The Best Neighborhoods to Live in Atlanta

Atlanta’s nickname The Big Peach is fitting for so many reasons: its rich history, boundless charm, eclectic and traditional cuisine, countless parks, museums, and recreational activities—and oh yes, its abundance of this super-sweet fruit!

Whether you’re an avid fan of sports, music, culture, or a self-proclaimed foodie, Atlanta offers something for everyone. From the High Museum of Art, and College Football Hall of Fame, to endless shopping and dining options at Atlantic Station, Georgia’s capital embodies Southern living at its most unforgettable. 

Atlanta is also a hub for some of the world’s biggest brands, such as The Coca-Cola Company, Delta Airlines, and United Parcel Service (UPS).

When researching the best places to live in Atlanta, we based our rankings on review site Niche.com’s “2021 Best Neighborhoods to Live in Atlanta.” The article includes a comprehensive snapshot of dozens of neighborhoods, as well as school districts, median home prices, proximity to transportation and major highways, leisure activities, and other quality of life metrics. We also provided local food tips for each area based on consumer feedback and ratings. 

Learn more about the top 10 places to live in Atlanta and each area’s respective benefits, features, and more. 

Once the site of an historic Civil War battle, Collier Hills North is named for Andrew Jackson Collier, an early pioneer and grist mill operator. The area now features two-story, post-World War II homes, many of which have been renovated or expanded. Lush greenery and parks are situated around Tanyard Creek, along with the Bobby Jones Golf Course and Bitsy Grant Tennis Center. 

A short drive to the downtown area, Collier Hills North is conveniently located near transportation hubs via Brookwood Station Amtrak service, as well as shopping and restaurants on Peachtree Road.

Local Food Tips: If you’re looking to explore any of the area’s local eateries, diners have given high ratings to the Atlanta Black Bear Tavern and Varasano’s Pizzeria.

Situated on the site of a former early 20th century steel mill, Atlantic Station is home to a bustling shopping district. A popular destination for both tourists and residents, Atlantic Station opened in 2005 as a mixed-use community of shops, restaurants, and residential and commercial properties. The 25-story BB&T Tower is known as the area’s tallest, and a smokestack from the original steel mill sits within the common area. Atlantic Station definitely fits the bill for those looking for condominium or townhouse living within close proximity to shops, restaurants, and other amenities.

Local Food Tips: While there are several restaurant tenants within the Atlantic Station development, locals give high marks to The Pig & The Pearl and Allora. 

Dating back to the mid-19th century, Morningside/Lenox Park was settled and inhabited by those arriving from northeast Georgia. The area’s first mills were constructed during this time, as was Union Sunday School in 1868. A steam train soon followed, and prior to the Great Depression, several homes were built throughout the area. Dubbed a new type of suburb, it offered a seamless method for residents to commute into downtown Atlanta by motor vehicle or streetcar.

The area continued to experience growth during post-World War II America, with the increasing popularity of government-backed financing through the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). With more than 8,000 residents, the area is constantly bustling with various outdoor recreation activities, entertainment, and restaurants, most of which are within walking distance.

Local Food Tips: Check out The Colonnade for traditional Southern cooking and hospitality, and Varuni Napoli for wood-fired pizzas made with locally sourced ingredients. For a sampling of area cuisine and entertainment, Fat Matt’s Rib Shack offers a no-frills experience through its selection of ribs, chicken, and blues music. 

Midtown Atlanta features the hustle and bustle of a city center, and so much more. Known for its commercial locale and dedication to the arts, this neighborhood also boasts the High Museum of Art and former home of “Gone With the Wind” author Margaret Mitchell.

With downtown Peachtree Street featuring all types of bars and clubs, it also offers some fantastic restaurant options. Even with this urban locale, residents can take a stroll in one of the many walking trails throughout Piedmont Park.

Through its vertical neighborhoods housing options, Midtown Atlanta boasts historical and new construction high-rise condominiums. It's a suitable choice for city life, with culture, museums, dining, and shopping in close proximity.

Local Food Tips: South City Kitchen has been dishing out Southern classics since 1993 from its kitschy bungalow location. For one of the best burgers in Atlanta, check out The Vortex, which also houses a comedy club.

Comprising just 165 homes, Buckhead Forest is bordered by Peachtree Road in the heart of Buckhead Village. Added to the National Register of Historic Places in January 2015, this 36-acre community was established between 1911 and 1945 as a streetcar suburb.

