Southwest of downtown Atlanta lies a small narrow swath of charming

If you’re seeking a quiet residential neighborhood with an abundance of history yet only a few miles from downtown Atlanta, take a look at Adams Park. Located in the southwest part of the city off of Cascade Road, Adams Park retains its tree-lined streets and classic homes. But you can’t miss its namesake Adams Park and the Alfred Tup Holmes Golf Course for exercise and relaxation.

If you had to choose one word to describe Ansley Park, it would be bucolic. This prime neighborhood, located east of Midtown, is dotted with beautiful, landscaped homes and streets and multiple parks. Residents enjoy excellent amenities, lots of outdoor space, and entertainment venues. When it was conceived by Edwin P. Ansley in 1904, he envisioned a gracious enclave of winding streets and green parks. Today, it remains true to Ansley’s vision.

Do you want to know why everyone is attracted to live in Atlantic Station? Voted one of the top rated neighborhoods in Atlanta, this family friendly community has easy access to everything you require. Both young professionals as well as retirees have joined its 2,300 residents. Established in 1901 on the site of the Atlantic Steel Mill, the neighborhood sits on the northwestern edge of Midtown Atlanta. Luxurious apartments are priced at nearly one million. Contemporary homes, updated bungalows, and upscale lofts are on the market. Plus it has a favorable median home price of $334,000.

What was once the site of an active sawmill and a battlefield during the Civil War is today a popular Southeast Atlanta neighborhood for home buyers. Developers have discovered Browns Mill Park and new construction can be found all over the neighborhood. What’s attracting buyers? A convenient five-minute drive to downtown Atlanta is high on the list as is its relaxed suburban vibe.

One of the most beautiful communities in all of Atlanta is Buckhead Forest. This 36-acre neighborhood, designated on the National Register of Historic Places, was developed as four separate subdivisions between 1911 and 1945. Today, its rolling topography, curvilinear streets, and large dignified homes, still exude that park-like charm that beckons to new homeowners. Its median age is 30. Many are executives who work in Atlanta but wanted a safe environment near their offices without the long commute. Buckhead Forest fulfills those desires. The community is dotted with a variety of home styles, such as American Small Houses, English Cottages, and ranch houses. These original homes have preserved the community’s curb appeal. Homes values continue to rise with a median home value of nearly half a million. Contributing to its family appeal are community events such as Christmas gift exchanges and Easter egg hunts.

If you want to be at the heart of the action in the Buckhead area, choose a home or condo in Buckhead Village. Here you’ll find a thriving shopping, cultural, and culinary scene with single-family homes starting at $2 million and condo prices ranging from $300,000 to over $5 million. One of the most exclusive is the St. Regis Hotel and Residences as well as a new single-family and townhouse development known as 99 E. Andrews. These affluent clientele expect popular amenities, such as 24 hour concierge, swimming pools, and fitness centers. But the biggest draw is calling Buckhead Village your home.

Every city deserves a certain off-beat quirky neighborhood that everyone is drawn to. In Atlanta, it is Cabbagetown. This small artsy historic neighborhood is only four-square blocks but has retained its authentic look from the 19th century. It was settled in 1881 by Scottish and Irish textile mill workers who worked for the Fulton Bag and Cotton Mill. Today, each home is unique and still comprised of its shotgun and cottage-style look. Its intimate layout of closely-knit homes contributes to the area’s strong sense of community. Millennials have flocked to the neighborhood due to its hub of art and culture as have those employed by Atlanta’s growing film and entertainment industry.

If you’re seeking a neighborhood that will embrace you and your family, Candler Park should be high on your list. This quiet largely residential part of Atlanta attracts people who actively support the community with fundraisers, festivals, neighborhood merchandise, and other community events. Its late-19th- and early-20th-century homes dot the leafy neighborhood some with yard signs supporting the community. Residents proudly wearing “Candler Park Love” t-shirts and sweatshirts are out exercising with the Candler Park Running Club or taking part in walking and biking tours with the Early Edgewood-Candler Park BiRacial History Project. History did not pass Candler Park by. The Battle of Atlanta took place along its ridge and soldiers in the Union encampment took up residence in its park. By 1922, it was referred to as Candler Park. Today Candler Park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the Candler Park Historic District. Guided tours are held to visit 1870s – 1980s African American legacy

Named for its view of the glittering gold-domed Georgia State Capitol building, Capitol View, a longtime Black neighborhood in Southwest Atlanta, has been gaining in popularity due to its proximity to two breweries, restaurants, and the ever-popular Atlanta Beltline. It has an active Capitol View Neighborhood Association that promotes festivals and community concerts.

