As a city that played a huge part in the shaping of American history, Atlanta is full of neighborhoods with their own unique charm and personality. Truly, the residential communities in Georgia’s capital city are where its essence lies, offering big-city amenities with a small-town vibe. It’s no wonder Money.com named Atlanta the best place to live in the US in 2022.
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What are the best neighborhoods in Atlanta?
If you’re interested in learning more about Atlanta, or are planning to move into the city, you’ll be glad to know that there’s a myriad of housing types for you to choose from in its various residential communities, including luxury homes, single-family homes, townhouse developments, apartment complexes, and condos.
Here, then, is where you can find these ideal dwellings in some of the best neighborhoods in Atlanta.
Quick links to neighborhoods:
BUCKHEAD: ONE OF THE WEALTHIEST NEIGHBORHOODS IN ATLANTA
The financial heart of Atlanta is one of the wealthiest areas not only in Georgia, but in all of America. Located on the northernmost part of the city, Buckhead is one of the most expensive neighborhoods in Atlanta and comes with luxury malls, upscale amenities, and premium prices. As of the beginning of April 2023, t Buckhead homes sold for a median price of $582,000.
As a major financial hub, Buckhead’s residential areas are populated mostly by young professionals and business people. Whatever the prevailing demographic, people in general will appreciate the posh lifestyle brands carried by the area’s high-end shopping center such as Buckhead Village, Lenox Square, and Phipps Plaza.
For those looking to immerse themselves in the local culture, make sure to visit the Atlanta History Center, Swan House, Cathedral of Christ the King, and the Governor’s Mansion, to name a few. When it’s time to give in to your gastronomic temptations, the many progressive restaurants, such as South City Kitchen, The Capital Grille, and Bones, are guaranteed to satisfy.
About Buckhead real estate market
As of March 2023, the homes for sale in Buckhead had a median listing price of $715,000, representing a 10% increase from the same time last year. Home prices in the locale range from $90,000 to $15 million. During the same period, Buckhead was a seller’s market, with demand for housing outpacing supply. However, homes sold at 1.5% below asking price on average.
The 14 public schools in the area are rated good and higher by GreatSchools.com. For those who prefer private or charter schools, there are 16 of them in Buckhead.
Buckhead has a low walkability rating. However, there are rail stations nearby providing easy transport all over Atlanta.
INMAN PARK: A HISTORIC BUT TRENDY NEIGHBORHOOD IN ATLANTA
SOLD IN INMAN PARK: A quintessential bungalow in a sought-after neighborhood, just steps away from the city’s top restaurants
Inman Park is an Atlanta neighborhood with a youthful vibe. Known for its “hip but not quite hipster” appeal, Atlanta’s first planned suburb is abuzz with trendy wine bars, brunch spots, artisan coffee shops, multi-course restaurants, and clubs. Furthermore, the community’s convenient East Atlanta location puts it in close proximity to other popular entertainment destinations such as Reynoldstown, Old Fourth Ward, and Cabbagetown.
Inman Park is the perfect marriage of the old and new, mixing modern lifestyle amenities with traditional architecture. Visitors and new residents can feast their eyes on the many decades-old Victorian-style homes found in the neighborhood. The 88 walkability score ensures you get to take all the well-preserved beauty in as you stroll to your destination.
For history buffs, Inman Park has its share of cultural landmarks that inspire relevance and awe. There’s the Inman Park Lock Box, Callan Castle, and the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum. The latter hosts a replica of the Oval Office where visitors are free to take photographs. If you get hungry after taking selfies, No Mas! Cantina, Wisteria, and Sotto Sotto are the restaurants that come highly recommended.
About Inman Park real estate market
Homes for sale in Inman Park haD a median listing price of $549,000 in March 2023, and a median sold price of $735,000. The price range for homes in the area was between $325,000 and $2.2 million. During the same period, Inman Park was a seller’s market, with homes selling for 2% above asking price on average.
There are three public schools in the area, all rated good and higher by Greatschools.com. There are also two private or charter schools.
BROOKHAVEN: ATLANTA’S AFFLUENT HISTORIC NEIGHBORHOOD
SOLD IN BROOKHAVEN: A 4-floor townhouse with incredible features and high-end amenities
Brookhaven is one of the oldest communities in Atlanta, with history going back to 1810 when Europeans first settled in the area. Located in Atlanta’s northeastern section, Brookhaven is home to many beautiful residential buildings and even more beautiful natural parks. It’s easily one of the best neighborhoods in Atlanta with an enviable combination of large-area housing, luxury amenities, easy access to MARTA (public transit) station, and proximity to Downtown Atlanta, which is around 15 miles south.
