Thinking about moving to Atlanta with your family? With plenty of great schools, family-friendly activities, and low crime rates, there are a variety of great places to live in A-Town for families. Check out this list of the five best Atlanta neighborhoods for families!
Buckhead
Photo via @hattinkhomes
- Home Price: $491,544 median purchase price; $830 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 81% of Atlanta neighborhoods
Located in the northern area of A-Town, Buckhead is one of the largest and best neighborhoods in Atlanta for families. This popular ATL area offers a modern, suburban feel with art galleries, a variety of shops and restaurants, bountiful parks with green space, and plenty of kid-friendly activities. The smaller neighborhoods that make up this district all offer their own unique vibe—from the calm and scenic Castlewood to the active and outdoorsy Chastain Park—so finding the right fit for your family will be easy in Buckhead. Families moving to this Atlanta neighborhood can choose from Colonial and Craftsman properties, and a variety of other house styles. You’ll also have your pick of some of the best schools in Atlanta when living in Buckhead, with options like the highly-rated Sarah Smith Elementary School and North Atlanta High School.
Things to Do in Buckhead
Browse high-end retailers like Dior and Jimmy Choo, then stop for a bite to eat at unique restaurants in Buckhead Village District. Bring your kids to Candytopia, a larger-than-life candy-themed museum, and sweets shop. Explore gardens, historic houses, and exhibitions dedicated to American history at the Atlanta History Center. Play some golf, spend a day with your family at the playground, or catch a concert at the amphitheater in Chastain Park. Have a date night and enjoy authentic Italian fares like Cacio e Pepe and Carbonara at Storico Fresco. Savor elevated Southern plates like Carolina Gold Risotto and Smoked Pork Belly at South City Kitchen. Order a New York Strip, Peppered Salmon Filet, or other American dishes at Dantanna’s. Or enjoy Mediterranean favorites like a Falafel Sandwich or Lamb Shish Kebab at Cafe Agora.
Candler Park
Photo via @preserveatl
- Home Price: $433,750 median purchase price; $1,083 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 81% of Atlanta neighborhoods
Quiet and scenic, Candler Park is a good place to live in Atlanta for families seeking a peaceful suburban lifestyle without moving OTP—Atlanta slang for “outside the perimeter”—of the city. You’ll find large homes for sale and rent in Candler Park, including unique Tudor Revival properties and classic Craftsman houses. Commuters benefit from Candler Park’s location, which is bordered by major roadways like US-23 and US-78, though the main attraction to living in Candler Park is the community atmosphere. Families living in this A-Town neighborhood can enjoy a variety of kid-friendly activities—like the Atlanta hidden gem, Mulberry Fields—as well as community events put on throughout the year by the Candler Park Neighborhood Organization, like Fall Fest.
Things to Do in Candler Park
Go for a dip in the pool, take your kids to the playground, or play a game of tennis with friends at the neighborhood’s namesake green space, Candler Park. See artifacts, exhibits, videos, and other media chronicling the modern American Presidency on a tour of the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum at Freedom Park. Take on an indoor rock-climbing challenge, with options available for all ages, at Wall Crawler Rock Club. Jam out to live music every summer at the annual Candler Park Music Festival. Get a Sicilian Slice or split a large pie with your choice of toppings at Fellini’s Pizza. Spice things up with some Chicken Jambalaya or Luau Sirloin at Hudson Grille. Order rib-sticking meals like Chicken Fried Ribs or Pulled Pork from Fox Bros Bar-B-Q. Or spend an evening enjoying the 6-Course Tasting Meal, featuring plates like Georgia Shrimp Causa and Basil “Sole Ripieno” Ravioli with Spring Lamb Ragu at Lazy Betty.
Old Fourth Ward
Photo via @jhuntermarks
- Home Price: $211,300 median purchase price; $1,028 median rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 63% of Atlanta neighborhoods
Formerly an industrial area, Old Fourth Ward’s picturesque, tree-lined residential streets and public parks are interspersed with hip urban architecture. This vibrant Atlanta neighborhood is full of quaint 1920s bungalows, Contemporary condos, and everything in between. Sitting just east of Downtown Atlanta and bordered on three sides by major roadways, this neighborhood provides residents with accessibility and things to do. Families living in O4W can spend afternoons outdoors and evenings at renowned local eateries. Another draw to Old Fourth Ward is the schools—not only is O4W home to great Atlanta schools like The Kindezi School, it’s also only a ten-minute drive from Georgia Tech.