This neighborhood, situated along Cascade Road near the Westside Trail, offers many different housing and architectural styles along with opportunities for its residents to enjoy outdoor activities.

One of the trendiest neighborhoods in Atlanta is Castleberry Hill, a historic warehouse district that originated from material factories, cotton warehousing buildings, and grocer suppliers used during the Civil War. Within the neighborhood is the Castleberry Hill Art District, which has the largest concentration of authentic late 1800s to early 1900s industrial buildings. Today, these industrial compounds have been converted into true residential lofts of all sizes and styles. Three public schools serve the area and its neighborhood association welcomes new residents.

Center Hill is a proud low-key quiet neighborhood located in northwest Atlanta with a population of 4,741. It can be found between Donald L. Hollowell Highway, Hamilton E. Holmes Drive, and Simpson Road. Established in the 1950s, Center Hill is dotted with mid-century ranch and small tidy bungalow style homes ranging in price from $55,000 to $535,000. The neighborhood is supported by many life-long residents who have established the Center Hill Neighborhood Association that keeps watch on ongoing developments and even sells t-shirts portraying the local community logo.

Cluster/McDonough/Guice is a small hamlet of 1,257 residents that is bounded by Intrenchment Creek, Moreland Avenue, and McDonough Blvd. Originally, the area was inhabited by the Creek Indian Nation, which ceded the lant to Georgia in the early 1800s. Downtown Atlanta is a short 22-minute ride. Homes in the hamlet, ranging from $100,000 to $700,000, are a mix of Craftsman style new construction with charming front porches and ranch style homes. There are many affordable rental properties as well.

Colonial Homes is one of the smallest communities in Atlanta in terms of total population, but it offers its 1,997 residents the best of all worlds. Situated in Fulton County, Colonial Homes offers easy living with an urban feel, plus plenty of nature, shopping, recreational activities, and the arts. There are two shopping centers within 0.3 miles of Colonial Homes, and five parks within 3.4 miles, including the Atlanta History Center, Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia, Piedmont Park, and Atlanta Botanical Garden.

Dixie Hills is a historic neighborhood of northwest Atlanta that was established by Heman E. Perry, a Black entrepreneur who started the Standard Life Insurance Company in 1919. Seeing a need to serve the Black community, he developed Dixie Hills as well as other communities. Today, you’ll find young professionals, families, and retirees living in Dixie Hills.

If you happen to work for some of the well-known corporations or businesses in downtown Atlanta, perhaps living nearby would make the most sense. Here you would have the best of all worlds. Quick access to sports and entertainment venues, steps away from fine dining and spirited nightlife, shopping and cultural activities, and a variety of housing options will all be yours. You’ll truly be where all of the action takes place.

If you’re seeking a progressive diverse community with a strong sense of pride, take a close look at East Atlanta. Here you’ll find an affordable haven of stand-alone, single-family homes built between 1940 and 1970 and townhouse and apartment complexes surrounded by a booming business district. Known to welcome people of all backgrounds and cultures, East Atlanta is proud of its reputation for being home to many same-sex couples.

Sitting in the shadows of the Mercedes-Benz stadium, English Avenue is a community in Northwest Atlanta, a half of mile west of such landmarks as Georgia Tech, the World Congress Center, and Coca-Cola. It has a long, storied history in Atlanta and played a central role in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960’s. Today, this proud neighborhood backed by the English Avenue Neighborhood Association is working to create a safe, clean, and supportive environment for its residents. Second and third generation families call English Avenue their home. It is closely aligned with neighboring Vine City, in which collectively and infamously the two neighborhoods are known as “The Bluff.”

If you’re seeking an active community where you can settle down with your family, Garden Hills in the Buckhead region should be tops on your list. Founded in 1925 as a country club community, this quaint historic neighborhood has retained its family-oriented atmosphere where families gather together at its beloved Garden Hills Pool and Rec Center, which includes a playground, community center, pool house, and ball field. If your kids love to swim, they are welcome to join the Cool Sharks Swim and Dive Team. This group competes around the metro Atlanta region. There’s never a lack of activities in which groups like the Garden Hills Neighborhood Foundation and garden club have a full roster.

Hills Park is a small, yet noteworthy Atlanta neighborhood located in a region known as the Upper Westside. Its 800 residents in just 334 households are enjoying rapid gentrification and impressive growth as well as seeing their median home values nearly double between 2011 and 2020. But its quiet tranquil atmosphere has been retained due to the minimal thru traffic and disruption to the neighborhood.

