With more than 240 distinct neighborhoods, Atlanta offers a wide variety of lifestyle options for its residents. Whether you prefer the hustle and bustle of Buckhead or Downtown, or you’d rather relax in quiet communities like Vinings or Roswell, anyone can find a place that suits them here. However, over the past several years, a few neighborhoods have gained popularity with the locals, generating quite a bit of buzz.
As Atlanta continues to flourish and more people populate the well-known areas, making them all the more expensive, lesser-known neighborhoods on the rise are getting their moment in the spotlight. These burgeoning neighborhoods have become 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 the 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 get the best of both worlds, with access to luxury shopping, five-star dining, and a vibrant, communal feel. This neighborhood could be described as Buckhead’s trendy cousin.
Why It Made The List
Brookwood is catching Atlantans’ attention due to 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 presents an exciting and affordable option for savvy renters. Despite this neighborhood’s increased popularity, it maintains a small community feel that sets it apart from other bustling Atlanta neighborhoods.
Top Spots
At Egg Harbor Cafe, a favorite brunch haunt among 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. For dinner, head to Mellow Mushroom and enjoy a unique pizza experience. Many of their pies feature, as you might guess, that most magical of vegetables: the mushroom. If you need 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
This area has seen an influx of high-rise rentals with luxury amenities, causing rent prices to span a pretty wide range: from around $1,300 to $2,500 for a one-bedroom. As always with booming neighborhoods, rent will see further a spikes in the coming years as new establishments and residents find a home in Brookwood.
Top Brookwood Apartments
Venue Brookwood
Rent: $1,500 – $2,250
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 “Paw Spa” for pampering your pooch
MAA Brookwood
Rent: $1,400 – $1,600
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
West Midtown
Neighborhood Vibe
If you want an ultra trendy neighborhood in the midst of an exciting reinvention, explore West Midtown. This formerly abandoned neighborhood now represents one of Atlanta’s most in-demand areas. As the name suggests, it lies 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 all of these neighborhoods. With upscale cocktail lounges, no frills dive bars, and hip craft breweries, West Midtown pleases all comers.
Why It Made The List
At one point, this area was all but abandoned. Then, it underwent a complete revival, and now it hosts vibrant art galleries, eclectic eateries, and chic boutiques. As a former industrial district, many of the renovated buildings still possess 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. Drop by Westside Provisions District for an upscale shopping experience at high-end retail shops alongside eclectic artisan restaurants. If you want to live in the heart of West Midtown, you’ll find some exceptional apartment buildings in the area.
Things to Know
You’ll discover urban lofts and bright, modern apartments sprinkled throughout this area, with an average rent price of $1,300 to $2,400. With a mix of renovated industrial buildings and modern luxury mid-rises, every renter can land in a place that suits their lifestyle.
Fun fact: Part of the “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: $1,600-$2,300
Year built: 2008
Our favorite features: zero edge poolside fountain, bark park with pet stations, covered car wash, and renovated units with state-of-the-art appliances
Radius West Midtown
Rent: $1,450-$2,250
Year Built: 2017
Our favorite features: resort-style saltwater pool; breathtaking rooftop views of the Atlanta skyline; executive eLounge complete with Wi-Fi, printers, and monitors; and granite kitchen countertops paired with a tile backsplash
Sandy Springs
Neighborhood Vibe
As a suburb slightly north of metro Atlanta, Sandy Springs feels a bit removed from other In-town neighborhoods. However, the unique charm and feel of this city is exactly why Atlantans gravitate to the area. Sandy Springs sits right on the Chattahoochee River, accompanied by an abundance of parks, nature centers, and hiking trails. Sandy Springs also boasts 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 continues to renovate and add new attractions that will increase interest in the coming years. This city, while peaceful, houses many popular businesses and provides a short commute for many residents. Major corporations like Cox Communications and Mercedes Benz USA call Sandy Springs home and offer plenty of job opportunities for people looking to live and work a bit outside of the city.
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 city’s 40-year effort to become 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
In this up-and-coming neighborhood, housing can be difficult to come by. Luckily, new apartment complexes pop up each year as they work to keep up with demand. If you plan to rent in Sandy Springs, expect to find a mix of high-rises and smaller buildings.
Top Apartment in Sandy Springs
The Morgan Sandy Springs
Rent: $1,600-$3,000
Year built: 2017
Our favorite features: movie lawn, zen garden, and heated saltwater pool
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 evokes a peaceful, suburban feel, but sits just minutes from Midtown and the Virginia Highlands. With quaint parks and farmers markets, young professionals flock here for more space and quieter surroundings. Pet owners also love Morningside Nature Preserve, beloved by pups for its accessible trails and dog beach.
Why It Made The List
Located North of Virginia-Highland, Morningside-Lenox Park gives locals a green escape from the concrete jungle of downtown Atlanta. People gravitate to this neighborhood for its outdoor spaces, which provide a refreshing escape from city life. This highly walkable neighborhood contains local craft breweries and a multitude of trails. Piedmont Park runs along the southwest part of the neighborhood and provides a great spot for picnics or a fun weekend trip to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens.
Top Spots
Restaurants like Varuni Napoli and Whiskey Bird serve as neighborhood staples for the empty-bellied. But, to work up that appetite, we suggest hiking along the South Fork Peachtree Creek for an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, a remarkable place 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
Charming bungalows and craftsman-style single-family homes add character to this neighborhood. You won’t find many high-rises in Morningside-Lenox Park, but newer apartment buildings with first-rate amenities have popped up recently. Rents average around $1,500 for a one bedroom in this vibrant, green neighborhood.
Top Apartments in Morningside-Lenox Park
Solstice Morningside
Rent: $1,600
Year built: 2019
Our favorite features: rooftop sky lounge with stunning views, bike storage and repair shop, quartz countertops, tiled backsplashes, and wood-plank flooring
Morningside Atlanta by Windsor
Rent: $1,500 – $2,300
Year built: 2015
Our favorite features: sky lounge with kitchen for hosting, fitness and yoga studio, and three landscaped courtyards
Grant Park
Neighborhood Vibe
One of Atlanta’s oldest and most historic neighborhoods, Grant Park gives off an ultra-charming and tight-knit community feel. Historic Victorian mansions and craftsman bungalows sit behind tree-lined streets, and community events fill the weekends. From art exhibits to music festivals, this lively neighborhood always buzzes with activity. Although this area consists of 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 Park’s namesake green space is the oldest surviving city park in Atlanta, so this area captures the attention of locals and tourists 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, Grant Park’s rapid increase in popularity will likely continue.
Top Spots
If you love dining out but prefer a casual neighborhood feel, Grant Park’s restaurant scene will cater to you. Mediterranea Restaurant & Bakery serves up healthy, delicious bites on a trendy rooftop patio, and Ziba’s Bistro and Wine Bar is a beloved dinner destination for hungry locals. Zoo Atlanta, established in 1889 and located directly in the center of the Grant Park neighborhood, houses 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, Grant Park’s affordable rent prices contribute to the neighborhood’s appeal. 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: $1,500 – $3,300
Year built: 2018
Our favorite features: resort-inspired, multi-level swimming pool with infinity edge and sun ledges; complimentary Starbucks coffee & craft beer bar
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 reach out to get started on your stress-free apartment hunt.
