Can we still afford Atlanta?

Where can I afford to buy and rent in Atlanta?

Photograph by Martha Williams

Legend:

Extra space
Diversity
Transit
Walkability
Schools
Intown

*A faded icon means kinda, sorta

Buy: $200,000-$300,000
Rent: $1,300-$1,500

College Park & East Point
Historic homes, a row of fun, eclectic, predominantly black-owned restaurants, and a MARTA stop make these side-by-side ITP cities a very good deal. In East Point, you might even spend less than $200K.

Clarkston
Just barely OTP, Clarkston boasts a small-town vibe, an extraordinary melting pot of cultures, and some of the best real-estate deals this close to Atlanta. If you want better schools, try Tucker just to the north.

Duluth
If you’re commuting to Atlanta, this Gwinnett County city is a hike. But it has a lot going for it: solid schools, bigger homes, diverse neighbors, and a quaint downtown with amenities galore. Rent will probably exceed $1,500.

Buy: $300,000-$400,000
Rent: $1,500-$2,000

West End
Similar to College Park and East Point, but with more restaurants, several new breweries, intown bona fides, and, of course, the BeltLine. As a result, prices are going up and up and up. Get in while you can—and save by taking MARTA to work.

Smyrna
Smyrna exudes “new suburbanism”—and is more affordable than its neighbor, Vinings. This Cobb County city offers a ton of amenities at Market Village, a mixed-use development with shops, restaurants, and a library—and has the Battery at its doorstep.

East Atlanta
The village at the heart of this neighborhood has ample eccentric grit, thanks to its hip restaurants and indie-rock clubs. But there’s also a strong community vibe, evident in the delightful festivals and ever-improving schools.

Buy: $400,000-$500,000
Rent: $2,000-$2,500

Chamblee
If Chamblee’s proximity to the global culinary wonderland that is Buford Highway isn’t enough, you might also be won over by its great schools, impressive diversity, and easy MARTA commute into Atlanta. Also: You might spend less than $400K.

Grant Park
At one end of the spectrum, there’s the historic grandeur of the park and the Victorian homes flanking it. At the other are the two new, modern developments that boast everything from cocktail dens and ramen bars to artisan markets.

Dunwoody
Chamblee’s tonier neighbor to the north, Dunwoody might be more affordable than you think (though rentals here can be tough). Come for the schools, the bigger homes, the shopping, the MARTA stop, and the suburban ideal.

Buy: $500,000-$600,000+
Rent: $2,500-$3,000

Old Fourth Ward
Distinct urban vibe? Check. Significant history and abundant character? Check. BeltLine-adjacent? Check. More stylish bars and restaurants than you’ll ever have time to frequent? Check? And yes, it’ll cost you.

Decatur
It’s technically a suburb, but Decatur sure does feel like idyllic intown living: progressive politics and policies, stellar schools, and an adorable downtown square with a MARTA stop and every other imaginable amenity. Start saving now.

Candler Park
You’re probably gonna spend more than $600K to buy here, but it will still cost significantly less than neighboring Inman Park—and you get the same schools, your own MARTA stop, more greenspace, and a chiller vibe.

Prices based on typical single-family homes.

This articles appear in our April 2020 issue and was written prior to the outbreak of COVID-19 in Atlanta.