Apartments in Atlanta, Georgia: How to Find the Right Place for You

Looking for apartments in Atlanta, Georgia can feel overwhelming. Rents vary a lot from neighborhood to neighborhood, traffic is a real factor, and each part of the city has its own personality. Whether you already live in Atlanta, are relocating here, or just exploring options, understanding how the local rental market works will save you time, stress, and money.

This guide walks through where to look, what to expect, and how to navigate apartment hunting specifically in Atlanta.

How the Atlanta Apartment Market Works

Atlanta’s rental market is shaped by three big factors:

• Neighborhood and school district
• Proximity to MARTA and major highways
• Type of building (older walk-ups vs. new high-rises vs. small complexes)

In many parts of Atlanta, especially Intown (inside or near the I-285 Perimeter), you’ll see:

• Higher rents but shorter commutes and more walkability
• More luxury mid-rise and high-rise apartments with amenities
• Limited parking in some neighborhoods

Farther out, including parts of South Fulton, East Point, Decatur, and the northern suburbs, you’re more likely to find:

• Larger apartments or townhomes for similar or lower rent
• More parking and green space
• Less walkability, more driving

Rents and availability can change quickly, so it helps to know which areas fit your priorities before you start touring.

Key Atlanta Neighborhoods for Apartments

1. Midtown & Downtown

Best for: Walkability, nightlife, access to offices and universities

• Midtown: Popular with young professionals and students. High-rises, modern mid-rises, and mixed-use buildings dominate. Close to Georgia Tech, Piedmont Park, the Midtown MARTA Station, and cultural venues.
• Downtown: More office-driven but has growing residential options. Convenient to Georgia State University, government offices, and major event venues.

Expect:

• Higher rent per square foot
• Paid parking or garage parking
• Easy access to MARTA rail and bus routes

Good fit if you want to live without a car or keep your commute minimal along the North-South MARTA rail line.

2. Buckhead

Best for: Shopping, dining, higher-end apartment communities

Buckhead has many luxury apartment complexes along Peachtree Road and surrounding streets, plus older garden-style apartments off the main corridors.

You’ll find:

• Upscale buildings with pools, fitness centers, concierge, and controlled access
• Quick access to GA-400 and I-85
• Two major MARTA stations: Buckhead and Lenox

If you prioritize amenities and retail nearby (Lenox Square, Phipps Plaza) and are okay with higher rents and more traffic, Buckhead is a strong option.

3. West Midtown & Upper Westside

Best for: Trendy mixed-use living, converted lofts, and newer developments

The Westside has transformed from industrial to in-demand, with:

• Loft-style apartments in converted warehouses
• Newer mid-rise communities near Howell Mill Road, Marietta Street, and around the Works and Westside Provisions District
• Close access to Georgia Tech and the downtown connector (I-75/I-85)

This area suits renters who want a modern, urban feel without being directly in Midtown, and who don’t mind driving or rideshare more than using rail.

4. Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, and the BeltLine

Best for: Access to the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail, walkable neighborhoods

Apartments here are often right off the BeltLine, giving you:

• Easy walking or biking to Ponce City Market, restaurants, and parks
• A mix of new luxury apartments, townhomes, and renovated older buildings
• A lively environment popular with young professionals, creatives, and remote workers

Rents close to the BeltLine tend to be on the higher end for Intown living, but you gain strong lifestyle amenities and quick connections to multiple neighborhoods.

5. Virginia-Highland, Morningside, and Decatur

Best for: Neighborhood charm and quieter residential streets

These areas lean more residential, with:

• Smaller apartment buildings and duplex/triplex rentals
• Basement apartments or carriage houses for rent in some single-family zones
• Walkable commercial nodes with local restaurants and shops

Decatur (city of Decatur, not just the mailing address) is known for good schools, a strong downtown, and a mix of apartments and condos. Rents can be moderate to high, but many people choose it for community feel and access to Decatur MARTA Station.

