Finding the Best Apartments Near Grant Park in Atlanta

Looking for apartments near Grant Park in Atlanta puts you in one of the city’s most historic, livable, and walkable areas. This is a neighborhood where you can jog past the zoo in the morning, grab coffee on Memorial Drive, and be in Downtown or Midtown in minutes.

This guide walks you through what it’s like to live near Grant Park, the types of apartments you’ll find, nearby micro‑neighborhoods to compare, typical price and parking expectations, and practical tips for apartment hunting in this part of Atlanta.

Why Live Near Grant Park?

Grant Park is one of Atlanta’s oldest neighborhoods, centered around Grant Park itself, a large, tree-filled park on the city’s southeast side.

Living near Grant Park appeals to renters who want:

  • Easy park access – walking trails, open fields, playgrounds, and picnic spots.
  • Proximity to Zoo Atlanta and the historic Oakland Cemetery.
  • Quick commute options to Downtown, Midtown, and the BeltLine.
  • Historic charm together with new apartments and retail along Memorial Drive.

If you’re deciding where to live in Atlanta, apartments near Grant Park offer a blend of residential calm and city convenience that’s hard to match inside the Perimeter.

What “Near Grant Park” Really Means

When people say “apartments near Grant Park Atlanta”, they may be talking about several overlapping areas:

  • Within a few blocks of Grant Park (the actual park and Zoo Atlanta)
  • Along Memorial Drive SE, just north of the park
  • Near the BeltLine Southside Trail (existing and planned segments)
  • Neighboring neighborhoods like:
    • Cabbagetown
    • Reynoldstown
    • Ormewood Park
    • Summerhill
    • Boulevard Heights

All of these give you easy access to the park while offering slightly different vibes, price points, and building styles.

Types of Apartments You’ll Find Near Grant Park

1. Modern Mid‑Rise and Mixed-Use Buildings

Along Memorial Drive SE and nearby corridors, you’ll find:

  • 4–6 story mid‑rise buildings
  • Ground‑floor retail (coffee shops, casual restaurants, fitness studios)
  • Amenities like:
    • Pools
    • Fitness centers
    • Rooftop decks
    • Package lockers
    • Gated parking

These properties often appeal to renters who want newer construction, elevators, and a short Uber or bike ride to Downtown and Midtown.

2. Historic Homes Converted to Apartments

Inside the Grant Park historic district and surrounding streets, there are:

  • Older homes split into duplexes or triplexes
  • Small buildings from the early to mid‑1900s
  • Garden‑style apartments on residential streets

These can offer:

  • More character (original hardwoods, porches, big windows)
  • Quieter, tree‑lined streets
  • Often more street parking instead of large garages

They may not have the same amenities as new mid‑rises, but they put you right inside the neighborhood fabric.

3. Small and Boutique Communities

Scattered around Ormewood Park, Boulevard Heights, and the edges of Grant Park, you’ll see:

  • Smaller apartment communities (10–50 units)
  • Townhome-style rentals
  • Renovated older complexes

These can be a fit if you prefer:

  • Fewer neighbors
  • A more residential feel
  • Slightly lower prices than brand‑new luxury buildings (depending on condition and location)

Key Micro‑Areas to Consider Around Grant Park

Apartments Directly Around Grant Park & Zoo Atlanta

Living right around the park (near Cherokee Ave SE, Boulevard SE, and Park Ave SE) gives you:

  • Steps‑away access to the park and Zoo Atlanta
  • Quiet side streets and historic architecture
  • Primarily smaller apartment options and house-style rentals

This is ideal if you care most about:

  • Morning runs and dog walks in the park
  • A neighborhood feel with less commercial activity right on your doorstep

Memorial Drive Corridor

The Memorial Drive SE corridor, north of the park, has seen significant redevelopment. Renters here typically get:

  • Newer apartments with modern finishes
  • Restaurants, coffee shops, and retail within walking distance
  • Straight shot into Downtown via Memorial or surface streets

This area is good for:

  • People who want walkable amenities
  • Renters prioritizing new construction and building amenities

Summerhill and Georgia State Stadium Area

Just southwest of Grant Park, Summerhill (around Georgia State’s Center Parc Stadium) has:

