Exploring Eastern Atlanta: Neighborhoods, Attractions, and Everyday Life

Eastern Atlanta covers a wide swath of the city east of Downtown and east of the Connector, stretching out toward Decatur, Gresham Park, and I-285. When people in the city say “east side” or “Eastern Atlanta,” they’re often talking about a mix of historic neighborhoods, fast-changing corridors, and pockets that still feel distinctly old Atlanta.

If you live in Atlanta, are thinking of moving here, or you’re visiting and want to understand the east side of Atlanta, this guide walks through the major areas, how they connect, what to do, and what to know.

What People Mean by “Eastern Atlanta”

There’s no single official boundary for “Eastern Atlanta.” In everyday use, it usually includes:

• East Atlanta Village (EAV)
• Kirkwood
• Edgewood
• Reynoldstown
• Ormewood Park
• Cabbagetown & Inman Park (often grouped into the “east side”)
• East Lake
• Gresham Park and neighborhoods just inside I-285 on the east
• Parts of the City of Atlanta that border Decatur and unincorporated DeKalb

Locally, people may say “in-town east side” for neighborhoods close to Downtown and Midtown, and “east side off the Perimeter” for areas approaching I-285 and beyond.

Key East Side Neighborhoods to Know

East Atlanta Village (EAV)

Personality: Creative, laid-back, nightlife-friendly, and very local.

Where it is: Centered around the intersection of Flat Shoals Ave SE and Glenwood Ave SE, south of I-20 and east of Moreland Ave.

What it’s known for:

• A walkable business district with bars, music venues, and restaurants
• A strong neighborhood identity and community-focused events
• Mix of older bungalows, renovated homes, and newer infill construction

Who it appeals to:

• Locals who like a neighborhood bar and restaurant scene
• People who want in-town living without the feel of a high-rise district
• Visitors looking for a more “local” nightlife spot than Midtown or Buckhead

Kirkwood

Personality: Quiet, historic, and family-friendly, with a community-driven feel.

Where it is: East of Edgewood, west of East Lake, generally between Memorial Dr to the south and DeKalb Ave to the north.

Highlights:

• Historic homes and tree-lined streets
• A small Kirkwood business district along Hosea L. Williams Dr NE
• Easy access to I-20, DeKalb Ave, and MARTA (Edgewood/Candler Park and East Lake stations nearby)

Why it matters:

• A popular choice for people who want to be close to the city but with a quieter, residential feel.
• Hosts community events like neighborhood festivals and porch concerts.

Edgewood

Personality: Transitional and urban, with both older residential blocks and newer retail.

Where it is: East of the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail’s southern end and south of Little Five Points, centered partly around Moreland Ave NE and Candler Rd.

Key features:

• Edgewood Retail District: a major retail hub with grocery, big-box stores, and dining
• Mix of older homes, townhomes, and apartments
• Close to Edgewood/Candler Park MARTA Station (1475 DeKalb Ave NE)

Good to know:

• Useful area for day-to-day needs: groceries, pharmacies, and general shopping.
• Transportation access makes it convenient for commuters.

Reynoldstown

Personality: Historic, walkable, and quickly redeveloping, with strong BeltLine access.

Where it is: Just east of Inman Park, south of DeKalb Ave, and north of I-20.

Why people talk about it:

• Direct access to the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail
• Close to Krog Street Market and Memorial Drive corridor
• Mix of historic shotgun houses, new townhomes, and modern homes

Best for:

• People who prioritize walkability and BeltLine access
• Visitors who want to explore a blend of old and new east side Atlanta

Ormewood Park & Nearby Areas

Personality: Residential, leafy, and close to both the BeltLine and East Atlanta Village.

Where it is: South of I-20, along and around Moreland Ave SE, stretching toward Glenwood Park and East Atlanta Village.

Highlights:

• Quiet streets, a mix of older and newer homes
• Proximity to the BeltLine Southside Trail segments
• Easy driving access to I-20, Grant Park, and EAV

Cabbagetown & Inman Park

These two neighborhoods are often grouped into the east side because of their location east of Downtown and their connection to DeKalb Ave, Moreland Ave, and the BeltLine.

