Moving to Buckhead: Your Complete Guide

Buckhead is Atlanta’s upscale “uptown” district in the northern part of the city. It’s known for a mix of historic luxury and modern glamour: tree-lined streets with million-dollar mansions sit alongside high-rise condos and corporate offices. With about 108,000 residents in 2022, Buckhead is one of Atlanta’s wealthiest and most vibrant neighborhoods. The community boasts a median household income of ~$190,700 and a median age around 38.6. Buckhead’s racial makeup (roughly 68% White, 14% Black, 7% Hispanic) reflects a relatively diverse, well-educated population (82% hold college degrees). It’s often described as the “Beverly Hills of the South,” and the Buckhead Coalition notes that it “remains one of the best communities in the United States for residents, visitors, and businesses”

Housing in Buckhead

Single-family homes in Buckhead often exceed $1–2 million, especially on streets like West Paces Ferry. According to recent data, the median sale price in Buckhead was about $785,000 (June 2025), up ~4% from a year earlier. Zillow reports the average Buckhead home value at ~$516,600 (2025). In practical terms, most Buckhead homes sell for well above $500K, reflecting the luxury market. Condominiums are plentiful too, ranging from older mid-rises to brand-new high-rises. Key Buckhead condo projects include:

• The Dillon Buckhead (2425 Peachtree Rd): An 18-story luxury tower opened in late 2024 with 144 residences. Construction wrapped in Nov. 2024, and over 100 condos have already sold. Prices start around $999K for a two-bedroom and go up to ~$2.1M for larger units. The Dillon offers amenities like a concierge, pool deck, coworking “Hub,” and more
• The Graydon (2520 Peachtree Rd): A 22-story, 47-unit high-rise completed in 2021. It features only 2–3 homes per floor and generous terraces. Units range ~2,200–6,000 sq ft, with prices roughly $1.6M–$8.5M.
• St. Regis Residences (88 W. Paces Ferry): A luxury 26-story tower built in 2009 atop the five-star St. Regis Hotel. It has 53 ultra-high-end condos (3,000–10,000 sq ft) with private elevators and terraces. Prices range from about $2.6M up to $13M.
• Ritz-Carlton Residences (3630 Peachtree Rd): A 34-story condo-hotel opened in 2009. It includes 125 private residences (800–4,000 sq ft). Condominium prices run roughly $500K–$4M. Residents here enjoy Ritz-Carlton level service and amenities (pool, fitness, dining) adjacent to Buckhead’s premier shops.

Related: Discovering Buckhead: A Local’s Guide to Atlanta’s Luxury District

The median one-bedroom rent is roughly $2,000–$2,200 per month. For example, recent Redfin data show Buckhead’s median rent around $2,204 (June 2025). Rents for luxury apartments or condos with amenities often exceed that, and two-bedroom rents can run $2,400+.

A private 6.38 acre lot in Tuxedo Park

Cost of Living in Buckhead

According to a recent cost-of-living index (C2ER data), Buckhead’s overall cost of living is 32% above the U.S. average and 43% above Atlanta’s average. Housing drives most of this: Buckhead’s housing index is 213 (where 100 is the national average), meaning typical home prices and rents are more than double the national norm. For comparison, Buckhead housing costs are 113% higher than the U.S. average, whereas goods, groceries, and utilities are only modestly above average (indexes ~100–109). In practical terms, everyday items (restaurants, groceries) are slightly pricier than elsewhere in Atlanta, but groceries and services run near national averages. In short, living in Buckhead means paying a premium for housing and related expenses. For example, the AreaVibes calculator notes that Buckhead households need about $82,080/year to live here comfortably (26.7% above the U.S. household average).