  • Mixed‑use developments
  • New apartments and townhomes
  • A growing strip of restaurants and services

From here, Grant Park is a short drive or bike ride, and you’re close to:

  • Downtown government and office buildings
  • Interstate access (I‑20, I‑75/I‑85 connector)

Cabbagetown & Reynoldstown

Northeast of Grant Park, Cabbagetown and Reynoldstown are popular in-town neighborhoods with:

  • A mix of historic mill houses and newer apartments
  • Access to the BeltLine Eastside Trail (Reynoldstown side) and Krog Street Tunnel area
  • Artsy, creative energy and local restaurants

From these neighborhoods, Grant Park is:

  • A short drive
  • A reasonable bike ride, depending on where exactly you live

You’ll still be “near Grant Park” while also connected to other key parts of intown Atlanta.

How Close Do You Want to Be?

Here’s a simple way to think about proximity when searching apartments near Grant Park Atlanta:

AreaApprox. Distance to Grant ParkVibeTypical Building Types
Directly around Grant Park0–0.5 milesQuiet, residential, historicSmall complexes, house-style apartments
Memorial Drive corridor0.5–1 mileUrban, walkable, newerMid‑rise mixed-use, modern apartments
Summerhill0.5–1.5 milesTransitional, growing retailNew apartments, townhomes
Cabbagetown / Reynoldstown1–2 milesArtsy, BeltLine‑adjacentMix of historic and modern multifamily
Ormewood Park / Boulevard Hts0.5–2 milesResidential, neighborhood feelSmaller complexes, townhome-style rentals

Use this as a rough guide when you’re scrolling through listings or maps.

Commute and Transportation Considerations

Driving and Parking

Living near Grant Park gives you quick access to:

  • I‑20 (east–west)
  • I‑75/I‑85 Downtown Connector (north–south)

Traffic can be heavy during rush hours, but you’re generally:

  • 10–20 minutes from many in-town job centers, depending on traffic and exact location

For parking:

  • Newer mid‑rises often charge additional monthly fees for garage parking.
  • Older buildings and house conversions may offer limited off‑street parking and rely more on street parking.
  • When you tour, ask:
    • Is parking included in rent?
    • Is there guest parking?
    • Are there neighborhood parking restrictions?

MARTA Access

Grant Park itself is not directly on MARTA rail, but nearby stations can be usable if you’re willing to walk, bike, or bus:

  • King Memorial Station (MARTA Rail – Blue/Green Line)
  • Garnett Station (MARTA Rail – Red/Gold Line)
  • Georgia State Station (MARTA Rail – Blue/Green Line)

MARTA’s main information and customer service center is:

  • MARTA Headquarters
    2424 Piedmont Rd NE
    Atlanta, GA 30324
    Customer information lines are typically listed on MARTA’s official website and at rail stations.

You can also look into MARTA bus routes that run along or near Memorial Drive, Boulevard, and surrounding streets.

Walking and Biking

Near Grant Park, many streets are:

  • Sidewalk‑lined
  • Shaded with mature trees
  • Popular for walkers, joggers, and dog owners

Other walk/bike advantages:

  • Close to Grant Park, Zoo Atlanta, and nearby restaurants
  • Emerging connections to the Atlanta BeltLine Southside Trail, which aims to link the area more directly to the rest of the BeltLine network over time

When touring an apartment, it helps to:

  • Walk a 5–10 minute loop around the building
  • Note sidewalks, lighting, and crosswalks
  • Check how comfortable it feels to walk to nearby stores or bus stops, especially at night

What to Expect in Terms of Rent and Fees

Exact prices change frequently, but apartments near Grant Park tend to be:

  • Higher than many suburban areas outside I‑285
  • Often a bit lower than the priciest parts of Midtown or the Westside, depending on the specific building and finishes

Common cost factors include:

  • Proximity to the park – closer often means higher rent.
  • Building age and amenities – newer, amenity‑heavy buildings usually cost more.
  • Unit size – studios and one‑bedrooms are more common in newer buildings; larger two‑ and three‑bedrooms may be more likely in older or house-style rentals.

