If you’re looking for a fast-developing metro that has a diverse community, reasonably priced housing, and a thriving economy, then the city of Atlanta, Georgia is a place you must seriously consider. Atlanta is the fourth fastest-growing metropolis in the entire United States so it’s no surprise that thousands of people are moving there.
ATL is a place that you can easily fall in love with, thanks to its lush green spaces, highly acclaimed restaurants, and its rich history. If you’re a young professional who is looking for a place to plant your roots, you can’t go wrong with Atlanta given its booming economy, high rates of job growth, and great neighborhoods, the best of which we’ve listed down below.
1) Virginia-Highland
If you desire a quiet neighborhood, then the Va-Hi, as the locals call it, will suit you well. Virginia-Highland is comprised of bungalow homes that border four major commercial zones. Located just two miles from Midtown, Virginia-Highland is perfect if you work for AT&T or UPS, or for students who attend Emory University.
Virginia-Highland also doesn’t lack entertainment options as you’ll find popular haunts such as George’s Bar and Restaurant, Paolo’s Gelato Italiano, Ten Thousand Villages, and Henry & June. Another thing Virginia-Highland has got going is the annual Summerfest event. If you’re looking to rent a place, the going rate is $1,800.
Paolo’s Gelato Italliano in Virginia-Highlands. Photo courtesy of Burgers, Barbecue and Everything Else.
2) Midtown
If you’re the type that wants to be at the heart of the city, then you should choose Midtown Atlanta. A place where all thrills lurk around every corner, Midtown has a lot of entertainment options, ranging from artsy cafes to nature parks and world-class restaurants.
Housing isn’t a problem as there are plenty of high-rises, apartments, condominiums, and houses in this part of town. The average rent for Midtown is $1,800.
Midtown has lots to see, do, and eat. Photo courtesy of Midtown Atlanta.
3) Buckhead
If you are a professional that is looking for a more upscale community, Buckhead will be more up your alley. Also called the “Beverly Hills of the South,” Buckhead has hundreds of boutiques and retail centers. It is also home to two of the city’s largest shopping malls — Lenox Square Mall and Phipps Plaza. If you want to take a break from all the shopping and commune with nature, you can relax at nearby Sunnybrook Park.
There are also plenty of lavish housing options at Buckhead. The usual rent for this part of town is $4,000.
Lenox Square Mall in Buckhead. Photo courtesy of Simon.
4) Ormewood Park
Ormewood Park is a great choice if you want to live in a neighborhood that has a lot of trees. Located five miles from downtown Atlanta, Ormewood Park is ideal for those that work in the metro but prefer to live in a nice, quiet community outside of it. Available housing around these parts includes townhomes, condos, apartments, and houses. The average rent is $2,000.
A house in Ormewood Park. Photo courtesy of Curbed Atlanta.
5) Kirkwood
With a reputation for being the biggest historic district in the state of Georgia, Kirkwood is ideal if you want a small-town urban feel to your community. With plenty of Victorian-style homes and bungalows, Kirkwood retains that old-school charm while still maintaining proximity to downtown Atlanta. There are lots of enjoyable community festivals in Kirkwood such as Kirkwood Home, the Spring Fling, and the Wine Stroll. The average rent in Kirkwood is $1,900.
Wine Stroll in Kirkwood. Photo courtesy of Atlanta In Town.
6) Old Fourth Ward
The Old Fourth Ward is a hip, new community located east of Downtown and south of Midtown Atlanta. The Old Fourth Ward is also the place where the late, great Martin Luther King, Jr. grew up and mastered his preaching style. Since then, it has seen an incredible revolution, becoming a young, vibrant neighborhood that is perfect for students and young professionals.
The area’s popularity is no doubt helped by the presence of the Beltline and Ponce City Market, which has brought in new dining and retail options. The Old Fourth Ward is also considered to be one of the most bike- and pedestrian-friendly areas in all of Atlanta.
Ponce City Market. Photo courtesy of Neighborhoods.
7) Druid Hills
Originally intended to be a streetcar suburb, Druid Hills has since become home to Atlanta’s elite. With gorgeous Georgian homes, classy estates, and manicured landscapes, Druid Hills is the place for you if you are searching for a quiet, upscale neighborhood. The area is also the creation of renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, who is the man behind the landscapes of the United States Capitol, New York City’s famed Central Park, and the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina.
Druid Hills, an upscale neighborhood. Photo courtesy of Great American Country.
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