The 5 best neighborhoods for retirees in Atlanta

We used our proprietary Location Scores to rank the neighborhoods in Atlanta, Georgia based on the following characteristics that matter to retirees: Pedestrian-friendly, Transit-friendly, Parks, Groceries, and Quiet.

Here’s our list of the best neighborhoods for retirees in Atlanta:

  1. Candler Park
  2. Virginia Highland
  3. Inman Park
  4. Old Fourth Ward
  5. Midtown

Quantifying the characteristics of the best areas to live in Atlanta for retirees

Getting a sense of place in Atlanta through location data

Local Logic builds location intelligence solutions to help home seekers and investors find opportunities that are most suited to their preferences and requirements. We draw upon thousands of data points to develop 18 proprietary Location Scores to provide street- and neighborhood-level insights.

Location Scores measure amenities close by and mobility patterns around a neighborhood, so homebuyers can better understand and assess a location. Using our location insights, you can find properties based on specific characteristics, such as proximity to schools or quiet neighborhoods, and make more informed decisions on where to live.

Benchmarking neighborhood scores against Atlanta’s average scores

Below you’ll find the Location Scores for the best neighborhoods in Atlanta for retirees, as well as the city’s average. We looked at the following scores:

  • Pedestrian-friendly: Represents how many stores and institutions are nearby and how pleasant it is to walk to them
  • Transit-friendly: Represents the frequency and level of service of public transit
  • Parks: Quantity and area of parks nearby
  • Groceries: Distance to closest grocery store and quantity of grocery stores nearby
  • Quiet:Level of noise nearby

 

Then, we ranked each neighborhood by a composite score of all these factors.

Here are the average scores for Atlanta:

  • Pedestrian-friendly: 4.4 — Few day-to-day needs are within walking distance
  • Transit-friendly: 2.9 — Few transit options
  • Parks: 6.7 — Moderate amount of park space nearby
  • Groceries: 4.4 — At least one grocery store within a 30-minute walk
  • Quiet: 6.0 — Some sources of noise nearby


👩‍🦳👨‍🦳
Composite score for retirees: 4.9

Ranking the best neighborhoods in Atlanta for retirees

Here’s our data-informed list of Atlanta’s top neighborhoods for retirees:

1. Candler Park

Map of Candler Park neighborhood in Atlanta, Georgia

  • Pedestrian-friendly: 6.6 — Some day-to-day needs are within walking distance
  • Transit-friendly: 4.9 — Transit is available for some trips
  • Parks: 9.4 — Very large amount of park space within a few minutes’ walk
  • Groceries: 8.3 — At least one grocery store within a few minutes’ walk
  • Quiet: 6.4 — Some sources of noise nearby

 

👩‍🦳👨‍🦳 Composite score for retirees: 7.1

Candler Park is a mainly residential neighborhood full of greenery and beautiful, historic homes. In namesake Candler Park, community events are frequently held, and folks spend time at its golf course, playground, and swimming pool.

On McLendon Avenue, you’ll find a number of relaxed eateries and café like Lazy Betty and The Flying Biscuit Cafe. The area is very walkable to grocery stores, making it easy to get hold of all the essentials when you aren’t eating at one of the beloved neighborhood spots.

 

 

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2. Virginia Highland

Map of Virginia-Highland neighborhood in Atlanta, Georgia

  • Pedestrian-friendly: 7.3 — All day-to-day needs are within walking distance
  • Transit-friendly: 4.0 — Transit is available for some trips
  • Parks: 8.6 — Large amount of park space nearby
  • Groceries: 8.3 — At least one grocery store within a few minutes’ walk
  • Quiet: 6.6 — Some sources of noise nearby

 

👩‍🦳👨‍🦳 Composite score for retirees: 6.9

The Virginia-Highland neighborhood is a vibrant area that’s welcoming for all ages. There are a number of bars and restaurants, such as Murphy’s Restaurant, Neighbor’s Pub, Highland Tap, and Sea Salt Seafood Lounge. As a retiree, you can definitely find your third place of choice between all of these options. On North Highland and Virginia avenues, folks shop for organic teas and eclectic home decor.

