Center Hill, Atlanta: A Local Guide to This Westside Neighborhood

Center Hill is a historic, residential neighborhood on Atlanta’s Westside, just northwest of Downtown. If you live in Atlanta and keep hearing about growth on the “Westside,” Center Hill is part of that story: a community with deep roots, changing housing options, and quick access to major roads and job centers.

This guide walks through what Center Hill is, where it is, what it feels like to live there, and what to know if you’re visiting, renting, or buying in the area.

Where Is Center Hill in Atlanta?

Center Hill is in northwest Atlanta, in Fulton County, within the City of Atlanta limits.

You’ll generally find Center Hill:

• East of: Hamilton E. Holmes Drive NW
• West of: Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway NW (and parts of the Bankhead area)
• South of: Westside Reservoir Park / Grove Park
• North of: The I-20 corridor and areas closer to Westview and Mozley Park

Center Hill is considered part of NPU-J (Neighborhood Planning Unit J) in Atlanta’s neighborhood planning system.

Nearby Atlanta Neighborhoods

If you know these areas, you’re close to Center Hill:

• Grove Park – to the north/northeast
• West Lake – to the south
• Collier Heights – to the west/northwest
• Bankhead / Hollowell corridor – to the east

For many Atlantans, Center Hill is best described as being off Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway NW, between Bankhead and Collier Heights.

What Is Center Hill Like?

Center Hill is a primarily residential neighborhood with a mix of older single-family homes, some newer construction, and small multi-family properties.

Common features include:

• Tree-lined residential streets
• Modest one-story homes and brick ranches
• Some vacant lots and infill development where new homes or townhomes are being built
• Close-knit, long-time residents alongside newer homeowners and renters

The feel is more neighborhood and day-to-day living than tourist destination. If you’re visiting, you’re likely there to see friends/family, look at housing, or explore the Westside’s changing landscape.

Housing and Cost of Living in Center Hill

Types of Housing

In Center Hill, you’ll typically see:

• Older single-family homes (many mid-20th-century)
• Brick ranch and bungalow-style homes
• Occasional duplexes or small apartment buildings
• Newer infill homes on formerly vacant lots

Because of its location and housing stock, Center Hill has attracted:

• First-time homebuyers looking for more affordable options within city limits
• Investors renovating older properties
• Renters seeking lower monthly costs compared to some in-town areas like Midtown or Virginia-Highland

Pricing and Affordability

Historically, Center Hill has been more affordable than many intown Atlanta neighborhoods, but like much of the Westside, prices and rents have been rising.

Common experiences among residents and prospective buyers/renters include:

• Renovated homes listing higher than older, unrenovated properties
• Competition from investors for single-family homes
• Pressure on long-time renters as rents increase in the broader Westside area

If you’re considering a move to Center Hill, many locals:

• Compare prices with nearby Grove Park, West Lake, Collier Heights, and Bankhead
• Look closely at property condition, since many houses are older
• Check property taxes and homestead exemptions through the Fulton County Tax Assessor

Transportation: Getting Around Center Hill

Center Hill is car-friendly but also has MARTA access and fairly direct routes into the city.

Major Roads

Key roads near Center Hill include:

• Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway NW (US-78) – runs east–west into Downtown and toward I-285
• Hamilton E. Holmes Drive NW – connects south to I-20 and the West Lake / Hamilton E. Holmes MARTA stations
• I-20 and I-285 – both reachable within a short drive, depending on where you are in the neighborhood

From Center Hill, many residents drive:

• 10–20 minutes to Downtown or Midtown (traffic-dependent)
• West to reach I-285 or east toward Downtown Atlanta via Hollowell

MARTA Access

Center Hill does not have a MARTA rail station inside the neighborhood, but nearby rail stations are:

• West Lake Station (Blue Line)
• Hamilton E. Holmes Station (Blue Line)

Bus routes generally run along Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway NW and connect to these stations or directly toward Downtown. Schedules and exact routes change over time, so riders typically check MARTA customer service (404-848-5000) or updated maps when planning trips.

Schools and Education Near Center Hill

Families in Center Hill are in the Atlanta Public Schools (APS) system.

While exact school zoning can change, Center Hill students are typically zoned to schools serving Northwest Atlanta. To confirm current zoning:

• Use the APS school zone lookup tool or
• Contact Atlanta Public Schools at (404) 802-3500 or visit the APS main office at:
  Atlanta Public Schools Central Office
  130 Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303

Nearby options in Northwest Atlanta include:

• Neighborhood public schools (elementary, middle, and high school depending on address)
• Charter schools and magnet programs within APS
• Private and faith-based schools scattered throughout west and northwest Atlanta

Parents in the area often:

• Check bus routes and commute times to schools
• Compare school performance and programs across multiple APS options
• Explore early childhood programs and after-school care available on the Westside

Parks, Recreation, and Nearby Amenities

Center Hill itself is largely residential, but several major recreation spots and amenities are within a short drive.

