Moving to Atlanta? As one of the best cities in the U.S. for singles, ATL has a hot job market with multiple Fortune 500 companies, is considered a “top technology hub,” boasts a vibrant arts and entertainment scene, and is home to many other exciting things to do. Check out this list of the best neighborhoods in Atlanta for young professionals and singles!

Buckhead

Buckhead is a chic Atlanta neighborhood boasting iconic architecture, including the Swan House and many other stunning properties. This area is a great place to buy a home in Atlanta, offering Colonial and Craftsman homes, condos, charming bungalows, ranches, and more near major employers like Amazon. Singles in Atlanta flock to the Buckhead neighborhood in part because of its reputation as a hot shopping destination—with popular areas including Lenox Square, Phipps Plaza, and the Buckhead Village District. Young professionals in Atlanta will always have something to do in this neighborhood, from strolling the tree-lined streets during the day to enjoying views from rooftop lounges at night. Transit options include the Amtrak Peachtree Station and major roadways like I-75 and I-85, which converge at the neighborhood’s southern border and offer quick access to the rest of the city.

Things to Do in Buckhead

Build your own Minifigure, create a LEGO racecar, and enjoy 4-D cinema at LEGO Discovery Center. Explore gardens, intriguing exhibitions, historic houses, and more across the 33-acre Atlanta History Center. Hit up the swimming pool, tennis court, and gym—or get tickets to exciting live music acts like Steely Dan, Indigo Girls, 5 Seconds of Summer, and more in the Synovus Bank Amphitheater at expansive Chastain Park. Marvel at fine art from artists across the country or commission the resident artists through the gallery at Buckhead Art & Company. Try out Atlanta brunch favorites like the Hive Omelet, Hive Breakfast Cheeseburger, and Avocado Toast at The Hive Buckhead. Savor great soups like My Dad’s Turkey Chili or Chicken Posole Verde topped with Lettuce & Radishes from the Daily Menu at Souper Jenny. Snag a Turkey Sandwich, B.L.T., or P.B. & J. from the deli, then get some Shortbread Cookies for dessert to-go at Henri’s Bakery & Deli. Enjoy classic Thai dishes made with modern methods when you order Kra Pow Moo, Khao Mok Ped, Panang Wagyu Beef Cheeks, and other items from the Chef’s Selections menu at Nan Thai Buckhead.

Inman Park

Atlanta’s first electric trolley neighborhood, Inman Park, is a lively, historic hub with a close-knit vibe and many community events to enjoy throughout the year—like the popular Inman Park Festival & Tour of Homes. This street fair highlights the eclectic real estate found in this Atlanta neighborhood, including Shotgun properties, Victorian homes, Craftsman-style bungalows, and even Romanesque mansions. Other fun things to do here include visiting trendy boutiques, sipping drinks at cozy cocktail lounges, or dining at one of the many unique Inman Park restaurants—like those at Krog Street Market, a local food hall. To top it off, getting around to these A-Town activities is easy, as the neighborhood is one of the most walkable and cyclist-friendly in Atlanta. With so much recreation in the area, including large public parks like Freedom Park, Inman Park is one of the best neighborhoods in Atlanta for young professionals.

Things to Do in Inman Park

Admire street art, snap a few photos, and check out postings for lesser-known things to do for singles in Atlanta at a unique and free ATL attraction—the Krog Street Tunnel. Go for a walk or bike ride to enjoy Atlanta weather and play a game of bocce ball at Springvale Park. Attend dramatic plays like Wild with Happy, The Game, and Amélie The Musical, or check out the New South Play Festival—a collection of plays celebrating the Contemporary South—with Horizon Theatre Company. Explore the legacy of President Jimmy Carter, check out rotating exhibits, and admire over 30 acres of beautiful grounds at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library & Museum. Stop in for Guy Fieri-approved eats and all-day brunch, with plates like Steak & Eggs, specialty eggs Benedict dishes, and Sweet Potato Pancakes at FolkArt Restaurant. Savor fresh, traditional Italian entrees like Tagliatelle ai Funghi, Costoletta alla Parmigiana, and Pesce Arrosto at Sotto Sotto. Get your fix of Southern cooking with dishes ranging from Coastal Shrimp & Grits to the Vegetable Plate, a great meatless option, at Wisteria. Sip seasonally-inspired cocktails like the citrusy King Peach, Tropic Thunder, or Sprill the Tea in an intimate, artsy setting at Little Spirit.