“One Community, One Family,” is the motto of the Hunter Hills neighborhood west of downtown Atlanta. It was established during the 1940s as a planned Black community. Blue- and white-collar professionals and entrepreneurs were drawn to the neighborhood and purchased traditional cottages and ranch style housing. Today, the area is seeing more modern-day homes being built such as a contemporary community of 13 new homes. Due to its elevated location, the homes offer breathtaking skyline views with prices starting at $325,000 for a three bedroom, three bath, 2,300 sq ft property.

Inman Park’s claim to fame is as Atlanta’s first planned residential suburb and its first electric trolley neighborhood. Who would have thought that such a beautiful neighborhood could be raised from wrecked land from the Civil War battlefield? Today, the area still embraces that Victorian ambiance with large residential lots, beautiful parks, and curved leafy streets. But it now has added cool brunch spots, an entrance to the Eastside BeltLine Trail, and restored mansions. A three-day annual festival brings thousands to the neighborhood for food, music, and a tour of its historic homes. The historic appearance of the district is regulated by the City of Atlanta. Residents are also treated to wine strolls and Halloween trick-or-treat strolls.

If you and your family are ready to put down roots in Atlanta, Lake Claire is a beautiful neighborhood to consider. Highly ranked as one of the best neighborhoods to raise a family and buy a house, Lake Claire has an abundant number of top schools such as the DeKalb School of the Arts, DeKalb Early College Academy, Charles R. Drew Charter School, and Grady High School for your children to attend.

Beltline-adjacent to the Southside Trail corridor, with moderately priced homes, and a convenient location three miles from downtown Atlanta and the airport, Lakewood Heights is a historic neighborhood in transition. Built in 1895 for its Black and Jewish working-class residents, Lakewood Heights now draws a mix of people to its famous 19,000-capacity music venue—the Cellairis Ampitheater.

Located in northeast Atlanta and the South Buckhead area, Lindridge - Martin Manor is a multicultural neighborhood offering a blend of established single-family residences and new apartments many off of Lindbergh Drive. It’s a wide mix of pricing such as two-bedroom condo at $253,000 up to a newly constructed five-bedroom for $2.7 million. One of its main draws is its easy accessibility to I-85 and downtown Atlanta. The Lindridge-Martin Manor Neighborhood Association is an active group that welcomes new members and works to enhance the livability of its community.

Loring Heights is one of Atlanta’s newer neighborhoods having been developed in the 1940s as opposed to other Atlanta communities in the late 1800s. The Loring Heights subdivision was developed by Edgar H. Sims, Sr. an Atlanta builder and developer, who also developed a number of other subdivisions in the Atlanta area during the 1930s and 1940s. If you’re seeking a small cozy intown community, Loring Heights should be on your list. Today, the neighborhood is comprised of a little over 300 homes in the West Midtown neighborhood with Peachtree Street, Northside Drive, and Atlantic Station surrounding the area. It has a strong neighborhood association that protects its green oasis, mature trees, duck pond, and rolling hills.

Rated one of the best neighborhoods to live in Atlanta, Midtown Atlanta is considered one of the most desirable areas in the Big Peach due to its easy access to Atlanta’s transportation, parks (including Piedmont Park), restaurants, and thriving Midtown Arts District. While its population is steady at 42,000, you’ll see it grow to 81,000 during the day and draw over six million visitors each year to its festivals and attractions.

While these two neighborhoods are closely tied together, there’s no differences between the superb quality of life that both offer their residents. Morningside/Lenox Park is one of the most expensive affluent neighborhoods in Atlanta. What began in 1923 with eight homes developed to be a “new kind of suburb” where residents could travel by car or streetcar to work, has evolved to be more than 8,000 residents enjoying outdoor recreation, entertainment, and dining within walking distance. It’s located west of Druid Hills, east of Ansley Park, and north of Virginia-Highland.

Mozley Park, a Westside neighborhood that sits three miles west of downtown Atlanta, was developed in the early 20th century.It is nestled between I-20 and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. The neighborhood was named after Dr. Hiram Mozley, a Confederate veteran and inventor who was the original landowner. After his death in 1902, his heirs inherited the land and by 1922 had asked the Atlanta City Council to purchase the estate. Today, community members have discussed changing its name. Some long-time residents want to keep the original name; others feel offended and are uncomfortable.

