The Eastern Atlanta: Neighborhoods, Growth, and Everyday Life on the East Side

When people talk about “The Eastern Atlanta”, they’re usually referring to the broad stretch of neighborhoods and communities east and southeast of Downtown Atlanta. This area has changed quickly over the past decade and can feel confusing if you’re new here, visiting, or trying to decide where to live.

Below is a clear, Atlanta-focused guide to what “Eastern Atlanta” usually means, how the area is laid out, what life is like there, and how to navigate housing, transportation, parks, and local services.

What People Mean by “Eastern Atlanta”

There’s no official government boundary called “Eastern Atlanta,” but in everyday conversation, Atlantans typically use it to describe:

• East Atlanta Village and nearby streets
• Kirkwood, Edgewood, Reynoldstown
• East Lake, Gresham Park, and parts of unincorporated DeKalb just east of the city
• Areas roughly east of I‑75/85 and south of Ponce de Leon, stretching toward I‑285 on the east side

You’ll also see the term used loosely in real estate listings, event descriptions, and local guides to signal:

• A mix of intown neighborhoods close to the city center
• Easy access to Downtown and Midtown
• A blend of historic homes, new townhomes, and apartments
• A strong local culture around music, food, and community events

If you’re trying to pin it down, think: east of Downtown, inside or just around the Perimeter (I‑285), and centered around East Atlanta Village and the neighborhoods near it.

Key Neighborhoods Commonly Considered Part of “Eastern Atlanta”

These are some of the most commonly referenced neighborhoods when people talk about the east side.

1. East Atlanta & East Atlanta Village (EAV)

East Atlanta is a residential neighborhood; East Atlanta Village (EAV) is its commercial core.

• Known for: independent bars, music venues, restaurants, street art
• Vibe: Lively at night, laid-back and residential on surrounding streets
• Common housing: Older bungalows, renovated cottages, small multi-family units

Nearby streets like Flat Shoals Ave SE and Glenwood Ave SE form the heart of the Village, making it a focal point for “eastern Atlanta” nightlife and dining.

2. Edgewood & Kirkwood

Moving north from EAV, you hit Edgewood and then Kirkwood.

• Edgewood

  • Mix of older homes and newer townhomes/apartments
  • Close to Edgewood/Candler Park MARTA Station
  • Known for: retail clusters, quick access to Moreland Ave, the BeltLine Eastside Trail (a short drive or bike away)

• Kirkwood

  • Historic streetcar suburb feel
  • Walkable “downtown” Kirkwood area with local shops and restaurants
  • Tree-lined streets with bungalows and craftsman homes

Both feel very “east side Atlanta” while offering slightly different speeds: Edgewood is a bit more transitional and busy; Kirkwood a bit more residential and village-like.

3. Reynoldstown & Cabbagetown (East-Southeast BeltLine Area)

To the south of Edgewood and just east of Downtown:

• Reynoldstown

  • Direct access to the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail
  • Mix of modern homes, townhomes, and renovated older houses
  • Popular with people who want to be close to Inman Park, BeltLine, and Memorial Drive development

• Cabbagetown (just a bit west but often grouped into “east side”)

  • Historic mill village
  • Narrow streets, shotgun houses, strong arts and music culture

These neighborhoods are often included when people casually say “eastern Atlanta,” especially in real estate and lifestyle conversations.

4. East Lake & Oakhurst (Decatur Edge)

East Lake sits east of Kirkwood and is close to the City of Decatur and DeKalb County neighborhoods.

• Known for: East Lake Golf Club, the East Lake MARTA station, and a mix of older homes and newer construction
• Many residents see themselves as part of the east side intown scene while also overlapping with Decatur-area amenities.

Nearby Oakhurst (inside the City of Decatur) is technically not Atlanta but is commonly considered part of the broader “eastside” living area because of its proximity and similar feel.

5. Further East and Southeast: Gresham Park, Panthersville, and Beyond

As you head farther southeast toward I‑285, you reach more suburban-feeling parts of “eastern metro Atlanta,” including:

• Gresham Park
• Panthersville
• Areas around Candler Road, Flat Shoals Road, Snapfinger, and Panola in DeKalb County

These areas are often less expensive than the intown neighborhoods but still give relatively direct access to I‑20 and the rest of the city.

Quick Snapshot: Eastern Atlanta at a Glance

Housing and Cost of Living in Eastern Atlanta

Housing costs in “eastern Atlanta” vary widely depending on how close you are to Downtown, the BeltLine, and MARTA.

What to Expect

• Closer to BeltLine and MARTA
  Areas like Reynoldstown, Kirkwood, and parts of Edgewood tend to have higher home prices and rents, particularly for renovated properties and newer townhomes.

• A bit farther out
  Moving toward East Lake and especially Gresham Park and other DeKalb communities can sometimes mean:

  • Lower prices per square foot
  • More single-family homes with yards
  • Longer commutes if you rely on transit

Tips if You’re Apartment or Home Shopping

• Look at MARTA station proximity (Edgewood/Candler Park, Kirkwood/Oakhurst via Decatur, East Lake).
• Consider whether you want walkability to nightlife (EAV, Reynoldstown) or a quieter residential feel (East Lake, Gresham Park).
• Pay attention to zoning maps and school clusters if schools are important to you, especially in areas near the Atlanta/DeKalb boundary.

For zoning and neighborhood boundaries, you can check with:

• City of Atlanta Department of City Planning
  55 Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  Main City line: 404‑330‑6000

Transportation on the East Side

Getting around “Eastern Atlanta” involves a mix of driving, transit, and cycling/walking, depending on where you live.

