New Apartments in Atlanta: Where to Look, What to Expect, and How to Choose

Searching for new apartments in Atlanta can feel overwhelming. The city is growing fast, new developments pop up constantly, and prices can change from neighborhood to neighborhood. Whether you already live in Atlanta or you’re planning a move here, understanding how the new-construction rental market works locally will save you time, stress, and money.

This guide walks through where new apartments are being built, what they typically offer, how pricing and leases work in Atlanta, and practical steps to find the right place.

Where New Apartments Are Being Built in Atlanta

Most new apartments in Atlanta cluster in and around the city’s core and along major corridors. You’ll see the heaviest construction in:

1. Midtown

Midtown is one of Atlanta’s densest areas for new high-rise and luxury apartments. It’s popular with people who want to live near:

• Tech offices and coworking spaces
• Arts and culture (Fox Theatre, Woodruff Arts Center, High Museum of Art)
• Georgia Tech
• Marta rail (Midtown, Arts Center, North Avenue stations)

You’ll mostly find high-rise and mid-rise buildings with:

• Rooftop pools and lounges
• Fitness centers and yoga studios
• Package lockers and co-working rooms
• Modern finishes (quartz counters, stainless appliances, in-unit laundry)

Rents here tend to be among the highest in the city, especially for brand-new buildings, but you sometimes see move-in specials on new leases.

2. Buckhead

Buckhead has a mix of luxury towers, mid-rise buildings, and newer townhome-style rentals. It attracts renters who want:

• Proximity to Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza
• Access to GA 400 and I-85
• Marta stations like Buckhead and Lenox
• A more “uptown” feel with shopping and restaurants

New apartments in Buckhead often emphasize security and amenities:

• Controlled access parking decks
• Concierge or on-site management
• Resort-style pools and clubrooms
• Dog spas and fenced pet areas

Pricing is typically premium, but older nearby complexes can offer more budget-friendly alternatives while staying in the same general area.

3. West Midtown / Upper Westside

The Westside, especially around Howell Mill Road and Marietta Street, has seen a surge of new mid-rise and mixed-use developments. This area suits people who want:

• Trendy restaurants and breweries
• Proximity to Georgia Tech and the Design District
• A more industrial-chic vibe

New apartments here often feature:

• Loft-style layouts and large windows
• On-site retail or restaurants
• Shared workspaces and rooftop decks

Rents are usually a bit lower than Midtown/Buckhead luxury towers, but still reflect new-construction pricing.

4. Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, and BeltLine Areas

New apartments near the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail are especially popular with renters who want walkability and easy access to:

• Krog Street Market
• Ponce City Market
• Inman Park restaurants and cafes
• Parks, bike paths, and outdoor spaces

You’ll find:

• Mid-rise buildings with direct BeltLine access
• Smaller boutique-style communities
• Townhome rentals near redevelopment areas

These units are often highly competitive because many people want to live near the BeltLine. New apartments around here frequently come with covered bike storage and active social calendars.

5. Downtown and South Downtown

Downtown Atlanta has a mix of renovated historic buildings and new construction. This area is convenient if you work near:

• State government offices
• Fulton County government buildings
• Georgia State University
• Major venues like Mercedes-Benz Stadium and State Farm Arena

New apartments may be more budget-friendly than Midtown or Buckhead high-rises, with growing access to restaurants, bars, and public transit.

6. Perimeter and OTP (Outside the Perimeter)

If you’re open to living just outside the city limits while still having MARTA access and job centers, you’ll find a lot of newer garden-style and mid-rise apartment communities in:

• Sandy Springs
• Dunwoody / Perimeter Center
• Brookhaven (near Buford Highway and Peachtree Road)
• Chamblee / Doraville corridors

These areas often provide:

• Larger floorplans for the price
• More parking (including garages)
• Slightly quieter, more suburban feel

What “New” Typically Means for Atlanta Apartments

When Atlanta listings say “new”, they might mean:

• Newly built (constructed within the last 1–5 years)
• Newly renovated (older building, but updated interiors)
• New to the market (recently opened or recently converted to apartments)

Common Features in New Atlanta Apartments

Most new-construction or newly renovated apartments in Atlanta tend to offer:

• In-unit washer and dryer or hookups
• Central heating and air conditioning
• Stainless steel appliances
• Hard-surface floors in living areas (LVP, engineered wood, or tile)
• Walk-in closets in at least one bedroom
• Balconies or patios in many units
• USB outlets and smart thermostats in some communities

Community amenities often include:

• Swimming pools and sun decks
• Fitness centers, sometimes with spin or yoga rooms
• Clubhouses, lounges, and game rooms
• Package lockers or package rooms
• On-site management and maintenance
• Gated or controlled-access buildings
• Pet-friendly policies and dog parks

Newer BeltLine-adjacent and intown communities may also feature:

• Bike storage and repair stations
• Co-working spaces and conference rooms
• Rooftop terraces with city views

How Much Do New Apartments Cost in Atlanta?

Exact rents change frequently, but in general:

• Intown luxury new builds (Midtown, Buckhead, prime BeltLine): Among the highest rents in the metro.
• Emerging intown neighborhoods (West Midtown, Old Fourth Ward edges, South Downtown): Often slightly lower than top-tier luxury but still reflect new-building pricing.
• Suburban new developments (Perimeter, Sandy Springs, Chamblee): Sometimes offer more square footage for the same or slightly lower rent compared to intown.

What affects price most in Atlanta:

• Location (proximity to MARTA, job centers, BeltLine)
• Age of the building (brand-new vs. a few years old)
• Amenity level (luxury features vs. more basic offerings)
• Parking type (included surface parking vs. extra-fee garage spaces)
• Lease timing (rates often fluctuate with demand and move-in specials)

💡 Tip: Many new communities in Atlanta offer concessions like one month free rent, reduced application fees, or gift cards to fill units quickly when they first open. Ask leasing offices directly what current specials are available.

