Exploring the South Side of Atlanta: Neighborhoods, Life, and Local Tips

The south side of Atlanta covers a wide, varied area that includes long-time city neighborhoods, historic communities, and fast-growing suburbs close to the airport. Whether you live in Atlanta, are planning a move, or just want to understand how the Southside fits into the city, it helps to know how this part of metro Atlanta is laid out, what it offers, and how daily life actually works here.

What People Mean by “South Side of Atlanta”

Locals use “Southside” a few different ways, but it generally refers to:

• South Atlanta inside the city limits (south of I‑20)
• Neighborhoods and cities around Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
• Clayton County and parts of south Fulton and south DeKalb

When someone says “south side of Atlanta,” they might be talking about:

• In-city neighborhoods like:

  • South Atlanta
  • Lakewood Heights
  • Pittsburgh
  • Capitol View and Capitol View Manor
  • Oakland City
  • Sylvan Hills
  • Peoplestown
  • Mechanicsville

• Nearby cities and communities just outside the city limits:

  • East Point
  • College Park
  • Hapeville
  • Forest Park
  • Riverdale
  • Union City
  • Jonesboro
  • Morrow
  • Ellenwood
  • Fairburn and Palmetto (farther southwest in Fulton)

The airport is a major anchor for the south side, and a lot of the local economy, traffic patterns, and job opportunities connect back to it.

Key Areas on Atlanta’s South Side

Inside the City of Atlanta (South of I‑20)

These neighborhoods are within the Atlanta city limits and typically fall under City of Atlanta services and Atlanta Public Schools (APS).

• South Atlanta
  A historic neighborhood east of the Downtown Connector (I‑75/85), south of Grant Park. It has older homes, long-time residents, and growing interest from people who want to be close to downtown and the BeltLine’s Southside and future Southeast trails.

• Pittsburgh, Mechanicsville, Peoplestown
  Close to downtown and often associated with Atlanta’s early Black history and civil rights era. These areas have seen new construction, renovations, and some redevelopment around the former Turner Field area (now Georgia State’s Center Parc Stadium).

• Lakewood Heights & Lakewood
  South of downtown, near the Lakewood Amphitheatre area. These neighborhoods blend industrial, residential, and event space, with relatively easy access to I‑75/85 and the airport.

• Oakland City, Capitol View, Capitol View Manor, Sylvan Hills
  In southwest Atlanta along the MARTA Red/Gold Line, these neighborhoods offer older housing stock, tree-lined streets, and access to the Atlanta BeltLine Westside Trail near Oakland City. They’re popular with commuters who want transit access.

Airport Area Cities: College Park, East Point, Hapeville

These independent cities border the south side of Atlanta and the airport.

• College Park

  • Mix of historic homes, newer development, and major employment centers.
  • Home to portions of the airport, convention centers, and hotels.
  • Has its own city government and school system (Fulton County Schools).

• East Point

  • Just southwest of downtown, with a MARTA rail station and older, walkable neighborhoods.
  • Known for its city center, local businesses, and ease of access to I‑285.

• Hapeville

  • Smaller city just east of the airport.
  • Walkable downtown, public art, and older bungalow-style homes.
  • Convenient for airport workers and travelers.

Clayton County and South Fulton / South DeKalb

Beyond the airport area, the south side includes many suburban communities:

• Clayton County

  • Cities like Forest Park, Riverdale, Jonesboro, Lake City, Morrow, Lovejoy.
  • Many residents commute into Atlanta or work along major corridors like I‑75 and I‑285.
  • Served mainly by Clayton County Public Schools.

• South Fulton

  • Includes Union City, Fairburn, Palmetto, and the City of South Fulton (a newer incorporated city with multiple previously unincorporated communities).
  • Mix of new subdivisions and long-standing rural or semi-rural areas.

• South DeKalb

  • Communities such as Ellenwood, Panthersville, Candler Road area.
  • Strong residential base with shopping centers, churches, and local food spots.
  • Served by DeKalb County services and DeKalb County School District.

