Image: Deposit Photos
If you’re a young professional who is new to Atlanta, you may be seeking just the right neighborhood to put down roots in. You may be looking to rent for awhile, or to buy a home. And your requirements may include anything from night life and gourmet dining to co-working spaces and recreational areas.
Atlanta is thought of as a city that bustles with energy, ambition, and opportunity. The city boasts a diverse culture, a strong and growing economy, an established film industry, and a myriad of activities to keep the younger generations engaged. As the professional landscape of the city continues to evolve, so do the neighborhoods and hot spots that cater to the needs, desires, and aspirations of the younger generation.
There’s a good reason Atlanta was chosen as one of the best cities for young professionals by Lemonade.com. Whether you’re an entrepreneur looking to kickstart your business, a film-industry professional looking for your next big break, or simply seeking a neighborhood that offers the perfect work-life balance, Atlanta has something for you. The neighborhoods within this bustling metropolis each offer their own vibe — and finding the right spot can significantly enhance your personal satisfaction.
Piedmont Park is Atlanta’s central green space, home to the annual Atlanta Dogwood Festival each April. Image courtesy of Atlanta Dogwood Festival.
Midtown
Midtown is the heart of Atlanta, a cultural and innovation hot spot. The area is home to the Georgia Institute of Technology, a driving force behind its reputation as a center for tech startups. Aside from its professional offerings, there’s a thriving arts scene led by the Woodruff Arts Center and the historic Fox Theatre. The district has some of the city’s best restaurants and cafes, not to mention Piedmont Park — a sprawling urban green space perfect for weekend picnics or evening jogs. Midtown’s architecture is a mix of modern high-rises and classic homes, catering to a variety of living preferences. It’s also an epicenter for Atlanta’s LGBTQ community, and home to the Atlanta Pride Festival and Parade. Atlanta’s iconic Peachtree Street connects Midtown to downtown Atlanta to the south, and Buckhead to the north.
The fabulous Fox Theatre, on Atlanta’s iconic Peachtree Street in midtown. Though once facing demolition, the theater was saved and is now a National Historic landmark that attracts roughly 750,000 people annually. Image: Deposit Photos.
Buckhead
As Atlanta’s premier commercial district, Buckhead offers luxury at every corner. The district hosts high-end malls like Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza, where brands from around the world can be found. But beyond shopping, Buckhead is a powerful business hub and home to grand hotels. The nightlife is equally captivating, with some of Atlanta’s finest dining establishments and most lively bars. Living options include everything from high-rise apartments and condos to single-family homes.
Buckhead is the uptown district of Atlanta, with its own skyline and commercial district. Image: Deposit Photos.
Old Fourth Ward
A blend of history and modern urban development, Old Fourth Ward pays homage to its past while forging ahead. The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site offers insightful tours, while Ponce City Market, a masterclass in urban regeneration, teems with innovative eateries, boutiques, and tech startups. The BeltLine is a paved trail created along old railway lines, offering recreational opportunities and connectivity to other neighborhoods. Historic Fourth Ward Park is an urban oasis where you’ll often see herons, turtles, ducks, and other wildlife along the retention pond.
Historic Fourth Ward Park, an urban oasis in Atlanta. Image: Deposit Photos.
Inman Park
A neighborhood with rich history, Inman Park was once Atlanta’s first suburb. Today it is a delightful mix of old-world charm and modern sensibilities. The tree-lined streets feature gorgeous historic homes, but modern apartments are available on the outskirts. The Inman Park MARTA Station is easily accessible, as is the BeltLine. Inman Park is known for the quirky and bohemian Inman Park Festival and Parade, a street fest that draws thousands of people each April. Culinary enthusiasts will appreciate the neighborhood’s diverse food scene, from charming restaurants to offbeat coffee shops.
The historic Trolley Barn in Inman Park, just one example of gorgeous architecture in this area that was once known as Atlanta’s first suburb. Image: Deposit Photos.
Decatur
The city of Decatur offers everything from urban high-rises to suburban homes. If you choose to live in Downtown Decatur, you’ll find the old Courthouse Square is the heart of this community. The downtown area is full of charming cafes, independent bookstores, and popular music venues. Agnes Scott College is right here. Downtown Decatur also hosts a number of festivals and events year-round, fostering a strong sense of community. Decatur’s close-in neighborhoods are known for tree-lined streets, bike lanes, walkable commercial districts, and green spaces, while outlying areas can feel very suburban with sprawling single-family lots.
The historic courthouse on the Decatur Square. Image: Deposit Photos.
Atlantic Station
This shining example of new urbanism provides a live-work-play environment. Atlantic Station is a planned community that boasts shopping districts, office spaces, and residential options that include apartments, duplexes, and townhouses. The central Millennium Gate Museum is a nod to the city’s history. With its strategic location in midtown Atlanta, Atlantic Station offers easy access to key parts of Atlanta, and its array of entertainment options – including movie theaters, bowling alleys, and special events – ensures there’s never a dull moment.
The Millennium Gate Museum and arch at Atlantic Station in Midtown Atlanta. Image: Deposit Photos.
