Finding Apartments in Atlanta Near GSU: A Local Guide to Living Close to Campus

Looking for apartments in Atlanta near Georgia State University (GSU) usually means you’re trying to balance three things: walkability to campus, safety, and budget. Because GSU is an urban campus in Downtown Atlanta, “near GSU” can mean anything from right on top of campus buildings to a short MARTA ride away.

This guide breaks down where to look, what to expect, and how to compare nearby neighborhoods so you can find a place that fits your life in and around GSU.

Understanding GSU’s Location in Atlanta

Georgia State’s main Atlanta campus is centered around Downtown, roughly around:

• 33 Gilmer St SE, Atlanta, GA 30303

GSU buildings are spread across several downtown blocks around Peachtree Center, Five Points, and Sweet Auburn. Because of this spread, you have flexible options:

• Walkable apartments in Downtown and Sweet Auburn
• Short MARTA or bus commutes from Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, and surrounding areas
• Slightly more residential pockets a bit farther out that still connect easily by transit

When you say “near GSU,” think not just distance, but also:

• 🚶‍♂️ Walking time to the buildings you’ll use most
• 🚇 Access to MARTA stations (Five Points, Peachtree Center, Georgia State)
• 🏙️ Noise level and nightlife vs. a quieter residential vibe

Key Neighborhoods with Apartments Near GSU

1. Downtown Atlanta (Closest to Campus)

Best for: Students who want to walk to class and live in the middle of everything.

What it’s like:
Downtown is the core of GSU life. You’ll find high-rise apartment buildings, student-focused housing, and mixed-use buildings with ground-floor shops and restaurants.

Pros:

• Shortest commute – many buildings are a few blocks from classroom buildings
• Easy access to GSU Library, Student Center, and University Lofts area
• Close to MARTA (Five Points, Peachtree Center, Georgia State stations)
• Plenty of food options, coffee shops, and quick bites geared toward students

Cons:

• Busier, more urban feel with traffic and foot crowds
• Can be louder at night, especially near major streets and event venues
• Parking can be limited or expensive in some buildings

Who this fits:
Students and young professionals who prioritize walkability and convenience over having a quiet, residential neighborhood.

2. Sweet Auburn & Edgewood Corridor

Best for: Walkable or quick-bike commutes, plus nightlife and history.

Located just east of the main GSU cluster, Sweet Auburn and the Edgewood Avenue corridor offer a mix of historic buildings, newer apartments, and loft-style units.

Pros:

• Still very close to GSU — many residents walk, bike, or take the streetcar
• Access to restaurants, nightlife, and historic sites
• Mix of loft-style apartments and mid-rise buildings
• Close to the Atlanta Streetcar, which connects to downtown and campus areas

Cons:

• Nightlife areas along Edgewood can be noisy on weekends
• Street parking may be competitive around popular venues
• Some blocks feel more commercial than residential

Who this fits:
Students and young renters who want near-campus living plus a social scene without being right in the center of Downtown’s office towers.

3. Old Fourth Ward (O4W) & Ponce Corridor

Best for: A more neighborhood feel with good transit and bike access to GSU.

Old Fourth Ward sits northeast of Downtown and has become one of Atlanta’s most popular in-town neighborhoods. While it’s not next door to GSU, it’s close enough for an easy commute.

Pros:

• More residential feel with parks and access to the BeltLine Eastside Trail
• Many mid-rise and mixed-use apartment communities along Ralph McGill Blvd, Boulevard, and near Ponce City Market
• Reasonable commute to GSU by bike, bus, or short drive
• Good balance of restaurants, coffee shops, and green space

Cons:

• Not typically a walk-to-campus situation for most students
• Popular neighborhood means higher rents in some newer buildings
• Parking rules and visitor parking can vary by building

Who this fits:
Renters who want to be near GSU but not in the middle of Downtown, and who value parks, the BeltLine, and a more laid-back neighborhood atmosphere.

4. Midtown Atlanta

Best for: Access to multiple universities, arts, and MARTA, with a more polished urban vibe.