Things to Do in Old Fourth Ward
See and explore historic exhibitions at the on-site D.R.E.A.M Gallery at the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park. Bring your four-legged friends for a day of play at the Freedom Barkway Dog Park. Go shopping or visit the expansive food hall at Ponce City Market. Take your scooter, skateboard, or rollerblades to the Old Fourth Ward Skate Park. Wake up with Sweet Potato Pancakes, Fried Chicken Benedict, and other tasty breakfast entrees at Highland Bakery. Get reservations to the renowned Staplehouse, once named the best new restaurant in America, where they serve delicious plates like Pork Belly Brioche and Beef Cheek Hand Pie. Share a 20-Inch Garlic Pie and a side of Pickled Pizza Peppers from Glide Pizza with friends and family. Or chow down on an Egg and Cheese Sandwich or some Fried Fish and Grits at Thumbs Up Diner.
Ormewood Park
Photo via @theforehandgroupatl
- Home Price: $229,270 median purchase price; $1,151 median rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 66% of Atlanta neighborhoods
Historical Ormewood Park is one of the best places for families to live in the city. This East Atlanta neighborhood is made up of affordable new builds and historical bungalows and cottages and lush yards bordering safe streets. In fact, as one of the most walkable neighborhoods in Atlanta, families are able to enjoy walking or biking the Atlanta BeltLine any time of day, and explore local parks, restaurants, and other amenities on foot. In addition to being a laid-back and budget-friendly place to live in Atlanta, families will also appreciate being near great Atlanta schools like Atlanta Neighborhood Charter School and The Ormewood School.
Things to Do in Ormewood Park
Have a blast and enjoy music, food, workshops like Learn to Draw, local artisan vendors, and more at the Ormewood Park Makers Festival. Rent space to grow your own produce and teach the little ones about plant care at the Tapestry Community Garden. Get a membership to a 24/7 facility and work out either alone or with a trainer at Snap Fitness. Have a light breakfast of Hodgepodge Popovers or Jamaican Patties with an Oh Honey Latte at Hodgepodge Coffeehouse. Order authentic Japanese food like Yakisoba or Karaage Chicken at OK Yaki. Have Chicken Satay as a starter, then get Panang Curry or Basil Fried Rice as your main course at Spoon Eastside. Or fill up on hearty meals like Southern Fried Chicken or Low Country Seafood Sautee from Vickery’s Bar & Grill.
Virginia-Highland
Photo via @compassatlanta
- Home Price: $486,675 median purchase price; $1,238 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 81% of Atlanta neighborhoods
Virginia-Highland is one of the most popular neighborhoods in Atlanta for families. Affectionately called ViHi by locals, Virginia-Highland is known for its old-fashioned aesthetic, trendy vibe, and friendly atmosphere. Not only is this neighborhood one of the safest places to live in Atlanta, but ViHi also offers families a variety of great local schools, like Morningside Elementary School. This neighborhood has tons of small businesses and things to do, too—from restaurants and cafes to boutiques and home decor shops. Outdoorsy families will love the many green spaces in and around the neighborhood like the local public park and botanical garden, Piedmont Park. Plus, residential areas in this family-friendly Atlanta neighborhood only add to the picturesque aesthetic with cozy Craftsman cottages and bungalows.
Things to Do in Virginia-Highland
Enjoy live music, arts, culture, food, and more at the annual Virginia-Highland Festival. Find endless fun on an interactive dance floor, inflatable slide, warrior course, and more when you purchase tickets for the day or a birthday party at Boomerang. Attend seasonal events, learn about conservation efforts, and browse the indoor and outdoor collections of plants and flowers at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. Walk your dog, go for a family bike ride, or just enjoy nature at John Howell Memorial Park. Find something new to read and support the community by shopping the Friends of the Ponce Book Sale at Joan P. Garner Library at Ponce De Leon. Savor French cuisine like Steak Tartare or Heirloom Tomato Crostini at Tiny Lou’s. Satisfy your pizza cravings with all-vegan offerings like a Hawaiian Pizza or Vegan Meat Lovers Pizza at Plant Based Pizzeria. Or mix and match your choice of tacos, from Smoked Chicken to Dry Rubbed Shrimp, at The Original El Taco.
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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
