Grove Park in Atlanta: What to Know About This Historic Westside Neighborhood

Grove Park is a historic Westside Atlanta neighborhood that’s quietly drawing more attention from residents, investors, and visitors. Tucked just northwest of downtown, it offers a mix of long-time neighbors, tree-lined streets, and major new development nearby—especially around the Westside Park and Microsoft’s planned campus area.

If you’re searching for “Grove Park Atlanta”, you’re usually looking for one of three things:

• What the neighborhood is like to live in
• How to get there and get around
• What there is to see, do, or keep in mind if you’re visiting or considering a move

This guide focuses on Grove Park in Atlanta, Georgia—not to be confused with similarly named places outside the city.

Where Grove Park Is in Atlanta

Grove Park is on the Westside of Atlanta, in the city limits of Atlanta and within Fulton County.

You’re generally in Grove Park if you’re around:

• Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway NW (to the south)
• West Lake Avenue NW / Westview Drive NW (to the east)
• Proctor Creek and neighborhoods like Center Hill and Monroe Heights (to the north)
• Westside Reservoir Park area and Hollywood Road NW (to the west, depending on the block)

Nearby neighborhoods and landmarks include:

• Westside Park (just to the northwest)
• Bankhead / Hollowell Corridor (southeast)
• Center Hill and Carey Park (north)
• Westview and West Lake (further south/southeast)

From downtown Atlanta, Grove Park is roughly a 10–15 minute drive west/northwest in light traffic.

A Snapshot of Grove Park: Character, History, and Change

Neighborhood character

Grove Park is known for:

• Tree-lined residential streets with mostly single-family homes
• Predominantly residential feel with limited but growing retail along Hollowell
• Older housing stock, including mid‑20th‑century bungalows, ranch homes, and small brick houses
• A mix of longtime residents and newer arrivals, including renters and homeowners

The area has a distinctly local, neighborhood feel—you’re not going to find the nightlife or restaurant density of Midtown or Inman Park here, but you’ll see front porches, neighborhood churches, and people who know their neighbors.

Historical context

Grove Park has deep roots as a historically Black neighborhood on Atlanta’s Westside. Over time it has faced:

• Disinvestment and limited commercial amenities
• Vacant houses and underused lots in some blocks
• Infrastructure challenges tied to aging housing and stormwater issues around Proctor Creek

In recent years, interest in the Westside corridor has grown, especially with:

• The expansion of Westside Park (Atlanta’s largest park by acreage)
• Planned corporate and mixed-use investment around the Quarry Yards and Microsoft land holdings
• Ongoing efforts to improve Proctor Creek and walking/greenway connections

Residents and local organizations often focus on balancing revitalization with affordability, so long-time neighbors can remain in the community.

Getting to and Around Grove Park

By car

Main corridors into and around Grove Park include:

• Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy NW (US-78/278) – Primary east–west route through the southern edge of the neighborhood
• I-20 and I-285 – Major freeways you can use to reach the Westside, then connect via Hollowell or other surface streets
• Northside Drive NW / Marietta Blvd NW – Common routes from Midtown and the Westside industrial corridor

Street parking is common in residential areas; there are not many large public parking decks within the neighborhood itself.

By MARTA (bus and rail)

Grove Park is primarily served by MARTA bus routes, with easy connections from West Lake or Bankhead rail stations (both on the Blue/Green Line):

• Bankhead Station
  1335 Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy NW
  Atlanta, GA 30318

• West Lake Station
  80 Anderson Ave SW
  Atlanta, GA 30314

Buses typically run along:

• Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy NW (east–west)
• Nearby streets that connect to West Lake and Bankhead

For precise routes, schedules, and service changes, check MARTA’s trip planner or customer service (404‑848‑5000) before you go.

Walking and biking

Within Grove Park, many residential streets are walkable, but:

• Sidewalks can be inconsistent in some blocks
• Traffic along Hollowell can move quickly; crossing at signalized intersections is safer
• Biking is possible, but protected bike infrastructure is limited, so more confident riders tend to feel most comfortable

If you’re walking or biking to Westside Park from Grove Park, it’s important to map your route ahead of time, as there are specific entrances and some stretches without shade or sidewalk.

Grove Park vs. Westside Park: What’s the Difference?

People often mix up Grove Park (the neighborhood) with the newer Westside Park (the large city park) just to the northwest.

Here’s a quick side‑by‑side:

If you’re searching “Grove Park Atlanta” because you’re trying to get to Westside Park, you’ll want to navigate directly to Westside Park. One main entrance is at:

Westside Park – Main Entrance
1660 Johnson Rd NW
Atlanta, GA 30318

Grove Park is one of the closest residential neighborhoods to Westside Park, and many locals walk or drive from Grove Park streets over to the park entrances.

Living in Grove Park: Housing and Everyday Life

Housing types and feel

Housing in Grove Park is predominantly:

• Single‑family homes (many 2–3 bedrooms)
• Older construction, often from mid‑20th century
• A mix of owner‑occupied and rental properties
• Some vacant lots or homes under renovation, especially on side streets

You’ll also see:

• Small apartment buildings or duplexes on certain blocks
• Newer infill construction in pockets where older homes were demolished

For residents, the appeal often includes:

• Proximity to downtown, Midtown, and the Westside employment centers
• A more affordable starting point compared to some intown neighborhoods
• Potential future access to expanded trails and greenways connected to Westside Park and Proctor Creek

Amenities nearby

Within or close to Grove Park, you’ll find:

• Neighborhood churches and community centers
• Small convenience stores and local businesses along Hollowell
• Larger groceries, retail, and services a short drive away on:
  • Marietta Blvd NW
  • Howell Mill Rd NW
  • Midtown and downtown corridors

If you live in Grove Park, it’s common to drive or take MARTA for major shopping, dining, and entertainment.

