Exploring East Lake, Atlanta GA: Neighborhood Guide for Residents and Visitors

East Lake is one of Atlanta’s most historic and quickly evolving neighborhoods, known for its tree-lined streets, golf legacy, and strong sense of community. Whether you live in Atlanta and are considering a move, are visiting from out of town, or just want to understand how East Lake Atlanta, GA fits into the city’s landscape, this guide walks through what you can realistically expect.

Where Exactly Is East Lake in Atlanta?

East Lake sits on the east side of Atlanta, straddling the city limits in DeKalb County.

You’ll often hear East Lake described in relation to nearby neighborhoods:

• West: Kirkwood
• North: Oakhurst / City of Decatur area
• Southwest: Edgewood
• East/Southeast: Unincorporated DeKalb County and other residential pockets

Many locals think of East Lake in two ways:

• The residential neighborhood (bungalows, new builds, tree canopy)
• The East Lake Golf Club / Drew Charter School area, which has shaped a lot of the neighborhood’s modern identity

What East Lake Feels Like Day to Day

Neighborhood Character

East Lake combines historic Atlanta charm with steady redevelopment:

• Plenty of 1920s–1940s bungalows and cottages
• Increasing number of renovations and newer construction
• Mature oak trees and quiet side streets
• Mix of long-time residents and newer homeowners

People who choose East Lake usually value:

• Being close to the city without a Midtown or Buckhead feel
• A neighborhood atmosphere where it’s easy to walk the dog, jog, or chat with neighbors
• Proximity to parks, golf, and schools

Housing and Cost of Living (Big Picture View)

While prices can change, East Lake has generally:

• Become more competitive over the last decade
• Remained somewhat more affordable than hot in-town areas like Virginia-Highland or Inman Park, but higher than many outer suburbs

Types of housing you’ll typically find:

• Single-family homes (most common)
• Some duplexes or small multifamily properties
• Limited large apartment complexes within the core neighborhood, with more options in surrounding areas like Edgewood or Decatur

If you’re evaluating East Lake from an Atlanta-wide perspective, expect:

• Higher prices than parts of South Atlanta or far East DeKalb
• Lower prices than some Intown westside and Midtown/Buckhead pockets

Getting Around: Commute and Transportation

Major Roads and Access

East Lake gives reasonably easy connections to other parts of Atlanta:

• Memorial Drive SE – runs west toward Reynoldstown, Cabbagetown, and Downtown
• Glenwood Avenue SE – connects through East Atlanta and Grant Park
• I-20 Access – usually via Moreland Ave or Gresham Rd depending on where you are in East Lake

Driving times (without heavy traffic) are often around:

• 10–20 minutes to Downtown Atlanta
• 15–25 minutes to Midtown
• 15–25 minutes to Decatur’s main commercial areas (depending on your exact location)

Traffic during peak commute times can add a noticeable delay, especially on Memorial Drive and Moreland Avenue.

MARTA and Transit Options

East Lake is served by MARTA rail and bus:

• East Lake MARTA Station
  2260 East Lake Dr, Decatur, GA 30030

  • On the Blue Line, with direct rail access toward Downtown and west to Five Points, Dome/GWCC, and further
  • Park-and-ride options for commuters who want to drive a short distance then take the train

• Nearby bus routes often connect:

  • East Lake Station to Decatur, Kirkwood, and other nearby neighborhoods
  • Memorial Drive and nearby corridors

Many East Lake residents use a mix of driving and MARTA, especially for commuting toward Downtown or Decatur.

Schools in and Around East Lake

Families often research schools heavily when considering East Lake. The area has a distinctive education footprint shaped by a well-known charter school partnership.

Drew Charter School

One of the most recognized institutions tied to East Lake is:

Charles R. Drew Charter School
300 East Lake Blvd SE, Atlanta, GA 30317
Phone: (404) 624-0073

Drew Charter School:

• Serves students from elementary through high school
• Is part of the Atlanta Public Schools (APS) system but operates as a charter
• Has a strong reputation locally for academics, arts, and STEM programs

Enrollment is not automatically guaranteed for every East Lake address; admission depends on APS and charter-specific guidelines, including attendance zones and priority rules. Families typically:

• Check the APS zoning tool
• Review Drew Charter’s enrollment requirements, deadlines, and lottery details

Other Nearby School Options

Depending on your exact address in or around East Lake, zoning may include:

• Traditional APS schools in the cluster
• DeKalb County School District schools for homes just outside city limits
• Nearby private schools in Decatur or along the east side for families exploring independent options

If you are researching from within Atlanta:

• Start with APS (for in-city properties)
  Atlanta Public Schools – Main Office
  130 Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  Phone: (404) 802-3500

• For addresses in DeKalb County just outside city limits: DeKalb County School District – Administrative Complex
  1701 Mountain Industrial Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083
  Phone: (678) 676-1200

Parks, Golf, and Recreation in East Lake

East Lake Golf Club

East Lake Golf Club is one of the most famous features of the neighborhood:

