With more than 240 distinct neighborhoods, Atlanta is an amazing place to live. Whether you prefer the hustle and bustle of Buckhead or Downtown, or you’d rather relax in quiet communities like Vinings or Roswell— there’s a little something for everyone. However, there are a few neighborhoods that have been gaining popularity with locals and generating quite a bit of buzz lately.
As Atlanta continues to flourish and more people fill up the well-known areas, lesser-known neighborhoods are getting their moment in the spotlight. These burgeoning neighborhoods are hubs for historic preservation, revitalization, and exciting new development. With highly sought-after locations, great neighborhood vibes, and entertainment hot spots— these Atlanta neighborhoods should be on everyone’s radar. From historic Grant Park to trendy West Midtown, take a look at our picks for the best up-and-coming neighborhoods in Atlanta.
Relocating to a new city can be extremely draining and time-consuming. However, finding an apartment doesn’t have to be the hardest part. No matter how specific your needs are, AptAmigo has you covered. With our expert local insight and extensive knowledge of every apartment in Atlanta, we’ll make sure you find your dream place stress-free. And the best part— it’s completely free!
Related to Up-and-Coming Neighborhoods in Atlanta: The Ultimate Atlanta Neighborhood Guide
Up-and-Coming Neighborhoods in Atlanta You’ll Want to Live in
Brookwood
Neighborhood Vibe
Boasting an uber-active social scene, as well as an abundance of parks and greenery—Brookwood bursts with character. It sits right between Buckhead and Midtown, so you have the best of both worlds with access to luxury shopping, five-star dining, and a vibrant, communal feel. This neighborhood can be summed up as Buckhead’s trendy cousin.
Why It Made The List
Brookwood is catching Atlantans’ attention for its central location— you can easily get to Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead in 15 minutes or less. With a unique neighborhood vibe and lots of new apartment buildings, Brookwood is an exciting and affordable option for savvy renters. Although this neighborhood is quickly gaining popularity, it maintains a small community feel that sets it apart from other bustling Atlanta neighborhoods.
Top Spots
Egg Harbor Cafe is a favorite brunch haunt amongst locals. Prepare to wait in line on a sunny summer Sunday, but expect friendly service, a diverse and healthy menu, and a spacious pet-friendly patio. Pop next door to experience Saltyard, a trendy restaurant with globally-minded small dishes and a “social house” theme that encourages communal, interactive dining. Touted by diners as “gourmet with a down-home taste and feel,” Saltyard is a go-to for Brookwood residents. If you’re looking to work off a big meal, the Northside Trail of the Atlanta BeltLine winds through Brookwood’s picturesque Tanyard Creek Park. You’ll find a historic railroad trestle, scenic views, and even a rock-climbing wall!
Things to Know
The area is seeing an influx of high-rise rentals with luxury amenities. This has caused rent prices to span a pretty wide range: from around $1,200 to $1,800 for a one-bedroom. As it always is with booming neighborhoods, rent will be seeing a spike within the next 5 years as new establishments and residents find a home in Brookwood.
Top Brookwood Apartments
Venue Brookwood
Rent: $1,500-1,800
Year built: 2016
Our favorite features: beautiful rooftop terrace with views of the city skyline, a 24-hour fitness center with a spin and yoga room, and take advantage of the pet-friendly community with ‘Paw Spa’ for pampering your pooch.
Search all Venue Brookwood apartments here.
Allure at Brookwood
Rent: $1,200-1,300
Year built: 2008
Our favorite features: bark park and pet-washing station for your furry friends, state-of-the-art fitness center, and 24/7 on-site maintenance. Search all available Allure at Brookwood apartments here.
West Midtown
Neighborhood Vibe
If you’re looking for a neighborhood that’s ultra trendy and in the midst of an exciting reinvention, West Midtown is it. This formerly abandoned neighborhood is becoming one of Atlanta’s most in-demand areas. As the name suggests, it’s just to the west of Midtown, so you’ll still find an amazing dining and art scene, but with slightly lower rent prices and more spacious units. With Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead just a stone’s throw away, you can conveniently enjoy everything these neighborhoods offer. With upscale cocktail lounges, no-frills dive bars, and hip craft breweries, there’s something for everyone in West Midtown.
