Living on the Eastside of Atlanta: A Guide for Newcomers (2025)
What's it Like to Live on Atlanta's Eastside? (Decatur, Kirkwood, East Atlanta Village, Avondale Estates)
Atlanta’s Eastside is creative, community-focused, historic, and rising very fast. It’s one of the most walkable areas outside Midtown, with great food, quirky coffee shops, and events every weekend. Decatur feels like a “small town in the city”, with a school system that rivals private options. EAV and Kirkwood offer more edge and energy, while Avondale brings the quiet. This area is popular with families, progressives, artists, and buyers seeking charm and walkability.
Major Atlanta Eastside Cities/Neighborhood
- City of Decatur – A liberal, walkable small city within the metro, with top schools, boutiques, and tons of community pride.
- Kirkwood – A historically Black neighborhood turned diverse and artsy, full of bungalow renovations and local businesses.
- East Atlanta Village (EAV) – Funky, music-loving, nightlife-forward neighborhood with dive bars and vinyl shops.
- Avondale Estates – Quaint Tudor-style streets, home to breweries, artists, and slower-paced charm.
Why Living in Eastside Altanta Works
- Some of the best schools in the metro (especially City Schools of Decatur).
- High community engagement—farmer’s markets, festivals, porch culture.
- Unique architecture and historically preserved neighborhoods.
- MARTA rail and bikeable roads make car-free living more realistic.
- Local businesses thrive—few chains, lots of indie pride.
Watch Out For
- Housing is expensive and competitive, especially in Decatur.
- Gentrification and displacement are active issues, particularly in Kirkwood and East Atlanta.
- Traffic through east-west corridors (Memorial, Ponce, DeKalb Ave) can be rough.
- Public schools outside Decatur city limits vary in quality.
Good Fit For
- Families who want walkable, artsy neighborhoods with great public schools.
- Buyers wanting bungalows or historic homes with community character.
- LGBTQ+ residents, educators, nonprofit professionals, and creatives.
- People who want urban proximity without the density of Midtown.
Things to Do
- Decatur Square – Boutique shopping, events, bookstores, and restaurants.
- EAV nightlife – Dive bars, music venues, taco trucks, and open mics.
- Waller’s Coffee, Wild Heaven Brewery, and the PATH trails – local favorites.
- Avondale Art Walk, Porchfest, Oakhurst Jazz Nights – authentic community events.
- Plenty of green space and kid-friendly parks with real neighborhood identity.
Housing Snapshot for Eastside Atlanta
Type: Historic bungalows, Craftsman homes, townhomes, newer infill developments.
Buy:
- Decatur: $600K–$1.3M+
- Kirkwood and EAV: $500K–$1.1M+
- Avondale Estates: $475K–$900K
Rent:
- 1BR units: $1,600–$2,400
- Family homes and townhomes: $2,400–$3,800+
Commute & Transit
MARTA rail access via Decatur, Avondale, and East Lake stations. Easy access to I-20, I-285, and Moreland Ave corridors. Many walk/bike to groceries, restaurants, and schools. Traffic builds during rush hour, but commutes are shorter than OTP.
- 15–25 minutes to Downtown or Midtown.
Is Eastside Atlanta Area Right for You?
If you’re looking for historic charm, walkable neighborhoods, top schools, and a progressive, creative vibe, Atlanta’s Eastside delivers one of the most livable and beloved corners of the metro.
If you want to expand your search to the greater metro, check out the LookyLOO Review of the Atlanta Metro.