Midtown

Midtown stands out among Atlanta neighborhoods for young professionals by blending city amenities and recreation with the safe, quiet vibe of the suburbs. This safe, affordable Atlanta neighborhood offers the best of both worlds for singles and young professionals moving to A-Town. With around 20,000 residents, Midtown is already sizable, and it’s still growing quickly. This growth brings plenty of perks for young professionals in Atlanta—including an increase in local amenities and an expanding job market—thanks in part to major employers like Visa. Students and those seeking an academic career can go to the Georgia Institute of Technology, located less than ten minutes outside of Midtown. There’s also plenty to do in Midtown, with Atlanta comedy clubs, live music venues, art galleries, and plenty of public parks and green spaces to explore. Plus, it’s easy to get around via the pedestrian-friendly streets or on public transportation options like Midtown’s three MARTA bus routes and the Red and Gold rail lines. With housing integrated throughout Midtown, singles and young professionals living in this Atlanta neighborhood can easily step outside of their apartment or condo and into the action of the city.

Things to Do in Midtown

Bring your pup to the dog park, shop fresh produce at the Green Market, or attend community events like Atlanta Jazz Fest and Juneteenth Atlanta Parade & Music Festival at nearby Piedmont Park. Experience inspiring orchestral arrangements like Mahler’s Third Symphony performed by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, see spoken word readings from renowned writers like Rupi Kaur, or watch musicians like violinist Gil Shaham perform at the Atlanta Symphony Hall. Get tickets to comedy shows like Amanda Seale’s Smart, Funny & Black, speakers like Neil deGrasse Tyson, and performances like Avatar: The Last Airbender In Concert at Fox Theatre. Marvel at stunning works from both the permanent collection and rotating exhibits at the High Museum of Art. Indulge in soul food with a modern twist like Pan-Fried Chicken Livers, Wagyu Beef Cheek, and Carolina Trout at South City Kitchen. Sample plates like the Pan Con Tomate, Tortellini, and Crispy Chicken Breast for dinner at Ecco. Sample sushi in Atlanta like the Crispy Shrimp Hand Roll or Pork Hand Roll, or try the award-winning Lobster Ramen at E Ramen. Or enjoy a rotating menu of global food like Berbere Lamb Tibs, Korean BBQ Duck Confit, or Kaukau Shrimp at The Consulate.

Old Fourth Ward

The birthplace of Martin Luther King, Jr., and one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city, Old Fourth Ward is a well-known historic district in Atlanta! Originally an industrial area, real estate in this ATL neighborhood is charming and unique, consisting mostly of converted lofts, Contemporary homes, and restored apartment buildings. Historic charm isn’t the only draw of living in O4W, however. People moving here will find an abundance of street art, food carts, coffee shops, and other recreation that make it one of the best places to live in Atlanta for young professionals. And whether you’re commuting for work or traveling to visit other Atlanta attractions, roadways like I-85 and Ponce De Leon Ave NE make traveling from Old Fourth Ward to Downtown Atlanta easy. Plus, this Atlanta neighborhood is also extremely walkable and bike-friendly, so navigating within its limits is simple, too.