With homes ranging from Tudors to traditional Colonials, the area boasts convenient transportation as well, with close proximity to several thoroughfares and Georgia State Route 400 (GA 400). Whether you prefer to travel by car or foot, Buckhead Village boasts plenty of restaurants and shops located less than half a mile away. 

Local Food Tips: Try The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill for some of the area’s freshest seafood. Annie’s Thai Castle is a popular choice for family-friendly Thai classics.

Dubbed the Island in Our City, Peachtree Park sits within the aforementioned Buckhead community, just minutes from downtown Atlanta. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this neighborhood features architectural style homes from the early- to mid-20th century, such as Colonial Revival, Craftsman, and English Vernacular Revival.  

This area’s collection of just 13 tree-lined streets offers true community living for all lifestyles. Conveniently located near several pocket parks, playgrounds, and nature trails, Peachtree Park also boasts a community garden, fostering neighborly connections. 

Local Food Tips: Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse will not disappoint for all-you-can-eat cuisine in an upscale setting. For Mexican food and margaritas served in a hip, fun setting, Red Pepper Taqueria is known for its addictive tacos. 

Developed as a planned community along with some of Atlanta’s most prominent families in the late 19th to early 20th century, Druid Hills was once home to Coca-Cola Company founder Asa Candler. In addition to its many parks, Emory University has been located here since 1914. Straddling the border of Atlanta and Dekalb County, it lies between both vicinities as a census-designated place (CDP) within the county, and city.  

According to the Druid Hills Civic Association, the neighborhood was once designated by the U.S. Department of the Interior as a “significant as the finest example of late 19th and early 20th century comprehensive planning and development in the Atlanta area, and one of the finest period suburbs in the Southeast.”

Local Food Tip: Located in Emory Village, Double Zero serves up Italian small plates, pizza, and pasta in a contemporary atmosphere.

Situated on Atlanta’s east side, Lake Claire is known for diverse home styles, community-oriented residents, and lush gardens and greenery. Despite its name, the neighborhood once boasted the now-dry Lake Ponceana. According to Lake Claire Neighbors, the area was likely named for its Garden Club, established in the mid-1930s. 

With residents from all walks of life, such as young families, singles, and empty nesters, this close-knit community of approximately 1,200 homes ranges from Victoran style, 1950s cottages, and 21st century construction.

Local Food Tips: Try Gato for traditional Tex-Mex cuisine in a fun setting. For breakfast during non-traditional hours, the Flying Biscuit Cafe serves this morning meal round-the-clock.

With a population of more than 25,000, Ansley Park is located east of downtown Atlanta and west of Piedmont Park. Developed during the early 20th century, it was the first Atlanta suburb designed to handle automobiles rather than traditional streetcars. Its wide, winding streets replaced the previous grid patterns to facilitate motor vehicle traffic within this growing neighborhood. 

Named for its developer, rail and real estate magnate Edwin P. Ansley, this neighborhood is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Home to the Georgia Governor’s Mansion for several years, Ansley Park features various types of homes on tree-lined streets, such as Classic Tudor, Italian Renaissance, and Federal and Colonial styles.  

Local Food Tips: Try Bantam + Biddy for locally sourced ingredients at this casual, family-friendly restaurant. Known for its signature surf and turf dish, diners also rave about the service and cocktails at Octopus Kitchen.

Part of the Buckhead neighborhood network, Hanover West is a family-centric locale with an abundance of social activities. Comprising approximately 100 homes nestled between Interstate 75 and northwest Atlanta, the area was developed in the 1960s alongside Peachtree Creek. 

A short distance from several retail outlets, boutiques, and restaurants, highlights include a private swim and tennis club and year-round events hosted by the neighborhood association. 

Local Food Tip: Serving new American fare within an industrial-chic setting, Bacchanalia has been praised as one of Atlanta’s best restaurants for several years running.

The Takeaway

If you’re considering a move to Atlanta, it’s best to weigh all your options, such as median home value, affordability, school districts, transportation, restaurants, and leisure activities. When working with loan officers at our Atlanta branch, you’ll receive the highest levels of guidance on choosing the best financing for your dream home. 

Contact Contour Mortgage to learn how we can help with your financing requirements, qualifications, and questions.