Why It Made The List
At one point, this area was all but abandoned. Now, it is undergoing a complete revival and hosts vibrant art galleries, eclectic eateries, and chic boutiques. As a former industrial district, many buildings that have been renovated still have the trendy charm of factory and warehouse construction. Ultimately, this neighborhood made the list because you can’t beat West Midtown’s location and price. Few other neighborhoods offer affordable living with quick commutes to major Atlanta hotspots.
Top Spots
If you’re a coffee or cocktail connoisseur, you’ll love the variety of quirky coffee shops and chic cocktail bars (Little Trouble is one of our favorites). Make sure to drop by Westside Provisions District for an upscale shopping experience that hosts high-end retail shops alongside eclectic artisan restaurants. If you want to live in the heart of West Midtown, there are multiple apartment buildings in the area.
Things to Know
You’ll find urban lofts and bright, modern apartments sprinkled throughout the area with an average rent price of $1,200 to $1,400. With a mix of renovated industrial buildings and modern luxury midrises, there’s something for every renter here. Fun fact: part of “Hunger Games: Catching Fire” was filmed at West Midtown’s Goat Farm, a visual and performing arts center!
Top Apartments in West Midtown
The Exchange West Midtown
Rent: $1,200-$1,400
Year built: 2008
Our favorite features: enjoy the zero edge poolside fountain, take your dog to the bark park with pet stations, clean your vehicle in the covered car wash, and live in renovated units with state-of-the-art appliances.
Search all Exchange West Midtown apartments here.
Radius West Midtown
Rent: $1,300-$1,400
Year Built: 2017
Our favorite features: take a dip in the resort-style saltwater pool, enjoy breathtaking rooftop views of the Atlanta skyline, and work in the executive eLounge complete with Wi-Fi, printers, and monitors, and granite kitchen countertops paired with a tile backsplash.
Search all Radius West Midtown apartments here.
Sandy Springs
Neighborhood Vibe
Slightly north of metro Atlanta, Sandy Springs feels a bit removed from other in-town neighborhoods. However, the unique charm and feel of this neighborhood is exactly why Atlantans are starting to gravitate to the area. Sandy Springs sits right on the Chattahoochee River, bringing with it an abundance of parks, nature centers, and hiking trails. Sandy Springs also has a rapidly growing restaurant and nightlife scene. Outdoor aficionados and foodies alike connect in this up-and-coming Atlanta neighborhood.
Why It Made The List
Technically its own city, Sandy Springs was incorporated in 2005 and the city is in the process of renovating and adding new attractions that will increase interest over the next few years. This neighborhood—while peaceful—is home to many popular businesses and provides a short commute for many. Major corporations like Cox Communications and Mercedes Benz USA call Sandy Springs home, and offer plenty of job opportunities if you’re looking to live and work a bit outside of the city. It’s really the best of both worlds!
Top Spots
We recommend checking out the Heritage Sandy Springs Museum for a peek into the history of the community and an understanding of this neighborhood’s 40 year effort to be its own municipality. Stop by the Abernathy Greenway Park, home to a series of “playable” interactive art pieces that earned it a spot on USA Today’s list of Georgia’s Best Parks for Outdoor Lovers. Grab a drink or play pool at the iconic Cafe 290, known for its live jazz scene and frequent celebrity sightings.
Things to Know
Because this neighborhood is up-and-coming, housing can be difficult to come by. Luckily, apartment complexes are being built left and right to keep up with demand. If you’re looking to rent in Sandy Springs, expect to find a mix of high rises and smaller buildings, with prices between $1,300 and $1,600 for a one bedroom.
Top Apartment in Sandy Springs
Modera Sandy Springs
Rent: $1,300-$1,500
Year built: 2017
Our favorite features: this apartment building boasts unique features like a movie lawn, zen garden, and heated saltwater pool.
Search all Modera Sandy Springs apartments here.
Keep reading for more up-and-coming neighborhoods in Atlanta…
Morningside-Lenox Park
Neighborhood Vibe
One of our favorite neighborhoods on the list, Morningside-Lenox Park is an oasis right in the middle of the city! This area has a peaceful, suburban feel, but is just minutes from Midtown and Virginia Highlands. With quaint parks and farmers markets, it’s a great spot for young professionals who want more space and quieter surroundings. Pet owners also love Morningside Nature Preserve, beloved by pups for it’s accessible trails and dog beach.