Quick Snapshot: How the South Side of Atlanta Breaks Down

Getting Around the South Side

Highways and Major Roads

The south side is shaped by several major routes:

• I‑75 – Runs southeast from downtown toward Hapeville, Forest Park, Morrow, Jonesboro.
• I‑85 – Runs southwest from downtown toward East Point, College Park, Union City, Fairburn.
• I‑285 (Perimeter) – Loops around the city, with the south side of the Perimeter connecting I‑75 and I‑85 and providing access to Forest Park, Riverdale, Ellenwood, and distribution centers.
• I‑675 – Connects I‑285 to I‑75 in Henry County, passing near Ellenwood and Forest Park.
• Major surface roads: Metropolitan Parkway, Old National Highway, Moreland Avenue, Jonesboro Road, Cleveland Avenue, and Camp Creek Parkway.

Traffic can be heavy, especially:

• Around morning and evening commute times
• Near Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
• On I‑75/I‑85 and the southern stretch of I‑285

MARTA and Transit Options

If you’re trying to get around the south side without a car, MARTA is a central option.

Key MARTA Rail Stations on/near the South Side:

• Garnett & West End – Close to in-town south and southwest neighborhoods.
• Oakland City & Lakewood/Fort McPherson – Serve southwest Atlanta communities.
• East Point
• College Park
• Airport – Station inside Hartsfield–Jackson’s domestic terminal.

From many of these stations, you can connect to MARTA bus routes that head deeper into south Fulton, south DeKalb, and Clayton County.

Clayton County is also served by MARTA-operated buses under agreements with the county. If you live in places like Riverdale, Jonesboro, or Morrow, buses often connect to the Airport or College Park stations, then into Atlanta.

Housing and Cost of Living on the South Side

Compared with many neighborhoods on the north side of Atlanta, the south side has historically offered:

• Lower home prices and rents, especially farther from downtown
• A mix of:
  • Older single-family homes (bungalows, ranch homes)
  • Newer subdivisions and townhomes
  • Apartment communities, some near MARTA lines or major roads

In-city neighborhoods like Capitol View, Oakland City, and Lakewood may see rising interest as people look for more affordable options close to the BeltLine or MARTA. Farther out in places like Lovejoy or Palmetto, new developments can offer additional space for the cost.

When exploring housing on the south side, people often pay attention to:

• Commute time to workplaces (downtown, Midtown, airport, or Perimeter)
• School districts (APS, Fulton, Clayton, DeKalb)
• Access to:
  • MARTA or main highways
  • Grocery stores and daily shopping
  • Parks and community centers

Jobs and Major Employers on the South Side

The south side is closely tied to transportation, logistics, and service industries, largely because of the airport and major highways.

Common employment clusters include:

• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
  • Airlines, concessions, maintenance, and customer service
  • Transportation security and airline support roles
• Warehouse and logistics hubs
  • Many distribution centers sit along I‑285, I‑75, I‑85, and I‑675
• Hospitality and tourism
  • Hotels, convention centers, and event spaces near the airport
• Retail and food service
  • Shopping centers in Forest Park, Morrow, Riverdale, Union City, and South DeKalb

For someone living on the south side, it’s common to work either:

• At or near the airport
• In logistics or warehousing near major interstates
• In downtown/Midtown Atlanta with a southbound commute back home

Schools and Public Services

School Districts on the South Side

Depending on where you are on the south side, public schools may be under:

• Atlanta Public Schools (APS) – In-city neighborhoods (South Atlanta, Lakewood, Peoplestown, etc.).
• Fulton County Schools – Cities like East Point, College Park, Union City, Fairburn, Palmetto (except for in-city APS zones).
• Clayton County Public Schools – Forest Park, Riverdale, Jonesboro, Morrow, Lovejoy, Lake City, and other Clayton communities.
• DeKalb County School District – South DeKalb communities such as Ellenwood and Panthersville.

Parents often check:

• Individual school websites
• District boundary/attendance zone maps
• Options for magnet, charter, or specialized programs within each system

Local Government and Key Service Hubs

If you live on the south side, you’ll likely interact with some of these public offices:

• City of Atlanta – City Hall
  55 Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  Handles permits, utilities (for city residents), and local government services.

• Fulton County South Service Center (example location)
  Many south Fulton residents use county service centers for tags, records, and other county services. Check Fulton County offices closest to College Park, East Point, or Union City.

• Clayton County Government Offices – Jonesboro
  Downtown Jonesboro generally hosts main county buildings for property tax, courts, and licenses.

• DeKalb County South DeKalb area offices
  Residents in Ellenwood or nearby often use DeKalb’s central and south-area facilities for tags, court services, and county programs.

