What Part of Atlanta Is Right for You? A Local Guide to the City’s Many Sides

Atlanta isn’t just one city—it’s many “parts of Atlanta” in one. When people ask about a part of Atlanta, they might be talking about:

• A neighborhood or district
• A side of town (East, West, North, South)
• A specific area they’ve heard about (like Buckhead or Midtown)
• A place to live, stay, work, or explore

This guide walks through the major parts of Atlanta, Georgia, what each area is known for, and how to think about the city’s layout if you live here, are planning a visit, or are just trying to get oriented.

Understanding How Atlanta Is Laid Out

Locals rarely talk in terms of exact boundaries. Instead, they use:

• Neighborhood names (Old Fourth Ward, West End, Inman Park)
• Major districts (Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead)
• “Sides” of town (Eastside, Westside, Southside, North Atlanta)
• Inside vs. outside the Perimeter (I-285, the highway ring around the city)

You’ll hear people say things like:

• “I live inside the Perimeter (ITP) in Kirkwood.”
• “That restaurant is over on the Westside near Howell Mill.”
• “We’re staying in Midtown near Piedmont Park.”

Knowing these basic reference points makes it much easier to understand what “part of Atlanta” someone means.

The Core: Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead

These three areas form the spine of central Atlanta along Peachtree Street and the MARTA Rail Red/Gold lines.

Downtown Atlanta

What it feels like:
Downtown is the historic and civic core of Atlanta. It’s where you’ll find major tourist attractions, government buildings, and big event venues.

Common reasons people head to Downtown:

• Major attractions like Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, and Centennial Olympic Park
• State and city government offices and courthouses
• Mercedes-Benz Stadium and State Farm Arena for games and concerts
• Large hotels and convention spaces near the Georgia World Congress Center

Who this part of Atlanta suits:

• Visitors who want to be within walking distance of attractions
• Locals coming in for events, games, or jury duty
• Workers in government, law, or big offices based in central Atlanta

Downtown is also a major transit hub, with the Five Points MARTA Station (30 Alabama St SW) connecting all rail lines.

Midtown Atlanta

What it feels like:
Midtown is often described as Atlanta’s arts and culture heart with a strong mix of residential towers, offices, and nightlife.

Known for:

• Piedmont Park and the Atlanta Botanical Garden
• Cultural institutions like the Fox Theatre, High Museum of Art, and Woodruff Arts Center
• A walkable grid of streets with restaurants, bars, and high-rise apartments
• Direct access to the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail

Who this part of Atlanta suits:

• Young professionals and students at nearby Georgia Tech and SCAD Atlanta
• Visitors wanting a lively, walkable base with easy transit
• Locals looking for festivals, outdoor events, and cultural activities

Midtown is served by Midtown Station (41 10th St NE) and Arts Center Station (1255 W Peachtree St NE) on MARTA Rail.

Buckhead

What it feels like:
Buckhead is known as Atlanta’s upscale commercial and residential district, with lots of shopping, dining, and established neighborhoods.

Highlights:

• Major shopping destinations like Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza
• High-end hotels, office towers, and dining
• Leafy residential streets with single-family homes and luxury condos
• Easy access via Peachtree Road and GA-400

Who this part of Atlanta suits:

• Shoppers and business travelers
• Residents looking for more suburban-feeling neighborhoods but staying ITP
• Visitors who prioritize shopping, dining, and hotel comfort over being in the middle of Downtown nightlife

MARTA’s Buckhead Station (3360 Peachtree Rd NE), Lenox Station (955 E Paces Ferry Rd NE), and Lindbergh Center Station (2424 Piedmont Rd NE) are key access points.

Eastside Atlanta: Intown, Artsy, and Neighborhood-Focused

The Eastside is one of the most talked-about parts of Atlanta, especially for people looking for intown neighborhoods with character.

Popular Eastside Neighborhoods

• Old Fourth Ward (O4W):
  Known for Ponce City Market, direct BeltLine access, and a mix of new apartments and historic homes.
• Inman Park:
  One of Atlanta’s oldest neighborhoods, with Victorian homes, tree-lined streets, and independent restaurants.
• Virginia-Highland (VaHi):
  A classic intown neighborhood with bungalow homes and a main strip of bars, brunch spots, and boutiques.
• Edgewood & Kirkwood:
  Residential neighborhoods with growing commercial strips, close to the BeltLine and MARTA Rail (Edgewood/Candler Park Station, 1475 DeKalb Ave NE).
• Cabbagetown & Reynoldstown:
  Historic mill and rail communities with a strong arts feel, murals, and adaptive reuse projects.

Who the Eastside fits best

This part of Atlanta is often appealing if you:

• Want to live inside the Perimeter with a neighborhood feel
• Like walkable areas, local coffee shops, and the BeltLine
• Prefer older homes, townhomes, or small apartments over big corporate complexes

The Eastside is a favorite for cyclists, dog owners, and people who enjoy street festivals and local markets.

Westside & West Atlanta: Historic, Evolving, and Creative

When people say “Westside” or “West Midtown”, they usually mean the former industrial areas west of Midtown; when they say “West Atlanta”, they may mean a broader part of the city, including more residential neighborhoods.