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Schools in Buckhead

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Families in Buckhead have access to some of Atlanta’s top-ranked schools. In public schools, Buckhead is served by Atlanta Public Schools. Notable schools include:

• Morris Brandon Elementary (K–5, Buckhead Village area): It consistently ranks in the top 10% of Georgia public schools for test scores. About 73% of students are math-proficient (GA avg ~37%) and 67% are reading-proficient (GA avg ~40%). Morris Brandon even earned a Blue Ribbon in 2003. Sutton Middle School (6–8): Ranks around the top 50% statewide. About 39% of students are math-proficient (on par with GA average) and 49% reading-proficient (above GA avg).
• North Atlanta High School (9–12, formerly Walter Grady HS): Also in the top 50% of Georgia high schools. It has a strong reading proficiency (68% vs GA 40%) and an excellent graduation rate (90% vs GA 84%).

On the private school side, Buckhead is home to several elite institutions. The Westminster Schools (PreK–12, Buckhead) is routinely ranked among Georgia’s very top private schools (Niche ranks it #2 private K–12 in GA). It boasts a 100% graduation rate and average SAT ~1440. Other prestigious privates include Pace Academy, The Lovett School, Atlanta International School, and the Catholic Christ the King. These schools generally have above-average test scores and college placement. In summary, Buckhead offers excellent school options, both public and private, making it attractive for families.

Transportation & Walkability in Buckhead

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Buckhead has good access but remains partly car-dependent. For transit, the neighborhood is served by MARTA’s Red and Gold rail lines. In fact, three MARTA stations lie in Buckhead: Lindbergh Center (south end), Lenox (serving the malls), and Buckhead station. A free circulator bus called the BUC (Buckhead Uptown Connection) connects these stations and key points. Major highways also run through Buckhead: Interstate-85 and GA-400 intersect near the south end, and Peachtree Road (Atlanta’s main street) runs north-south through Buckhead. This makes Buckhead convenient for driving, but also prone to rush-hour traffic on Peachtree and 400.

Walkability varies by sub-area. Buckhead Village District (around Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza) is very walkable – it scores about 93/100 on Walk Score, with shops, restaurants and offices all nearby. In fact, Lenox Square and Phipps are diagonally opposite each other at Peachtree & Lenox, offering dozens of stores and six major department anchors. By contrast, much of Buckhead outside the core has fewer sidewalks and amenities, so residents often drive. In general, if you want walkable living in Buckhead, focus on areas near the malls or around Buckhead Village. To the south, Midtown has more continuous urban walkability (arts district, BeltLine access), whereas Buckhead mixes urban pockets with leafy residential streets.

Commuting: Many Buckhead residents work within the district (at local offices or shops), or commute downtown/midtown via GA-400 or MARTA. Commute times can be moderate; the average one-way commute in Buckhead is around 30 minutes. MARTA offers an alternative, especially for commuters heading downtown or to the airport (connect at Lindbergh or Buckhead station). Overall, Buckhead’s transportation network (MARTA + major roads) provides flexibility, but owning a car is common here.

Lifestyle in Buckhead

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Buckhead offers a luxurious lifestyle with abundant shopping, dining, and recreation. The neighborhood is famous for its luxury retail: the Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza malls (at Peachtree and Lenox) house designer boutiques (Gucci, Prada, Louis Vuitton, etc.) and upscale department stores. Nearby “Buckhead Village” features boutique shops, galleries, and high-end restaurants. Newer destinations like the Buckhead Atlanta development (home to brands like Dior and Restoration Hardware) add to the scene. In addition, Buckhead’s commercial corridors along Roswell Rd, Piedmont Rd and Peachtree offer a huge variety of restaurants – from fine dining (e.g. Park 75, Atlas, LE Bilboquet) to casual cafés, steakhouses and global cuisine. In fact, Buckhead is often noted as Atlanta’s premier dining neighborhood, with dozens of acclaimed eateries and bars clustered along Peachtree and in Village District.

