5 Best Areas to Live in Atlanta

Atlanta is one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the South, and it’s quickly becoming one of the biggest hubs of development in the nation. Southern food and culture, a temperate climate, and amenable tax laws are just a few reasons why more people are flocking to the ATL.

 

But after you’ve made the decision to live in Georgia’s capital, where do you set up a home within the city? Navigating such a complex and multilayered city requires special advice. That’s why we’ve developed the insider’s guide to the best Atlanta areas to live in.

We begin our introduction to the best areas in Atlanta with Buckhead, one of the higher-end neighborhoods in Atlanta with a storied past. Homes for sale in Buckhead often fetch some of the highest sale prices in Atlanta, and that’s saying something. The number of swanky, elite areas in the city has been on a meteoric rise in the wake of the pandemic as more and more folks call Atlanta home.

 

Buckhead started its story in the 1830s, making it one of the most cherished parts of town. Most residents in this zip code are young professionals and high-earning singles who prefer living in the center of the action. However, Buckhead is also home to some of the city’s longest living gardens and public parks, offering a unique blend of calm and cheer.

 

Social activity is the name of the game in Buckhead. It features a number of ritzy shopping malls, bars and clubs, and the nearby Bobby Jones Golf Course. The area is home to some of Atlanta’s most fashionable nightlife experiences, and it features a robust public transport system so it’s easy for car-less entrepreneurs to get around. Once you arrive, you’ll understand why people here call it the ‘Beverly Hills of the South.’

Next up on our list is Marietta, which is actually older than Buckhead and still retains the small-town charm of Atlanta in the late 19th century. The skyline of Marietta is lower, and the energy of its residents is a little more laid back than what you’ll find closer to Midtown. The city limits of Marietta begin in Atlanta proper but extend outward to its own district.

 

Marietta is perfect for residents looking for a more relaxed suburban feel. Historic Southern plantation-style homes predominate in Marietta, giving you a sense of the old-world backstory of Atlanta before it grew into the megacity it is today. Residents can visit the storied Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield and the connected park, a nationally recognized landmark. But history isn’t all Marietta has to offer. The area is rich in breweries, high-end restaurants, gardens, and dive bars.

Up next is one of the most desired areas of Atlanta for new residents: beautiful, popular Midtown. This area is located to the north of the city center, but it certainly wins the most booming part of town for young people or anyone who desires the full Big Peach experience. Piedmont Park is the central cog to Midtown, with dozens of gold medal-winning restaurants, shopping areas, and museums spiraling out.

 

The cinema buffs among us will be abuzz when visiting the famous Margaret Mitchell House, where the author of Gone With The Wind wrote the novel. Art lovers will cherish living next door to Atlanta’s massive High Museum of Art, and experimental cuisine enthusiasts won’t have to walk or drive far to enjoy some of the south’s cutting-edge eateries.

 

Remember that homes and condos command top dollar in the area, and traffic can be difficult to avoid. But otherwise, Midtown Atlanta real estate is where you go if you want to be at the center of Atlanta’s art, food, and music scenes.

Fourth on our list is picturesque Roswell, a charming suburban neighborhood and destination spot for Atlantans of all ages. Roswell is situated around 20 miles north of the city, conveniently located near the highway that will zip you into town in a jiffy. If you crave a lifestyle that’s one step removed from the hustle and bustle of downtown but still want periodic access to it, consider Roswell.

 

The historic center of Roswell contains a bevy of commercial centers, high-end shopping outfits, art galleries, and restaurants. Head to the popular Canton Street for a taste of Roswell’s best. The Chattahoochee River wanders right by Roswell, offering a quiet reprieve from city life and plentiful opportunities to hike, run, bike, or paddle. The Roswell Mill is another hotspot for history lovers and residents of the town.

We round out our list of the best areas to live in Atlanta with Dunwoody, one of the newest parts of town to be incorporated. Since 2008, Dunwoody has consistently climbed the charts as one of Atlanta’s most desired neighborhoods. Dunwoody is conveniently situated at the edge of town, bordering the hectic commercial area called the Perimeter. As an Atlanta-bordering neighborhood, it has a delightful mixture of glassy high-rises, traditional southern-style homes, opulent condos, and important features like Atlanta’s best hospitals. It even has access to the commuter train, close to the Perimeter.

 

Dunwoody is perfect if you want to live in the peace and quiet of suburban life while never being far from downtown action, art, and food. It’s right next to Buckhead, mentioned above. While in Dunwoody, enjoy the Nature Center, and the famous Perimeter Mall, or head over to the Treetop Quest adventure area.

With that, we’ve come to the end of our list of the best places to live in Atlanta. If you have questions about homes for sale in one of these coveted Atlanta neighborhoods, reach out today! Contact Patricia Queen for more information.