East Point, Atlanta: A Practical Guide to This Historic, Growing City

East Point is often mentioned alongside Atlanta, and with good reason. It’s an independent city in Fulton County, but functionally part of the Atlanta metro area and tightly connected to life in the city. Whether you live in Atlanta and are considering moving to East Point, visiting friends there, or trying to understand how the area fits into the broader region, it helps to know what East Point is really like on the ground.

This guide focuses on how East Point works in the context of Atlanta—transportation, neighborhoods, services, and everyday life.

Where Exactly Is East Point in Relation to Atlanta?

East Point sits directly southwest of downtown Atlanta, inside the I-285 Perimeter. It’s one of the core “inner ring” cities that people often group in with Atlanta when they talk about Intown or inside-the-Perimeter living.

  • Distance to Downtown Atlanta: About 7–9 miles, depending on your route.
  • Nearby major hubs:
    • Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (directly south)
    • College Park (to the south)
    • City of Atlanta neighborhoods like West End, Oakland City, and Cascade (to the north and northwest)

If you picture Atlanta as a clock, with downtown at the center, East Point would sit roughly between 7 and 8 o’clock just outside the central core.

Is East Point Part of Atlanta?

Legally and administratively, no. East Point is:

  • Its own city with its own mayor, city council, police department, and city services.
  • Located in Fulton County, same as the City of Atlanta.
  • Often referred to as part of “metro Atlanta” or “Atlanta’s southside.”

In day-to-day conversation, many people will say they live “in Atlanta” even if their address is technically East Point, especially when talking to people from out of town. For mailing and GPS, you’ll usually see:

  • City: East Point, GA 30344 (or other local ZIP codes)
  • Sometimes “Atlanta” used loosely in online listings.

If you need permits, utilities, or local government services, you’ll work directly with City of East Point agencies, not the City of Atlanta.

Getting Around: Transportation in and Around East Point

One of the biggest advantages of East Point for Atlanta-area residents is transportation access. It’s well connected to the rest of the city by road, rail, and air.

MARTA Access

East Point has its own MARTA rail station, which makes commuting into Atlanta relatively straightforward.

  • East Point MARTA Station
    2848 East Main St, East Point, GA 30344
    Lines: Red and Gold
    • Northbound to Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and up to North Springs or Doraville
    • Southbound to Airport Station and College Park

From East Point Station:

  • About 15–20 minutes to Five Points (downtown hub)
  • About 25–30 minutes to Midtown

Many Atlanta professionals choose East Point because they can live near a MARTA station and avoid driving into downtown every day.

Driving and Highways

East Point has quick access to several major routes:

  • I-285 (Perimeter): Loops around Atlanta; connects easily to I-20, I-75, and I-85.
  • Langford Parkway (GA-166): Direct route east into Southwest Atlanta and to I-75/I-85.
  • Metropolitan Parkway and Main Street corridors: Local connectors linking to the City of Atlanta and neighboring cities.

From East Point, typical drive times (outside of heavy rush hour) might be:

  • Downtown Atlanta: 15–25 minutes
  • Midtown Atlanta: 20–35 minutes
  • Airport terminals: 10–15 minutes

Traffic around the I-85/I-285 south interchange and airport area can be heavy at peak hours, so many residents combine driving with MARTA parking or plan commutes to avoid peak travel.

Airport Proximity

If you travel frequently, East Point’s location near Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport is a major convenience.

  • The airport is just a short MARTA ride or 10–15 minute drive from many East Point neighborhoods.
  • Residents often use Airport Station on MARTA or rideshare for flights, which can be easier than fighting downtown traffic from further north.

Neighborhoods and Housing: What It’s Like to Live in East Point

East Point offers a mix of historic neighborhoods, post-war homes, newer development, and multifamily housing. Many people from Atlanta are drawn here for slightly more space while staying close to the city.

Common Housing Types

You’ll see:

  • Bungalows and Craftsman-style homes in older neighborhoods near downtown East Point
  • Ranch-style houses from the mid-20th century
  • Townhomes and apartments, especially near main corridors and MARTA
  • Some larger lots and single-family homes in outlying pockets within city limits

Compared with many Intown Atlanta neighborhoods, East Point often offers:

  • More square footage for the price
  • Yards and driveways more common than in denser parts of the city
  • Good access to highways and transit without moving far outside the Perimeter

Areas Often Noted by Locals

While names and boundaries can be fuzzy, some areas around East Point you’ll hear Atlanta residents mention include:

  • Downtown East Point / East Point Historic District – Older homes, walkable to city services and MARTA.
  • Jefferson Park – Known for historic homes and tree-lined streets; often popular with first-time buyers.
  • Eagan Park (near the airport) – Close to both College Park and East Point amenities.
  • Nearby but separate: College Park, Hapeville, and South Atlanta neighborhoods within the City of Atlanta.

When exploring housing, pay attention to:

  • Which city and ZIP code you’re in
  • School district boundaries
  • Property tax rates (Fulton County, but city rates differ from City of Atlanta)

City Services and Government in East Point

If you live or plan to live in East Point, you’ll be dealing with City of East Point departments, plus Fulton County for some services.

City Hall and Basic Municipal Services

  • City of East Point City Hall
    2757 East Point St, East Point, GA 30344
    Typical functions:
    • Utility billing (water, sewer, sometimes power depending on area)
    • Business licensing
    • Permits and inspections
    • City council meetings and public records inquiries

If you’re moving from the City of Atlanta, expect different utility providers and processes. Many new residents check:

  • How to set up water and sewer
  • Whether electric service is from a municipal provider or a regional company
  • Solid waste/trash pickup schedules

Police, Fire, and Emergency Services

East Point has its own:

  • East Point Police Department – Handles local law enforcement within city limits.
  • East Point Fire Department – Provides fire and emergency response locally.