Westside Park (Bellwood Quarry Area)

One of the biggest draws nearby is Westside Park, Atlanta’s largest park, just a bit north and east of Center Hill:

• Large green spaces and walking trails
• Overlooks of the repurposed quarry and city views
• Part of the larger vision for the Atlanta BeltLine Westside connectivity

Westside Park’s main entry closest to Center Hill is generally reached via Johnson Rd NW and surrounding streets.

Other Nearby Greenspaces

Depending on your exact location in Center Hill, you may also be close to:

• Anderson Park – southeast of Center Hill
• Collier Park – to the west near Collier Heights
• Smaller neighborhood parks and fields used for youth sports and community events

Residents often combine a trip to a nearby park with errands along Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway NW or a quick drive to Downtown or Midtown for larger attractions.

Shopping, Dining, and Everyday Errands

Center Hill does not have a large commercial strip inside every residential block, but it is close to regional retail corridors and smaller local businesses.

Along Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway NW

This corridor has:

• Small retail shops
• Convenience stores and gas stations
• Local service businesses (auto repair, barbers, salons, small restaurants)

Nearby Shopping Areas

Residents often head to:

• West Midtown (Howell Mill Rd and surrounding area) – for larger retailers, restaurants, and entertainment
• Downtown Atlanta – for government services, major attractions, and some shopping
• Larger grocery and big-box stores located a short drive away along I-20 or I-285 corridors

Because things change frequently along Hollowell and nearby corridors, locals often:

• Check online maps for the latest store openings
• Combine grocery and retail errands with commutes along I-20, I-285, or toward West Midtown

Community, Safety, and Neighborhood Involvement

Center Hill is part of Atlanta’s system of Neighborhood Planning Units (NPUs), which give residents a voice on zoning, development, and community issues.

NPU-J and Neighborhood Associations

Center Hill falls within NPU-J, which also includes other Westside neighborhoods. NPU-J typically:

• Holds regular community meetings (often monthly)
• Discusses zoning, land use, and neighborhood concerns
• Serves as a point of connection between residents and the City of Atlanta

For the latest NPU-J meeting time and location, residents check with:

City of Atlanta – Department of City Planning
Neighborhood Planning Unit (NPU) Program
55 Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
Main City Hall line: (404) 330-6000

Many Atlantans in Center Hill also connect through:

• Local neighborhood associations
• Faith communities and churches in and around the area
• Westside-focused nonprofit organizations

These groups often share information on:

• Neighborhood cleanups
• Youth programs and events
• Development updates and community resources

Safety Considerations

Like many intown neighborhoods, Center Hill experiences some urban crime concerns, with variation block by block. Residents often:

• Stay informed via Atlanta Police Department (APD) zone reports
• Participate in neighborhood watch or community meetings
• Use common-sense safety steps (outdoor lighting, knowing neighbors, reporting suspicious activity)

To learn which police zone covers a specific address in Center Hill or to reach non-emergency services:

Atlanta Police Department – Non-Emergency: (404) 614-6544
Emergency: 911

City Services and Helpful Contacts for Center Hill Residents

If you live in or are moving to Center Hill, these Atlanta and Fulton County contacts are commonly used:

Most new Center Hill residents start by:

• Confirming trash and recycling pickup days
• Verifying homestead exemptions for property tax if they own their home
• Updating voter registration with a Center Hill address
• Checking school zoning if they have school-age children

Who Is Center Hill a Good Fit For?

People in Atlanta often look at Center Hill when they want:

• Intown access without the pricing of some eastside or Midtown neighborhoods
• A residential feel on the Westside close to major roads and job centers
• Potential investment or renovation opportunities in older housing stock
• A community where long-time residents and newer arrivals share the neighborhood

Center Hill may be less of a fit if you want:

• Walkable access to high-end retail and dense nightlife directly on your block
• New, large apartment complexes with extensive on-site amenities
• A fully “finished” feel with little construction or change

Most Atlantans who seriously consider Center Hill:

• Visit the neighborhood at different times of day
• Drive or ride MARTA to test commute times
• Talk with neighbors and community groups to understand current issues and plans

Tips for Visiting or Exploring Center Hill

If you’re planning to explore Center Hill:

• Drive the neighborhood slowly to get a feel for the streets, housing, and activity
• Combine your visit with a trip to Westside Park or West Midtown to see the broader Westside context
• Note access points to major roads like Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway NW and Hamilton E. Holmes Drive NW
• If you’re considering a move, check flood maps, property records, and zoning through Fulton County and the City of Atlanta

Center Hill is one piece of Atlanta’s changing Westside—rooted in history, influenced by citywide development, and shaped every day by the residents who call it home.