in Atlanta, it can be useful to know where to go for official information or help.

• City of Atlanta – Department of City Planning
  55 Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  Main city information line: (404) 330-6000
  Can provide guidance on zoning, permits, and neighborhood planning.

• Fulton County Government (for much of Atlanta, including Virginia-Highland)
  141 Pryor St SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  General information: (404) 612-4000

• Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC)
  229 Peachtree St NE, Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30303
  Offers regional planning information, including transportation and growth patterns that can influence housing and commuting.

For tenant-landlord questions, many Atlanta renters also look for:

• Local legal aid organizations
• Tenant advocacy groups
• Community neighborhood associations (for Virginia-Highland, searching “Virginia-Highland neighborhood association Atlanta” can connect you with current boards and contacts)

Quick Checklist When Choosing an Apartment in Virginia-Highland

Use this as a simple go/no-go filter when touring:

• ✅ Location

  • Close enough to your regular commute?
  • Comfortable walking routes to daily needs (grocery, cafe, bus stop)?

• ✅ Building Fit

  • Comfortable with older construction (sound, insulation, layout)?
  • Amenities match what you’ll actually use?

• ✅ Lease and Costs

  • Rent plus utilities fits your budget?
  • Clear understanding of parking fees, pet fees, and any extra charges?

• ✅ Everyday Experience

  • Noise levels acceptable, day and night?
  • Streets feel safe and active enough for your preferences?
  • Laundry, trash, and package delivery are straightforward?

If you answer yes to most of these in a Virginia-Highland rental, you’re likely close to finding the right Virginia Highlands apartment home in Atlanta for your lifestyle.