6. South Atlanta, East Point, College Park

Best for: More space for the money, proximity to the airport

These areas often offer:

• Larger apartments and townhomes at lower price points than Intown
• Quick access to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
• Growing redevelopment in select pockets, plus older established neighborhoods

If you work near the airport or in South Atlanta, these neighborhoods can provide a cost-effective alternative to living in Midtown or Buckhead.

Typical Apartment Types in Atlanta

You’ll see several common apartment styles across the city:

• Garden-style apartments: 2–3 story buildings, often built in the 70s–90s; usually more affordable; common in suburban and South/North Atlanta areas.
• Mid-rise buildings: 4–8 stories, often with elevators and structured parking; common around BeltLine, Midtown, West Midtown, and Buckhead.
• High-rises: 10+ stories, usually with premium amenities and higher rents; concentrated in Midtown, Downtown, and Buckhead.
• Lofts and converted industrial spaces: Popular in West Midtown, Castleberry Hill, Old Fourth Ward, and along Marietta Street.

What Affects Rent Prices in Atlanta?

Several local factors heavily influence what you’ll pay:

1. Location relative to the Perimeter (I-285)

• Inside the Perimeter (often called “ITP”) typically costs more.
• Outside the Perimeter (“OTP”) usually offers larger units and lower rent, but more driving.

2. Commute and transit access

• Walking distance to a MARTA rail station (e.g., Midtown, Lindbergh Center, Decatur) often means higher rents but lower transportation costs.
• Easy access to I-75, I-85, I-20, or GA-400 can be a priority if you commute by car.

3. Age and amenities of the building

• Newer buildings with pools, gyms, rooftop decks, coworking spaces, and pet spas usually charge more and may add monthly fees for parking or amenities.
• Older buildings may have lower base rent but fewer amenities and potentially higher utility costs.

4. Parking and utilities
In many Intown buildings:

• Parking may be an extra monthly fee per space.
• Some leases include water, trash, and sewer, while you pay for electricity and gas.
• Ask about valet trash fees, amenity fees, and pet rent, which add to your overall monthly cost.

Pros and Cons of Popular Atlanta Apartment Areas (Quick Guide)

Navigating Leases and Fees in Atlanta

When you find an apartment you like, pay close attention to:

Application and Move-In Costs

Common upfront costs in Atlanta include:

• Application fee (per adult applicant)
• Administrative fee or reservation fee
• Security deposit or nonrefundable move-in fee
• Pet deposit and/or monthly pet rent (if applicable)

Ask for a complete fee list in writing before applying, including any recurring monthly charges beyond rent.

Lease Terms

Most Atlanta leases are:

• 12-month agreements, with options for shorter or longer terms in some places
• Sometimes offered with concessions (e.g., one month free) that may or may not be prorated

Clarify:

• How rent is calculated if there are promotions
• Renewal policies and potential rent increases
• Early termination and subletting rules (subletting may be restricted or not allowed)

Transportation: How It Shapes Where You Should Rent

Traffic and transit are real quality-of-life issues in Atlanta. Before choosing an apartment, consider:

MARTA Access

If you prefer not to drive daily, living near a MARTA rail station can make a big difference. Key Intown stations near many apartments include:

• Midtown Station
• North Avenue Station
• Lindbergh Center Station
• Arts Center Station
• Five Points Station (for transfers)
• Peachtree Center Station (Downtown)
• Buckhead, Lenox, and Brookhaven/Oglethorpe (north line)
• Decatur and Avondale (east line)
• College Park and Airport (south line)

Many apartment hunters choose a neighborhood by mapping their job location against MARTA rail lines or main highways to avoid overly long commutes.

Driving and Parking

If you drive:

• Confirm parking availability, cost, and whether spaces are reserved.
• Ask about guest parking and how heavily street parking is enforced.
• Check how long it actually takes to reach your workplace at typical rush-hour times.

Affordable and Subsidized Apartment Options in Atlanta

If you’re looking for lower-cost or income-restricted apartments in Atlanta, there are local resources that can help.

Atlanta Housing (Public & Subsidized Housing)

Atlanta Housing is the public housing authority serving the City of Atlanta. It administers programs like Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) and other subsidized options.

