5 safest neighborhoods in Atlanta

Discover where to live to enjoy big city amenities with small town safety standards.

Living in the city poses unique challenges and rewards. The rewards are what draw us in, of course: endless opportunities for cultural experiences, the tide and ebb of new restaurants, and the latest fashions are all at our fingertips. We learn to work around the challenges. Where dense populations form, crime, pollution, and other “people problems” aren’t far behind.

In Atlanta, it’s possible to enjoy the most rewards with few challenges, particularly if you decide to rent in one of Atlanta’s safest neighborhoods. According to Neighborhood Scout and reports from the Atlanta Police Department, these neighborhoods rank the lowest in crime rates per capita.

• Briarlake Rd/Route 236 (North Druid Hills) Welcome to a clean, safe neighborhood that is rife with academics, professionals, and active mature adults. Ample green space, historic homes, and charming winding roads distinguish North Druid Hills from the rest.
• Northside Dr/Collier Rd. (Spring Lake and Ardmore) Just 10 minutes from downtown and moments from the bustling Howell Mill Rd., Spring Lake and Ardemore neighborhoods offer easy access to city action when you want it and peaceful respite when you don’t. It feels like a suburb within city limits, without the cookie cutter houses.
• Northside Pkwy/Northside Drive (West Paces Ferry and Mt. Paran) This commuters’ paradise is nestled near I-75 and I-85 but you won’t hear the roar of the interstates from your rental. It’s surprisingly quiet and seemingly remote.
• Roswell Rd./Powers Ferry (East Chastain Park and Tuxedo Park) Roswell Rd. is the longest street in Atlanta. On this end of the stretch, it’s lined with mansions and quiet parks. Take a bike ride to the concerts and festivals at nearby Chastain Park.
• Johnson Rd./Meadowdale (Lenox) The Lenox area is characterized by space: homes with spacious yards and 15 parks provide residents with plenty of breathing room, nothing like the cramped and congested quarters of the inner city. There are also plenty of spaces to shop when life calls for retail therapy.

Reality check…

It likely won’t surprise you that some of the safest, most protected neighborhoods are also those that house the wealthiest residents in town. There are few rental opportunities in these areas generally, and those that are present come with a notable price tag. It’s hard to put a dollar amount on safety, though, so your best bet is to begin your research well in advance to secure a good deal and save up what you need to live well.