Greenspace and recreation are also part of life here. The crown jewel is Chastain Park (268 acres), Atlanta’s third-largest city park. It has a golf course, tennis, ball fields, playgrounds, walking trails and even a horse park. Chastain Park’s amphitheater hosts summer concerts under the stars. Other parks in Buckhead include Bagley Park and Frankie Allen Park (ballfields and trails), and the new Morgan Falls Overlook Park on the Chattahoochee River (in North Buckhead). Buckhead also enjoys cultural venues like the Atlanta History Center (33-acre campus) and Alliance Theatre.

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Community vibe: Buckhead is often described as “upscale and vibrant”. There are frequent neighborhood and city events, such as the Buckhead Farmers Market, restaurant weeks, and art festivals. The Buckhead Coalition notes a rich arts scene (galleries, concerts, etc.) and a “younger, more diverse” population bringing energy and creativity. Nightlife in Buckhead is lively: the Village District and Peachtree Circle host popular bars and clubs, while quiet residential areas (like Tuxedo Park or Garden Hills) offer more tranquility. Overall, Buckhead blends the convenience of a city center with suburban-style communities, making it appealing to many lifestyles.

Safety in Buckhead

Buckhead’s overall crime rate is moderate, and safety can vary by exact location. Buckhead is part of Atlanta Police Zone 2, which includes some very affluent areas. Importantly, APD and the Buckhead Coalition report that violent crime in Buckhead has actually declined recently – about 23% lower year-over-year as of late 2024. In fact, Buckhead (Zone 2) won the city’s crime reduction award for two years running. Studies show that Buckhead’s overall crime numbers (for assault, robbery, etc.) are lower than the city-wide averages.

Most Buckhead crime is property-related, especially vehicle break-ins and thefts. Atlanta PD data indicate auto theft and larceny from vehicles made up roughly 63% of Zone 2 crimes in 2020. That means an unfortunately common risk is someone breaking into an unlocked car. Neighborhood groups emphasize simple precautions (locking doors, not leaving valuables in cars). Aside from those issues, Buckhead’s core shopping and commercial districts have their own security measures (cameras, patrols, etc.), and Buckhead has a new police precinct for better coverage.

Buckhead Crime Rate by wirksmoving.com

In practice, many residents feel Buckhead is safer than many other Atlanta areas. However, like any city, crime can be hyper-local: some blocks (e.g. around Buckhead Village late at night) see more incidents. If safety is a concern, it’s best to research specific subdivisions or condo buildings. Overall, though, most families and professionals live here without major safety problems. As one analyst noted, Buckhead is still far below the “hot spot” crime levels seen in Atlanta’s most disadvantaged neighborhoods.

Job Market in Buckhead

Buckhead is a major business hub and home to many corporate offices. It is Atlanta’s third-largest business district (after Downtown and Midtown). The Coca-Cola Company’s global headquarters is located in Buckhead (World of Coca-Cola and Georgia Aquarium are downtown, but Coke’s actual HQ office is here). You’ll also find offices of financial firms (Truist [formerly SunTrust] Bank, Synovus Bank), law firms (King & Spalding, Alston & Bird), and healthcare companies. The office towers along Peachtree and Piedmont house businesses in finance, professional services, insurance, and retail. For example, Buckhead’s top industries are finance/insurance and business services, reflecting its concentration of corporate jobs.

Atlanta Tech Village by bizjournals.com

While Buckhead is not known as a “tech startup” center (that title goes to Midtown’s Tech Square), it does host some innovation spaces. For instance, Atlanta Tech Village (a large startup incubator) is in North Buckhead, and Cousins Properties’ smart-city project at the old GM Plant site (“Atlassian Atlassian” no, that's GT, but anyway) aims to attract tech companies. But most Buckhead jobs are in the established sectors mentioned above. Many residents also commute south to Midtown (a tech hub) or Downtown for work. In short, job opportunities in Buckhead itself skew toward corporate and professional fields, in line with the neighborhood’s upscale economy.