West Midtown / Westside

What it’s known for:

• Former warehouses turned into restaurants, breweries, and creative offices
• Developments along Howell Mill Road and Marietta Street
• Popular spots for design studios, lofts, and modern apartments

This area has become a go-to for dining, nightlife, and creative workspaces just a short drive from Midtown.

Historic Westside Neighborhoods

Broader West Atlanta includes:

• West End & Westview:
  Known for historic homes, growing commercial corridors, and proximity to the Atlanta BeltLine Westside Trail.
• Adamsville, Collier Heights, and Cascade area:
  Longstanding residential communities with deep local roots and a strong sense of history.

Who the Westside suits

This part of Atlanta may be right for you if you:

• Want access to creative workspaces and restaurants in repurposed industrial buildings
• Are looking for historic neighborhoods with community character
• Prefer to stay relatively close to Downtown but not in the core business district

South Atlanta & The Airport Area

When people mention the Southside or South Atlanta, they may be talking about neighborhoods inside the city limits south of I-20, or broader communities closer to the airport and Clayton County.

Inside-the-city South Atlanta Areas

• Lakewood & South Atlanta neighborhood:
  Residential areas seeing change, with access to I-75/85 and I-20.
• Pittsburgh, Mechanicsville, Peoplestown:
  Historic neighborhoods just south of Downtown with proximity to stadiums and development projects.

Near Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport

The airport itself sits just south of the city boundary, but it shapes a major “part of Atlanta” life:

• Easy access via Airport MARTA Station (6000 N Terminal Pkwy) directly inside the Domestic Terminal
• Surrounding areas like College Park, Hapeville, and East Point are convenient for airport workers and frequent travelers

Who this part of Atlanta suits:

• Frequent flyers or aviation workers who need to be near Hartsfield–Jackson
• Visitors with early or late flights
• Residents who want to be close to major highways and not far from Downtown

North Atlanta & Suburban-Feeling Parts of the City

When locals talk about “up north” or “North Atlanta”, they may mean:

• Neighborhoods within the city moving toward Brookhaven and Sandy Springs
• Farther-out cities in the metro area like Alpharetta, Roswell, Johns Creek

Inside the Atlanta city limits, north-side neighborhoods often include:

• Areas near Chastain Park
• Communities along Roswell Road, Powers Ferry Road, and parts of Northside Drive

These parts of Atlanta generally feel more suburban, with:

• Larger homes and yards
• Less density than Midtown or the Eastside
• Strong car dependence, though some routes connect to MARTA Rail or bus lines

This area fits those who want quieter streets and more space but still want a City of Atlanta address or quick access to Buckhead and Midtown.

“Inside the Perimeter” vs. “Outside the Perimeter” (ITP vs. OTP)

A major way Atlantans describe where they live is based on I-285, the highway loop ringing the metro.

Even if you’re only asking about “parts of Atlanta,” you’ll hear ITP/OTP used frequently, especially when talking about commutes, nightlife, or housing.

Neighborhood vs. Address: Checking What Part of Atlanta You’re Actually In

The City of Atlanta’s boundaries are not the same as the broader “Atlanta” mailing address used in many metro areas. It’s common to:

• Have an “Atlanta, GA” mailing address but technically live in a separate city (like Sandy Springs or Brookhaven)
• Live in DeKalb or Fulton County but not be inside the City of Atlanta limits

If you want to know which official part of Atlanta you’re in:

• You can contact City of Atlanta City Hall, 55 Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303, for zoning and jurisdiction questions.
• Fulton County and DeKalb County governments can also clarify whether your property or location lies within city or county-only areas.

This matters for services, taxes, schools, and voting, even if day-to-day people still say they live “in Atlanta.”

How to Choose the Best Part of Atlanta for Your Needs

If you’re deciding where to stay, live, or spend time, here’s a quick way to think about it:

• 🏙 For attractions and big events:
  Look to Downtown and nearby neighborhoods; easy MARTA access and walkability to major venues.
• 🎭 For arts, nightlife, and walkable streets:
  Midtown and the Eastside (Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, VaHi) are strong options.
• 🛍 For shopping and business travel:
  Buckhead and its surrounding neighborhoods are well known for this.
• 🏡 For a neighborhood feel but still intown:
  Eastside and some Westside neighborhoods give you intown life with community character.
• ✈️ For airport convenience:
  Areas near Hartsfield–Jackson, including parts of South Atlanta, College Park, and East Point, can be practical.
• 🌳 For space and a quieter feel:
  North Atlanta neighborhoods and some OTP areas offer more of a suburban environment.

Getting Oriented: Key Transit and Civic Touchpoints

If you’re still figuring out “what part of Atlanta” you’re in or heading to, these anchor locations can help you navigate:

• Five Points MARTA Station
  30 Alabama St SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  Central rail hub linking all four MARTA rail lines; often considered the center of Downtown.

• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
  6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
  Major entry point south of the city, connected via the Airport MARTA Station.

• Atlanta City Hall
  55 Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  Main seat of city government for questions about jurisdiction, permits, and city services.

Using these fixed points, you can better understand whether a neighborhood is north, south, east, or west of the core and how it fits into the broader map of Atlanta’s many parts.