East Lake Golf Club
2575 Alston Dr SE, Atlanta, GA 30317
Phone: (404) 373-5722

Key points:

• Known as the historic home course of Bobby Jones
• Regularly hosts major professional golf events, including season-ending tournaments
• A private club, but its presence has shaped development and community investment in the neighborhood

While residents may not all be members, the club’s profile influences:

• Local property values
• Traffic and activity during major tournaments
• Community programs connected to the East Lake Foundation and youth initiatives

East Lake Park and Nearby Green Spaces

If you’re more into walking trails than golf, East Lake still delivers:

• East Lake Park
  Features typically include:
  • Small lake views
  • Walking paths
  • Space for quiet strolls or simple outdoor time

Nearby green spaces that East Lake residents frequently use:

• Kirkwood Urban Forest (just west)
• Parks in Oakhurst and Decatur
• Trails and fields in nearby neighborhoods connected by Memorial Drive and Glenwood Avenue

These spots support a lifestyle where:

• Walking, jogging, and biking are common
• Families and dog owners have multiple outdoor options without driving far

Shopping, Dining, and Everyday Errands

East Lake itself has a limited but growing collection of retail and dining, with more options in neighboring districts.

Within or Very Near East Lake

You’ll typically find:

• Local restaurants and cafes sprinkled around main corridors
• A few neighborhood markets or convenience stores
• Independent businesses that serve day-to-day needs

The dining and nightlife feel is more relaxed and residential than destination-heavy areas like Midtown or Buckhead.

Nearby Hotspots East Lake Residents Use

For more concentrated shopping and eating options, residents often head to:

• Downtown Decatur
  • Restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques, and everyday services
  • Roughly a 10–15 minute drive, depending on traffic and starting point
• Edgewood Retail District (off Moreland Ave)
  • Grocery stores, big-box retailers, and chain restaurants
  • Common stop for weekly errands
• Kirkwood Village
  • Small but lively main street with eateries and local bars
  • Very close to the western side of East Lake

This pattern means many East Lake residents enjoy a quiet home base with easy access to more active commercial hubs in just a few minutes.

Community, Culture, and Everyday Life

Neighborhood Vibe

East Lake has a growing reputation for:

• Community-focused events tied to local schools, churches, or neighborhood organizations
• A mix of longtime residents and newer arrivals, often drawn by schools or proximity to Decatur and the east side
• A generally residential, quieter character, especially compared to nightlife-heavy neighborhoods

People often:

• Walk dogs in the evening
• Chat with neighbors on porches
• Participate in local association meetings and community activities

Gentrification and Change

Like many Intown Atlanta neighborhoods, East Lake has experienced:

• Rising property values and renovation activity
• Change in demographics over time
• Ongoing discussions around affordability, legacy residents, and equitable development

If you’re considering moving here, it’s helpful to:

• Walk or drive through at different times of day
• Talk with current residents about what’s changing and what’s staying the same
• Pay attention to new construction and remodels to understand where the neighborhood is headed

Safety and City Services

Public Safety

East Lake falls under Atlanta Police Department (for in-city sections) and DeKalb County Police (for nearby unincorporated areas). For city of Atlanta addresses:

Atlanta Police Department – Zone 6 generally serves East Lake and nearby eastside neighborhoods.

APD Headquarters
226 Peachtree St SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
Non-Emergency Line: (404) 614-6544
Emergency: 911

Residents typically:

• Stay informed through neighborhood social media groups, Nextdoor, or email lists
• Attend neighborhood planning unit (NPU) or association meetings when possible
• Use city channels to request services for issues like streetlights, potholes, or code enforcement

City Services and Utilities

For most East Lake addresses within city limits:

• City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management handles water and sewer
  72 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  Customer Service: (404) 546-0311

• Trash, recycling, and yard waste are usually managed by:
  City of Atlanta – Department of Public Works
  55 Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  Customer Service: (404) 330-6333

Power is commonly provided by:

• Georgia Power (throughout most of Atlanta and East Lake)

For homes in unincorporated DeKalb, services and contacts may differ slightly, particularly for trash/recycling and some zoning issues.

Quick Reference: Living in East Lake, Atlanta GA

How to Decide if East Lake Is Right for You

If you’re in Atlanta and wondering whether East Lake fits your needs, practical next steps include:

• Drive or walk the streets around Alston Drive, East Lake Boulevard, and the residential blocks north and south of Memorial Drive.
• Visit East Lake MARTA Station and time your commute into your usual destinations.
• Check school zoning based on a specific address, especially if you are interested in Drew Charter or other APS schools.
• Stop by nearby commercial areas (Decatur, Edgewood Retail District, Kirkwood Village) to see where you’d likely shop and dine.
• Talk with current residents at parks, neighborhood events, or through local neighborhood associations for on-the-ground perspectives.

By looking at East Lake through these Atlanta-specific lenses—commute, schools, housing, and day-to-day feel—you can make a more informed decision about living in or spending more time in this historic, evolving eastside neighborhood.