An Atlanta Local Expert’s Guide To 10 Budget-Friendly Neighborhoods to Rent in the Atlanta Area

Atlanta, Georgia is a large, modern city with many neighborhoods that welcome both newcomers and natives. Whether you are looking for a small apartment or a large family home, affordable options can be found if you know where to look.

That’s what we’re here for! As your local experts, we know the areas they write about, have done our research, and have come up with accurate information that can really help our shoppers. If you’re looking for a top notch apartment in an affordable neighborhood in Atlanta, then read on.

Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, I’m Jan, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com local expert for this area. I have enjoyed compiling data, exploring my city anew, and looking into all the options available in various affordable neighborhoods throughout the city. I hope my findings help you in your search for a home.

Just a few minutes south of downtown, you will find several nice areas that make my list of ten best affordable neighborhoods in Atlanta. I have included them, not only because of prices, but because these neighborhoods are close to all the amenities that big city life has to offer, they are accessible to excellent public transportation, they are within 15 minutes of an international airport, and they offer a sense of community.

1. Aerotropolis – Vibrant and growing

Number one on my list is Aerotropolis. This is a huge area that includes neighboring towns around the Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport, including East Point, the City of Hapeville, College Park, Union City, Fairburn, South Fulton, Chattahoochee Hills, Palmetto, Unincorporated Clayton County, Forest Park, Riverdale, Jonesboro, and Lovejoy. Each of these neighborhoods offer the benefits of small town life, while still being a part of Atlanta’s urban atmosphere.

Aerotropolis is home to not only an international airport (which is Georgia’s largest employer with 63,000 on-site jobs), but also to the Atlanta State Farmer’s Market, the Delta Flight Museum, and the Georgia International Convention Center. I think the Aerotropolis of Atlanta is one of the most vibrant areas in the southeast, ready for even more growth in the future.

2. The Villages at Carver – Quiet and affordable

Located in South Atlanta, The Villages at Carver is an area just a fifteen-minute drive from Georgia State University, Spelman College, Morehouse College, and Clark Atlanta University. If you are looking for a quiet, affordable life in the city, The Villages at Carver might be your perfect choice. Neighborhood amenities include swimming pools, lots of green space, picnic areas, a clubhouse, and other upscale features. This neighborhood is like a resort, except you can call it home.

3. Sylvan-Hills – Historic neighborhood

Located in southwest Atlanta, Sylvan-Hills is a historic neighborhood with a community spirit. It is home to Tyler Perry Studios, Lakewood Amphitheater, Atlanta Technical College, and Perkerson Park. Sylvan Hills is known for its shady streets that have something to offer the landscape in every season. Cool, green shade in the summer, bare limbs against a blue winter sky, and fall foliage to delight the eyes, Sylvan-Hills is currently experiencing significant revitalization. I look for this Atlanta neighborhood to be the next hot spot for young executives, especially those involved in the film industry.

4. Westside Atlanta – Mercedes Benz and Yellow Jackets

The Westside Atlanta area consists of the neighborhoods Bankhead, Vine City, West End, Oakland City, Westview, and Riverside. Nearby attractions include the State Farm Arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, The Georgia Football Hall of Fame, Centennial Olympic Park, The CNN Center, and The Georgia Aquarium. Georgia Tech is also nearby, along with The Varsity. That means plenty of football, chili steaks, and onion rings! Go Yellow Jackets!

5. South Atlanta – Affordable neighborhoods

South Atlanta includes various smaller neighborhoods, including Grant Park, Peoplestown, Lakewood Heights, and Mechanicsville. Grant Park, known for its historical mansions, Peoplestown, known for its green spaces, Lakewood Heights, known for its beauty and proximity to the Belt Line, and Mechanicsville, known for its urban feel, make South Atlanta a great place to live. This large neighborhood is only minutes from downtown and offers plenty of living options. From studio apartments to large homes, there is something here that will fit your budget.

6. Southeast Atlanta – urban lifestyle

Southeast Atlanta is the place for nature lovers that appreciate the urban lifestyle. It is one of many sprawling metropolitan Atlanta neighborhoods known for its trees. Expect to find plenty of green space and parks, offering various outdoor activities from walking to organized sports. Southeast Atlanta is home to Cabbagetown, the Old Fourth Ward, Sweet Auburn, and Grant Park. Attractions include plenty of soul food restaurants and the world-famous Starlight Drive-In Theater. Grab some barbecued ribs and collard greens, but forego dessert. You will want to save room for popcorn while watching the double feature on Friday night.

7. Jefferson Park – Small town living

Jefferson Park is located south of Atlanta in East Point. Less than ten minutes away from downtown, Jefferson Park is known for its peaceful atmosphere and historic homes. Architectural styles include everything from brick bungalows to mid-century ranches. Located between downtown and the Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Jefferson Park offers small-town living with the excitement of a big city. This neighborhood is currently becoming a haven for artists and other creative types. I can’t wait to see how it evolves over the next few years.

8. Lakewood Heights – Historical and cultural diversity

Lakewood Heights is an affordable, historical neighborhood located a few minutes south of downtown Atlanta. Lakewood Heights boosts a diverse population that includes people of different cultural backgrounds. Talk about a melting pot! This neighborhood is listed on the National Register of Historic Places due to its folk, Victorian, and craftsman residential architecturally styled homes. Many of these historic homes, built in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s are still intact and lived in today. If you like antiques and cultural diversity, Lakewood Heights might be the neighborhood for you.

Not every home or apartment in Lakewood is historic. There are many modern and more urban residential areas in this area of Atlanta. Lakewood is home to Lakewood Stadium, Lakewood Amphitheater, and Lakewood Trail (which connects Lakewood Heights to South Atlanta). Lakewood is also the center of the Atlanta film and TV production industry. Listen carefully and you might just hear the exciting words, “Lights, camera, action!” carried by the soft southern breeze. If you are energetic and ambitious, this might be the neighborhood for you.

9. Betmar-Lavilla – Urban suburbia

Betmar-Lavilla is a small neighborhood south of Atlanta. It offers a suburban feel, yet is only five minutes from downtown. Butmar-Lavilla is mostly single-family homes, with approximately fifty percent of them rental properties. This neighborhood is perfect for families and young professionals. The residents are diverse, with various cultural and religious backgrounds. Look for opportunities to attend community activities, or take a solo walk among the trees. There are lots of green spaces to enjoy. Close to town, this neighborhood is only a few minutes from The Atlanta Cyclorama and Civil War Museum, Little Five Points, Zoo Atlanta, and Grant Park.

10. Browns Mill Park – Affordable and diverse

Browns Mill Park is another affordable Atlanta neighborhood with a diverse population. Mostly rentals, the neighborhood has new residents and people that have lived in the same home for forty years! There are plenty of parks and green space to enjoy the outdoors. Browns Mill Park is a good pick for both young families and professionals. The area is only ten minutes from some of Atlanta’s main attractions, including The Georgia Aquarium, The Atlanta State Farmer’s Market, and Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

No matter the neighborhood, there are plenty of housing opportunities with the many options of home and apartment rentals in Atlanta, Georgia. Although each neighborhood has its own quirks and personalities, they all have several things in common, including affordability, proximity to big city amenities, and southern hospitality.