10 Walkable Neighborhoods in Atlanta, GA

When imagining a city, many think of bustling transit lines and crowded sidewalks. However, in southern metros like Atlanta, urban life takes on a slower, less congested pace.

With a WalkScore® of 60 and TransitScore® of 36, Atlanta is a bit more car-dependent than many other major U.S. cities. Still, the city offers several pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods that support a walkable lifestyle. Whether you’re car-free or simply prefer getting around on foot, rest assured, Atlanta has options to suit your needs.

In this article, we’ll explore some of Atlanta’s most walkable neighborhoods, touching on their accessibility and overall feel. Here’s a look at some of the areas we’ll discuss:

• Midtown
• Inman Park
• Decatur
• Virginia Highland
• Old Fourth Ward
• Cabbagetown
• Reynoldstown
• Poncey-Highland
• Candler Park
• Grant Park

Midtown

If you’re chasing that urban lifestyle you pictured in your head, Midtown Atlanta could be your perfect fit. With a WalkScore® of 87, this area is one of the city’s most walkable neighborhoods and gives the most “concrete jungle” vibes.

Every corner of Midtown boasts something different. One second you’re exploring the expansive fields of Piedmont Park, and the next thing you know, you’re catching a show at the Fox Theater. Scattered among these landmarks are local amenities and conveniences like grocery stores, restaurants, and bars/nightclubs. There are opportunities for adventure everywhere you look in Midtown, and all within walking distance of each other.

Inman Park

Next up is Inman Park, which is considered to be one of Atlanta’s trendiest and most upbeat neighborhoods. Here, you’ll find residents sipping a cocktail at an eclectic bar like Little Spirit, grabbing a bite at the famous Krog Street Market, and of course, taking a long stroll down the BeltLine.

With an impressive WalkScore® of 87 and BikeScore® of 82, Inman Park is neck and neck with Midtown as one of Atlanta’s most walkable neighborhoods. However, the two areas differ in many other ways. While Midtown boasts towering skyscrapers and a metropolitan atmosphere, Inman Park feels much more historic, homey, and residential. If you’re seeking this kind of feel but don’t want to sacrifice walkability, Inman Park could be your perfect match!

Decatur

Just east of Atlanta is Decatur, a charming suburban area that combines accessibility with a small-town feel. Anchored by its town square, Decatur is a great place to walk around, do some shopping, and grab a bite to eat. Some neighborhood favorites include the Brick Store Pub, a beer tavern with an upstairs Belgian Bar, Eddie’s Attic, a live music hot spot, and Glenlake Park, a 17-acre park with ample recreational opportunities.

Virginia Highland

Similar to Decatur, Virginia Highland is another charming area full of history and strong community ties. Here, it’s common to run into a friend at Perc, a popular local coffee shop, or spontaneously stop by the farmers market on a sunny Sunday morning. Virginia Highlands really epitomizes the slower-paced southern lifestyle. However, because it borders central Midtown, it’s still a place where city conveniences are just a short walk away.

Old Fourth Ward

Old Fourth Ward puts an industrial spin on Atlanta’s urban lifestyle. Formerly an area of abandoned warehouses and low-income housing, the neighborhood has undergone a major revitalization in recent years. This resurgence has attracted more and more residents to Old Fourth Ward, creating a lively and upbeat atmosphere throughout the neighborhood.

As far as walkability goes, Old Fourth Ward (or O4W as the locals call it) offers ample outlets for movement. Like Inman Park, it neighbors the BeltLine, a neighborhood favorite for long walks and social outings. Not to mention it’s also home to several parks like the Historic Fourth Ward Park and Freedom Park, both of which offer ample opportunities for recreation.

Cabbagetown

Colorful shotgun houses, eclectic street art, and friendly smiles on every corner – these are just a few of the things that make Cabbagetown a standout neighborhood in Atlanta. Known for its artsy vibes and old-town feel, this one-of-a-kind community is beloved by those who value creativity, community, and, of course, walkability.

Cabbagetown boasts an impressive WalkScore® of 83 and BikeScore® of 87, making it one of Atlanta’s most walkable neighborhoods. Throughout its colorful streets, you’ll see neighborhood-goers on coffee walks, bike rides, and long runs (training for the neighborhood’s annual Chomp and Stomp 5k)!

Reynoldstown

Much like its colorful neighbor (Cabbagetown), Reynoldstown boasts an eclectic feel with expansive murals, historic homes, and hipster hot spots. However, what sets it apart is its deep-rooted heritage, as it was one of the first African-American neighborhoods to develop in Atlanta after the Civil War. This historical background, along with the area’s walkability, are just a few reasons why Atlantans hold Reynoldstown dear to their hearts.

The BeltLine runs right through the center of Reynoldstown from the Krog Street Tunnel to Memorial Drive, providing residents with an accessible outlet for walking, running, and biking. Not to mention, Reynoldstown has a nearby MARTA stop, making it easy to explore sprawling parts of Atlanta without getting behind the wheel.

Poncey-Highland

Sandwiched between Old Fourth Ward and Inman Park, Poncey-Highland is the missing piece to Atlanta’s trendy living puzzle. While this neighborhood might be small in size, it’s huge in character, boasting some the city’s most popular hot spots. Its main highlight is Ponce City Market, a historic factory building turned mixed-use hub housing a food hall, shops, and even a rooftop carnival. On top of that, Poncey-Highland also grants convenient BeltLine access, making it easy for residents to explore neighboring areas.

Candler Park

Consistently recognized as one of Atlanta’ s best neighborhoods, Candler Park has everything you need to thrive in the Peach City. Home to historic houses, local eateries, and its expansive namesake park, this area offers adventure on every corner while still maintaining a small-town neighborhood feel.

From a walkability standpoint, most Candler Park goers get their steps in at none other than Candler Park! Located in the center of the neighborhood, this 55-acre green space is home to a nine-hole golf course, tennis courts, playgrounds, and endless walking trails. It’s also worth noting that Candler Park seamlessly connects to Freedom Park, emphasizing the area’s interconnectivity across neighborhoods and communities.

Grant Park

Last but not least, let’s highlight one of Atlanta’s oldest neighborhoods, Grant Park. Known for its namesake park, walkable streets, and being home to the famous Zoo Atlanta, this area is a standout for adventure-seekers and outdoor enthusiasts. However, it’s also a great place for foodies, coffee-lovers, pub goers – anyone who loves the idea of being in a tight-knit community with lots to do.

Explore Apartments for Rent in Atlanta with Apartments.com

Ready to hit the streets of The Big A? Explore apartments for rent in Atlanta right here on Apartments.com! Our expansive database of listings covers all parts of the city, from the bustling streets of Midtown to the sprawling green spaces of Candler Park. Whatever part of Atlanta inspires you to lace up your walking shoes, we’ve got options for you to explore!

Use our search filters to find the perfect rental in Atlanta. You can narrow your search by price, location, amenities, and more to find a place that fits your needs. With our user-friendly map and list views, you can easily find properties near your favorite spots, making your Atlanta rental experience as convenient as possible.