The North Buckhead neighborhood is considered to be one of the best to live in Atlanta. Known as one of the wealthiest, upscale enclaves, it offers anything a family or young professional could want: beautiful homes, great schools, safety, and shopping and outdoor experiences. Most of its residents hold college degrees and send their children to highly rated public schools. While it is Atlanta’s fourth most populous neighborhood with 9,000 residents, it focuses on creating a warm family atmosphere. Neighbors enjoy meeting each other during Walk to School days or buying a Christmas tree at the annual holiday sale. The active Civic Association holds seasonal block parties or “flings” that can draw up to 600 in attendance.

Oakland City, located in southwestern Atlanta, is known for its accessibility. It is one of the fortunate neighborhoods to be near the popular Westside BeltLine trail. Its views of the Atlanta skyline demonstrate its four-mile location from the center of the city.

With well-kept yards and a family-friendly atmosphere, Oakland is a desirable neighborhood located in southwestern Atlanta, just southwest across the BeltLine from West End and Adair Park. It is another of Atlanta’s historic areas having been incorporated as a city in 1894 and annexed to Atlanta in 1910. Like many others, Oakland City Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Have you noticed vehicles sporting an OFW sticker? Those are residents of the Old Fourth Ward who are proudly marketing their community. This historic neighborhood, located just east of downtown, is the birthplace of Atlanta’s most favorite son and America’s best-known civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Originally settled in the early 1800s, OFW has emerged in a few short years as one of the hippest neighborhoods in Atlanta.

If you’re seeking a truly remarkable community that is historically intact, look no farther than Ormewood Park. This historically designated community offers streets with five historic markers detailing the Kirkwood’s role in the Civil War and homes lined with properties such as a cozy three-bedroom, three-bath, two-story bungalow, Victorian cottages, and ranch-style homes. Crown moldings, fireplaces, and stained glass are all prized historic features.

When the neighborhood is described as being filled with beautiful trees, a rolling landscape, and several flowing springs, you know you’ve hit nirvana. And that was how Peachtree Heights East was advertised when it was first founded in the early 1900s. It was Eretus “Petie” Rivers who developed the wooded tract of land. Today, that bucolic feel still exists with the mainstay of the area its original duck pond within a serene urban lake. The neighborhood of 340 homes lies off Peachtree Road between Lindbergh Drive and East Wesley Road. A variety of home choices are available from Cape Cods, Tudors, American foursquares, bungalows, and cottages to condos and high rises. Its Peachtree Heights East Neighborhood Association charges homeowners annual dues to manage and support the Duck Pond Parks for its residents. There are plenty of dining options and shopping near Peachtree Heights East. Grab a coffee at Dancing Goats or satisfy your sweet tooth at The Cookie Studio.

The homes within the tightknit Peachtree Park neighborhood are in a lovely quiet historic swathe of Buckhead that are surrounded by the glittering office towers of Peachtree Road. It refers to itself as an “island in the city.” You’ll be entranced with the neighborhood’s unique character of 550 homes built with architectural significance and storybook charm. Prices start around $500,000 for the privilege of enjoying its enhanced community spirit and unity.

Centrally located about two miles southeast of Atlanta's downtown, accessibility is the key word to describe Peoplestown. Everything is convenient to this small neighborhood. If you need to get to the airport, it’s only a 10-minute drive. Looking for some exercise or nightlife? Peoplestown is connected to the popular Beltline trail and near Grant Park and the Beacon, a unique retail, dining and cultural destination of restaurants and bars, a coffee shop, a bakery, a gourmet market, retail shopping, childcare, medical and wellness centers that creates a neighborhood experience.

Considered to be Buckhead’s best kept secret, Pine Hills is a strong active community in which its Pine Hills Neighborhood Association (PHNA) protects its interests and maintains the integrity of its residential neighborhood. Incorporated as a non-profit membership corporation in 1960, the PHNA has kept Pine Hills a single-family oasis sitting in between Fulton and DeKalb Counties. Condo and apartment complexes edge the development.

Named after its northern counterpart in western Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh was founded in 1883 as a black working-class suburb alongside the Pegram rail repair shops that serviced the four streetcar lines into the town. Today, the neighborhood is in the midst of gentrification and urban renewal with property values rising. It is one of the last few neighborhoods in Atlanta where housing is affordable and charming properties can be purchased and transformed into terrific investments. Savvy buyers, real estate salespeople, and investors are on the increase in Pittsburgh.

Reynoldstown is one of the most popular neighborhoods in Atlanta. What’s the draw? Its location near all of the popular areas in eastern intown Atlanta, its long 150 year history, and the mix of housing units from charming original 1900s single-family cottages to modern apartment buildings with large lofts. Older residents are holding tight in the neighborhood and a younger population has discovered its walkability and trails for walking, running, and cycling.

