North Highland Ave in Atlanta, GA: Neighborhoods, Landmarks, and How to Get Around

North Highland Avenue is one of Intown Atlanta’s most recognizable streets, running through some of the city’s most popular intown neighborhoods. If you live in Atlanta, are moving here, or are visiting for a few days, understanding North Highland Ave in Atlanta, GA will help you navigate dining, nightlife, and daily errands on the east side of the city.

Below is a practical guide to what North Highland Avenue is, where it runs, what’s along it, and how Atlanta residents and visitors typically use it.

Where Is North Highland Ave in Atlanta, GA?

North Highland Avenue NE is located on the east side of Atlanta, stretching through several well-known intown neighborhoods. It’s not a highway or major commuter artery like Peachtree Street, but it’s a key local corridor for:

• Virginia-Highland
• Poncey-Highland
• Inman Park
• The area just north of Freedom Parkway and near the BeltLine Eastside Trail

The street’s character changes as you move along it:

• In some areas, it feels like a neighborhood main street with restaurants and shops.
• In others, it’s mostly residential with historic homes and tree-lined blocks.

Neighborhoods Along North Highland Ave

Virginia-Highland (Va-Hi)

One of the best-known stretches of North Highland Avenue runs through Virginia-Highland, often shortened to Va-Hi by locals.

What to expect here:

• Walkable blocks with restaurants, bars, and coffee shops
• Independent boutiques and small businesses
• Mix of bungalow-style homes, duplexes, and small apartment buildings
• Side streets that feel very residential, even though you’re close to city amenities

Virginia-Highland is especially popular with:

• Atlanta residents who enjoy walkable, intown living
• Visitors looking for local, non-chain spots to eat and relax
• People who want to be close to Midtown, Piedmont Park, and the BeltLine

Poncey-Highland

Move a bit south on North Highland, and you reach Poncey-Highland, near the intersection of Ponce de Leon Ave NE and North Highland Ave NE.

This area is notable for:

• Proximity to Ponce City Market
• Access to the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail
• A mix of older buildings and newer development
• Quick access to nearby Old Fourth Ward and Inman Park

It has a slightly more urban, mixed-use vibe compared with the quieter residential streets deeper into Virginia-Highland.

Inman Park Area

Further south, North Highland Avenue passes near Inman Park, one of Atlanta’s oldest intown neighborhoods.

Around here you’ll find:

• Historic Victorian and early 20th-century homes
• Easy access to Inman Park MARTA Station (on DeKalb Ave NE, not directly on North Highland but nearby)
• Connections to Euclid Ave, Elizabeth St, and the BeltLine Eastside Trail

This stretch is convenient if you want a neighborhood feel with quick access to transit, trails, and dining.

Landmarks and Key Intersections on North Highland Ave

While North Highland Avenue is mostly local in scale, there are several key intersections and reference points that help with orientation.

If you’re giving directions in Atlanta, locals will usually understand references like “Virginia & Highland” or “near North Highland and Ponce.”

Getting Around: Driving, Parking, and Traffic

Driving North Highland Ave

North Highland is a city street, not a highway. Drivers can expect:

• Lower speed limits, frequent crosswalks, and pedestrians, especially in Virginia-Highland and Poncey-Highland
• On-street parking in many sections, which can make lanes feel narrow
• Occasional congestion during:
  • Weekend evenings
  • Popular restaurant hours
  • Neighborhood events (such as seasonal festivals)

If you’re using a GPS, it’s usually listed as “North Highland Ave NE, Atlanta, GA”.

Parking Tips

Parking varies by block:

• On-street parking is common, often parallel parking on both sides.
• Some areas have time limits or are permit-only for residents.
• Certain businesses may have small private lots behind or beside buildings.
• During peak times (Friday and Saturday evenings), you may need to circle a few blocks or walk a short distance.

📝 Tip: If you plan to visit multiple spots along North Highland, it’s often easier to park once on a side street and walk.