Things to Do in Old Fourth Ward

Visit Martin Luther King Jr.’s childhood home, reflect in the “I Have a Dream” World Peace Rose Garden, and learn about the life and legacy of one of America’s greatest civil rights activists at Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park. Celebrate Earth Day, enroll in a Sips of Italy Wine Tasting Class, run in the annual Pride Run ATL 5K, and peruse the food hall at Ponce City Market. Go for a bike ride, catch some air at the Skate Park, or relax by Clear Creek Basin at Historic Fourth Ward Park. Belt out your favorite songs during church organ karaoke, sign up for a ping pong tournament, or catch a drag show at Sister Louisa’s Church of the Living Room & Ping Pong Emporium. Sink your teeth into a Grilled Chicken Sandwich or have a light lunch of Fig Salad at a mano. Grab a Bantam Burger or Carne Asada Taco Plate to enjoy on the patio with one of the craft beers on tap, like a Sweetwater 420, at Bantam Pub. Listen to live music from local and national acts or enjoy a Carolina Pulled Pork Sandwich, Salmon Wrap, or Fried Catfish for dinner on the screened porch at Ladybird Grove & Mess Hall. Or enjoy delicious Atlanta Mexican food like a Foldie (AKA, a reverse quesadilla), Cauliflower Tacos, or an Adult Happy Meal at the colorful, casual Guac y Margys.

Virginia-Highland

Quaint Craftsman bungalows and American Foursquare homes sit along tree-lined streets in the scenic, historic Virginia-Highland neighborhood. Known as Va-Hi by locals, this area isn’t just one of the best Atlanta neighborhoods for young professionals and singles—it’s also one of the best places in Atlanta to buy a home. Va-Hi is very community-oriented, with many events and festivals—including the Virginia-Highland Summerfest and Porchfest—bringing people together throughout the year. Locals have plenty of opportunities to escape from city life and appreciate the green side of Atlanta through nearby attractions like the Neighborhood Arboretum, Atlanta Botanical Garden, and the Atlanta Beltline. Adding to the appeal of this Atlanta neighborhood is its proximity to Emory University, which is less than ten minutes away from Virginia-Highland, making it an attractive place to live for students, staff, and faculty.

Things to Do in Virginia-Highland

Jam out to live blues music six nights a week at Blind Willie’s Blues Club. Get on stage and sing karaoke backed by a live band at Dark Horse Tavern. Buy tickets to a comedy show, snap your fingers to live jazz music, or see a burlesque performance at Red Light Cafe. Rent a bike from Atlanta Pro Bikes or take your own for a ride down the Atlanta Beltline Eastside Trail. Feast on the Crab Cake Benedict, French Toast, Malted Waffles, and more at Murphy’s. Stop by Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar, the oldest continuously licensed tavern, for a delicious dinner of Fried Chicken Sliders, Big Green Egg Smoked Wings, or Atkins Park Nachos. Sit at the oyster bar and enjoy seafood offerings like Prince Edward Island Mussels, a Catfish Basket, a Select Oysters Basket, or Cajun Rice Balls at Fontaine’s Oyster House. Stop by one of the best dog patios in ATL with your furry friends and play a game of shuffleboard, darts, or skee ball, and enjoy a variety of draft beers at Neighbor’s Pub.

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Thinking about moving to Atlanta? Extra Space Storage has convenient storage facilities throughout the ATL metro that can make your transition easier. Find a storage unit near you!

Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes

The goal of Extra Space Storage’s Best Places to Live selections is to help diverse audiences at varying stages of life make informed decisions about where to live. To provide a well-rounded and accurate view of each metro area, we consider factors like cost of living, job market, local attractions, education, and more. Learn more about our methodology today.

About Mike Beutler

Mike Beutler is a writer and digital content specialist who transitioned to self storage in 2020 after several years in the airline industry. His travels cultivated a passion for exploring cities across the U.S. and abroad and inspired him to learn more about practical insights for urban living. With 14 moves under his belt, both locally and cross-country, he also has a passion for minimalism and organization, and sharing tips to help others make any space feel like home while staying organized.

View all posts by Mike Beutler