Ridgedale Park is another Buckhead community that is bordered by Roxboro Road on the southeastern edge and Peachtree Road to the north, with Eulalia Road cutting through its center. Only a half dozen streets wind through the area and its 100 or so homes. Its residents feel insulated from the high-rise office buildings and retail establishments on its perimeter.

Rockdale is a suburban neighborhood that has a little to offer everyone. Looking to purchase a home? Rockdale’s median real estate price is $323,355, which is more expensive than 66.1% of the neighborhoods in Georgia. Searching for a rental apartment? The average rental price in Rockdale is currently $1,307, which is currently lower in price than 56.4% of Georgia neighborhoods. You’ll find small studio up to two-bedroom rentals and larger apartment complexes as well as single-family homes. Students attend Boyd elementary school, Westside Atlanta charter school, and Douglass high school.

Summerhill is in the midst of transition, but yet it isn’t. Residents see visual changes and upgrades to their historically Black neighborhood that they like but are determined to keep its culture the same. After the end of the Civil War, Summerhill was established in 1865 as a home for freed slaves and the majority of Atlanta’s Jewish population. Georgia Avenue, one of its main thoroughfares, thrived before World War II but by the 1960s, it began a downward spiral. Today, Summerhill is going through gentrification and renewal. It has attracted medium-income, mixed-race residents to its inner-city neighborhood. Georgia Avenue is now lined with new shops and restaurants. Business owners are trying to preserve the old while breathing new life into the neighborhood.

If golf is one of your passions, perhaps the community of East Lake should be on your radar. Here you’ll live in the farthest east of any Atlanta neighborhood surrounded by a public golf course designed by Rees Jones, the public Charlie Yates Golf Course, and the East Lake Golf Club that is the home course of golf master Bobby Jones and the site of the PGA Tour Championship golf tournament.

If you are seeking a community-minded neighborhood for yourself and your family, put Underwood Hills on your list. This special neighborhood located on Atlanta’s Upper Westside, draws diverse, family-oriented people to its eclectic mix of single-family homes, apartments, townhomes, and condominiums. Neighbors have formed a true sense of community, inviting children to its play groups, helping each other remove invasive plants from the community, and reporting through its security patrol about any type of incidents or complaints in the neighborhood. A community store sells t-shirts, mugs, and flags emblazoned with the Underwood Hills name and logo to show their pride.

The Vine City neighborhood is punctuated by the striking new Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and its proximity to the CNN Center and Centennial Olympic Park. Blocks of neat-and-tidy bungalows and ranches can be found in the neighborhood alongside renovated cottages, cozy Cape Cods, and spacious condos. Morris Brown College is a private Methodist historically black liberal arts college with 300 students on campus in Vine City.

Virginia Highland, or VaHI for short, is one of Atlanta’s most sought-after places to live. Residents point to its small-town community charm combined with vibrant city living as its main draw. No matter what type of home you’re seeking, you’ll find it here. Historic houses dating back to the early 1900s are snapped up quickly as is charming bungalows to beautiful Victorians and modern townhouses.

When you choose to live in Washington Park, you’ll find yourself steeped in the neighborhood’s history. Developed in 1919 by local businessman and entrepreneur Heman E. Perry, Washington Park is known as the first planned Black suburb in Atlanta. It attracted some of the most prominent Black community leaders and Black owned businesses. Today, Washington Park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and its residents continue to show their pride with active community-based activities. The neighborhood is part of the popular Atlanta BeltLine, spurring considerable development and interest. The opening of the Westside Trail links Washington Park to Adair Park. Transportation into downtown Atlanta is easily found at the neighborhood’s Ashby MARTA station.

Situated to the west of downtown Atlanta, West End is a vibrant residential neighborhood that offers a variety of historic homes and architecture, access to the Atlanta Beltline Trail, and a walkable and bike-friendly community. This neighborhood prides itself on its diverse group of residents and a strong sense of community and is just several miles away from the heart of downtown Atlanta.

If you are seeking an award-winning master planned community in Atlanta, take a look at West Highlands. It is one of the largest planned communities in Atlanta, just minutes from downtown. Its population of a little over 4,000 enjoys a suburban environment with the convenience of urban living. That’s due to the urban planners who strategically placed green space throughout the neighborhood.

Just four miles from downtown Atlanta, Westview sits along Ralph David Abernathy Freeway with Ralph David Abernathy Blvd as the community’s main thoroughfare. It was one of Atlanta’s first streetcar neighborhoods that today is attracting a diverse mix of economic, cultural, and ethnic residents and business owners. Its easy access to the Beltline and Mercedes-Benz Stadium doesn’t hurt either.