Cabbagetown, Atlanta: A Local Guide to One of the City’s Most Characterful Neighborhoods

Cabbagetown is one of Atlanta’s smallest but most distinctive intown neighborhoods—a tight-knit, artsy pocket just east of Downtown that still feels like an old mill village, even as new restaurants and lofts move in. Whether you’re thinking about living here, stopping by for a visit, or just trying to understand what makes it special, this guide walks through what Cabbagetown in Atlanta is really like.

Where Cabbagetown Is in Atlanta

Cabbagetown sits on the east side of Atlanta, bordered roughly by:

• DeKalb Avenue / Wylie Street to the north
• Boulevard SE to the west
• Memorial Drive SE to the south
• Oakland Cemetery / Reynoldstown to the east

It’s close to several well-known areas:

• Just east of Downtown and Grant Park
• West of Reynoldstown
• A short walk or bike ride from Edgewood, Inman Park, and the BeltLine Eastside Trail

If you’re using MARTA, the King Memorial Station (680 DeKalb Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312) is the closest rail stop, a reasonable walk or quick bike/scooter ride away.

A Quick History of Cabbagetown

Cabbagetown developed in the late 1800s as a mill village for workers at the Fulton Bag and Cotton Mill, a major factory that dominated the area for decades. Over time, several things shaped the neighborhood:

• Mill village roots – Small, closely spaced houses for workers and their families
• Post-industrial shift – After the mill closed in the late 20th century, the area went through a long transition
• Artist and musician influx – Lower rents and old buildings drew artists and creatives
• Fulton Cotton Mill Lofts – The former mill complex was eventually transformed into loft housing, now a defining feature of the neighborhood

Today, Cabbagetown balances its historic, working-class character with an arts-driven, bohemian vibe and ongoing renovation and development.

What Cabbagetown Feels Like Today

Cabbagetown is known for being:

• Walkable and compact – You can cross much of the neighborhood in 10–15 minutes on foot
• Colorful and quirky – Murals, painted houses, and unique yard art are common
• Community-oriented – Residents often describe it as a “small town in the city”
• Lively but not a bar strip – There are popular spots and events, but it’s not as nightlife-heavy as some other intown neighborhoods

You’ll see historic shotgun houses and mill cottages, newer townhomes, lofts, and a mix of long-time residents and newer arrivals.

Housing and Living in Cabbagetown

Types of Housing

In Cabbagetown you’ll mainly find:

• Historic mill cottages and bungalows
• Shotgun-style houses on narrow lots
• Loft apartments in the Fulton Cotton Mill Lofts complex
• Small apartment buildings and duplexes
• Newer townhomes and infill construction around the edges

Because of the neighborhood’s popularity and limited size, housing can be competitive and relatively pricey compared with some other parts of southeast Atlanta, especially for renovated homes or loft units.

Renting vs. Owning

Renters will see:

• Loft-style units in converted industrial buildings
• Smaller apartments and duplexes tucked into residential streets
• Some single-family homes or cottages for rent

Buyers will see:

• Historic homes (often updated) with front porches and small yards
• Townhomes or newer construction near Memorial Drive and the periphery
• Loft condominiums in repurposed factory buildings

Given Cabbagetown’s size, many Atlanta residents looking for a similar feel also consider Reynoldstown, Grant Park, Ormewood Park, and Inman Park.

Getting Around: Transportation & Commuting

By Car

Cabbagetown has direct access to major corridors:

• Memorial Drive SE for quick routes toward Downtown and East Atlanta
• Boulevard SE connecting up to Freedom Parkway and the Old Fourth Ward
• I-20 access nearby via Boulevard or Moreland

Street parking is common on residential streets, but it can feel tight during evenings or special events.

By MARTA

While there’s no rail station inside the neighborhood, you can use:

• King Memorial MARTA Station
  • 680 DeKalb Ave NE
  • Blue/Green Line
  • About a 10–20 minute walk depending on where you are in Cabbagetown

Bus routes typically run along nearby corridors like Memorial Drive and Boulevard, offering connections to Downtown and other intown neighborhoods. Check MARTA for current routes and schedules.

Walking, Biking & Scooters

Cabbagetown is very walkable:

• Short walks to Oakland Cemetery, Memorial Drive restaurants, and parts of Reynoldstown
• Access to Wylie Street and its mural corridor, which connects toward the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail

Bike and scooter users often:

• Ride through Cabbagetown as part of an eastside intown loop
• Connect to the BeltLine via nearby paths and neighborhood streets

⚠️ Tip: Streets can be narrow and traffic patterns quirky; drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians should be cautious at blind corners and around parked cars.

