Geographically, Midtown and Downtown Atlanta lay in close proximity, and while both neighborhoods present popular options for residents who love a metropolitan hub, they also maintain their own distinct character. Locals recognize Midtown as a cool, trendy place with lots to do. Aside from the booming commerce, you’ll see thousands of people living, dining, and playing in one of Atlanta’s most walkable neighborhoods. Downtown Atlanta serves as a business, government, and tourist center. With downtown’s abundant attractions and activities, it’s easy to stay busy all day.
Despite some long-lingering negative sentiments about Downtown Atlanta, this central neighborhood actually underwent some massive changes in the 1990s as the city prepared to host the Olympics, and revitalization efforts continue to this day. Sure, Covid-19 emptied out office buildings for a while, and Downtown struggled in the same ways that all major US cities did (and still do), but as travel continues to rebound and as the city prepares to host the FIFA World Cup in 2026, new development will bring continued growth. Even now, Downtown Atlanta’s residential population grows at a rate of about 1.5% annually, so it changes more and more every year. Thus, even though many locals will likely advise incoming residents to consider Midtown first, it might not be a bad idea to explore Downtown as well.
That said, to help you better understand these two neighborhoods, we surveyed our team of Atlanta Locals to give you the updated scoop on living in Midtown vs. Downtown Atlanta.
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Living in Midtown Atlanta
The hip and buzzing Midtown Atlanta, a neighborhood just north of Downtown, displays newer, but still tall buildings. Its population of 17,000 surpasses Downtown’s 13,500, and the skyline views of Downtown from Midtown establish an unmistakably urban scene.
Midtown is rightly known for:
• Ultra-luxury high rise apartment buildings with incredible city skyline views;
• Serving as “The Heart of the Arts,” thanks to the High Museum of Art, the Fox Theatre, and the Woodruff Arts Center;
• Urban green spaces, such as Piedmont Park and the Beltline;
• Hip restaurants, boutique shopping, and happening nightlife;
• Ponce City Market;
• A full bus and subway service;
• Its winning combo of neighborhood feel and convenient, walkable urban living.
Midtown continues to grow quickly, with several business and residential construction projects in progress. So, whether you plan to move into a new apartment or choose a place for a dinner date, you can’t go wrong with this lively neighborhood.
Living in Downtown Atlanta
Downtown remains the place for business headquarters, government operations, and tourist attractions. It houses the gold-domed State Capitol, along with city, county, and federal government facilities.
On the business end, big-name brands station themselves here as well, including Coca Cola, AmericasMart, and the Georgia World Congress Center, to name a few. Downtown bustles constantly with trade shows, conventions, and day-to-day business.
But, we can’t forget the attractions. You could spend days exploring the neighborhood like a tourist at these places:
• Georgia Aquarium
• CNN Center
• World of Coca-Cola
• College Football Hall of Fame
• Imagine It! Children’s Museum
• Centennial Olympic Park
• Mercedes Benz Stadium
• State Farm Arena
Changes in Downtown
But, what about the atmosphere and quality of life?
Well, Downtown continues to evolve despite the setbacks introduced by the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2017, the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District initiated a massive revitalization plan that has changed the entire face of Downtown. Take Woodruff Park, for example. For years it was full of trash and waste, and it wasn’t, frankly, a pleasant or safe place to go.
But, the city invested in numerous clean-ups, repairs, landscaping, and a sculptural playground. Now, you’ll see workers on lunch break, GSU students, and tourists enjoying the outdoor space. The park hosts festivals, events, and weekly exercise classes. Its remarkable makeover reflects the spirit of transformation happening all over Downtown.
Downtown Atlanta Revitalization
Here are some of the implemented and planned changes for Downtown:
Transportation: Downtown has always provided MARTA access, but not necessarily last-mile connectivity. However, in 2014, the Atlanta Streetcar started running on a 2.7-mile loop, connecting Centennial Olympic Park with the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site and nearby neighborhoods. For a more physically active option, you can also rent bikes or scooters along the roads to speed up your walk.
Shopping and Restaurants: While you won’t see much new construction Downtown, adaptive reuse happens a lot. For example, the Peachtree Center‘s plaza and three-story retail center rebranded as the “The Hub.” The courtyard became a town square, and new dining and retail options moved in.
Residential: Think Victorian townhomes, apartment sky-rises, and trendy converted lofts. The Downtown neighborhoods are revitalizing their options and creating a community feel.
The Stitch: Perhaps Atlanta’s most ambitious project, The Stitch consists of a planned ¾ mile platform over the massive I-75 and I-85 highway connector that runs through Downtown. This project, designed to connect multiple neighborhoods with a “stitch” Downtown, will create 14-acres of additional business, retail, residential, and green spaces.
To explore more of the recent and planned changes to Downtown, you can use #PLANDOWNTOWNATL to check out the 2017 Downtown Atlanta Master Plan that includes revitalization for all areas of Downtown life.
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Find Your Dream Atlanta Apartment
There you have it, the updated inside scoop on Midtown vs. Downtown Atlanta. This guide should help you decide where to live in Atlanta if you can’t choose between the two. For even more help, turn to AptAmigo, an apartment locating service designed to pair you with your dream apartment. Reach out and let us know your wants and needs for your new place, and we’ll set up a day of tours for the buildings we know would fit you perfectly. We will even join you on tour day so that you have someone there while you make such an important decision.
* The original version of this article was first published on March 9, 2021.
