Whether you’re moving to the ATL for the first time or looking for the cheapest neighborhoods in Atlanta for your next apartment, there are many areas you’ll want to consider.
We’ve taken a look all over the city to find the most affordable areas in Atlanta to help you out on your search. Below you’ll find the average rental price in the 10 cheapest neighborhoods in Atlanta. We’ve also highlighted the most expensive for comparison.
What is the average rent in Atlanta?
The average rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Atlanta is $2,118. Many neighborhoods have a significantly lower average. That means is that you can find a comfortable apartment for your budget.
The 10 cheapest neighborhoods in Atlanta
As you search through the 10 most affordable neighborhoods in Atlanta, you’ll find there’s plenty to do in the city no matter where you live, many of which are free. This helps make Atlanta one of the biggest cities in America that’s still affordable to live in and enjoy, despite the large boom it’s seen in several high-end industries in recent years.
10. Southwest Atlanta
Source: Rent./Chastain Woods Apartments
- Average 2-BR rent: $1,444
- Rent change since 2021: +8.33%
Southwest Atlanta is close to the Cascade Springs Nature Preserve. Residents of the neighborhood tend to enjoy large yards for their own outdoor use, as well as the wooded trails and spaces around, thanks to the Preserve. The area is primarily residential and nature-focused, with limited dining options, though there are some local fast-food joints and popular BBQ spots and a few nightclubs.
There’s limited public transit here, so residents recommend having a car at your disposal for ease of getting around, getting to work and shopping. Neighborhoods nearby do have plenty of shopping and dining, though, and there are some walkable spots like grocery stores and at least a few restaurants.
Generally, the neighborhood is quiet and only a 10-minute drive to Downtown, despite being almost suburban.
9. Pittsburgh
Source: Rent./Crogman School Lofts
- Average 2-BR rent: $1,379
- Rent change since 2021: -0.44%
The Pittsburgh neighborhood in Atlanta is one of the top up-and-coming parts of the city. The industrial past of the area gave the neighborhood its name (resembling the old steel mills of Pennsylvania). The area has many older and newer properties alike, with modern or vintage aesthetics for residents looking for different vibes.
The neighborhood is within walking distance of Downtown, has easy access to MARTA (public transport) and offers plenty of walking space via trails and sidewalks throughout. There are loads of dining, shopping, bike paths and commercial spaces on the nearby Westside BeltLine trail, making it the perfect spot for relocating to for having it all in one easily accessible spot.
8. Southside
Source: Rent./Brookside Park
- Average 2-BR rent: $1,355
- Rent change since 2021: +13.50%
The Southside neighborhood of Atlanta is an eclectic, diverse neighborhood with colorful homes, places to eat and friendly neighbors. It’s a highly renter-friendly area, with 66-percent of folks renting homes here.
You’ll need a car here in Southside, as the neighborhood isn’t particularly walkable, bikeable or with good access to transit. There’s a nice recreation/community center to enjoy, with programs for seniors and other ages and loads of shops and restaurants are moving into the neighborhood.
There are theaters, groceries, shopping experiences and plenty of dining establishments and bars around, though the neighborhood is more residential than commercial.
7. Intown South
Source: Rent./Victory at Summerhill
- Average 2-BR rent: $1,330
- Rent change since 2021: +8.47%
Intown South is a renter-friendly area with about 70 percent of folks renting here. There’s plenty of childcare, coffee shops, parks, nightlife, entertainment venues, theaters, fine arts, groceries and dining, but this neighborhood is also mostly residential and less commercial.
6. Greenbriar
Source: Rent./Village on the Green
- Average 2-BR rent: 1,250
- Rent change since 2021: N/A
Greenbriar is known as a middle-class neighborhood at the edge of city limits, near the airport. Greenbriar is great for shoppers with the Greenbriar Mall within the area, big box stores, restaurants and casual eateries, pubs, bars, parks and other attractions. The neighborhood is also close to Tyler Perry Studios.
