There are countless reasons people decide to move to Atlanta.
Everyone knows the food here is amazing. It’s one of America’s most popular cultural hotspots, too.
Yet, many people want to live in Atlanta because of its rich history in this country. They’d love nothing more than to be surrounded by it day-after-day.
Discover the rich history and charm of Atlanta's oldest neighborhoods, as you take a stroll through some of the city's most iconic historic districts. From the elegant homes of Ansley Park to the vibrant streets of East Atlanta, these neighborhoods offer a glimpse into the past while embracing the best walkable neighborhood experiences.
Begin your journey in the heart of Intown Atlanta at the Margaret Mitchell House, where the famed author penned "Gone with the Wind." As you wander through the tree-lined streets of Candler Park and Druid Hills, you'll be captivated by the stately mansions and historic landmarks, including the Atlanta Biltmore Hotel and the Georgia State Capitol. Don't miss a visit to Habersham Memorial Hall, which stands as a testament to the city's rich heritage.
Venture south to College Park, one of Atlanta's oldest neighborhoods, where you'll find a thriving community and a stunning collection of commercial buildings. In nearby Southeast Atlanta, explore the charm of Atkins Park and the lush green space of Piedmont Park, which is also home to the prestigious Piedmont Driving Club.
7 Historic Atlanta Neighborhoods to Explore if You're in the Market
Atlanta was founded almost 200 years ago, so you don’t have to travel very far if you’re looking for remnants of its long history.
However, if you’re someone who would much rather live among it, consider moving into one of the seven most historic Atlanta neighborhoods.
1. Grant Park
One of the most historic Atlanta neighborhoods is Grant Park, which was actually founded before the Civil War. It’s named for Lemuel Pratt Grant, an engineer and businessman who helped bring the railroad to Atlanta and once lived in an Italianate mansion where the neighborhood now stands.
Since then, this gorgeous area has seen plenty of other incredible homes erected. A stroll through Grant Park will take you past architecturally-impressive Victorian mansions, Craftsman bungalows, Queen Anne houses, and cottages.
The area is more than just an Atlanta neighborhood, though. Among other things, it’s also home to Zoo Atlanta and the actual Grant Park, which is 131 acres.
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2. Inman Park
Inman Park is another historic Atlanta neighborhood that is full of amazing homes, many of which were built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
As the city’s first planned suburb, Inman Park still bears many features that are more than a century old, which makes it an especially fun place to live for people who enjoy regular reminders of the city’s historic past.
For example, there’s the amazing Callan Castle, a 14,000-square-foot house built in the Beaux-Arts style in 1903. It was home to Asa Griggs Chandler, a tycoon, who is famous for having purchased Coca-Cola from its founder in 1982.
Residents also love how close they live to Atlanta’s annual Inman Park Festival, which shows off the areas food and art and even offers a tour of homes.
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3. Castleberry Hill
Atlanta has a reputation throughout the country for offering upscale living well within the city limits. When most people think about these kinds of trendy areas, they’re actually thinking of one of the most historic Atlanta neighborhoods: Castleberry Hill.
Located just to the southwest of downtown, Castleberry Hill became a federally-recognized historic district in 1985 and a “City of Atlanta Landmark District” back in 2006.
Today, the city features numerous warehouses that were built toward the beginning of the 20th century when they were needed for the booming cotton industry. They have since been converted into art studios, shops, and lofts of all sizes.
The area is popular for its many art galleries and has actually appeared in numerous movies and films. Like so many neighborhoods in Atlanta, Castleberry Hill has also developed a reputation for its unique dining scene, which features everything from Mexican food to Southern soul food to sushi.
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4. Old Fourth Ward
Old Fourth Ward is absolutely packed with history. In 1917, the Great Fire struck, destroying 300 acres and 1,900 buildings over the course of 10 hours. In 1929, it became the home of young, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Today, most residents of Old Fourth Ward live in one of the neighborhood’s updated condos. They love living within walking distance of some really great antique shops, restaurants, and the mecca that is Ponce City Market. Not to mention, this neighborhood is along a very popular portion of the Atlanta Beltline, which makes it easy to move around the O4W and neighboring areas.
Historic Fourth Ward Park is also a popular attraction here for both its natural beauty and its regular musical and cultural events.
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5. Virginia-Highland
Just about two miles northeast of Atlanta is the affluent, Virginia-Highlands neighborhood.
Though its roots go back to 1920, it features an eclectic collection of homes from just about every era since. More and more, it has also become a popular neighborhood for people who work in the city but want the to live in larger homes — for a high price.
Nonetheless, you can still find American Foursquare, English Vernacular Revival, and Colonial Revival homes throughout the neighborhood.
The Virginia-Highland neighborhood is also home to Atlanta’s oldest bar, the famous Atkin’s Park. In addition to his bar, VaHi has it's own "downtown" area with several bars and restaurants that are packed during the weekends.
Just like Old Fourth Ward, the area has its own annual festival, too: Summerfest.
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6. West End
West End is also known for being one of the most historic Atlanta neighborhoods — being originally founded as "White Hall" back in 1835. Now, it is known to be one of the most diverse neighborhood in Atlanta as well.
Many residents love living here because they can be close to downtown without having to spend as much on real estate. This has made the area especially popular among young professionals who love the idea of owning a townhouse near work while also enjoying all that the West End has to offer.
Speaking of which, living here means you can easily visit cultural attractions like the Wrens Nest which was home to Joel Chandler Harris, famous writer of folktales and friend to Mark Twain. In addition, you can also visit the Hammonds House Museum, Shrine of the Black Madonna Culture Center, West End Performing Arts Center, and much more whenever you want.
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7. Tuxedo Park
Finally, Tuxedo Park is actually on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP).
It’s also fitting, then, that the Atlanta History Center is so close by.
However, most people move to Tuxedo Park because they want to live near Atlanta while enjoying 6+ bedroom houses on manicured lawns that take up acres and are often nestled among lush Georgian woods.
The housing market in Tuxedo Park regularly features gorgeous homes that have been in the neighborhood for decades and were built by famous architects.
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Looking to Move into One of these Historic Atlanta Neighborhoods?
For a taste of old-world elegance, visit the historic district of Whittier Mill Village, where beautifully preserved homes stand alongside modern amenities. Make your way to Oakland Cemetery, a hauntingly beautiful landmark that houses the remains of many notable Atlantans.
Finally, experience the best walkable neighborhood in Atlanta with a trip to Ansley Park. With easy access to cultural attractions like the Fox Theatre and Zoo Atlanta, as well as the picturesque campus of Agnes Scott College, this neighborhood offers a perfect blend of history and contemporary living.
As you explore historic Atlanta neighborhoods, you'll be enchanted by the city's storied past and vibrant present. So lace up your walking shoes and prepare to be immersed in the unique charm of these beloved districts.
At SimpleShowing, we can connect you with a real estate agent who is familiar with whichever historic Atlanta neighborhood you like most.
Furthermore, once you close on your dream home, our Buyer Refund Program could net you as much as $15,000. Contact us today to learn more.