For vehicle tags, property questions, or local court issues, it’s often best to search for your county’s main website and look specifically for the office nearest your ZIP code on the south side.

Parks, Recreation, and Things to Do on the South Side

The south side isn’t only about commuting and the airport—it also has parks, event spaces, and local hangouts.

Parks and Outdoor Spaces

• Southside BeltLine Areas (in progress)
  The Atlanta BeltLine’s Southside and Westside Trails touch or border some south and southwest neighborhoods like Oakland City and West End, giving residents walking and biking access toward other parts of the city.

• Perkerson Park (Southwest Atlanta)
  Large park with open fields, trees, and recreation areas near Capitol View and Sylvan Hills.

• Airport-area green spaces
  Some southside residents use local city and county parks in East Point, College Park, Hapeville, and Clayton County for sports, walking, and family outings.

• Clayton County International Park (near Jonesboro)
  Widely known for its lake, trails, and seasonal attractions. A popular recreation spot for residents in Clayton County and beyond.

Cultural Spots and Everyday Amenities

On the south side you’ll find:

• Locally owned restaurants and food spots, including long-standing Southern, Caribbean, African, and Latin American eateries along corridors like Old National Highway, Cleveland Avenue, Jonesboro Road, and in South DeKalb.
• South DeKalb Mall area, Greenbriar Mall, and multiple shopping centers in Morrow, Forest Park, Union City, and Riverdale that serve as everyday retail hubs.
• Community centers, churches, and local events that are central to neighborhood life.

If you’re visiting Atlanta and staying near the airport, you’re already on the south side. Many visitors explore:

• Nearby local restaurants in Hapeville or College Park
• Transit-accessible neighborhoods toward West End or downtown via MARTA
• Quick trips to parks or BeltLine segments reachable within a short rail or rideshare ride

Safety, Zoning, and Neighborhood Change

Like many parts of a major city, the south side includes areas that are:

• Long-established and stable
• Undergoing redevelopment or gentrification
• Dealing with vacant properties or infrastructure challenges

People considering a move to the south side often:

• Visit at different times of day to get a feel for traffic, noise, and activity
• Speak with neighbors or local community associations
• Look up public records on:
  • Zoning and land use (through city or county planning departments)
  • Code enforcement or property maintenance issues
• Check access to sidewalks, lighting, and transit options

Zoning and future development plans on the south side are frequently discussed around:

• New warehouse and logistics projects
• Major airport-area expansions
• BeltLine-adjacent redevelopment in in-town south and southwest neighborhoods

For official planning information, residents often contact:

• City of Atlanta Department of City Planning for in-city neighborhoods
• Fulton, Clayton, or DeKalb County planning and zoning departments for suburban southside areas

Who the South Side of Atlanta Works Well For

The south side can be a good fit if you:

• Work at or near the airport and want a short commute
• Prefer more affordable housing relative to some northside or intown areas
• Want to live in historic or established neighborhoods with character and longstanding communities
• Need good highway access for commuting across metro Atlanta or to other cities
• Plan to use MARTA rail and bus lines centered on the Red/Gold Line south of downtown

Visitors might choose the south side if they:

• Want to stay near the airport for convenience
• Plan to use MARTA to reach downtown quickly
• Are interested in exploring local food, arts, and neighborhood culture beyond the usual tourist areas

How to Narrow Down “South Side” for Your Needs

Because the south side of Atlanta covers so much ground, it helps to be specific about what you need:

• If your priority is short airport commute:
  Look at College Park, East Point, Hapeville, Forest Park, or south Atlanta neighborhoods near the MARTA Airport line.

• If you want in-city living south of downtown:
  Explore South Atlanta, Lakewood, Capitol View, Oakland City, Sylvan Hills, Mechanicsville, Peoplestown, and Pittsburgh.

• If you want suburban style and more space:
  Consider Jonesboro, Riverdale, Lovejoy, Morrow, Union City, Fairburn, Palmetto, or Ellenwood.

• If transit is essential:
  Focus on areas near MARTA rail (West End, Oakland City, Lakewood/Ft. McPherson, East Point, College Park, Airport) or strong bus connections into these stations.

By knowing how locals use the term “south side of Atlanta” and understanding the major neighborhoods, cities, and services in this part of metro Atlanta, you can better decide where to live, where to stay, and how to navigate daily life on Atlanta’s Southside.