For life-threatening emergencies, residents call 911, and dispatch will coordinate city or county responders as appropriate.

Schools Serving East Point Residents

Most public schools serving East Point are part of Fulton County Schools, not Atlanta Public Schools, since East Point is its own city but still in Fulton County.

Families typically want to:

  • Verify school zoning by address, especially if you’re choosing a home with a specific school in mind.
  • Note that some East Point-area schools may have magnet or specialized programs, and there are several charter and private school options in the broader south Fulton and Atlanta area.

For official information and zoning:

  • Fulton County Schools (Administrative Center)
    6201 Powers Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30339
    Main phone information is available through the district’s general line; residents can ask about school assignment and enrollment documents needed.

Many Atlanta-area families consider East Point if they want:

  • Access to Fulton County’s school system
  • Proximity to the city without City of Atlanta school zoning

Parks, Recreation, and Things to Do in East Point

East Point offers a blend of local parks, community centers, and easy access to Atlanta attractions.

Local Parks and Green Spaces

Commonly used parks around East Point include:

  • Sumner Park – Local recreation spot with fields and playground space.
  • John D. Milner Athletic Complex – Fields and facilities for sports and community events.
  • Smaller neighborhood parks and playgrounds scattered around residential areas.

Residents often combine East Point parks with nearby options in Atlanta, College Park, and Hapeville, plus:

  • Atlanta BeltLine segments (a short drive or MARTA ride away)
  • Southside and Westside Atlanta parks, like Perkerson Park or Cascade Springs Nature Preserve

Community Events and Local Character

East Point has a long history as a railroad and industrial town that’s grown into a diverse residential city. Over the years, residents have supported:

  • Seasonal events and festivals in the downtown East Point area
  • Community markets, holiday gatherings, and neighborhood association activities
  • Local businesses, restaurants, and shops that serve both East Point and wider Atlanta

Many Atlantans think of East Point as part of the city’s creative and historic southside, with older architecture, established trees, and a mix of longtime residents and newer arrivals.

Shopping, Dining, and Everyday Errands

For daily life, East Point residents typically combine local options with nearby Atlanta and airport-area amenities.

Everyday Shopping

You’ll find:

  • Grocery stores along main corridors like Main Street and nearby highways
  • Pharmacies, discount stores, and small retail centers serving local neighborhoods
  • Larger shopping areas in nearby Camp Creek Marketplace (technically in East Point) and along major routes

Camp Creek Marketplace, just west of I-285, is a common destination for:

  • Big-box retail
  • Chain restaurants
  • Basic services like banking and cell phone stores

Dining and Local Flavor

In and around East Point, residents enjoy:

  • Local Southern and soul food restaurants
  • Cafés, bakeries, and casual spots along Main Street and nearby corridors
  • Easy access to dining in West End, Downtown Atlanta, College Park, and Hapeville, all within a short drive or MARTA ride

If you’re staying in Atlanta for a visit, East Point can be a convenient base if you want:

  • Faster access to the airport
  • A quieter, more residential environment than downtown hotels
  • Reasonable rideshare or MARTA travel into the city’s main attractions

Safety, Code Enforcement, and Quality-of-Life Issues

Like many parts of metro Atlanta, East Point has areas that feel very different from one block to the next. Residents commonly pay attention to:

  • Local crime trends reported by the East Point Police Department and neighborhood groups.
  • Property maintenance and code enforcement, especially in older areas undergoing revitalization.
  • Lighting, sidewalks, and walkability around homes, transit stops, and schools.

If you’re considering a move from another part of Atlanta, many people:

  • Visit neighborhoods at different times of day (morning, evening, weekends).
  • Talk with neighbors and local businesses.
  • Review city channels and public meetings for upcoming projects, zoning changes, or infrastructure upgrades.

Utilities, Permits, and Practical Details for Residents

When you live in East Point rather than the City of Atlanta, some practical steps work a bit differently.

Utilities

Depending on your exact location, you may set up:

  • Water and sewer through the City of East Point utility department.
  • Trash and recycling through city services (schedules and rules vary by area).
  • Electricity and gas through regional providers; some residents have municipal options, while others rely on standard Georgia utility companies.

Information, billing, and service requests are typically handled through City Hall or the city’s utility offices.

Permits and Business Licenses

If you’re:

  • Starting a small business or home-based business in East Point
  • Doing renovations, additions, or new construction
  • Hosting certain events or using space in specific ways

you’ll likely go through:

  • City of East Point Community Development / Planning & Zoning
  • Business Licensing offices within City Hall

Because rules differ from the City of Atlanta, it’s important to confirm:

  • Whether your address lies in East Point or Atlanta
  • Which city’s permits, building codes, and fee structures apply

How East Point Fits Into the Larger Atlanta Picture

For someone trying to understand Atlanta’s geography and lifestyle, East Point is best seen as:

  • A separate city, but very much part of metro Atlanta’s core.
  • A southside hub that connects downtown, the airport, and neighboring cities.
  • A place where you can often find:
    • Slightly more space for the money than many Intown Atlanta neighborhoods
    • Direct MARTA access to downtown and the airport
    • A blend of historic character and ongoing redevelopment

Whether you’re an Atlanta resident exploring new neighborhoods, a visitor staying near the airport, or someone relocating to the region, knowing how **East Point and Atlanta overlap—but aren’t the same city—**will help you navigate housing choices, commutes, schools, and city services much more confidently.