Atlanta is a major city in the state of Georgia and a popular travel destination in the United States. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and diversity, Atlanta attracts millions of visitors each year. Many tourists visiting Atlanta choose to stay in Airbnbs as an alternative to hotels. Airbnb rentals allow travelers to experience living like a local by staying in a private home, apartment, or condo directly from the owner. With over 2000 Airbnb listings available across Atlanta’s various neighborhoods, visitors have many options to choose from. But where exactly are Airbnbs most popular for renters in Atlanta? Let’s take a closer look at the data to find out.
Most Popular Neighborhoods for Airbnb Rentals in Atlanta
According to Airbnb data, the top 5 neighborhoods for Airbnb rentals in Atlanta are:
- Midtown
- Downtown
- Old Fourth Ward
- Virginia Highland
- Buckhead
These central neighborhoods are where the majority of Airbnb listings and bookings happen in the city. Their proximity to major attractions, entertainment, dining, and transportation make them highly desirable areas to stay for visitors. Let’s explore each neighborhood in more detail.
Midtown
Midtown is the most popular neighborhood for Airbnb rentals in Atlanta, accounting for over 20% of the city’s Airbnb listings. Located directly north of downtown, Midtown is a vibrant district known for its walkability, restaurants, bars, shops, arts scene, and large LGBTQ+ community. Midtown offers quick access to attractions like Piedmont Park, the Fox Theatre, the High Museum of Art, and the Atlanta Botanical Garden. With its central location and abundance of amenities, it’s easy to see why Midtown is a favorite pick for Airbnb renters visiting Atlanta.
Downtown
Downtown Atlanta comes in second for the most Airbnb rentals in the city. Downtown is home to major attractions like the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, CNN Center, Centennial Olympic Park, and the Civil Rights Museum. Business travelers are drawn to downtown’s proximity to the Georgia World Congress Center and Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Downtown’s central location near public transportation like MARTA and the Atlanta Streetcar make navigating the city a breeze. Visitors appreciate the walkability and abundance of dining and entertainment options. With landmarks and amenities galore, downtown Atlanta offers an ideal base for exploring the city.
Old Fourth Ward
Bordering downtown to the east, Old Fourth Ward is the third most popular area for Airbnbs in Atlanta. Old Fourth Ward boasts colorful street art, historic homes, and trendy restaurants and shops. Main attractions include the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, containing MLK’s birth home and Ebenezer Baptist Church. Ponce City Market is a vibrant hub with dining, shopping, and entertainment. The Atlanta BeltLine’s Eastside Trail runs through Old Fourth Ward, offering walking and biking opportunities. The neighborhood’s proximity to downtown and amenities make it a hot spot for Airbnb rentals.
Virginia Highland
North of Midtown, Virginia Highland ranks fourth for Airbnb rentals in Atlanta. Virginia Highland charms visitors with its quiet, tree-lined streets and craftsman bungalows. The neighborhood boasts indie shops, cafes, and acclaimed restaurants. Nearby Poncey-Highland and the BeltLine’s Northside Trail offer more amenities. Virginia Highland’s residential vibe provides a relaxing retreat while still being close to Atlanta’s attractions. The neighborhood is also very walkable and pedestrian-friendly.
Buckhead
Finally, the upscale district of Buckhead in north Atlanta rounds out the top five neighborhoods for Airbnbs. Buckhead is Atlanta’s premier shopping and dining destination, home to luxury malls like Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza. Trendy nightlife and top-notch hotels cater to an affluent crowd. While more secluded from downtown, Buckhead offers upscale accommodations and amenities perfect for travelers seeking indulgence and relaxation.
Factors Driving Airbnb Demand in Atlanta Neighborhoods
So why exactly are the neighborhoods of Midtown, Downtown, Old Fourth Ward, Virginia Highland, and Buckhead the hottest areas for Airbnb rentals in Atlanta? There are a few key factors at play:
- Walkability – All of these neighborhoods have high Walk Scores, meaning daily errands don’t require a car. Visitors can easily walk to attractions, restaurants, and shops.
- Proximity to attractions – These central neighborhoods surround Atlanta’s most popular attractions, landmarks, and event venues.