Buckhead vs. Midtown

Lifestyle: Both Buckhead and Midtown offer an urban vibe, but with different flavors. Buckhead feels more suburban-urban: it has many luxury shopping centers and restaurants, plus quiet single-family neighborhoods. People who choose Buckhead often value space, privacy, and a degree of Southern charm. Midtown, by contrast, is more densely urban and arts-focused. Midtown is Atlanta’s cultural heart (Fox Theatre, High Museum, BeltLine, Georgia Tech campus, Piedmont Park). It tends to attract younger professionals and students. Both areas have nightlife and dining, but Midtown’s is often described as more creative/bohemian, while Buckhead’s leans upscale and polished.

Real Estate: Home prices tend to be higher in Buckhead. Zillow’s June 2025 data put Buckhead’s average home value around $516K, versus roughly $376K in Midtown. (Both are above the national average, but Buckhead’s value is about 37% higher than Midtown’s.) However, Midtown is mostly high-rise condos and apartments, whereas Buckhead has many large single-family homes. (For perspective, the median sale price in Buckhead condos/houses was $785K.) In Midtown, even small condos can fetch high prices, but there are also more moderate apartments. Commutes: Buckhead residents often drive (unless near MARTA), whereas Midtown’s better transit and walkability mean some residents walk or bike more.

Walkability: As noted, Buckhead’s core (Buckhead Village) is highly walkable, but its vast residential sections are not. Midtown is generally more walkable overall, with city blocks, Midtown MARTA station, and the BeltLine trail.

Overall: If you value designer shops, large homes, and an affluent suburban-feel near the city, Buckhead is a great fit. If you prefer arts venues, universities, and a true downtown bustle with more moderate housing options, Midtown might suit you better. Both have strong job markets and amenities, so it largely comes down to lifestyle and budget.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Buckhead

Is Buckhead a good place to live?

Yes – Buckhead is widely regarded as a high-quality neighborhood. Community leaders note that “Buckhead remains one of the best communities in the United States for residents, visitors, and businesses”. It offers excellent schools, abundant amenities and a polished urban lifestyle.

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Is Buckhead safe?

Generally, yes. Buckhead’s violent crime is relatively low for a big city, and it has fallen recently (APD data show a ~23% drop in violent crime year-over-year). The main safety issues are mostly non-violent property crimes (auto break-ins). Many blocks see very little serious crime. As always, take normal urban precautions (lock cars, stay aware at night in entertainment areas).

Is Buckhead expensive?

The cost of living index is about 32% above the U.S. average. Housing is above the national norm (Buckhead’s housing index is ~213 vs. 100 national). Expect home prices and rents well above Atlanta’s median. Even groceries and services run a bit higher than average. In short, living in Buckhead costs more than most of Atlanta, primarily due to its luxury housing market.

Is Buckhead walkable?

Parts of it are. Buckhead Village (around Lenox and Phipps) has a Walk Score ~93 (very walkable), with shops and restaurants on every corner. However, if you move away from the core, sidewalks and shops thin out. Much of Buckhead feels suburban, so you’ll likely drive or take transit for errands. Compare that to Midtown (Walk Score usually in the 80s city-wide) – Midtown as a whole is more pedestrian-friendly.

Is Buckhead family-friendly?

Buckhead is a family-friendly choice if you need top schools. As noted, Morris Brandon Elementary is one of the state’s highest-performing public schools, and private schools like Westminster and Pace are highly rated. There are also plenty of parks and kid-friendly amenities (playgrounds, pool clubs). Of course, Buckhead’s high housing costs mean it’s typically pricier for families. But many parents appreciate the combination of safety, schools, and services.

Final Thoughts

As a long-time Atlanta real estate agent, I’m happy to help with up-to-date market advice or a personal tour. Contact me, Michael Ellman, for a free consultation on buying in Buckhead. I know the neighborhoods and market inside-out and can make your move smooth and informed.

Michael Ellman, Realtor
The Ellman Group
Your Local Atlanta Expert

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