The neighborhood is mostly quiet and consists of several single-family homes and apartments along tree-lined streets where you’ll find plenty of parking.
5. Fairburn Mays
Source: Rent./Big Bethel Village
- Average 2-BR rent: $1,245
- Rent change since 2021: N/A
One of the most affordable neighborhoods in Atlanta, Fairburn Mays is a renter-friendly area with nearly 80 percent of residents living in rental apartments and houses.
The neighborhood is quiet and mostly residential with little access to public transit. The neighborhood is safe for cyclists and walkers, but you won’t get far unless you’ve got a car available to you. Renters find the neighborhood safe for kids to play outdoors, plenty of sidewalks for easy movement and moderate parking, with well-lit streets and a dog-friendly vibe.
While Fairburn Mays itself isn’t loaded with amenities, it’s near to many conveniences.
4. Fort Valley
Source: Rent./Premiere at 1935
- Average 2-BR rent: $1,149
- Rent change since 2021: N/A
Filled with libraries, parks and local businesses, Fort Valley is great for families of all ages. The neighborhood is near the Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport, has the Gordon Morris Memorial Golf Course, plenty of restaurants and bars and live entertainment venues all around.
Fort Valley is accessible by public transit, too, but many folks recommend having a car here for easier access to downtown Atlanta and further distances.
3. Pleasantdale
Source: Rent./Midwood Estates
- Average 2-BR rent: $1,123
- Rent change since 2021: +8.48%
Pleasantdale is one of the top carpool neighborhoods in America, with employees working all over the city in many types of jobs and careers. The neighborhood has homes of all ages — for all ages — and residents are distinctly diverse. The neighborhood is, in fact, home to one of the largest groups of Dominican descent residents in America — and has one of the largest Chinese-speaking gatherings of residents in one location in the U.S.A., as well.
Overall, the neighborhood is fairly walkable and pet-friendly, with plenty of grocery stores, restaurants and entertainment within reach.
2. Lakewood Heights
Source: Rent./1808 Lakewood Ave SE
- Average 2-BR rent: $1,051
- Rent change since 2021: +8.92%
Lakewood Heights is a primarily residential neighborhood with renter-friendly, affordable options. Most folks here use cars to get around, but there’s plenty of outdoor space for moving, including South Bend Park, Swann Preserve, Brown’s Mill Golf Course and other parks and spots worth exploring.
The neighborhood is quiet and feels secluded for an urban area, despite being close to the airport and having plenty of large yard spaces for families. There’s also plenty of parking and quick access to other parts of the city.
There’s little in the way of dining or shopping in Lakewood Heights, but nearby amenities make the neighborhood reasonably convenient anyway.
1. Campbellton Road
Source: Rent./The Gallery at 1960
- Average 2-BR rent: $920
- Rent change since 2021: -7.50%
The cheapest neighborhood in Atlanta is Campbellton Road, an affordable Atlanta suburb located on the southwest edge of the city. It’s close to the interstate for convenient travel and near to the Westgate Shopping Center with plenty of retail and dining.
Most folks in Campbellton Road rent their homes and only about half the residents have kids. In the neighborhood, you’ll find fast food, small local eateries, some shopping and other amenities, but residents mostly note they use a car to get around. There is some public transportation access, as well, though.
The most expensive neighborhood in Atlanta
The most expensive neighborhood in Atlanta is Buckhead Forest, with an average rental price of $3,422 per month, which is a 2.44 percent decrease from last year. Renters here rate the neighborhood as somewhat walkable, moderately bikeable and somewhat near transit. Most residents own their own vehicles.
Buckhead Forest is a quiet neighborhood where 42 percent of families have kids while the rest are singles or childless couples. You’ll find some conveniences here, but the neighborhood is primarily residential.
Find an affordable neighborhood for your next apartment
As you’re looking for the cheapest neighborhoods in Atlanta, you’ll find that there are plenty of comfortable apartments available and surrounded by amenities you’ll love. From parks and playgrounds to big yards and boutique shopping, Atlanta is an inviting city for residents, new and old.