Public Transit and Alternative Options

MARTA Access

There is no MARTA rail station directly on North Highland Ave, but several nearby stations and bus routes serve the area.

Closest MARTA rail stations include:

• Inman Park / Reynoldstown Station
  1055 DeKalb Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
  Accessible to North Highland via DeKalb Ave and neighborhood streets.

• Midtown Station
  41 10th St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
  A short drive or rideshare away; useful if you’re connecting from Northside, Downtown, or Airport routes.

Bus service patterns can change, so it’s best to check current MARTA bus routes for lines that run near North Highland Ave NE, Virginia-Highland, and Inman Park.

Rideshare and Taxis

Rideshare services are widely used along North Highland Ave, especially near:

• Restaurants and bars in Virginia-Highland
• The Poncey-Highland area near Ponce de Leon Ave

Pickup and drop-off are usually straightforward, but in busy sections, drivers may need to pull onto a side street to avoid blocking traffic.

Walking and Biking

North Highland is popular with walkers and cyclists, especially:

• Between Virginia-Highland and Poncey-Highland
• When connecting to the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail, which runs nearby

Sidewalks are common, but cyclists should be prepared for:

• Narrow lanes in some sections
• Parked cars opening doors
• Occasional hills, though nothing extreme by Atlanta standards

Living Near North Highland Ave

Many people choose to live near North Highland Avenue for its intown convenience and neighborhood feel.

Housing Types You’ll See

Along and near North Highland Ave you’ll typically find:

• Single-family bungalows and craftsman-style homes
• Small apartment buildings and townhomes
• Duplexes and triplexes on side streets
• A mix of older homes and renovated or newly built properties

Everyday Amenities

For residents, North Highland and its side streets often provide easy access to:

• Grocery stores and markets within a short drive or walk (depending on the exact block)
• Coffee shops, fitness studios, and local services
• Parks and green spaces in surrounding neighborhoods

Because North Highland connects several neighborhoods, it can serve as a central route for errands, even if you don’t live directly on the street.

Visiting North Highland Ave: What to Know

If you’re coming from outside Atlanta or another part of the metro area, North Highland is worth visiting if you’re interested in:

• Experiencing intown neighborhood culture
• Exploring walkable streets with local businesses
• Being close to major attractions like Piedmont Park, Ponce City Market, and the BeltLine

How to Plan Your Visit

1. Choose a primary area

   • For a classic neighborhood feel: focus on Virginia-Highland (around North Highland & Virginia Ave).
   • For more urban, mixed-use surroundings: look near North Highland & Ponce de Leon.

2. Decide how you’ll get there

   • Drive and plan for street parking.
   • Use MARTA rail + short rideshare.
   • Bike or walk if you’re already staying nearby.

3. Allow time to walk
   Many of North Highland’s best spots are within a compact, walkable area, so you can cover multiple blocks without needing to move your car.

Safety and Local Considerations

• North Highland runs through well-traveled intown neighborhoods, but like any city street, it’s wise to stay aware of your surroundings, especially late at night.
• Cross at marked crosswalks where possible; traffic can be steady in busier sections.
• If you park on a side street, follow posted parking signs to avoid tickets or towing, especially during events.

For neighborhood concerns such as street maintenance or traffic signage along North Highland Ave, residents typically work with the City of Atlanta Department of Transportation (ATLDOT) or contact:

• City of Atlanta – 311 (Customer Service)
  Dial 3-1-1 within city limits or (404) 546-0311 from outside the city.

How North Highland Fits Into the Bigger Atlanta Picture

North Highland Avenue is not the city’s most famous street—that title usually goes to Peachtree—but for many people, it’s part of their daily Atlanta routine.

It offers:

• A connection between multiple historic intown neighborhoods
• A walkable alternative to big commercial corridors
• Easy access to nearby parks, trails, and attractions

If you’re learning your way around Atlanta, getting familiar with North Highland Ave in Atlanta, GA helps you understand how Virginia-Highland, Poncey-Highland, and Inman Park all link together on the east side of the city.