Key Questions to Ask When Touring New Apartments in Atlanta

When you visit new apartments, go beyond the glossy finishes. Use this question checklist tailored to Atlanta renters:

About the Building and Neighborhood

• Is this a new build or a renovated older building?
• How is noise from nearby roads, nightlife, or construction?
• How far is the nearest MARTA station or bus stop?
• What is traffic like during rush hour on nearby roads or interstates?

About Pricing and Fees

• What is the base rent, and what additional monthly fees should I expect?
  • Parking (garage or reserved spots)
  • Trash/valet trash
  • Pest control
  • Amenity fees
  • Technology or “community” fees
• Are there move-in specials, and how long do they last?
• How is rent affected when the lease renews after the first term?

About the Apartment Itself

• What floor is the unit on, and is there a difference in rent by floor or view?
• Is the washer and dryer included or just hookups?
• Are utilities individually metered or shared and allocated?
• What internet providers service the building?

About Policies and Management

• What is the parking situation (assigned spots, guest parking, visitor fees)?
• What is the pet policy (fees, breed/weight limits, number of pets)?
• How are maintenance requests submitted, and what is the typical response time?
• Are there quiet hours or rules about short-term rentals?

Comparing Neighborhoods for New Apartments

Use this simplified comparison to narrow down where to look:

Understanding Leases and Tenant Rights in Atlanta

Most new apartments in Atlanta use standard Georgia residential lease agreements with:

• 12-month terms as the most common
• Options for longer or shorter leases, usually at different price points
• Security deposits or nonrefundable admin/move-in fees

Important Things to Review in Your Lease

Before signing:

• Rent amount and due date
• Late fee policies and grace periods
• Notice period required before moving out (often 60 days)
• Early termination clause and potential fees
• Utility responsibilities (who pays what, and how it’s calculated)
• Parking terms and additional costs
• Guest and subletting policies

If you’re unsure about any terms, it can be helpful to get clarification in writing from the leasing office before you sign.

Where to Go for Housing and Tenant Help in Atlanta

If you have questions about tenant rights, fair housing, or disputes, you can contact:

• City of Atlanta – Mayor’s Office of Constituent Services
  City Hall, 55 Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  Main City Information: (404) 330-6000

• Fulton County Government – Housing-Related Services (for county-level programs)
  Fulton County Government Center, 141 Pryor St SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  Main Line: (404) 612-4000

• Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA)
  60 Executive Park South NE, Atlanta, GA 30329
  Main Line: (404) 679-4840

These offices can often direct you to legal aid, housing counselors, or tenant assistance programs if you run into serious problems with a landlord or lease.

Parking, Traffic, and Transit Considerations

In Atlanta, where and how you park can be as important as the apartment itself.

Parking in New Buildings

Most new apartments offer:

• Parking decks with monthly fees
• Unassigned or assigned spaces
• Limited guest parking, often with time limits or passes

Ask:

• Is parking included or extra per month?
• Are there guest parking spaces, and how are they managed?
• Is there EV charging, and what does it cost to use?

Commute and Transit

Atlanta traffic can be heavy, especially along I-75/85, I-20, and GA 400. Many renters look for new apartments with:

• Walking distance to MARTA rail (Midtown, Arts Center, North Avenue, Buckhead, Lenox, Peachtree Center, Five Points, etc.)
• Easy access to key roads if you drive daily

If you plan to rely on transit, consider being near:

• MARTA rail stations for commuting to major job centers, stadiums, and the airport
• Bus routes connecting you to key corridors if you live slightly farther out

Safety, Security, and Building Access

New apartments in Atlanta commonly include security features, but it’s still important to evaluate:

• Controlled building entry (key fobs, call boxes, or coded entry)
• Secured parking decks with resident-only access
• Cameras in common areas and garages
• On-site staff presence during business hours

When touring, pay attention to:

• How easy it is for non-residents to access the building
• Lighting in hallways, stairwells, and parking areas
• Whether packages are stored securely (package lockers or rooms)

For citywide safety concerns or emergencies, the primary resource is:

• Atlanta Police Department – Non-Emergency Line: (404) 658-6666
• Emergency (Police/Fire/Medical): 911

Practical Steps to Find a New Apartment in Atlanta

To organize your search:

1. Set your budget range

   • Include base rent + expected fees (parking, utilities, amenity charges).

2. Pick 2–3 target areas

   • For example: Midtown + West Midtown + Old Fourth Ward.
   • Consider proximity to your job or school and your preferred lifestyle (walkable vs. quieter).

3. Decide what “new” means for you

   • Must be new construction?
   • Or is a newly renovated older building acceptable if it’s cheaper?

4. List your non-negotiables

   • In-unit laundry
   • Covered parking
   • Pet friendly
   • Walking distance to MARTA or BeltLine

5. Tour multiple communities in each area

   • Visit at different times of day to check noise, parking, and traffic.
   • Ask detailed questions about fees and lease terms.

6. Compare total monthly costs, not just base rent

   • Add everything you’ll pay each month for a realistic comparison.

7. Review the lease carefully before signing

   • Clarify any unclear wording with the leasing office in writing.

When New Isn’t the Only Answer

In Atlanta, new apartments are appealing for their amenities and modern finishes, but they’re not the only option. If your budget is tight or you want more space, also consider:

• Slightly older Class B properties that are well-maintained but not brand-new
• Renovated units in older buildings near transit or job centers
• Smaller or boutique communities with fewer amenities but better pricing

Balancing location, budget, and “newness” will help you find the right fit for how you actually live in Atlanta, not just what looks best in photos.