• Cabbagetown: Former mill village, now a dense, artistic neighborhood with narrow streets, colorful homes, and nearby street art along the Krog Street Tunnel.
• Inman Park: One of Atlanta’s first planned suburbs, now a sought-after area with Victorian homes, parks, restaurants, and one of the city’s most popular festivals.

Both offer easy access to Reynoldstown, Edgewood, Kirkwood, and further east.

East Lake

Personality: Residential and golf-famous, with a mix of legacy residents and newer arrivals.

Where it is: East of Kirkwood, bordering Decatur and roughly framed by Glenwood Ave, Candler Rd, and 2nd Ave.

Known for:

• East Lake Golf Club, home to a major annual PGA Tour championship
• Residential streets with a mix of older housing stock and renovations
• Close proximity to Decatur and I-20

Gresham Park and Eastern Edge of the City

As you travel east on I-20 or Flat Shoals Rd toward I-285, you move into areas like Gresham Park and nearby neighborhoods.

What to expect:

• More suburban-style housing, often with larger yards
• A mix of unincorporated DeKalb County areas and parts of the City of Atlanta
• More auto-oriented, less walkable than the in-town east side, but often with lower housing costs

Getting Around Eastern Atlanta

Eastern Atlanta is crisscrossed by several major roads and transit lines. Understanding these can make daily life or a visit simpler.

Major Roads and Corridors

• I-20 East–West: Main expressway running through the east side, connecting Downtown to Decatur, Lithonia, and beyond.
• Moreland Ave (US-23): North–south route that marks part of the divide between some “east side” neighborhoods and the rest of the city.
• Memorial Dr SE: Key corridor running from near Downtown through Cabbagetown, Reynoldstown, Kirkwood area, and into DeKalb County.
• DeKalb Ave NE: Parallel to the MARTA rail line, connecting Inman Park, Edgewood, and Kirkwood.
• Flat Shoals Rd / Flat Shoals Ave: Runs through East Atlanta Village and out toward Gresham Park and I-285.

MARTA and Transit Options

Eastern Atlanta is better-served by transit closer to town, with coverage decreasing further east.

Key MARTA rail stations serving Eastern Atlanta:

• Inman Park/Reynoldstown Station
  1055 DeKalb Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
• Edgewood/Candler Park Station
  1475 DeKalb Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
• East Lake Station
  2260 College Ave, Decatur, GA 30030 (on the border of Atlanta and Decatur)
• Kensington Station (farther east in DeKalb, good for park-and-ride)
  3350 Kensington Rd, Decatur, GA 30032

Bus routes connect these stations to neighborhoods like East Atlanta Village, Gresham Park, and parts of South DeKalb. Routes and schedules change periodically, so checking MARTA customer information at (404) 848-5000 or via their official tools is helpful.

Parks, Trails, and Outdoor Spaces on the East Side

Eastern Atlanta has a mix of large regional parks and smaller neighborhood greenspaces.

Major Parks & Green Spaces

🎯 Tip: If you’re new to the east side, walking or biking along the BeltLine Eastside Trail and nearby streets is one of the easiest ways to get a feel for multiple neighborhoods in a single outing.

Housing and Living in Eastern Atlanta

Eastern Atlanta includes everything from renovated historic homes to new townhomes and older apartment complexes.

General Housing Patterns

• Closer to Downtown/BeltLine (Cabbagetown, Inman Park, Reynoldstown, Edgewood, Kirkwood):
  • Higher density, more townhomes and small-lot houses
  • Strong demand due to walkability, transit, and amenities
• Farther east toward I-285 and beyond:
  • More single-family homes with larger yards
  • Generally more auto-dependent, with fewer walkable business districts

Zoning and Permits

If you’re planning renovations or building in the City of Atlanta, most permitting goes through:

• City of Atlanta Department of City Planning
  55 Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  Main line: (404) 330-6150

DeKalb County properties just outside city limits follow different rules:

• DeKalb County Planning & Sustainability
  330 W Ponce de Leon Ave, Decatur, GA 30030
  Main line: (404) 371-2155

Confirm whether your address is within the City of Atlanta or DeKalb County before starting any major project.

