Atlanta is one of the best cities in the state of Georgia to settle in. Its top-notch amenities, highly regarded universities, fun recreational activities, and vibrant entertainment scene have made it a favored destination for those of all ages.
However, Atlanta has a relatively higher crime record than the US average, reporting 4,589 incidents per 100,000 people. But don’t let this worry you. The city has plenty of neighborhoods with highly secure communities, so you can rest easy knowing your family is safe.
Safest Neighborhoods in Atlanta, Georgia
Here are some of the safest places to live in Atlanta based on NeighborhoodScout and AreaVibes data.
1. Buckhead
With violent crimes 18% below the national average and total crimes 20% less than Atlanta’s reported levels, Buckhead is a fairly safe area for potential homeowners and renters.
2. Candler Park
This community’s safety track record is nothing short of impressive. Its violent and property crime rates are 85 and 1,152 per 100,000 people. Overall, Candler Park is 40% safer than other US cities.
3. Ben Hill
Ben Hill has recorded 2,540 crimes per 100,000 people—45% below Atlanta’s reported levels. Its violent crimes stood at an estimated 530 incidents per 100,000 people, which is again considerably low.
4. Cabbagetown
Crime in this community is 25% less than in Atlanta, while property crime is 21% lower at 2,961 per 100,000 people.
5. Virginia-Highland
Violent crime in this affluent neighborhood is 46% below the national levels, and total crime is just 2,811 per 100,000 residents, making Virginia-Highland one of the safest places for you to live.
Why Make Atlanta Your Home?
Apart from its safe neighborhoods, what other reasons could sway you to settle down in this vibrant city?
- Relatively Lower Cost of Living
Although living in Atlanta could be somewhat costlier than the rest of Georgia, its cost of living, including housing and utilities, is still low when you consider the national average.
- Job Opportunities
Home to the world’s busiest airport, Atlanta’s thriving economy has attracted some of the top employers in the US in a variety of industries.
- Recreational Options
With parks, museums, zoos, botanical gardens, and aquariums, the city has lots of activities to keep the entire family occupied.
- Thriving Music and Arts Scene
From street art installations at Atlanta Beltline to Broadway shows and concerts at the Fox Theatre, you will have enough entertainment options when you are living in this dynamic city.
- Vibrant Food Culture
Atlanta is a true delight for foodies, with its food festivals, trucks, artisanal stalls, and fine-dining restaurants dishing out authentic yet diverse menus.
- Greenery and Outdoor Spaces
If you enjoy nature, Atlanta has plenty of it. From scenic rivers to woodland trails, the city has many stunning outdoor spaces for you to indulge in. It is even known for urban greenery, especially with its many tree-lined Peachtree streets.
Must-Know Safety Tips When Moving to Atlanta
Neighborhoods in Atlanta offer countless perks to its residents. However, minding your safety is critical even in the safest communities.
Here are essential tips for anyone looking to settle down in Atlanta.
1. Review the Local Crime Rates
This is an important step to follow when you are house hunting in Atlanta’s neighborhoods.
The FBI’s Crime Data Explorer is one of the best platforms for accessing crime statistics relating to specific areas. Resources such as SpotCrime and CrimeReports could also help you discover critical data.
Don’t forget to research online news media channels for recent incidents. These will give you up-to-date information on newsworthy stories, including burglaries, scams, and new crime waves in a neighborhood.
Speaking to local residents and business owners would be useful, too, for learning firsthand about possible safety issues in the area.
2. Minimize Threats to Your Home
Defensive barriers are essential for deterring criminals and other malicious actors.
For instance, set up a fence if you don’t have one already, install security cameras, and opt for digital locks.
You might also want to join the local Neighborhood Watch group to monitor potential threats to your community and raise adequate awareness in mitigating risks.
3. Get to Know Your Neighbors
Finding out who you are living among is another important step when you settle into a new neighborhood.
Today, bad neighbors rank among the top reasons people move out of communities. So, it is even better if you can learn more about those living near you before you purchase or rent a house.
Walking up to residents and introducing yourself is one way to discover information. You can also conduct an anonymous reverse address search on Nuwber using house numbers and street names.
This platform can help you unearth valuable personal data, including names, professions, workplaces, and even criminal records of a homeowner.
While you are at it, you should also check the National Sex Offender’s Registry to identify any registered individuals residing in the neighborhood.
4. Mind Your Safety While Traveling
When you move into a new area, you must practice caution not just at home but also when you are out and about.
For example,
- Always lock your doors when you get into the car.
- If you are using public transport, keep your bag close to you and remain vigilant about your surroundings. Using headphones and looking down at your phone will prevent you from noticing critical red flags that might help you avoid or deter a crime.
- Avoid late-evening jogging and running. Also, remember to use a popular jogging track with enough people around instead of opting for secluded paths.
To Summarize
A thriving local economy, affordable living costs, excellent universities, and an abundance of entertainment options are among the top reasons that make Atlanta, Georgia, an attractive destination to live.
It is also home to some of the safest neighborhoods—from Buckhead, Candler Park, and Ben Hill to Cabbagetown and Virginia-Highland. These areas have significantly low crime rates, making them excellent options for those looking to purchase or rent a property.
However, making safety a priority is crucial even in communities with a high safety track record. Therefore, remember to practice adequate caution and remain alert to potential threats when moving to a new community.