Discovering the Safest Neighborhoods in Atlanta

And Some Atlanta Neighborhoods to Avoid

Susie Chow, Tomo’s Lead Writer & Atlanta resident, combines exclusive on the ground local insights with real estate expertise and economic data from Greg Schwartz, Tomo CEO & former Zillow President; Emanuel Santa-Donato, Head of Capital Markets & Interest Rate Forecaster; and Joel Monge, Head of Digital Production.

Contemplating a move to The ATL can spark a barrage of safety-related questions. Is Atlanta safe? What are the safe neighborhoods in Atlanta? And what are the Atlanta neighborhoods to avoid? Navigating a new city, especially one as diverse and vibrant as Atlanta, can feel like a daunting task — but fear not! We’re here to guide you through it with some local insights and knowledge you’ll need to make an informed decision. So read on as we dive into some of the safest neighborhoods in Atlanta, some Atlanta neighborhoods to avoid, and some in-between. For more information on how safe Atlanta is, check out our article on Atlanta crime rates, neighborhood safety, and more.

Best Place for Golf Enthusiasts: Peachtree City

Peachtree City sits approximately 30 miles southwest of downtown Atlanta and stands out as one of the safest neighborhoods in Atlanta with an impressive A+ overall crime grade. It ranks in the 93rd percentile for safety with an exceptionally low violent crime rate of 159 violent crimes per 100,000 residents during a standard year. This charming and picturesque city is renowned for its family-friendly vibes with tree-lined streets, numerous parks, and a unique ecosystem of golf carts and trails. Peachtree City is also home to several top-rated public schools, including McIntosh High School, Starr’s Mill High School, and Booth Middle School; and a dedicated golfing community with an impressive array of courses like Braelinn Golf Club, Flat Creek Country Club, and Planterra Ridge Golf Club.

Best Place for Professionals: Johns Creek

Johns Creek is located roughly 30 miles northeast of downtown Atlanta and stands out as one of the best places to live in Atlanta. It boasts an impressive A+ overall crime grade and ranks in the 94th percentile for safety, making it one of the safest cities in the United States. It has a low crime rate of 138 violent crimes per 100,000 residents during a standard year. Johns Creek is a thriving city with a family-friendly atmosphere, beautifully maintained properties, diverse demographics, and numerous parks and recreational areas. Johns Creek is also home to several top-rated public schools, including Johns Creek High School, Chattahoochee High School, and Northview High School, offering excellent school options for families seeking a safe environment for their children.

Best Place for Families: Brookhaven

Brookhaven is located approximately 10 miles northeast of downtown Atlanta and is also regarded for its favorable safety ratings. Brookhaven has a lower crime rate than the average U.S. city with a B+ overall crime grade, and ranks in the 75th percentile for safety. The rate of violent crime in Brookhaven stands at 203 incidents per 100,000 residents during a standard year. Despite minor fluctuations in crime rates across neighborhoods, Brookhaven upholds its reputation as a safe, diverse, and welcoming community. Some of its standout features include the highly-regarded Montgomery Elementary School and Chamblee Charter High School; as well as beautiful Blackburn Park and Murphey Candler Park with ample green spaces and recreational activities for residents to enjoy.

Best Place for High Flyers: Buckhead

Now, what about Buckhead? Both Atlanta residents and visitors often ask: is Buckhead Atlanta safe? Situated about 8 miles north of downtown Atlanta, Buckhead has an impressive A- overall crime grade and ranks in the 81st percentile for safety. With a relatively low violent crime rate of 130 incidents per 100,000 residents during a standard year, Buckhead provides a secure and upscale living environment. Buckhead is also home to some of the best schools in Atlanta including Sarah Smith Elementary School, Jackson Elementary School, and Atlanta International School. For shoppers, Buckhead hosts the iconic Buckhead Village, Phipps Plaza, and Lenox Square Mall; and for nature lovers, neighboring Chastain Park offers a picturesque oasis with walking trails, an amphitheater, and a golf course.

Best Place for Young Professionals: Midtown

Is Midtown Atlanta safe? Located within the heart of the city, Midtown demonstrates a concerning level of safety with an overall and violent crime rating of F, placing it in the 6th percentile for safety. The rate of violent crime in Midtown is notably high at 698 incidents per 100,000 residents, surpassing national averages. At the city’s core, however, Midtown is home to a vibrant arts scene, diverse dining, and lively nightlife. Proximity to iconic attractions, such as the Fox Theatre and High Museum of Art, make it a cultural hub, while Piedmont Park and the BeltLine Eastside Trail offer outdoor escapes in the heart of the city.

Best Place for City Living: Downtown

Is Downtown Atlanta safe? Similar to Midtown, Downtown Atlanta scores an overall crime grade of F and ranks in the 2nd percentile for safety — placing it among the least safest neighborhoods in the U.S. Downtown Atlanta has a rate of 952 violent crimes per 100,000 residents during a typical year, significantly higher than the national average. Despite some folks regarding Downtown as one of the Atlanta neighborhoods to avoid, Downtown offers a range of housing options from historic lofts and apartments to modern high-rise condominiums, catering to various lifestyles. Downtown Atlanta is also known for its attractions like the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, Centennial Olympic Park, and the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, making it a bustling hub for both residents and visitors alike.

Summary

Suburb	Violent Crime Rate per 100k Residents	Property Crime Rate per 100k Residents
Peachtree City	159	1,171
Johns Creek	138	1,521
Brookhaven	203	1,931
Buckhead	130	1,500
Midtown	698	8,929
Downtown	952	13,000

Sources

Crime Data: https://www.crimegrade.org

What’s Next

For those of you looking to buy a home in one of these neighborhoods, Tomo.com provides free access to the most up to date real estate listings. You also can connect with a free home search advisor to get your journey started – by phone or text. 

Next Guide: 7 Best Neighborhoods in Atlanta