• Atlanta Housing (Main Office)
  230 John Wesley Dobbs Ave NE
  Atlanta, GA 30303
  Phone: (404) 892-4700

Atlanta Housing can provide:

• Information on voucher programs
• Lists of participating landlords and properties
• Guidance on eligibility and the application process

Availability for vouchers and subsidized units can be limited, and waitlists may open or close over time, so checking directly with the agency is important.

City and County Housing Resources

Depending on where in Metro Atlanta you’re looking, you may also contact:

• City of Atlanta Department of City Planning – Office of Housing and Community Development
  55 Trinity Ave SW
  Atlanta, GA 30303
  Main City Hall line: (404) 330-6000

This office can point residents to programs related to affordable housing, down payment assistance, and other housing-related initiatives within the city.

Tips for Touring Apartments in Atlanta

When you tour apartments in Atlanta, focus on more than just the unit:

Check the Surroundings

• Visit at different times of day (commute hours, weekends, evenings) to assess traffic, noise, and parking.
• Walk or drive the surrounding blocks to get a feel for lighting, sidewalks, and general upkeep.
• If schools matter to you, identify the official school zones for that address using local school district tools.

Ask Property Staff the Right Questions

Some key questions for Atlanta complexes:

• Are there additional required monthly fees (trash, pest control, amenities, technology packages)?
• Is there a separate water/sewer bill, or is it included in rent?
• How do package deliveries work (important in denser buildings)?
• What is the policy for maintenance requests and emergency repairs?
• Are there noise rules or quiet hours?

Consider Safety and Building Policies

While it’s common for renters to look up crime information through public tools, also pay attention to:

• Access controls (gated parking, key fob entry, cameras in common areas)
• Lighting in parking lots and common walkways
• On-site management hours and presence of courtesy officers or security patrols in larger communities

Short-Term, Corporate, and Student Apartments

Short-Term and Furnished Rentals

If you’re in Atlanta for a few months—for a contract job, internship, or relocation period—many Intown buildings offer:

• Shorter lease terms (3–6 months), often at a higher monthly rate
• Fully or partially furnished options in select communities

These are common around Midtown, Downtown, Buckhead, and near major hospitals and universities.

Student-Oriented Housing

Students attending Georgia Tech, Georgia State University, Emory, Morehouse, Spelman, Clark Atlanta, and other nearby schools often:

• Live in student-focused apartment communities with individual bedroom leases and bundled utilities
• Rent traditional apartments near campus or along MARTA routes

If you’re a student:

• Check campus housing offices for off-campus housing resources
• Ask landlords if they are familiar with co-signers and financial aid timing, as that can affect how leases are structured

Practical Steps to Start Your Apartment Search in Atlanta

You can make your search more efficient with a simple plan:

1. Define your must-haves vs. nice-to-haves

   • Must-haves: Maximum budget, number of bedrooms, pet-friendly, commute time
   • Nice-to-haves: Gym, pool, balcony, in-unit washer/dryer, gated parking

2. Choose 2–3 target areas

   • For example: Midtown + West Midtown + Old Fourth Ward
   • Or: Decatur + Virginia-Highland + Inman Park
     Focusing on a few areas keeps your search realistic.

3. Map your commute and routine

   • Mark your job, school, or main daily destination on a map.
   • Check how long it takes from your target areas by MARTA and by car.

4. Contact leasing offices directly

   • Call or email to verify current availability and pricing; online listings may lag behind.
   • Ask if they have upcoming vacancies that aren’t yet advertised.

5. Keep a comparison list
   Track each property’s:

   • Rent and included utilities
   • Fees and deposits
   • Parking costs
   • Lease term options
   • Distance to your main destinations

6. Read your lease carefully before signing

   • Ask about rent increases, renewal terms, and move-out requirements.
   • Clarify any unclear sections with the leasing office.

Living in Atlanta, Georgia offers a wide range of apartment options—from high-rise views in Midtown to quieter neighborhoods in Decatur or more spacious rentals near the airport. By focusing on location, transportation, total costs, and the way you actually live day to day, you can narrow down apartments in Atlanta that truly fit your needs.