Explore Atlanta Neighborhoods

Atlanta has been described as the home of the “New South.” With nearly 500,000 residents, the capital of Georgia combines classic small-town, southern hospitality with all the amenities of a 21st-century international city.

Downtown

Downtown Atlanta is comprised of several distinct districts, each with their own style, attractions, and appeal.  it's a popular choice for career-oriented professionals, singles, couples, and sports enthusiasts who want to walk to convention centers, hotels, or administration buildings. Along with apartments, condos, and private homes, many old warehouses are being converted into modern, upscale lofts.  Living downtown provides a lively, active, multi-cultural scene bustling with tourists and locals, downtown offers easy access to bars, restaurants, coffee shops, parks, and public transportation.

Marietta

Located about 20 miles northeast of downtown, Marietta was originally settled as a railroad hub and still has that historic feel in its city center. Downtown Marietta offers a good number of shops and restaurants and is the location of year-round events such as art strolls, parades, and a farmer’s market. Nearby Glover Park is the site of many outdoor concerts and events. Marietta is also the home of several college campuses, including Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, located near Dobbins Air Reserve Base. Marietta is one of the largest suburbs outside of downtown Atlanta with a diverse population and wide range of housing opportunities from apartments and condos to charming, historic homes.  Popular with professionals, students, and families looking for a well-managed city with a high-quality way of life that offers a good balance of residential areas, greenspace, and a family-friendly social scene. Although the bus system is reliable, a private vehicle is highly recommended.

Midtown

As one of the most desirable and convenient areas in Atlanta, Midtown is at the heart of some of the most popular destinations in the city—parks, restaurants, museums, and the vibrant Midtown Arts District. Home to Atlanta’s Midtown Mile, which runs along Peachtree Street (Atlanta’s most famous roadway), this area features one-of-a-kind restaurants and boutiques as well as rapidly-growing residential developments. Midtown is cultured, convenient, and lively. The nightlife is busy with plenty of top restaurants and bars. In Midtown you can walk, jog, or bike in Piedmont Park and participate in the festivals organized all year long. Those looking to use public transportation will appreciate easy access to Atlanta’s popular MARTA rail line system.

Old Fourth Ward

This once historic and industrial neighborhood has become one of Atlanta’s most trendy, up-and-coming communities and is still experiencing a resurgence. Popular with young professionals, artists, and students, the area offers a wide variety of eateries and entertainment venues for every style and budget—from cozy coffee shops to martini bars. Ponce City Market is a popular way to spend the day shopping and dining in an old factory, while the historic Fourth Ward Park offers a lake, an outdoor theater, an athletic field, and a world-class skate park. Old Fourth Ward is one of the most bike and pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods in the Atlanta area, and also offers Atlanta BeltLine’s Eastside Trail as a converted railway line for walking and cycling.

Leasing a Property

Whether you go it alone or work with one of our housing providers, it helps to be prepared for what to expect when you sit down to sign a lease. Here are some helpful hints to help you get started.

 

General Advice

  • In a competitive rental market, bring a completed rental application - including all necessary documentation - and a check for security deposit when visiting the property
  • Ask if the landlord offers any favorable terms for your employer
  • Come prepared with enough funds to pay for the first month of rent, plus the deposit amount. Deposit requirements vary, but can be equal to one-month rent (or more)
  • Be extra diligent when reviewing the lease from a private landlord. Unlike large apartment complexes, which generally have well established agreements, private landlords may be less experienced and may include unfavorable or unrealistic clauses
  • Ask a family member, friend, or colleague to come along with you on the move-in inspection to have an extra set of eyes

 

Be Thorough

Be sure to review the lease! Make sure you're comfortable with, and agree to, all of the conditions of your agreement such as:

  • Rules about landlord access and your privacy
  • Any maintenance required of tenant
  • Payment of utilities (typically tenant-paid) 

 

Be Prepared

Many landlords and property management companies have very strict requirements for prospective tenants. Qualifying can at times be challenging and a bit frustrating. Most landlords will require some combination of these documents:

  • Identification
  • Letter of employment
  • Recent pay stub
  • Copy of your credit report

 

Public Transportation

There are many public transportation options in Atlanta.

The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority, or MARTA, serves the city by maintaining a bus and heavy rail system. Though cars are the most common form of transportation in Atlanta, the Atlanta subway system is the 8th busiest in the country.  

With 554 buses covering over 90 bus routes around the greater Atlanta area, the MARTA Bus System is a busy and popular way to travel. Serving millions of passengers and covering millions of miles each year, MARTA buses are an Atlanta staple.  


MARTA Rail Lines offers over 48 miles of train track with 38 stations. While major areas of town, the airport, and many suburbs are covered, some popular areas, such as Emory, cannot be reached by train alone.