Best Neighborhoods for First-Time Homebuyers in Atlanta

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If you are looking for a new place to set up roots, Atlanta, Georgia may just be the perfect option. We here at Bellhop – your go-to movers – are eager to give you more information about this amazing city so that you can determine if moving here is the right decision for you.

According to Zillow, the median home value in Atlanta is $297,700 as of August 2021. This is higher than the national median home value of $264,000. However, when compared to other cities in America, Atlanta is still relatively affordable. In cities such as San Francisco, New York, and Los Angeles, the median home value can easily be over $1 million. Additionally, Atlanta has lower property tax rates compared to other major cities, making it a more affordable option for homeowners. However, it is worth noting that the cost of living in Atlanta can vary depending on the neighborhood and amenities offered, which is why we will be using this article to highlight a few neighborhoods that many homeowners love.

In 2020, about 60,045 homes were sold in Atlanta. According to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the homeownership rate in Atlanta is 47.1%, while the rental vacancy rate is 10.6%. This suggests that the remaining percentage of people (42.3%) in Atlanta are renting their homes. Given this information, it can be said that, whether you are looking to rent or buy, there will likely be a home available for you in Atlanta.

Now we will go into further detail about a few noteworthy neighborhoods for first-time homebuyers in Atlanta.

Medlock Park

Medlock Park is an excellent neighborhood for first-time homebuyers due to its friendly community, affordable home prices, and convenient location. The average cost of a home in Medlock Park is around $400,000, making it an excellent investment for first-time homebuyers who are looking for an affordable place to live.

In terms of nearby bars and neighborhoods, Medlock Park is situated just a few miles from the vibrant Decatur Square, which is home to an array of local bars and restaurants. Additionally, Downtown Atlanta is only a short drive away, providing access to an endless variety of entertainment options.

On the education front, Medlock Park has a strong school system, with several highly ranked schools, including Fernbank Elementary School and Druid Hills High School. Both schools have received exceptional ratings, making them an ideal choice for families with children.

Oak Grove

Oak Grove is another great neighborhood for first-time homebuyers in Atlanta. It is a peaceful, residential community filled with lush trees and green spaces, making it a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

The average home price in Oak Grove ranges from $400,000 to $800,000, making it more affordable than some of the other high-end neighborhoods in Atlanta. Despite the lower cost, homes in Oak Grove still retain their value and are a good investment for buyers. There is also a wide variety of home styles, from bungalows and brick ranch houses to larger, newer builds.

For nightlife and entertainment, there are plenty of bar and restaurant options nearby. Oak Grove has a small shopping center with grocery stores, coffee shops, and restaurants. There are also other nearby neighborhoods, such as Midtown and Virginia Highland, that offer even more dining and entertainment options.

The schools in Oak Grove are highly rated and generally perform better than the rest of Atlanta’s schools. Oak Grove has access to some of the best public schools in Atlanta, including Sagamore Hills Elementary, Henderson Middle School, and Lakeside High School. These schools offer a diverse curriculum and extracurricular activities for students.

Underwood Hills

Underwood Hills is another great option for first-time homebuyers in Atlanta. This neighborhood is a quaint, tree-lined community located near the popular Buckhead area. It’s one of the most affordable neighborhoods near Buckhead.

The average price of a home in Underwood Hills ranges from $400,000 to $600,000, depending on the size and condition of the property. However, you could find a great deal for under $400,000 if you are willing to put in a bit more work to update the condition of the property.

One of the biggest advantages of living in Underwood Hills is its proximity to numerous bars and neighborhoods. The community is located right between Vinings and Buckhead, so there are plenty of options for dining and entertainment. Nearby bars include Battle & Brew, a gaming bar, and Fado Irish Pub, which is great for drinks with friends.

Moreover, the schools in Underwood Hills are highly rated. There are several options for schools in the area such as Brandon Elementary School, Sutton Middle School, and North Atlanta High School.

Finally, Underwood Hills is known to be a safe neighborhood. It not only has its own neighborhood watch program, but also features plenty of sidewalks and bike lanes for those who prefer to get around on foot or by bike.

Midtown

Midtown is an excellent neighborhood for first-time homebuyers for several reasons. Firstly, it is one of the most walkable neighborhoods in Atlanta, with plenty of bars, restaurants, and shops nearby. The neighborhood is home to numerous green spaces and parks, including the famous Piedmont Park.

The cost of homes in Midtown varies depending on the type of property and location. However, the average cost of a single-family home typically ranges from $550,000 to $1 million.

Midtown is surrounded by some of the most popular neighborhoods in Atlanta, including Virginia-Highland, Little Five Points, and Inman Park. These neighborhoods offer plenty of bars, restaurants, and entertainment options for residents to enjoy.

Regarding the schools, Midtown has several highly rated public and private schools, including Springdale Park Elementary, The Children’s School, and Grady High School. However, compared to some of the other suburbs and neighborhoods in Atlanta, the public schools in Midtown generally have slightly lower test scores.

Sandy Springs

Sandy Springs is a great location for first-time homebuyers in Atlanta, and there are several reasons why. The neighborhood is known for its excellent schools, ample green spaces, and convenient location near several popular restaurants, bars, and shopping centers. The average home price in Sandy Springs is around $540,000. However, there are plenty of options available for homebuyers of all budgets.

Sandy Springs is surrounded by several popular neighborhoods and bars. For example, Buckhead is just a short drive away, and it is known for its bustling nightlife and upscale shopping. In Sandy Springs itself, you’ll find plenty of places to eat, drink, and socialize. City Springs is a new mixed-use development that offers a variety of dining options, including casual eateries and upscale restaurants. Roswell Road is another hot spot that’s home to several bars, including Hudson Grille and the Lost Dog Tavern.

When it comes to schools, Sandy Springs boasts some of the best in the Atlanta area. The Fulton County School District is highly ranked, and many of the schools in Sandy Springs have received top marks. Sandy Springs is also home to several prestigious private schools, including the Weber School and the Mount Vernon School. Overall, the quality of schools in Sandy Springs is considered to be much better than the average in Atlanta.

Average Cost of Moving in Atlanta

Now that you have seen how many excellent neighborhoods Atlanta has to offer, you may be wondering, “how much will it cost to move there?” The average cost of moving into, for example, a three bedroom home in Atlanta can vary greatly depending on many factors such as the location, condition of the home, and the specific neighborhood. The cost of moving in can include additional expenses such as closing costs, moving costs, and deposits. Here at Bellhop, we have your back in terms of providing transparent pricing that fits your timeline.

Ready to move to Atlanta? Get your free estimate and Bellhop will take care of the rest!

Larry Blue

City Operations Manager at Bellhop

Larry has been in Atlanta for more than four years. He enjoys hanging out in Buckhead, exploring the parks and trails of the Atlanta BeltLine, snowboarding, and rooting for his favorite local sports teams (including the Braves, Falcons, and GA Bulldogs). Larry has been in the moving industry for more than five years, and says he knows it's going to be a good moving day "[when] all items are boxed and sealed and there's a clear path from house/apartment to the truck."