Why It Made The List
Located North of Virginia-Highland, Morningside-Lenox Park is truly a green escape from the concrete jungle of downtown Atlanta. Many locals and tourist alike are starting to gravitate to the neighborhood for it’s green spaces that provide a refreshing escape from city life. This neighborhood is highly walkable, with proximity to local craft breweries and a multitude of trails just steps away. Piedmont Park runs along the southwest part of this neighborhood and provides a great space for picnics or a fun weekend trip to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens.
Top Spots
Restaurants like Varuni Napoli and Lazy Llama Cantina are neighborhood staples, both with great patios to bask in the sun while enjoying flavorful dishes. Hike along the South Fork Peachtree Creek for an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life— remarkable to even the most experienced outdoor enthusiasts. Morningside Farmers Market is a must-visit for fresh, local organic produce year-round (and to get the full Morningside-Lenox Park experience.)
Things to Know
This area is mostly comprised of charming bungalows and craftsman-style single-family homes. You won’t find many high rises in Morningside-Lenox Park, but newer apartment buildings with first-rate amenities have popped up recently (we’re anticipating there will be more to come as the area grows in popularity!) Rents average around $1,500 for a one bedroom in this vibrant, green neighborhood.
Top Apartments in Sandy Springs
Solstice Morningside
Rent: $1,500
Year built: 2019
Our favorite features: Community amenities feature a rooftop sky lounge with stunning views, bike storage and repair shop, and quartz countertops, tiled backsplashes, and wood plank flooring in each unit.
Search all Solstice Morningside apartments here.
Morningside Atlanta by Windsor
Rent: $1,400-1,500
Year built: 2015
Our favorite features: Enjoy their sky lounge with demonstration kitchen for hosting, sweat it out in the fitness and yoga studio, and relax in the three landscaped courtyards.
Search all Morningside by Windsor apartments here.
Grant Park
Neighborhood Vibe
One of Atlanta’s oldest and most historic neighborhoods, Grant Park is ultra-charming and has a tight-knit community feel. Historic victorian mansions and craftsman bungalows sit behind tree-lined streets and community events fill the weekends. Whether it’s an art exhibit or a music festival, there’s always something going on in this lively neighborhood! Although this area is mostly single-family homes, we expect more apartment buildings to be built in the coming years in order to keep up with demand.
Why It Made The List
Grant Parks’ namesake green space is the oldest surviving city park in Atlanta, so this area catches the attention of many locals and tourists who are interested in the history of this charming southern city. With 131.5 acres of this neighborhood dedicated to park space, residents enjoy a home away from the bustling downtown scene. As more Atlantans seek an oasis away from downtown (especially in the wake of Covid-19), Grant Park has seen a rapid increase in popularity that is likely to continue.
Top Spots
If you love dining out but prefer a casual neighborhood feel, Grant Park’s restaurant scene is perfect for you. Mediterranea Restaurant & Bakery serves up healthy, delicious bites with a trendy rooftop patio, and Bennett’s Market & Deli is a beloved sandwich stop for hungry locals. Zoo Atlanta, established in 1889 and located directly in the center of the Grant Park neighborhood, is home to more than 1,500 animals and attracts thousands of visitors each year.
Things to Know
When it comes to renting, you’ll often find bungalows and Victorians with an open room for rent. You will also find newer apartment buildings popping up, especially along new sections of the BeltLine. Compared to other surrounding Atlanta neighborhoods, you will find affordable rent prices in Grant Park. Average rent for a one bedroom can range from $1,100 to $1,400 per month in this historical neighborhood.
Top Apartment in Grant Park
Lumen Grant Park
Rent: $1,200-1,300
Year built: 2018
Our favorite features: dip into the resort-inspired, multi-level swimming pool with infinity edge and sun ledges and relax with a drink from their complimentary Starbucks coffee & craft beer bar.
Search all available apartments in Lumen Grant Park here.
Related: Best Buckhead Atlanta Apartments
Looking to Rent in One of These Up-and-Coming Neighborhoods in Atlanta?
As always, AptAmigo is here to help you find your dream apartment in any Atlanta neighborhood. From curating an apartment list based on your exact needs, to scheduling tours and providing 24/7 support, we can’t wait to help you explore all of the up-and-coming neighborhoods in Atlanta. Read our Atlanta apartment guide, or get started on your stress-free apartment hunt here!