If you’re into movies, the Plaza Theatre is the perfect place to catch the latest indie film. When the grandkids come by, take them to the playground at Orme Park or the Atlanta Botanical Garden.

 

3. Inman Park

Map of Inman Park neighborhood in Atlanta, Georgia

  • Pedestrian-friendly: 7.0 — All day-to-day needs are within walking distance
  • Transit-friendly: 5.3 — Transit is available for most trips
  • Parks: 9.6 — Very large amount of park space within a few minutes’ walk
  • Groceries: 6.2 — Moderate amount of park space nearby
  • Quiet: 5.7 — Some sources of noise nearby

 

👩‍🦳👨‍🦳 Composite score for retirees: 6.8

Inman Park is another green area in Atlanta that’s well known for its food offerings. There are a number of brunch spots, cafés, and wine bars. Check out Barcelona Wine Bar, Victory Sandwich Bar, or Bread & Butterfly Café.

For a fun change-up on your grocery trip, check out Krog Street Market for its bakeries and food stalls. If you’re into walking or biking, the Eastside BeltLine Trail is the perfect neighborhood spot.

 

4. Old Fourth Ward

Map of Old Fourth Ward neighborhood in Atlanta, Georgia

  • Pedestrian-friendly: 7.9 — All day-to-day needs are within walking distance
  • Transit-friendly: 5.3 — Transit is available for most trips
  • Parks: 9.1 — Very large amount of park space within a few minutes’ walk
  • Groceries: 6.6 — Moderate amount of park space nearby
  • Quiet: 4.9 — Multiple sources of noise nearby

 

👩‍🦳👨‍🦳 Composite score for retirees: 6.7

As the name implies, the Old Fourth Ward is an historic neighborhood and former industrial haven. For retirees that consider themselves to be foodies and shoppers, it’s the perfect place to live. There’s a wide selection of options in the Ponce City Market, and you’ll find artisan foods in the Irwin Street Market. When the grandchildren come to visit, take them to Fourth Ward Park to enjoy the skatepark.

 

 

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5. Midtown

Map of Midtown neighborhood in Atlanta, Georgia

  • Pedestrian-friendly: 7.8 — All day-to-day needs are within walking distance
  • Transit-friendly: 6.0 — Transit is available for most trips
  • Parks: 8.1 — Large amount of park space nearby
  • Groceries: 7.9 — At least one grocery store within a few minutes’ walk
  • Quiet: 2.8 — Many sources of noise nearby

 

👩‍🦳👨‍🦳 Composite score for retirees: 6.5

Midtown Atlanta is a center for the arts. The neighborhood is home to the High Museum of Art, which has an impressive collection of famous art from all over the world. On Peachtree Street, you’ll find a number of establishments dedicated to comedy, big-name stores, and a variety of food options that range from comforting street food to fine dining.

Neighborhood locals enjoy the New American cuisine of 5Church Midtown and travel to Europe via Ecco Midtown. When you’re ready to walk off dinner, take the trails through Piedmont Park

 

 

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Finding the right neighborhood in Atlanta for your retirement

If you like to be outside, try new cuisine, and spend your weekends shopping, our best neighborhoods in Atlanta for retirees are excellent options. In addition, Atlanta is a hub for art and entertainment, no matter your age group.

Our Location Scores are available through Local Content on many of our partner sites and their real estate listings in Atlanta. When searching for your next home, or a new neighborhood, you can look for specific characteristics on each individual listing to find the perfect place for you.

 

 

Try Local Content to see Location Scores, nearby Points of Interest, and School data for any location in the U.S. and Canada

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Thao Tram Ngo

December 20, 2023 | 7 minutes read