Food, Coffee, and Local Spots

Although small, Cabbagetown and its immediate surroundings have a dense cluster of restaurants, cafes, and casual hangouts. A few types of places you’re likely to encounter:

• Neighborhood cafes and breakfast spots – Popular with locals on weekends
• Casual restaurants – Serving everything from comfort food and burgers to more creative dishes
• Coffee shops and bakeries – Often busy with remote workers and students during the day
• Bars and neighborhood hangouts – Typically more laid-back than big club districts

Because businesses can change, it’s smart to double-check hours before visiting, especially late night or on Mondays when some spots may close.

Krog Street Tunnel & Street Art

One of the area’s biggest draws is the Krog Street Tunnel, just on the edge of Cabbagetown connecting to Inman Park and the BeltLine.

What to Expect

• Constantly changing murals and graffiti – The tunnel and nearby walls are covered in layers of street art
• Photo-friendly environment – Popular for photography, casual visits, and informal shoots
• Pedestrian- and bike-heavy – Cars do pass through, but many people walk or ride

Krog Street Tunnel is free and open to the public, and it’s a major reason visitors make their way to Cabbagetown and surrounding neighborhoods.

Parks and Green Spaces Nearby

For such a compact area, Cabbagetown has access to several green spaces and outdoor spots:

Inside or Very Near the Neighborhood

• Cabbagetown Park

  • Central neighborhood green space
  • Playground, open field, and room for neighborhood events and casual sports
  • Often used for community gatherings and local festivals

• Carroll Street and nearby side streets

  • While not a park, the walkable, shaded streets feel like a public outdoor space, with porches, trees, and murals

A Short Walk Away

• Historic Oakland Cemetery

  • 248 Oakland Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312
  • A large, historic cemetery that doubles as a green space and heritage site
  • Walking paths, trees, and city views

• The Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail (nearby access points)

  • Popular multi-use path running through several intown neighborhoods
  • Good for biking, walking, and connecting to other districts

Community Events and Local Culture

Cabbagetown’s culture is heavily shaped by its arts community and local traditions. Over the years, residents and local organizations have organized:

• Neighborhood festivals featuring art, music, and food
• Mural and street art initiatives around Wylie Street and nearby walls
• Community clean-ups and garden projects

Events can vary year to year, so locals typically keep up through neighborhood social media groups, posted flyers, and word-of-mouth.

Schools and Public Services

Public Schools

Cabbagetown is served by Atlanta Public Schools (APS). Exact school zoning can shift, so residents typically verify through APS:

• Atlanta Public Schools – Central Office
  • 130 Trinity Ave SW
  • Atlanta, GA 30303
  • Main Phone: (404) 802-3500

APS provides an online tool where you can search by address to confirm your assigned elementary, middle, and high school.

Libraries

While Cabbagetown doesn’t have its own branch inside the neighborhood, nearby options include:

• Fulton County Library System – Central Library
  • 1 Margaret Mitchell Sq
  • Atlanta, GA 30303
• Other branches in surrounding neighborhoods that are a short drive or ride away

Libraries often provide free Wi‑Fi, public computers, community programming, and events for kids and adults.

City Services

Cabbagetown falls under the City of Atlanta for basic services such as:

• Trash and recycling
• Zoning and permits
• Street and sidewalk issues

For general city service questions, residents often contact:

• City of Atlanta – ATL 311
  • Phone: 3‑1‑1 (inside city limits) or (404) 546‑0311
  • Handles service requests, code enforcement questions, and more

Safety and Quality of Life Considerations

Cabbagetown shares many of the same urban realities as other intown Atlanta neighborhoods:

• Normal big-city concerns like car break-ins, bike theft, and the need to be aware when walking at night
• Ongoing efforts by neighbors to coordinate with the city on lighting, traffic calming, and cleanliness
• Engagement through NPU (Neighborhood Planning Unit) meetings and local neighborhood associations

Residents commonly participate in neighborhood watch efforts, community meetings, and local online groups to stay informed about what’s happening on their blocks.

Who Cabbagetown Tends to Appeal To

People drawn to Cabbagetown in Atlanta often:

• Want a small, tight-knit neighborhood feel while staying close to Downtown
• Appreciate historic homes, murals, and a bohemian atmosphere
• Prefer to walk or bike to nearby restaurants, coffee shops, and creative spaces
• Like the proximity to Krog Street, Oakland Cemetery, the BeltLine, and Memorial Drive destinations

Those who want large yards, quiet suburban streets, or big apartment complexes may find Cabbagetown small and dense compared with outer neighborhoods or suburbs.

Quick Snapshot: Cabbagetown at a Glance

If you live elsewhere in Atlanta and are considering a move, Cabbagetown offers an intimate, creative, and highly walkable slice of the city. If you’re visiting, it’s worth a dedicated stop to walk the streets, see the murals, check out Krog Street Tunnel, and get a feel for one of Atlanta’s most distinctive historic neighborhoods.