As a member of the Apartment Home Living team, I am honored to share all I know about the fabulous city that I affectionately call ATL. For locals, this term says it all about the diverse, modern, and engaging city that seems to never lack entertainment and opportunities. Along with having a variety of attractions, dining options, its own MLB team, NFL team, and even an MLS team, and being the birthplace of the Coca-Cola brand, Atlanta also boasts an abundance of educational choices, like universities and private colleges. The following is a closer look at the city I love, followed by the neighborhoods that surround a few local Atlanta colleges and make ideal living arrangements for students and other new residents.

About Atlanta

The beautiful city of Atlanta, which I call home as it is only a short drive from where I reside, is the capital of the state of Georgia. It is known for being a big player in both the film industry and being a significant contributor to the hip-hop industry, even earning it the moniker of being “the hip hop capital of the world” by many. Several Atlanta neighborhoods are ideally suited for walking, making them great options for students attending the many colleges that call the city home. Now, let’s look at those universities and colleges, along with the surrounding neighborhoods you might want to consider as a college student or new resident:

Georgia Institute of Technology

This storied institute, referred to informally as Georgia Tech, is a top 10 public research university with nearly 40,000 students. Known for its elite academic requirements, graduates of Georgia Tech obtain a degree they can be proud to have earned. This institution consistently sets a tone of excellence when it comes to computing and engineering education, and is ranked highest in the nation for these fields. It also has other programs, though, such as degrees in various sciences, liberal arts, design, and business. Georgia Tech’s overall mission is to develop leaders who will use their education to advance technology and improve the human condition. This has been the focus of the university over its 135-year history and remains true to this day.

Neighborhoods Near Georgia Tech

Home Park

Situated between Georgia Tech and Atlantic Station, Home Park is a highly sought-after area for local Georgia Tech students. It borders Georgia Tech and is adjacent to Brady Avenue and Marietta Street. There are several restaurants, parks, coffee shops and more nearby, making Home Park one of the best places to rent in the city.

Midtown

The Institute of Georgia Tech itself is located in Midtown Atlanta, so this neighborhood works well for students attending this university. Walking from an apartment to the campus is a realistic option. However, the neighborhood is also conveniently located to MARTA, which is Atlanta’s public transportation. Therefore, this neighborhood is ideally suited for students who don’t have a vehicle. Anyone who loves to run, exercise or just enjoys being outdoors will also appreciate nearby Piedmont Park with its abundance of trails along with the Beltline.

Atlantic Station

Admittedly, Atlantic Station can be a bit more pricey of a neighborhood for Georgia Tech students. However, it's super-convenient to campus and offers residents within walking distance access to an outdoor shopping mall, movie festivals, weekend sidewalk markets, an 18-screen movie theater, IKEA, and several good restaurants. Another notable feature of this neighborhood is the Stinger buses that travel along the south side, which can provide some transportation if needed.

Virginia Highland

The Virginia Highland neighborhood is known for its shops, bars, and restaurants and is frequently preferred by twenty-somethings. Although enough outside of campus, meaning a bus ride, long walk, drive or bike ride is required to reach campus, many residents appreciate the many entertainment options that are within short walking distance. The area is especially known for its multiple coffee shops, which incidentally provide ideal venues for studying.

Emory University

With the mission of being change agents, risk-takers, and audacious doers, students at Emory University are well-equipped to take on the world and make positive change. Emory University offers more than 80 majors and 60 minors to equip a wide array of students to succeed in several professions. There are also seven graduate and professional schools throughout Atlanta. An education at Emory University is built on service, research, innovative teaching, and creative expression. Emory College of Arts and Science is located within the city of Atlanta, and their Oxford College is situated 38 miles east of the city.

Neighborhoods Near Emory University

Druid Hills

Emory University campus as well as Emory University Hospital are located in Druid Hills. This makes it an ideal neighborhood for students to consider while attending Emory. The neighborhood was designed by Fredrick Law Olmstead, who is perhaps best known for his design of New York City’s Central Park. This classic neighborhood boasts tree-lined streets and plenty of elegant, stately homes. Interestingly enough, way back in 1893, this urban neighborhood was created as one of the city’s first suburbs. Today, it still remains one of the city’s most ideal residential locations.

Brookhaven

With a central location being between Emory St. Joseph’s and Executive Park, the Brookhaven neighborhood, is another good option for Emory students. This neighborhood is a short drive from the heart of the city and all it offers, while still boasting several restaurants and shops of its own. It also features access to public transportation if that is a need.

Little Five Points

Little Five Points, known as simply the L5P or Little Five, is a fun, funky neighborhood ideally suited for students. It is situated at the intersection of Euclid and Moreland avenues and is about a 10-minute drive to the Emory University Campus. The L5P is an eclectic neighborhood where “people watching” is considered a sport. It is equal parts vintage and Bohemian chic and often features musical street performers, natural food markets, and even has an indie radio station. Street art is also a big deal in this neighborhood, and it adorns many of the buildings in the neighborhood, making artists or artists-at-heart feel at home.

Buckhead

Known for its high-rise buildings, condos, upscale homes, and luxury hotels, Buckhead is one of the city’s most well-known neighborhoods. While its early founding was mainly large estates for wealthy Atlantans, today it boasts some amazing properties, including townhouses, high-rise condos, sprawling single-dwelling homes, and more. High-end apartments in this neighborhood often include exclusive amenities and Buckhead is near both Phipps Plaza and Lenox Square. There is also a MARTA station in this neighborhood, which provides easy access to downtown Atlanta and Midtown, making it an option for Emory students.

Morehouse College

 Morehouse College has a rich history of education and empowerment. Founded in 1867, this 66-acre campus is situated just southwest of downtown Atlanta. Famous alumni of Morehouse College include Spike Lee and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. With a motto of unapologetic excellence, this college is home to more than 2,200 students who are being equipped to make an impact on the world.

Neighborhood Near Morehouse College

Castleberry Hill

Seamlessly blending an industrial past with a thriving art scene, the Castleberry Hill neighborhood is a very desirable location for student living for those attending Morehouse and other Atlanta colleges. Many of what were once industrial buildings have been renovated and transformed into modern apartments and loft spaces. Consequently, these properties often boast high ceilings, exposed brick, and large windows left behind from a bygone era. Castleberry Hill is also conveniently located a short walk away from Mercedes-Benz Stadium and the State Farm Arena, which incidentally hosts the city’s professional football, soccer, and basketball teams respectively.

Vine City

Vine City is an ideal location for students to reside while attending Morehouse College. This neighborhood is extremely diverse and was created by African American business people who relocated to the neighborhood after the Great Fire of 1917. Today, this neighborhood rooted in history includes many popular restaurants and is also located near Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

West End

Situated just a few minutes outside downtown Atlanta, West End is yet another neighborhood that is ideally suited for Morehouse students. This neighborhood offers a variety of residential options including apartment complexes, townhomes, and even quaint bungalows. The Beltline is located nearby, which gives residents easy access to biking trails, community gardens, and parks. This area offers students affordability and convenience, all while being a neighborhood rich in both community and culture.

Local Colleges and Student Life in Atlanta

The great city of Atlanta offers many options for greater education, making it an ideal location for students. All the neighborhoods outlined above represent a wide range of price points and features that are sure to include something for every student’s budget. They can also be considered by anyone who wants to move into the area and is looking for a great place to land. All of them are wonderful options for residing in this fabulous city, my own Atlanta, GA.