Midtown is just north of Downtown and home to Georgia Tech, the Arts District, and high-rise living. It’s not as close to GSU as Downtown, but MARTA and bus lines make the commute straightforward.

Pros:

• Direct MARTA access to Downtown (Peachtree Center/Georgia State stations)
• Plenty of apartment towers, including modern high-rises and mid-rise communities
• Walking distance to Piedmont Park, the Fox Theatre, and major employers
• Good for students who work in Midtown or attend multiple campuses

Cons:

• Generally more expensive than many Downtown or Sweet Auburn options
• Commute depends on MARTA schedule or driving, not usually walkable
• Parking costs can add up in some high-rises

Who this fits:
Graduate students, young professionals, or those who want easy access to GSU plus Midtown amenities and don’t mind a short train ride.

5. Grant Park & Summerhill

Best for: Quiet(er) residential streets with a short drive or bus ride to campus.

Just south and southeast of Downtown, Grant Park and Summerhill offer more traditional neighborhood streets with houses, small apartment buildings, and newer mixed-use developments.

Pros:

• More neighborhood charm and tree-lined streets
• Mix of older duplexes, small complexes, and new apartments
• Short commute to GSU by car, bus, or even bike
• Access to Grant Park, Zoo Atlanta, and Summerhill’s retail strip

Cons:

• Not typically walkable to GSU for most people
• Fewer high-rise options; more limited choice if you want large amenity-rich complexes
• Need to pay attention to bus routes and schedules if not driving

Who this fits:
Students or renters who want quieter living and don’t mind a short commute in exchange for more residential surroundings.

Quick Comparison: Popular Areas Near GSU

Distances are approximate and vary by exact address, but this gives a sense of how “near GSU” each area feels in daily life.

Types of Apartments You’ll Find Near GSU

Around Georgia State, you’ll see a mix of purpose-built student housing and standard market-rate apartments. Knowing the difference helps you choose what fits you best.

Student-Oriented Apartments

These are buildings often aimed at GSU students or nearby college students, usually found in or near Downtown.

Common features:

• Per-bedroom leases (you rent your room, not the whole unit)
• Furnished units with individual leases for roommates
• Amenities like study rooms, game lounges, fitness centers
• Rent that sometimes includes utilities or internet

Good for:

• Newer students who want a built-in community
• People who don’t want to manage finding and splitting rent with roommates themselves

Traditional Market-Rate Apartments

These include high-rises, mid-rises, older walk-up buildings, and small complexes in surrounding neighborhoods.

Common features:

• One lease per unit – you and your roommates are jointly responsible
• Mix of unfurnished and occasionally furnished units
• You handle utilities (power, gas, water, internet) separately in many cases
• Broader mix of residents: students, professionals, families

Good for:

• Renters who want more flexibility in roommates and lease terms
• People planning to stay in Atlanta beyond school and want a more typical rental

What “Near GSU” Really Means for Your Commute

When you compare apartments in Atlanta near GSU, focus on how you’ll get to campus every day.

Walking

Living in Downtown, parts of Sweet Auburn, and areas immediately around campus can put you within:

• 5–15 minutes on foot to many classroom buildings
• Easy walking distance to the GSU Library, Student Recreation Center, and food spots

If walking is your priority:

• Look at how far your specific building is from the GSU buildings you’ll use
• Check sidewalks, crosswalks, and lighting on your most likely walking route

MARTA Rail and Bus

GSU is well-served by MARTA:

• Georgia State Station (Blue/Green Line) – very close to academic buildings
• Five Points Station (Red/Gold/Blue/Green) – central hub short walk away
• Peachtree Center Station (Red/Gold) – walkable to many GSU areas

If you live in Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, some parts of Grant Park/Summerhill, or along major corridors, you can often:

• Take MARTA rail directly into Five Points or Georgia State
• Use bus routes that stop near campus and connect to Downtown streets

For daily life, consider:

• Time from apartment → station/bus stop
• Time on train/bus
• Time from station → classroom building

Driving and Parking

Driving to GSU is possible, but you’ll need to factor in:

• Downtown traffic, especially during rush hours and events
• Availability and cost of student or public parking decks near campus
• Whether your apartment includes parking or charges an additional fee

If you plan to drive regularly, it’s worth looking at apartments:

• Just outside the core of Downtown where parking is easier
• With on-site or attached garages or lots

How Much Do Apartments Near GSU Typically Cost?