Parks, Trails, and Outdoor Spaces Around Grove Park

While Grove Park doesn’t have a large, iconic park of its own with the same name, it is well‑positioned near several important Westside green spaces.

Westside Park

Westside Park is the standout attraction near Grove Park:

• Built around the former Bellwood Quarry
• Offers paved and natural trails, overlooks, and stunning views of the quarry reservoir
• Includes play areas, pavilions, and restrooms
• A major part of Atlanta’s long‑term park and watershed planning

For Grove Park residents, this is effectively the “big backyard” park, even though it’s technically its own facility and serves the entire city.

Proctor Creek and future greenways

Grove Park sits near the Proctor Creek watershed, an area that has been the focus of:

• Environmental clean‑up and restoration efforts
• Plans for trails and greenway connections that could eventually link neighborhoods, Westside Park, and potentially segments of the Atlanta BeltLine in the future

As improvements continue, residents may see:

• Better walking and biking routes
• More access to creek‑side nature and small pocket parks

Community, Schools, and Services in Grove Park

Schools serving the area

Grove Park is in the attendance zone of Atlanta Public Schools (APS). Zoning can change, but families in Grove Park are often linked to:

• Elementary and middle schools serving the Westside
• High schools that draw from several nearby neighborhoods

Because APS boundaries shift over time, it’s best to:

• Use APS’s school zone lookup tool, or
• Call APS at (404) 802‑3500 to confirm which schools currently serve a specific Grove Park street address.

Community resources and engagement

Residents often connect through:

• Neighborhood associations and tenant/homeowner groups
• Local churches and faith communities
• Westside‑focused organizations working on housing, environmental cleanup, and youth programming

If you’re new to Grove Park or considering a move, you can:

• Attend NPU (Neighborhood Planning Unit) meetings; Grove Park is typically part of an NPU in Northwest Atlanta, where land‑use and community issues are discussed.
• Check city notices for zoning changes, rezoning requests, and development proposals on or near Hollowell and the Westside Park area.

Atlanta’s Department of City Planning (404‑330‑6070) can help direct you to the right NPU meeting for your specific address.

Safety, Infrastructure, and Practical Considerations

Like many intown neighborhoods that have faced disinvestment, Grove Park experiences varying conditions block by block. Residents and visitors commonly think about:

• Lighting and sidewalks – Some streets are better lit and have more complete sidewalks than others
• Vacant lots or abandoned homes – These can appear on certain blocks, especially off main corridors
• Traffic speeds along Hollowell – Crossing at signals and being cautious at unmarked crosswalks is important
• Property upkeep and ongoing renovations – You’ll often see active construction, renovations, and new builds, especially as investment increases

People who live in or visit Grove Park often:

• Stay aware of their surroundings, especially at night
• Lock vehicles and secure personal belongings
• Get to know nearby neighbors and local patterns of activity

For non‑emergency public safety concerns in the area, the Atlanta Police Department non‑emergency number is (404) 614‑6544.
For emergency situations, call 911.

Property, Zoning, and Development in Grove Park

Because of its location near downtown and Westside Park, Grove Park is a focus area for:

• Residential renovation and infill
• Mixed‑use and commercial interest along Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy NW
• Discussions around zoning changes, affordability, and displacement pressures

If you’re a homeowner, investor, or renter trying to understand what’s happening on your block, you can:

• Check with the City of Atlanta Office of Buildings for permit activity
• Contact Fulton County or the city’s planning department for zoning maps that show what types of buildings and uses are allowed
• Attend your NPU to hear about proposed rezonings or development projects

City of Atlanta – General Information

• Main line: (404) 330‑6000

Visiting Grove Park: What to Expect

If you’re visiting Grove Park from elsewhere in Atlanta:

• Plan your route – Decide whether you’re going to a specific address, exploring nearby Westside Park, or driving the neighborhood to get a feel for it.
• Time of day matters – Daytime visits are best if you want to see neighborhood activity and housing stock.
• Combine with nearby stops – Many people pair a visit to Grove Park with nearby destinations like:
  • Westside Park
  • Restaurants and shops along Howell Mill Rd or West Midtown
  • Attractions closer to downtown or the BeltLine Westside Trail

You won’t find a big commercial strip or tourist attractions within Grove Park itself, but you will see an evolving residential neighborhood in the middle of a rapidly changing Westside Atlanta.

Quick Takeaways for “Grove Park Atlanta”

• Grove Park is a residential neighborhood in West Atlanta, not a standalone city park.
• It sits just east and southeast of Westside Park, Atlanta’s largest park.
• The area is largely residential, with older homes, a mix of long‑time and newer residents, and emerging investment.
• MARTA buses, Bankhead and West Lake stations, and Hollowell Pkwy provide primary access.
• The neighborhood is part of Atlanta Public Schools and within the City of Atlanta/Fulton County.
• Grove Park is a good area to explore if you’re interested in Westside housing, proximity to Westside Park, and the dynamics of a changing intown neighborhood.