Schools and Education Options in Eastern Atlanta

Schools on the east side fall under either Atlanta Public Schools (APS) or DeKalb County School District, depending on exact location and city limits.

Key District Contacts

• Atlanta Public Schools (APS)
  130 Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  Main line: (404) 802-3500

• DeKalb County School District
  1701 Mountain Industrial Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083
  Main line: (678) 676-1200

Neighborhoods like Kirkwood, East Atlanta Village, Reynoldstown, Edgewood, and Ormewood Park are commonly in APS, but boundary lines can be block-specific. The safest step is to:

• Use the district’s school zone look-up tools, or
• Call the district office with your address to confirm your assigned schools.

Some families also use charter schools, magnet programs, or private schools located elsewhere but accessible from the east side.

Everyday Services: Government, Safety, and Utilities

City Services

Most in-town east side neighborhoods fall under the City of Atlanta. Important city service contacts include:

• City of Atlanta ATL 311 (non-emergency city services)
  Phone: (404) 546-0311

• Atlanta Police Department – Zone 6 Precinct (covers much of Eastern Atlanta, including EAV, Kirkwood, and surrounding areas)
  2025 Hosea L Williams Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30317
  Main line: (404) 371-5002 (non-emergency guidance)

For emergencies anywhere in the area, dial 911.

DeKalb County Services

If you are in unincorporated DeKalb or parts of eastern Atlanta annexed differently, some services may run through:

• DeKalb County Government – Central Offices
  1300 Commerce Dr, Decatur, GA 30030
  General information: (404) 371-2000

Services like water, trash, zoning, or policing may be handled by DeKalb rather than Atlanta, depending on your specific address.

Things to Do in Eastern Atlanta

Eastern Atlanta can feel more neighborhood-focused and less tourist-heavy than some other parts of the city, but there is plenty to explore.

Food and Nightlife

• East Atlanta Village: Dense cluster of bars, restaurants, and music spots in a walkable area.
• Kirkwood & Hosea corridor: Smaller but growing cluster of neighborhood dining options.
• Edgewood & Inman Park: Trendy restaurants, coffee shops, and casual spots.

You can easily make an evening out of walking between venues, especially around EAV and Inman Park/Reynoldstown.

Arts, Culture, and Events

• Street Art & Murals: Eastern Atlanta, especially around Cabbagetown, Krog Street Tunnel, and parts of EAV, features prominent murals and graffiti art.
• Neighborhood Festivals: Events like the East Atlanta Strut, Kirkwood Spring Fling, and Inman Park Festival highlight local vendors, music, and neighborhood pride.

Shopping and Errands

• Edgewood Retail District: Central east side location for groceries, clothing, and big-box stores.
• Smaller neighborhood markets and corner stores are scattered throughout EAV, Kirkwood, and Inman Park for quick trips.

How Eastern Atlanta Connects to the Rest of the City

Living or staying in Eastern Atlanta gives relatively quick access to many other parts of metro Atlanta:

• Downtown & Midtown: Usually a short drive via I-20, DeKalb Ave, or Memorial Dr, or a quick ride on MARTA rail from Inman Park, Edgewood, or East Lake.
• Decatur: Directly connected along Ponce de Leon Ave, College Ave, and Memorial Dr.
• Airport: Often easiest via I-75/85 South or a combination of I-20 and I-285, depending on starting point. Some residents also use MARTA rail with transfers downtown.

Practical Tips for Navigating Eastern Atlanta

• Check your city vs. county status: This affects taxes, schools, police jurisdiction, and permitting.
• Plan around traffic: Eastern corridors like Moreland Ave and Memorial Dr can back up during rush hours.
• Use MARTA where it’s strongest: Neighborhoods near DeKalb Ave and the rail stations benefit most from transit; farther east tends to be more car-dependent.
• Confirm event details seasonally: Neighborhood festivals and markets shift dates and formats; always check current schedules before planning a visit.

Eastern Atlanta blends historic neighborhoods, rapid change, and strong local identity. Whether you’re choosing an east side neighborhood to call home, planning a day of exploring, or just trying to understand how this part of the city fits together, focusing on these core areas and connections will help you navigate the east side with confidence.