Atlanta’s “White House”: What It Is, Where It Is, and How to Visit

When people in Atlanta, Georgia talk about the “Atlanta White House,” they’re usually referring to a striking private residence on the city’s east side that was designed to resemble the White House in Washington, D.C.

It’s not a museum or an official government building, but it has become a local curiosity, real estate talking point, and photo-worthy landmark for people exploring the area.

This guide explains what the Atlanta White House is, where it is, what to expect if you go near it, and how it fits into life in and around Atlanta.

What Is the “Atlanta White House”?

The Atlanta White House is a large private home modeled closely after the look and layout of the official White House. From the street, most people notice:

• A white neoclassical façade
• Tall columns and a formal entrance
• A symmetrical design that feels very similar to the presidential residence

Over the years, it has drawn attention from:

• Atlanta residents curious about unique houses in the metro area
• Visitors who have heard about “a White House in Atlanta” and want to see it in person
• Real estate followers who track unusual high-end properties

While the home has occasionally been used for private events or filming, it is not a public attraction in the same way as a museum, city landmark, or park.

Where Is the Atlanta White House Located?

The Atlanta White House is located in the eastern part of the metro area, in a primarily residential neighborhood. Because it is a private residence, it’s important to treat it like you would any other person’s home:

• No entering the property
• No blocking driveways or mailboxes
• No loud gatherings outside

If you’re planning to drive by:

• Use a navigation app and double-check you’re not entering private drives or gated areas.
• Be aware that traffic and parking can be tight on residential streets.
• Expect that you may only get a brief, partial view from the public roadway.

If you are unfamiliar with east Atlanta or DeKalb areas, planning your route in advance can help you stay oriented and avoid unnecessary turns into private cul-de-sacs or driveways.

Is the Atlanta White House Open for Tours?

As of the most commonly known use of this property:

• The Atlanta White House is not consistently open for public tours.
• It does not operate like a museum, and you generally cannot just walk up and go inside.
• Any tour-style access that may have existed at certain times has been occasional and private, not an ongoing public program.

If you see mentions of tours or events online, check the date and be cautious. Older articles, past listings, or past event promotions may no longer apply.

If you specifically want an educational or historic experience related to government, civics, or architecture in Atlanta, other locations may be more appropriate (more on that below).

What to Know Before You Drive By

For Atlanta residents and visitors, the most realistic way to experience the Atlanta White House is simply a respectful drive-by from public streets.

Keep these points in mind:

• It’s a residential neighborhood. People live, park, and walk their dogs here. Drive slowly and watch for pedestrians.
• No trespassing. Sidewalks and public streets are fair game, but yards, driveways, and doorsteps are not.
• Limited photo opportunities. You may be able to snap a quick picture from your car or sidewalk, but angles can be tight and foliage can partially block the view.
• Do not treat it like a theme park. Avoid loud music, honking, or large groups gathering directly outside.

If you’re traveling with children or guests who are excited to see “a White House in Atlanta,” it can help to set expectations: this is a quick look, not an all-afternoon destination.

Why Does Atlanta Have a “White House” at All?

Atlanta and its surrounding suburbs have a long history of architectural experimentation, especially in higher-end residential areas. It’s not unusual to see:

• Mini-castles
• Mediterranean-style villas
• Ultra-modern glass houses
• Homes modeled after European estates or historic American landmarks

The Atlanta White House fits into this pattern as a personal vision project—a homeowner wanting to recreate a piece of Washington, D.C. in metro Atlanta. Over time, that choice has turned the property into:

• A local conversation piece
• A recognizable subject in real estate listings and local media
• A quirky “did you know?” fact for people learning about Atlanta

Atlanta White House vs. the Real White House

The Atlanta White House is very different from the official White House in Washington, D.C.:

This comparison matters mainly for expectations: Atlanta’s version is a lookalike home, not a civic institution.

Other Government-Related Destinations in Atlanta

If your interest in the “Atlanta White House” is really about government, history, or civics, you may get more out of visiting locations that are open to the public and play an official role.

A few options in and around downtown Atlanta include:

Georgia State Capitol

• Address: 206 Washington St. SW, Atlanta, GA 30334
• Role: Seat of the Georgia General Assembly and offices for the Governor and other state officials
• What to expect:
  • Guided and self-guided tours on many weekdays
  • Historic architecture, exhibits, and legislative chambers
  • Educational for students and families

You can contact the Georgia Capitol Visitor Services office or check official state resources for current tour hours and security procedures.

Atlanta City Hall

• Address: 55 Trinity Ave. SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Role: Administrative center for the City of Atlanta
• What to expect:
  • City council meetings (typically open to the public)
  • City offices where residents handle permits, records, and services
  • A practical look at local government in action

Before visiting, review meeting schedules and any entry requirements such as ID checks or security screening.

Federal Buildings and Courts

If you’re interested in the federal side of government, downtown Atlanta also includes:

• Richard B. Russell Federal Building & U.S. Courthouse – 75 Ted Turner Dr. SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Building – 77 Forsyth St. SW, Atlanta, GA 30303

These aren’t tourist attractions in the sense of a museum, but they are part of Atlanta’s role in the federal system.

Turning an “Atlanta White House” Visit Into a Day in the City

Because the Atlanta White House is only a quick stop from the outside, it works best as one small part of a larger Atlanta outing. You might:

• Combine an east-side drive with a visit to:
  • East Atlanta Village for restaurants and local shops
  • Decatur for a walkable downtown, bookstores, and cafes
• Head back toward downtown or Midtown to see:
  • The Georgia State Capitol
  • Centennial Olympic Park and nearby attractions
  • Neighborhoods like Inman Park or Old Fourth Ward for architecture and history

Planning the day this way keeps the Atlanta White House in perspective: an interesting drive-by, not a standalone destination.

Practical Tips for Atlantans and Visitors

Here are some quick, Atlanta-specific pointers if you’re curious about the Atlanta White House:

• Use it as a neighborhood exploration excuse. Many people use the idea of seeing the Atlanta White House as a starting point to explore east Atlanta and nearby suburbs.
• Respect local residents. If you park, choose legal street parking away from driveways and do not linger loudly in front of the home.
• Check traffic. Atlanta’s traffic patterns can change quickly, especially if you’re crossing between I‑20, I‑285, or surface streets. Allow extra time.
• Look for other interesting houses nearby. The surrounding area often includes other notable homes, and a slow drive can be enjoyable if you like architecture.

If You’re House-Hunting in Atlanta

Some people encounter the “Atlanta White House” while searching for homes in and around the city, especially in higher price ranges or unique-property listings.

If that’s you:

• Use it as a reference point for style and scale, not a typical example of Atlanta housing.
• Most Atlanta neighborhoods—even higher-end ones—do not look like this. They’re more likely to feature:
  • Traditional brick homes
  • Craftsman bungalows
  • Townhomes and newer infill construction
• If a property styled like the Atlanta White House appeals to you, let your real estate agent know you’re interested in grand, statement architecture so they can tailor your search.

The “Atlanta White House” is ultimately a one-of-a-kind private home that has earned an outsized reputation because of its resemblance to the nation’s most famous residence. For people in Atlanta, it’s best thought of as a drive-by curiosity and a reminder of the city’s diverse, sometimes surprising residential architecture—worth a quick look, but not a destination on its own.