Prices change over time and vary widely based on:

• Location (Downtown vs. just outside downtown)
• Building age and amenities
• Whether it’s student housing or traditional apartments
• Unit size (studio vs. 1BR vs. roommate setups)

In general, you can expect:

• Downtown and Midtown high-rises to be among the priciest per square foot
• Sweet Auburn, Old Fourth Ward, and parts of Grant Park/Summerhill to offer more variety in price points
• Purpose-built student apartments may have higher per-bedroom rates but include furniture and some utilities

To get a realistic idea, compare:

• Total monthly cost (base rent + utilities + parking)
• Commute costs (MARTA pass, gas, or parking near GSU)
• What you’re getting in terms of amenities, safety, and convenience

Practical Tips for Apartment Hunting Near GSU

1. Time Your Search Around the Academic Calendar

Near GSU, student-heavy buildings fill early:

• Many students start looking 3–6 months before fall semester
• Renewals often open early for the following year

If you’re targeting Downtown or student-focused properties, it can help to:

• Start calling and touring well before August
• Ask about waitlists and pre-leasing dates

2. Ask About Noise, Events, and Weekends

Downtown and nightlife-heavy corridors can get:

• Busy on weeknights with student and office crowds
• Loud on weekends with events, nightlife, and traffic

When you tour:

• Ask management or current residents about noise levels
• Visit the area at night or on weekends if possible to see what it’s really like

3. Check Commute Options in Real Life

Map apps are helpful, but in Atlanta, traffic and street patterns matter. If you can:

• Test your morning commute from the apartment to GSU
• Check how long it takes to walk or bike at busier times of day
• Look at street lighting and foot traffic if you’ll be walking at night

4. Understand Lease Terms Clearly

Near GSU, leases can vary:

• Student apartments may require individual leases, guarantors, or co-signers
• Some buildings may bundle utilities; others keep them separate
• Many places in and around Downtown charge extra for parking

Before signing, clarify:

• Lease length and move-in/move-out dates
• Any fees (application, admin, amenities, parking)
• Rules around subletting or changing roommates

5. Think Beyond Just the Apartment

Living near GSU isn’t only about getting to class. Consider:

• Grocery access – Downtown and surrounding areas have a mix of small markets and larger stores a drive or bus ride away
• Safety practices – check building access controls, lighting, and any on-site security
• Everyday needs – laundromats (if units don’t have washers/dryers), pharmacies, and urgent care

Using Local Resources in Atlanta

While apartment hunting near GSU, a few Atlanta-based resources can help you orient yourself:

• City of Atlanta Department of City Planning

  • 55 Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • Can help you understand zoning and development patterns in different neighborhoods.

• MARTA Customer Service

  • Main office: 2424 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30324
  • Phone: 404‑848‑5000
  • Useful for planning routes from potential apartments to GSU.

• Fulton County Government (for renter-related concerns in much of Atlanta)

  • 141 Pryor St SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • Can provide information about local housing resources and tenant-related services.

For students, GSU’s own housing and student support offices can explain how off-campus living fits with class schedules, campus access, and student life.

Choosing the Right “Near GSU” for You

To narrow your search:

1. Decide your top priority:

   • 🚶 Walk to class (focus on Downtown/Sweet Auburn)
   • 🤝 Balance of neighborhood and commute (look at O4W, Grant Park, Summerhill)
   • 🎭 Broader city experience (Midtown with a MARTA commute)

2. Set a clear monthly budget including utilities and transportation.

3. Compare at least two types of areas:

   • One that’s right next to campus
   • One that’s a short transit or bike ride away

4. Tour in person when possible and pay attention not just to the unit, but to the block, transit access, and noise level.

By focusing on these factors, you can find apartments in Atlanta near GSU that match how you actually want to live, study, and move around the city day to day.