Sentral West Midtown at Star Metals: Atlanta Apartment Living in a Growing Westside Hub

Sentral West Midtown at Star Metals is part of one of Atlanta’s fastest-evolving areas, sitting just west of Midtown’s traditional high-rises and arts institutions. If you live in Atlanta, are relocating here, or are just trying to understand what this property and neighborhood offer, it helps to look at both the building experience and the local context around it.

Where Sentral West Midtown Fits in Atlanta

Sentral West Midtown at Star Metals sits in the West Midtown / Westside area, just off Howell Mill Road NW, within easy reach of core Midtown, Georgia Tech, and downtown.

This area used to be mostly industrial and warehouse space; today it’s known for:

  • Adaptive-reuse projects (converted warehouses with restaurants, offices, and lofts)
  • New mid- and high-rise apartments
  • Quick access to Midtown, Georgia Tech, and the Downtown Connector (I-75/85)
  • A mix of locals, students, and young professionals

Even though the property has “Midtown” in its name, the feel is more Westside: modern, urban, and a little more industrial-chic than the traditional Midtown core along Peachtree Street.

What to Expect From the Apartments

Sentral West Midtown at Star Metals is positioned as a modern, amenity-focused apartment community. While exact floor plans and finishes change over time, most residents and visitors can expect:

Typical Apartment Features

Most units in this type of West Midtown high-amenity building tend to offer:

  • Studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom layouts, with some variations in size and view
  • In-unit washer and dryer
  • Modern kitchens with stone or quartz-style counters and stainless-style appliances
  • Hard-surface flooring (often plank-style) in main living areas
  • Large windows to bring in light and showcase city or rail-yard views
  • Smart-home touches in some units (keyless entry, programmable thermostats, etc.)

For someone used to older Atlanta apartments, the main difference is usually the more vertical, urban layout and denser surroundings compared with garden-style complexes on the Eastside or in the suburbs.

Amenities: On-Site Conveniences and Shared Spaces

Amenity-rich buildings like Sentral West Midtown at Star Metals often attract people who:

  • Work hybrid or remote
  • Want to socialize without always leaving the building
  • Prefer having fitness, pool, and coworking options built into their rent

While specific amenities can evolve, you’re likely to see features such as:

  • Resort-style pool with lounge seating
  • Fitness center with cardio, weights, and sometimes studio or yoga space
  • Coworking or resident lounge areas for remote work
  • Rooftop or elevated terraces with skyline views of Midtown and the Westside
  • Pet-friendly policies, sometimes with dog spa or small dog run
  • Secure package lockers and controlled access

These amenities are common in newer Westside developments and are part of what differentiates this area from older in-town stock closer to downtown.

Parking, Commuting, and Getting Around

Living at Sentral West Midtown at Star Metals puts you in a car-optional, but not fully car-free part of Atlanta.

Parking

  • Newer Westside properties typically offer garage parking for residents, often for a monthly fee.
  • Guest parking can be more limited than in suburban areas, so visitors may need to use garage guest spots or nearby paid parking.

If you’re comparing this to more traditional Midtown tower living, parking availability may feel similar, but street parking tends to be more constrained near active restaurant corridors.

Commuting and Transit

From West Midtown, typical routes and options include:

  • To Midtown & Downtown:

    • Driving via 10th Street NW, North Avenue, or the Downtown Connector (I-75/85)
    • Ride-share and bikeshare services are commonly used for short hops to central Midtown
  • To Georgia Tech:

    • Short drive, bike, or scooter trip south and east
    • Many residents in this area either work or study at Tech and appreciate the 5–15 minute typical travel window, depending on mode and traffic
  • MARTA access:

    • West Midtown does not sit directly on a MARTA rail line.
    • The nearest rail stations are Midtown Station, North Avenue Station, or Arts Center Station, which can be reached by short drive, bike, or bus connection.

If you rely on frequent rail service for commuting, it’s important to factor in the extra step of getting to a MARTA station, unlike living right on Peachtree near Midtown Station.

Neighborhood Feel: West Midtown / Star Metals Area

Sentral West Midtown at Star Metals is part of a cluster of newer developments around Howell Mill Road NW and nearby streets. For Atlanta residents, the immediate area is known for:

Food and Nightlife

You’ll find a mix of:

  • Trendy restaurants in redeveloped warehouse spaces
  • Casual spots and coffee shops within walking or short driving distance
  • Bars and lounges that draw people from across the city, especially on weekends

The Westside has become one of Atlanta’s go-to dining districts, with options from quick-grab places to high-end restaurants, often concentrated around Howell Mill, Marietta Street, and nearby developments.

Shopping and Everyday Errands

In and around West Midtown, residents commonly use:

  • Grocery stores along Howell Mill and nearby corridors
  • Big-box and specialty retailers within a short drive
  • Local boutiques and home goods shops in converted industrial buildings

You typically won’t get the same dense retail cluster as Peachtree Street in central Midtown, but you do get a mix of new retail and historic warehouse charm.

