Apartments in Downtown Atlanta, GA: Where to Live, What to Expect, and How to Choose

Looking for apartments in Downtown Atlanta, GA puts you right in the middle of the city’s business, sports, and entertainment core. Whether you work nearby, go to school in the city, or want a car-light lifestyle, Downtown offers a very specific kind of urban living: dense, walkable, and busy most hours of the day.

This guide breaks down what it’s really like to rent in Downtown Atlanta, where you’re likely to find apartments, typical features and price drivers, and how Downtown compares to nearby intown neighborhoods.

What “Downtown Atlanta” Actually Includes

When people say Downtown Atlanta, they usually mean the blocks around:

• Peachtree Street and the central business district
• Five Points and Woodruff Park
• The Georgia State University campus area
• The Centennial Olympic Park / CNN Center / Mercedes-Benz Stadium corridor
• Government and courthouse areas around Pryor St, Mitchell St, and Capitol Ave

It’s helpful to know that Downtown blends into a few closely related areas:

• Fairlie-Poplar – historic buildings, loft-style units, arts and theater
• South Downtown – older commercial buildings, more redevelopment and creative spaces
• Castleberry Hill (just southwest) – more of a residential/arts district but often grouped with Downtown for renters
• Midtown (to the north) – a separate neighborhood but easily reached by MARTA or a short drive

Most apartment buildings in Downtown Atlanta are:

• Mid-rise or high-rise towers
• Renovated historic office/warehouse buildings converted into lofts
• Student-focused apartments near Georgia State University

Why Choose an Apartment in Downtown Atlanta?

Everyday Convenience

Living Downtown makes sense if you want to be five to ten minutes from:

• Major office towers and government buildings
• Georgia State University classrooms and facilities
• State Farm Arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and Tabernacle for events
• Centennial Olympic Park, World of Coca-Cola, Georgia Aquarium, and other attractions
• Multiple MARTA rail stations (Five Points, Peachtree Center, Georgia State, Dome/GWCC)

For many renters, the main draw is cutting commute time and gaining quick access to work, school, and events.

Car-Light or Car-Free Living

Downtown Atlanta is one of the few parts of the region where you can realistically:

• Live without a car, or
• Own a car but use it mostly on weekends

Key transportation features:

• Five Points Station – main transfer hub for all MARTA rail lines
• Peachtree Center Station and Georgia State Station – easy walks from many apartment buildings
• Several MARTA bus routes running through Downtown
• Street-level scooter and bike options in many spots

If you work Downtown, at Georgia State, or along the MARTA rail line (Midtown, Buckhead, Perimeter), this can be a big cost and time saver.

Types of Apartments You’ll Find in Downtown Atlanta

1. High-Rise Luxury and Mid-Rise Communities

These buildings usually sit along or near Peachtree St, Marietta St, or around Centennial Olympic Park.

Common features may include:

• Secured entry and on-site management
• Fitness centers, rooftop or elevated pools, resident lounges
• In-unit laundry, modern kitchens, and updated flooring
• On-site parking garages (often extra monthly fees)
• Some street-level retail or restaurants in the same building

These buildings often appeal to working professionals, grad students, and people who want amenities and a central-city lifestyle.

2. Historic Lofts and Converted Buildings

Downtown has many older commercial buildings converted into loft-style apartments, especially in Fairlie-Poplar, South Downtown, and near the Mitchell St / Broad St corridors.

Typical traits:

• Exposed brick, tall ceilings, big windows
• More unique layouts compared with standard apartments
• Sometimes limited amenities compared with newer high-rises
• Parking may be more limited or in nearby decks instead of attached garages

These can work well if you like character and don’t need as many on-site perks.

3. Student-Oriented Apartments Near Georgia State

Areas around Georgia State University (GSU) feature apartments targeting students and young renters, especially around:

• Decatur St
• Piedmont Ave
• Streets near the Georgia State MARTA Station

Common characteristics:

• By-the-bed leasing in some properties (each roommate signs separately)
• Furnished options and units sized for roommates
• Study rooms, group spaces, and sometimes controlled guest access
• Often on the busier side, especially during the academic year

Even if you’re not a student, some of these communities may lease to non-students, but the population and atmosphere will skew younger.

What Drives Rent Prices in Downtown Atlanta?

While exact numbers change frequently, a few factors consistently influence rents in Downtown Atlanta apartments:

1. Proximity to transit and major employers

• Buildings very close to MARTA stations, government buildings, or large offices can command higher rents due to ease of commute.

2. Age and amenity level of the building

• Newer high-rises with pools, gyms, and concierge-style services typically cost more.
• Older or smaller buildings, especially loft conversions without many amenities, can be relatively more affordable.

3. Parking

• Expect to pay separately for secure garage parking in many Downtown buildings.
• If you don’t need a car, you could put that monthly cost back into your rent budget.

4. Views and floor level

• Higher floors, particularly those with skyline or stadium views, often cost more than similar lower-floor units.

5. Lease term and timing

• Shorter-term leases may be priced higher.
• Demand can spike around Georgia State move-in periods, big event seasons, and when large employers announce expansions.