MARTA Rail & Bus

Key MARTA stations that serve eastern Atlanta neighborhoods:

• King Memorial Station – Close to Cabbagetown/Reynoldstown area by a short bus or bike ride
• Inman Park/Reynoldstown Station – Access to BeltLine area and Reynoldstown
• Edgewood/Candler Park Station – Serves Edgewood, Candler Park, and nearby areas
• East Lake Station – Serves East Lake and parts of Decatur/DeKalb

For route planning or schedules:

• MARTA Customer Service: 404‑848‑5000
• MARTA Headquarters: 2424 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30324

Many east side neighborhoods also have bus routes linking to these stations.

Driving and Major Roads

Important east side corridors include:

• I‑20 East – Runs east-west and is a major commuter route
• Moreland Ave (US‑23) – Connects EAV, Edgewood, Little Five Points
• Memorial Drive – Parallel to I‑20, a major commercial corridor
• Glenwood Ave – Connects East Atlanta and points east toward I‑285
• Candler Road / Flat Shoals Road – Key routes deeper into DeKalb County

Traffic can be heavy during rush hours, especially around I‑20 interchanges and Moreland Ave.

Walking and Biking

If you live closer to the core intown neighborhoods, walking and biking are more practical:

• The Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail runs near Reynoldstown, connecting north to Inman Park, Ponce City Market, and further.
• Many east side neighborhoods have sidewalks, but quality and continuity vary by street.
• For information on trails and bike infrastructure, you can contact:
  • Atlanta Department of Transportation (ATLDOT)
    55 Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303

Parks, Green Space, and Recreation

Eastern Atlanta has several parks and natural areas that residents rely on for everyday recreation.

Notable Parks and Spaces

• Brownwood Park (East Atlanta)

  • A central green space for East Atlanta Village
  • Playground, sports courts, community programs

• Kirkwood Urban Forest (near Kirkwood)

  • Wooded trails and a more natural feel
  • Popular with walkers and dog owners

• East Lake Park

  • Pond, walking paths, and open fields
  • A quieter alternative to busier city parks

• Gresham Park Recreation Center (DeKalb County)

  • 3113 Gresham Rd SE, Atlanta, GA 30316
  • Offers sports fields, playgrounds, and community programs

For programming and facility info:

• City of Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation
  233 Peachtree St NE, Suite 1700, Atlanta, GA 30303
• DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs
  1300 Commerce Dr, Decatur, GA 30030

Schools and Public Services in Eastern Atlanta

Because “Eastern Atlanta” crosses city and county lines, public services can vary block by block.

Schools

• Inside City of Atlanta: Schools are generally part of Atlanta Public Schools (APS).
• East of the city limits: Schools may be part of DeKalb County School District.

If you’re moving to the area, check:

• Atlanta Public Schools (APS) – 130 Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303 – Main: 404‑802‑3500
• DeKalb County School District – 1701 Mountain Industrial Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083 – Main: 678‑676‑1200

Use their official school zone tools or call to confirm the assigned schools for a specific address.

City vs. County Services

Depending on which side of the line you live on, your:

• Trash and recycling pickup
• Property taxes
• Police and fire services
• Building permits and inspections

may come from City of Atlanta or DeKalb County. If you’re unsure, a quick check of your property tax bill or utility account usually clarifies which jurisdiction you’re in.

Key contacts:

• City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office / General Info
  55 Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303 – 404‑330‑6000

• DeKalb County Government
  1300 Commerce Dr, Decatur, GA 30030 – 404‑371‑2000

Everyday Life: Food, Culture, and Community on the East Side

Eastern Atlanta’s draw is less about a formal boundary and more about its day-to-day lifestyle.

Food and Nightlife

• East Atlanta Village is a major nightlife cluster, with live music, bars, and late-night food.
• Edgewood and Memorial Drive corridors offer:
  • Casual dining
  • Breweries
  • Coffee shops and small venues
• Kirkwood and Reynoldstown have a growing set of neighborhood-focused restaurants and cafes.

Noise and traffic levels increase near the busiest commercial blocks, so if you value quiet, you may prefer residential streets a few blocks away.

Community Feel

Common experiences across much of eastern Atlanta include:

• Active neighborhood associations that organize cleanups, safety meetings, and festivals
• A visible mix of longtime residents and newer arrivals
• Ongoing conversations about:
  • Growth and development
  • Affordability
  • Preserving neighborhood character

If you’re moving in, connecting with your neighborhood association or community group is one of the quickest ways to understand local priorities and resources.

How to Decide if Eastern Atlanta Is Right for You

If you live in, are moving to, or are visiting Atlanta and trying to understand “Eastern Atlanta,” use these questions:

• How close do you want to be to nightlife and music venues?

  • Closer: East Atlanta Village, Edgewood, Reynoldstown
  • Quieter: East Lake, Gresham Park, deeper DeKalb neighborhoods

• Do you need easy transit access?

  • Prioritize neighborhoods near MARTA rail stations (Edgewood, Inman Park/Reynoldstown, East Lake).

• What kind of housing are you looking for?

  • Older bungalows and craftsman homes: East Atlanta, Kirkwood, East Lake
  • Newer townhomes and apartments: Edgewood, Reynoldstown, parts of Memorial corridor

• What’s your budget?

  • Expect higher prices close to the BeltLine and intown nightlife hubs, with more options as you move farther east toward I‑285.

Understanding “The Eastern Atlanta” as a patchwork of connected neighborhoods—rather than a single defined district—makes it easier to compare options and find the pocket that fits how you want to live, work, or spend time while you’re in Atlanta.