Atlanta’s “S” Side: Streets, Sports, Slang, and Spots That Define the City

When someone mentions “Atlanta’s S”, they’re often talking about the city’s many “S” words that carry real meaning if you live in or visit Atlanta: streets, stadiums, suburbs, slang, schools, and sights.

This guide breaks down some of the most important Atlanta “S” topics so you can better understand the city, get around, and plug into local life.

Atlanta’s Signature “S” Streets and Areas

Atlanta is famous for confusing street names, but a few “S” streets and neighborhoods come up again and again.

Sweet Auburn

Sweet Auburn is one of Atlanta’s most historic African American neighborhoods.

Key points:

• Centered along Auburn Avenue NE, just east of Downtown
• Home to the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park (450 Auburn Ave NE)
• Known for civil rights history, churches, and small businesses
• Walkable from the King Memorial MARTA Station

If you’re exploring Atlanta’s history, Sweet Auburn is one of the most important “S” districts to know.

Summerhill

Summerhill is a fast-changing neighborhood just south of Downtown:

• Near Georgia State University’s Center Parc Stadium (the former Turner Field)
• Mix of historic homes, new townhomes, and growing restaurant rows
• Close to I-20 and Downtown Connector (I-75/85)

People often mention Summerhill when talking about Atlanta’s redevelopment and new food spots.

Southwest Atlanta (“SWATS”)

You’ll often hear locals refer to “the SWATS” – short for Southwest Atlanta. It generally includes areas like:

• Adamsville
• Cascade Heights
• Ben Hill

You’ll see a lot of “SW” addresses here (for example, Cascade Rd SW). The area is known for strong community ties and a big impact on Atlanta’s music and culture.

Sandy Springs

Technically its own city, Sandy Springs sits directly north of Atlanta:

• Major business district along Perimeter Center and GA-400
• Mix of high-rise offices, apartments, and suburban neighborhoods
• A lot of commuters travel between Sandy Springs and Buckhead/Midtown

If you’re moving to Metro Atlanta, Sandy Springs often comes up in housing and job conversations.

Sports: Atlanta’s Stadiums, Teams, and “S” Game Days

Sports are a huge part of Atlanta’s identity, and several big names tie back to that “S” theme.

State Farm Arena

State Farm Arena is Atlanta’s main indoor sports and concert venue:

• Address: 1 State Farm Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Home of the Atlanta Hawks (NBA)
• Located in Downtown, next to CNN Center and close to Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• Walkable from GWCC/CNN Center and Five Points MARTA stations

If you’re seeing a major concert or basketball game, you’re likely headed here.

Mercedes‑Benz Stadium (Nearby “S”-adjacent Icon)

While not starting with “S,” people often bundle Mercedes‑Benz Stadium into any list of Atlanta’s signature venues:

• Address: 1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Home of the Atlanta Falcons (NFL) and Atlanta United FC (MLS)
• Known for its retractable roof and huge halo video board

It anchors Atlanta’s Downtown sports and entertainment district along with State Farm Arena.

Georgia State University Sports

Georgia State brings another “S” into the mix:

• Football at Center Parc Stadium (755 Hank Aaron Dr SE), in Summerhill
• Basketball at the GSU Convocation Center (455 Capitol Ave SE)

Game days create extra foot traffic and parking demand around Summerhill and Capitol Avenue, so locals often plan routes accordingly.

Atlanta Slang and “S” Phrases You’ll Hear

To really understand Atlanta, it helps to know a few local “S” phrases and how they’re used.

“The Southside”

Locals talk about “the Southside” as the area south of the city, often including:

• East Point
• College Park
• Hapeville
• Areas near Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport

It’s a major cultural and residential hub, with deep roots in Atlanta’s hip-hop and R&B scenes.

“The SWATS”

As mentioned above, “SWATS” is shorthand for Southwest Atlanta. In music, conversation, and social media, it’s a way to signal:

• Pride in Southwest Atlanta neighborhoods
• Ties to classic and modern Atlanta rap
• A specific local identity inside the broader city

“Spaghetti Junction”

Locals call the huge I‑285/I‑85 interchange in the northeast part of the metro “Spaghetti Junction” because of its tangled ramps:

• Located near Doraville and Norcross, northeast of Atlanta proper
• One of Metro Atlanta’s busiest highway intersections

If someone says traffic is bad at Spaghetti Junction, they’re talking about interstate congestion, not a restaurant.

Schools and “S” Education Hubs in Atlanta

Education comes up often for people relocating to or navigating the city. A few “S” names matter here.

Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD Atlanta)

SCAD Atlanta is a major art and design campus in Midtown:

• Address: 1600 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309
• Focus on film, design, fashion, animation, and visual arts
• Contributes heavily to the creative and film industry presence in the city

SCAD students are a noticeable part of the Midtown and West Midtown community.

Spelman College

One of Atlanta’s most historically significant schools, Spelman College features prominently in any “S” list:

• Address: 350 Spelman Ln SW, Atlanta, GA 30314
• Private, historically Black women’s college
• Part of the Atlanta University Center (AUC) along with Morehouse and Clark Atlanta University

The AUC sits in Southwest Atlanta, shaping the city’s intellectual and cultural life.

Nearby “S” School Systems

While not all inside city limits, you’ll hear these school systems in local conversation:

• Atlanta Public Schools (APS) – Serves much of the City of Atlanta
• Fulton County Schools – Covers many areas north and south of the city
• South Fulton – Often mentioned when people talk about schools and neighborhoods southwest of I‑285

If you’re moving to Atlanta, people will often compare APS vs. nearby county systems when choosing where to live.

Shopping, Streetscapes, and “S” Retail Spots

Atlanta offers a mix of “S” shopping and social destinations that locals visit regularly.

The Shops Buckhead Atlanta (Buckhead Village District area)

In Buckhead, you’ll find a cluster of high-end shops, restaurants, and walkable streets commonly referred to as Buckhead Village (previously tied to “Shops at Buckhead” branding).

This area is:

• Near the intersection of Peachtree Rd NE and E Paces Ferry Rd NE
• Walkable, with boutiques, dining, and nightlife
• A common destination for upscale shopping and going out

Southlake and South DeKalb

Outside the city but relevant to many Atlantans:

• Southlake Mall (Morrow, south of the airport)
• The Gallery at South DeKalb (2801 Candler Rd, Decatur, GA 30034)

People on the Southside and Eastside often mention these when discussing mall trips or errands.

“S” Transportation Touchpoints in and Around Atlanta

Getting around Atlanta involves understanding a few “S” terms tied to transit and roads.

Sandy Springs MARTA Stations

Several MARTA Red Line stations serve Sandy Springs and the north end, including:

• Sandy Springs Station – 1101 Mt Vernon Hwy, Sandy Springs, GA 30338
• North Springs Station – Northern end of the Red Line

These are commonly used by commuters coming into Buckhead and Midtown for work.

Signature Interstates and “S” Directions

While the interstates themselves don’t start with S, you’ll hear:

• “Inside the Perimeter” (ITP) – inside I‑285
• “South of the Perimeter” – often referencing South Fulton, Clayton County, and airport-adjacent areas
• “Southbound on 75” or “85 South” – when people talk about heading toward the Southside or the airport

Locals tend to give directions based on interstates and cardinal directions, not always street addresses.

Standout “S” Sights and Cultural Stops

If you’re exploring or hosting visitors, these “S” sights matter.

Swan House at Atlanta History Center

Located in Buckhead, the Swan House is one of Atlanta’s most recognizable historic mansions:

• Address: 130 W Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305
• Part of the Atlanta History Center campus
• Known for its architecture, gardens, and period interiors

It’s a popular spot for history buffs and film fans, since it has appeared in major movies.

Skyline Views

Atlanta’s skyline is a big part of the city’s personality. Locals recommend:

• Jackson Street Bridge – Famous Midtown/Downtown skyline view, especially at sunset
• Skyline Park at Ponce City Market – Rooftop amusement-style area with city views
• West Midtown rooftops – Bars and restaurants with sweeping skyline backdrops

If you’re photographing or just taking in the “Atlanta skyline”, these are the spots people usually mean.

Simple Snapshot: Key “S” Things in Atlanta

How to Use All This as an Atlanta Resident or Visitor

If you live in Atlanta:

• Use this “S” list to better understand how people talk about neighborhoods, directions, and schools.
• When someone mentions SWATS, Southside, or Summerhill, you’ll know roughly where and what they mean.

If you’re visiting Atlanta:

• Put Sweet Auburn, Swan House, and skyline viewpoints on your itinerary.
• Plan for events at State Farm Arena or Mercedes‑Benz Stadium by checking parking, MARTA, and nearby streets in advance.

If you’re thinking about moving to Atlanta:

• Pay attention to areas like Sandy Springs, Southwest Atlanta, and the Southside when comparing commutes, schools, and housing.
• Visit a mix of neighborhoods to see which side of Atlanta’s “S” story fits you best.