Recently incorporated into a city in 2012, Brookhaven retains much of its old-world charm. Those who want a peek into the city’s past will do well to visit the Historic District, where many of the houses were built in the early 20th century by the great Atlanta architects of that time. At Oglethorpe University’s Museum of Art, the 7,000-square-foot facility hosts numerous major art exhibitions throughout the year.
Foodies will want to visit Buford Highway and the many restaurants that line it, mainly serving South American and Asian cuisine. Popular dining haunts include Secreto Southern Kitchen, Pure Taqueria, and Urban Wok. For the perfect nightcap, The Righteous Room, The Rusty Nail, and Olde Blind Dog Irish Pub are ready to serve both classic and contemporary fare.
About Brookhaven real estate market
Brookhaven houses for sale had a median listing price of $650,000 and median sold price of $655,000 in March 2023. Offering affluent but relatively affordable real estate, the price range for homes in the area was between $250,000 and $12 million. Homes sold for approximately the asking price.
Brookhaven has 13 public schools, all rated good and higher by Greatschools.com. There are also seven private or charter schools in the area.
Brookhaven has a walkability score of 22, so having your own car is a must to get around.
CHASTAIN PARK: ATLANTA’S LARGEST CITY PARK IS ALSO A PICTURESQUE NEIGHBORHOOD
FOR SALE IN CHASTAIN PARK: An incredible modern estate close to the city’s conveniences yet secluded by nature
A picturesque community in the northern part of Atlanta, Chastain Park offers a unique lifestyle experience filled with a wide variety of athletic and recreational activities. The 268-acre park – the largest city park in Atlanta – has multiple facilities for swimming, tennis, baseball, and even horse riding. Parents will also be happy to learn that there are playgrounds spread across the sprawling community, giving kids plenty of opportunities to run around and play.
To count Chastain Park as one of the best neighborhoods in Atlanta for families is an understatement. Surrounded by nature, residents are free to stroll down quiet, tree-lined sidewalks with children and pets in tow. There are plenty of green and outdoor spaces for families to explore, with an outdoor amphitheater for concerts and live events, an arts center, a golf course, plus a wide assortment of shops, cafes, and restaurants.
Most of the dining establishments serving American and European dishes are found east of the area, on Roswell Road. Acclaimed restaurants in the area include Taxco Restaurante Mexicano, Fellini’s, Zaxby’s, and Buttermilk Kitchen. Also on Roswell Road is Buckhead Court, a large open-air shopping mall hosting local retail outlets, national chains, and services.
About Chastain Park real estate market
Chastain Park houses for sale had a median listing price of $1.4 million and median sold price of $1.6 million in March 2023. As one of Atlanta’s more affluent communities, the price range for homes in the area was between $350,000 and $9 million. Homes sold around 1.5% below asking price on average.
There are 6 public schools serving the Chastain Park community, all rated good and higher by Greatschools.com. There are also three private or charter schools.
Chastain Park is a car-dependent neighborhood, with a low walkability score of 14.
VININGS: ATLANTA’S TRANQUIL, TIGHT-KNIT SUBURB HAS TOP SCHOOLS
SOLD IN VININGS: A 3-story townhouse boasting 10-foot ceilings and an elevator
This quiet, tight-knit suburb northwest of Downtown Atlanta and right alongside Chattahoochee River is a great choice for those who want the tranquility of living beside a river and the convenience of having a big city nearby. Vinings has been cited as one of the best suburbs for young professionals by Niche.com, mainly for its affordable living and easy access to shops and restaurants.
Many parents are attracted to Vinings because of the quality of schools in the area, and the lower property taxes compared to neighboring counties. These qualities and the hometown feel easily make Vinings one of the best neighborhoods in Atlanta for families.
Swimming and going on picnics are top activities in Vinings, thanks to the number of access spots to Chattahoochee River. There’s also a school in the area called The Swim Revolution, which teaches kids techniques that will enable them to swim in pools, lakes, and open water.
For good eats, the Orient Express is Vinings’s pride and joy. A restaurant housed in a railroad car called the Orient Express serves the best of Japanese and Chinese cuisine, with a wide selection of salmon, shrimp, lobster, scallops, and more. Also of note is Stockyard Burgers and Bones, a popular spot for traditional American staples such as burgers, grilled ribs, corn dogs, meatloaf, and fried chicken.
About Vinings real estate market
As of March 2023, homes for sale in Vinings had a median listing price of $847,500, an increase of nearly 70% from the previous year. Median sold home price was at $945,600. The range for home prices in the area was between $175,000 to $6.5 million. Homes in Vinings sold for approximately the asking price.
There are three public schools serving the Vinings community, all of which are rated good and higher by GreatSchools.com. There are no private or charter schools here.