Noise and Activity Level

Because of the restaurants, bars, and ongoing development:

  • Expect city noise: traffic, construction, and nightlife, depending on your exact unit and view.
  • Higher floors and interior-facing units may feel quieter than units closer to major streets.

This part of town tends to appeal to people comfortable with an active urban environment, rather than those looking for suburban-style quiet.

How It Compares to Other Parts of Midtown Atlanta

If you’re debating between Sentral West Midtown at Star Metals and apartments closer to Peachtree in Midtown proper, you’re essentially choosing between two versions of in-town living.

Quick Comparison

FactorWest Midtown / Star Metals AreaCore Midtown (Peachtree Corridor)
Overall vibeIndustrial-chic, redeveloped warehouses, modern buildsClassic high-rise corridor, corporate + arts mix
MARTA rail accessNot directly on rail; bus/drive to nearest stationsSeveral stations within walking distance
Dining & nightlifeTrendy, growing restaurant scene, adaptive reuse spacesEstablished mix of bars, restaurants, and venues
WalkabilityWalkable within pockets; some gaps between clustersDenser grid and sidewalks, more continuous retail
Proximity to Georgia TechVery close, often a quick drive, bike, or scooterAlso close, slightly more east of campus
Typical resident profileTech workers, creatives, students, young professionalsMix of professionals, students, and long-time locals

Both are firmly in intown Atlanta, but West Midtown / Star Metals feels slightly more up-and-coming and experimental, while core Midtown is more established and transit-oriented.

Practical Considerations for Renting Here

Budgeting and Cost Expectations

New, amenity-rich apartments in West Midtown typically:

  • Command higher rents than older complexes farther out
  • Often bundle certain amenities (fitness, pool, shared workspaces) into the rent
  • May charge separate fees for parking, pets, and amenity access

If you’re moving from the suburbs or another city, it’s common to compare:

  • Total monthly cost (rent + parking + utilities + pet fees)
  • Commute savings if you’re closer to work or school
  • Whether you’ll regularly use the on-site amenities or mostly rely on the surrounding city

Lease Terms and Flexibility

Buildings associated with flexible-stay or professionally managed models often offer:

  • Standard 12-month leases
  • Sometimes shorter-term or furnished options, though pricing is often higher for greater flexibility

Ask specifically about:

  • Minimum lease term
  • Renewal policies and expected rent increases
  • Any restrictions on subletting or hosting guests for extended stays

Safety, Services, and Local Resources

Like much of in-town Atlanta, West Midtown is a mix of new development, busy streets, and ongoing construction. Residents typically pay attention to:

  • Lighting and visibility around sidewalks and parking areas
  • Controlled building access (key fobs, call boxes, staffed lobbies)
  • Package delivery procedures to reduce theft, which is why package lockers are common

For broader city services and issues, Atlanta residents can use:

  • City of Atlanta 311 for non-emergency city services (potholes, trash, code concerns):
    • Phone: 3-1-1 (within city limits) or 404-546-0311
  • Atlanta Police Department – Zone 5 or Zone 1, depending on exact address, for non-emergency police matters:
    • Non-emergency line: 404-658-6666
  • Fulton County Sheriff’s Office or Fulton County courts, if you ever need housing-related legal forms or information about landlord–tenant proceedings.

For lease disputes or questions about your rights as a renter in Atlanta, many residents also consult:

  • Atlanta Legal Aid Society (for those who qualify based on income)
  • Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation (tenant assistance programs)

These organizations can help explain local housing laws, eviction processes, and renter protections without you needing to navigate everything alone.

How to Decide if Sentral West Midtown at Star Metals Fits You

When evaluating Sentral West Midtown at Star Metals specifically within Atlanta, consider:

  • Your daily patterns

    • Where you work or study (Georgia Tech, Midtown, Downtown, Buckhead)
    • Whether you rely on MARTA rail, or are comfortable with driving and ride-shares
  • Your lifestyle priorities

    • Do you want on-site amenities like a pool, gym, and coworking space?
    • Is being close to West Midtown restaurants and nightlife a plus—or a concern?
  • Your noise and activity tolerance

    • Are you comfortable with active, developing urban surroundings, including construction and nightlife?
  • Your long-term plans

    • Are you looking for a flexible, possibly shorter-term living arrangement?
    • Or a more traditional 12-month lease in a stable, amenity-rich building?

If you like modern finishes, dense urban energy, and quick access to both Midtown and the Westside’s dining scene, Sentral West Midtown at Star Metals fits neatly into that slice of the Atlanta housing market. If your top priorities are direct MARTA rail access, quieter streets, or lower total housing costs, it may be worth comparing this option with other areas of Atlanta before you sign.