Quantifying the characteristics of the best Atlanta neighborhoods for young professionals

Getting a sense of urban 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 Atlanta urban neighborhoods for young professionals as well as the city’s average. We looked at the following scores:

• 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
• Restaurants: Quantity and diversity of restaurants nearby
• Cafes: Quantity and diversity of cafés nearby
• Shopping: Quantity and diversity of shops nearby
• Nightlife: Quantity and diversity of bars nearby
• Vibrancy: Quantity and diversity of bars nearby

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

Ranking urban Atlanta’s best neighborhoods for young professionals

Here’s our data-informed list of urban Atlanta’s top neighborhoods for young professionals:

1. Midtown

The Midtown neighborhood is bustling with commerce and is known as the “Heart of the Arts.” The High Museum of Art houses many incredible pieces in a modern building.

If you hop over to Peachtree Street, you’ll find standup comedy shows, bars, shops, and restaurants that offer everything from street eats to fine dining. Some notable spots are Ecco Midtown and 26 Thai Kitchen & Bar. If you like to get outside, check out Piedmont Park, the Beltline Eastside Trail, and the Atlanta Botanical Garden.

2. Buckhead Village

Similarly to Midtown, the Buckhead neighborhood is also home to folks who love the arts. There are tons of independent art galleries to be found around Miami Circle and Bennett Street.

The area is known for its style, and young professionals flock to its many trendy restaurants, like Pachengo’s Neighborhood Taqueria, lively bars, and clubs. History buffs can learn more about the area at the Governor’s Mansion and the Atlanta History Center.

3. Old Fourth Ward

Old Fourth Ward was a previously industrial area located just east of downtown Atlanta. The neighborhood is rich in history, as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s childhood home is found here. Today, it’s a trendy hub for food lovers and shoppers. At the Ponce City Market, you’ll find a lot of cool eateries and indie fashion retailers. If you like a more cozy vibe, the Irwin Street Market might be more up your alley with its artisan food offerings.

Many of the restaurants in the neighborhood are considered to be Atlanta’s best because of their beautiful designs and wildly creative menus. Not sure where to start? Check out Poor Calvin’s for Asian fusion or Staplehouse for New American cuisine that benefits charities. Fourth Ward Park is considered to be historic, and is a great place to let loose after work or on the weekends–especially if you skateboard.

4. Inman Park

Like Old Fourth Ward, the Inman Park neighborhood is known for its food scene. The Eastside Trail is bordered by hip brunch spots, cafés and wine bars. To go even further, the Krog Street Market is a refurbished factory filled with artisan bakeries and food stalls.

After work or on the weekends, explore the many restaurants, stories, yoga studios, and boutiques on Highland Avenue. Some neighborhood favorites include Barcelona Wine Bar, Hampton + Hudson Gastropub, and BeetleCat for seafood.

5. Virginia-Highland

Virginia-Highland is a vibrant neighborhood with a lively bar and restaurant scene. Two notables are Main Kitchen for Vietnamese cuisine, and Highland Tap. The many cafés and cocktail spots are very popular with young locals. If you’re looking to catch an indie film at the movies, pop into The Landmark Plaza Theater.

If you like nature and the outdoors, spend time in Orme Park or visit the neighborhood arboretum. Want to play tourist? The Callanwolde Fine Arts Center, Jimmy Carter Presidential Library, and the Georgia Aquarium are all great options for you.

Finding the right neighborhood in Atlanta for your career

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.