According to WalkScore.com, the community is “somewhat walkable,” with the website giving Vinings a score of 62.
ROSWELL: ATLANTA’S OLDER BUT VIBRANT NEIGHBORHOOD
RENOVATED IN ROSWELL: A beautiful 4-bed, 3-bath brick ranch close to top-rated schools
Roswell is another one of Georgia’s older communities, starting out as a small mill town and evolving into the quaint but vibrant city that it is today. Roswell’s historic charm is complemented by large swaths of green spaces and riverways. With more than a dozen parks, Roswell is hands down one of the best neighborhoods to live in Atlanta for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Though the community exudes a more traditional suburban vibe, convenient access to Downtown Atlanta, just 22.2 miles to the south, ensures that locals are never too far from the amenities of the big city. That said, Roswell is not without its own sophistication. Canton Street for instance, boasts a large array of outdoor dining choices serving cuisines of all varieties. The city also hosts numerous cultural and recreational events throughout the year, many of which are dedicated to the finer things in life like arts, music, food, and wine.
Like Vinings, Roswell lies in close proximity to Chattahoochee River, which means locals get to enjoy boating, fishing, and tubing (otherwise known as river floating) to their heart’s content. Those who prefer an off-water experience can explore the many trails, picnic grounds, playgrounds, and parks in the area. For an up close and personal look at wildlife, the Chattahoochee Nature Center, Roswell’s very own environmental education facility, provides exactly that.
About Roswell real estate market
In March 2023, homes for sale in Roswell had a median listing price of $624,700, an increase of nearly 17% from the previous year. Median sold price was at $570,500, while home prices ranged from $79,500 to $3.4 million. Homes sold for approximately the asking price.
Roswell has a whopping 25 public schools, all of which are rated good and higher by GreatSchools.com. There’s even more private or charter schools, or 27 in all.
It is one of the best neighborhoods in Atlanta for walking, with a high walkability score of 83.
ALPHARETTA: ATLANTA’S THRIVING COMMUNITY FOR BUSINESS AND CULTURE
FOR SALE IN ALPHARETTA: A private retreat nestled on 15 acres of rolling hills with open pastures and mature hardwoods
Alpharetta is another Atlanta community with a long history that dates back to the mid-1800s. Starting out as a cotton town, Alpharetta has transformed into a thriving city for business, culture, and the community. As one of the nice neighborhoods in Atlanta, the atmosphere in Alpharetta is warm, welcoming, and rustic, even though it’s just a 30-minute drive from the Atlanta metro.
In addition to having a strong job market, Alpharetta is also popular for vibrant lifestyle options. There are numerous shopping districts in the area, the most noteworthy of which is the Avalon, a mixed-use development boasting over 500,000 square feet of retail space. Here, shoppers will find high end brands, fine dining restaurants, cineplexes, and a live music venue. Meanwhile, Downtown Alpharetta has a wide array of boutique shops and homegrown restaurants.
For those seeking some peace and quiet, the city’s many parks and green spaces provide the ideal escape. There are also plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun in Alpharetta’s numerous sports fields, playgrounds, and trails. The natural greenway system along Big Creek in particular, is a popular destination for hikers, bikers, and adventure seekers. Wills Park, located in the southeast portion of the city, has top-notch sports and recreational facilities, including an excellent equestrian center for experienced riders and students.
About Alpharetta real estate market
Homes for sale in Alpharetta had a median listing price of $690,000 and median sold price of $617,500 in March 2023. The price range for homes in the area fell between $135,000 and $11 million. Homes sold for approximately the asking price.
There are 27 public schools in the area, all rated good and higher by Greatschools.com. Alpharetta also has 18 private or charter schools.
Walkscore.com gives Alpharetta a walkability score of 22, and describes it as a car-dependent city.
WHY BUY A HOME IN BUCKHEAD, BROOKHAVEN, INMAN PARK, CHASTAIN PARK, VININGS, ROSWELL OR ALPHARETTA?
Intrinsic natural beauty, a strong job market, excellent schools, and vibrant shopping and dining scene – all can be found in any of the nice neighborhoods in Atlanta featured above. Each one could easily be the next place you call home.
If you’re thinking of buying a property in Buckhead, Brookhaven, Inman Park, Chastain Park, Vinings, Roswell or Alpharetta, now is a great time to do it. With demand on the rise and supply constrained, prices are expected to increase with time, so you’ll want to get in the market while homes are at their current price.
What are the best neighborhoods in Atlanta? What is the cost of living in the locale? How much do I have to pay every month for utilities? HOME Real Estate is ready to answer all your home buying questions and develop a winning purchase strategy with you. Call 404.383.HOME (4663) today.