Pros and Cons of Living in Downtown Atlanta

Here’s a quick overview to help you decide if Downtown fits your lifestyle.

Key Micro-Areas for Apartments in Downtown Atlanta

Peachtree Center and Central Business District

• Close to: Peachtree Center Station, Peachtree St office towers
• Good for: Professionals who want to walk to work, people who travel often using MARTA to the airport
• Expect: Larger buildings, more high-rise apartments, greater foot traffic on weekdays

Centennial Olympic Park / Entertainment District

• Close to: Centennial Olympic Park, Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, State Farm Arena
• Good for: People who enjoy being near attractions and events
• Expect: Higher tourist presence, event crowds, and more restaurants within walking distance

Fairlie-Poplar

• Close to: GSU, Woodruff Park, Five Points Station
• Good for: Those who like historic buildings and arts venues
• Expect: Lofts, varying levels of renovation, street activity concentrated around business hours and campuses

South Downtown

• Close to: courthouses, City Hall, and various redevelopment projects
• Good for: Renters interested in more emerging, creative, or adaptive reuse spaces
• Expect: Ongoing construction and change, more varied building stock, growing restaurant and retail options

Castleberry Hill (Adjacent, but Often Considered with Downtown)

• Just southwest of Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• Known for: Art galleries, residential lofts, and a warehouse-district feel
• Good for: People who want a neighborhood vibe but still be very close to Downtown
• Expect: Historic lofts, some newer buildings, and a mix of quiet residential blocks and active event days

What to Look For When Touring Downtown Atlanta Apartments

When you visit potential apartments, it helps to focus on a few Downtown-specific issues:

1. Noise Levels

Ask and observe:

• How close is the building to major roads, stadiums, or rail lines?
• What do hallways and common areas sound like on a weekday morning vs. weekend night?
• Are windows double-paned or otherwise insulated?

If possible, visit at different times of day. Game nights and major events can significantly change the noise and traffic dynamic.

2. Safety and Building Access

Common building features include:

• Controlled entry with key fobs or codes
• On-site staff or front desk during certain hours
• Security cameras in common areas, garages, and entrances

Walk around a block or two in every direction:

• Note lighting on sidewalks at night
• See how active the area feels after business hours
• Consider your walking routes to MARTA, parking, or grocery options

3. Parking and Transportation Options

In Downtown, always clarify:

• Is parking included in the rent, or is there a separate monthly fee?
• How many spaces are allowed per unit?
• Are guest parking options available, and what do they cost?
• How far is the walk from your unit to the nearest MARTA rail station or bus stop?

This matters especially if you plan to rely heavily on MARTA or want to host visitors frequently.

4. Everyday Amenities: Groceries and Errands

Living Downtown is convenient for work and entertainment, but you should also confirm:

• Where is the closest full-service grocery store or supermarket?
• Are there convenience stores, pharmacies, and banking options nearby?
• How do you receive packages (package lockers, front desk, mailroom)?

Many Downtown renters plan regular grocery trips by car or MARTA and rely on smaller markets or delivery services for in-between needs.

Practical Tips for Renting in Downtown Atlanta

Set a Clear Budget (Including Extras)

When you calculate what you can afford, remember to include:

• Base rent
• Parking (if applicable)
• Utilities (electricity, water/sewer, trash, internet)
• Any amenity, pet, or admin fees

Downtown living can make sense financially if reduced commuting, parking, and car costs balance higher rent.

Consider Lease Length and Flexibility

If you’re moving to Atlanta for:

• A short-term project,
• A school program, or
• You’re unsure how long you’ll stay,

Ask about:

• Shorter leases (often more expensive per month)
• Corporate housing options
• Policies for lease breaks and subleases

Compare Downtown to Nearby Intown Neighborhoods

If you like the idea of walkability but want to compare options, you might also look at:

• Midtown – denser residential mix, lots of dining and nightlife
• Old Fourth Ward – more residential with access to the BeltLine
• Inman Park, Virginia-Highland, West Midtown – each with its own style and housing mix

For many people, the decision comes down to how important it is to be right in the core versus slightly removed but still close.

Local Resources and Next Steps in Atlanta

To help navigate apartment hunting in Downtown Atlanta, you can make use of city and regional resources:

• City of Atlanta – Department of City Planning

  • 55 Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • Can provide information on zoning, planning, and some neighborhood initiatives.

• Atlanta Housing (public housing and housing choice programs)

  • 230 John Wesley Dobbs Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • Phone: (404) 892-4700
  • Useful if you’re exploring affordable housing programs within the city.

• Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA)

  • Headquarters: 2424 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30324
  • Customer Service: (404) 848-5000
  • Check routes and rail stations to plan commuting from specific Downtown addresses.

• Fulton County Government Center

  • 141 Pryor St SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • For property records and general county information related to housing.

When you narrow down a few buildings, it often helps to:

1. Walk the immediate area during the times you’d normally be out (commute times, evenings, weekends).
2. Take a test commute using MARTA or your driving route.
3. Ask leasing staff detailed questions about fees, parking, lease terms, and guest policies.

Doing this with a Downtown-specific lens will help you choose an apartment in Downtown Atlanta, GA that matches how you actually want to live and move through the city day to day.