Besides base rent, budget for:

  • Parking fees (especially in garages)
  • Pet rent and deposits
  • Amenity fees or community fees
  • Utilities (some included, some separate; ask for a typical range)

When you tour, ask the leasing office for:

  • A written fee sheet or breakdown of all recurring and one‑time costs.
  • Any mandatory service packages (valet trash, Wi‑Fi, pest control, etc.).

Safety and Neighborhood Feel

No Atlanta neighborhood is identical from block to block, so your experience near Grant Park can vary depending on:

  • How close you are to major roads like Memorial Drive or Boulevard
  • How busy or quiet your immediate street is
  • Lighting and foot traffic in the area

Common steps renters in Atlanta take to evaluate an area include:

  • Visiting the neighborhood during the day and at night
  • Checking:
    • Street lighting
    • Sidewalk quality
    • How busy the area feels
  • Talking with:
    • Current residents (if possible)
    • Leasing staff about on‑site security measures

If you want broader context on public safety and police services in the area, the relevant local agency is:

  • Atlanta Police Department – Zone 3 (covers parts of Southeast Atlanta, including around Grant Park)
    Zone 3 Precinct
    880 Cherokee Ave SE
    Atlanta, GA 30315
    Non‑emergency line information is usually posted on the City of Atlanta or APD official website.

This can give you an additional frame of reference as you compare addresses.

Tips for Apartment Hunting Near Grant Park

1. Decide How You’ll Use the Park

Think about whether you want to:

  • Be directly next to Grant Park for daily use (running, walking the dog, playgrounds), or
  • Be a short drive or bike ride away while prioritizing newer buildings and amenities

Your answer will help you choose between:

  • Inside the historic neighborhood vs.
  • Newer developments along Memorial Drive or in Summerhill

2. Compare Commuting Routes

If you work or study in:

  • Downtown or Georgia State University – look near Memorial Drive, Summerhill, or close to major bus routes.
  • Midtown or Buckhead – prioritize easy access to I‑75/I‑85 or a convenient route to a MARTA rail station.
  • Decatur or East Atlanta – consider locations with easier access to I‑20 East or surface streets heading that way.

Test a sample commute during your typical rush hour to see how it feels.

3. Check Noise Levels

Grant Park has both quiet residential blocks and busy corridors. When touring, pay attention to:

  • Traffic noise from:
    • Memorial Drive
    • Boulevard
    • Interstates nearby
  • Activity from:
    • Nearby bars/restaurants
    • Event traffic (especially around Zoo Atlanta and the park during major events)

Ask for a unit that matches your preference for quieter or livelier surroundings.

4. Ask About Local Services and Schools

For families or anyone who cares about nearby schools and services:

  • The Atlanta Public Schools (APS) central office can provide zoning and enrollment information:
    • Atlanta Public Schools
      130 Trinity Ave SW
      Atlanta, GA 30303
      Main numbers are typically available on the APS official website.

Also look at:

  • Access to grocery stores, pharmacies, and medical offices
  • Proximity to childcare or after‑school programs, if relevant

5. Use Maps Strategically

When you find a listing:

  • Plug the address into a map and look at:
    • Distance to Grant Park
    • Distance to your work or school
    • Walking access to stores, restaurants, and transit stops
  • Switch to satellite and street view to see:
    • Surrounding buildings
    • Nearby businesses
    • Green space

This helps you visualize daily life there, not just the apartment interior.

Practical Next Steps

If you’re ready to start looking for apartments near Grant Park in Atlanta:

  1. Define your radius: Decide if “near Grant Park” for you means:

    • Within a 10–15 minute walk, or
    • Within a short drive or bike ride
  2. Choose your priority:

    • Park adjacency
    • Newer construction and amenities
    • Budget
    • Commute convenience
  3. Shortlist 2–3 micro‑areas:

    • Grant Park historic core
    • Memorial Drive corridor
    • Summerhill
    • Cabbagetown/Reynoldstown
    • Ormewood Park/Boulevard Heights
  4. Tour in person when possible:

    • Visit during the day and early evening
    • Walk around the immediate blocks, not just the property

By focusing your search this way, you’ll be able to find an apartment near Grant Park that matches how you actually live in Atlanta—whether your priority is trees and trails, a quick commute, a lively restaurant scene, or a quieter historic street a short walk from the park.