- Access to transit – MARTA rail, Atlanta Streetcar, and Atlanta BeltLine provide connectivity in these areas.
- Dining and nightlife – There’s no shortage of coveted restaurants, bars, cafes, and shops.
- Range of accommodations – Options range from modest to upscale to suit different budgets and styles.
When visiting a new city, location is everything. Travelers want to stay where the action is and easily experience what the city has to offer. For these reasons, the most centrally located and amenity-rich neighborhoods of Atlanta attract the most Airbnb renters.
Airbnb Rental Analysis by Neighborhood
To visualize the Airbnb rental data for Atlanta’s top neighborhoods, here is a breakdown of key metrics in a table:
| Neighborhood | Total Airbnb Listings | Average Price Per Night | Airbnb Listings Per 1000 Residents |
|---|---|---|---|
| Midtown | 488 | $129 | 18.7 |
| Downtown | 372 | $123 | 14.3 |
| Old Fourth Ward | 298 | $102 | 22.6 |
| Virginia Highland | 184 | $120 | 20.1 |
| Buckhead | 178 | $164 | 5.7 |
A few interesting observations from the data:
- Midtown has the most total Airbnb listings in Atlanta at 488.
- Buckhead has the highest average price per night at $164 despite having fewer total listings.
- Old Fourth Ward has the most Airbnb listings relative to its resident population, with 22.6 listings per 1000 residents.
This table demonstrates where supply is highest, where visitors pay premium prices, and which neighborhoods cater most heavily to tourists versus residents. It provides a helpful snapshot of Airbnb rental patterns across Atlanta’s top neighborhoods.
Types of Airbnbs Rented in Atlanta
In addition to location, the type of Airbnb rental booked also varies across Atlanta. Here’s an overview of the top types of Airbnbs rented in the city:
- Entire apartments – Great for privacy and amenities. Entire 1 or 2 bedroom apartments represent over 40% of Atlanta Airbnb rentals.
- Private rooms – Budget-friendly way to stay with a local. Around 25% of Atlanta Airbnb listings are private rooms.
- Entire houses – Ideal for families and groups. Entire 2+ bedroom houses make up 20% of listings.
- Luxury/unique stays – Treehouses, boats, yurts, and more. Quirky stays represent about 15% of Atlanta listings.
Airbnb offers more lodging diversity than hotels. Visitors can tailor their accommodations to their needs, whether that’s an affordable private room, a spacious house for a big group, or a one-of-a-kind stay.
Airbnb Versus Hotels in Atlanta
In Atlanta, Airbnbs also represent an affordable alternative to hotels. Here’s a price comparison of Airbnb versus hotel options for neighborhoods across Atlanta:
| Neighborhood | Average Airbnb Price Per Night | Average Hotel Price Per Night |
|---|---|---|
| Midtown | $129 | $167 |
| Downtown | $123 | $150 |
| Old Fourth Ward | $102 | $132 |
| Virginia Highland | $120 | $140 |
| Buckhead | $164 | $209 |
Across the board, Airbnb rates are 20-30% cheaper per night compared to hotels in the same neighborhood. Budget-conscious travelers can save significantly by choosing Airbnb over hotel accommodations. Airbnb provides more affordable lodging without sacrificing location.
Legality of Airbnb Rentals in Atlanta
While Airbnb is widely used in Atlanta, it does exist in a legal gray area. Here are some key regulations to be aware of:
- In Atlanta, it is illegal to rent out entire homes for less than 30 days without a permit. Entire home Airbnb rentals under 30 days are not legal.
- Private rooms and single apartments can legally be rented out for any duration.
- Airbnb hosts must collect and remit hotel occupancy taxes for bookings.
- Neighboring cities like Decatur and Athens have banned Airbnb rentals of less than 30 days.
Many hosts operate in violation of short-term rental bans, although enforcement is currently limited. Guests should be aware of potential legal risks when booking entire home listings. But renting out a spare room or in-law suite on Airbnb remains aboveboard in Atlanta.
Impact of Airbnb on Atlanta’s Housing Market
The rise of Airbnb has also impacted Atlanta’s housing market:
- Airbnb listing growth may exacerbate Atlanta’s affordable housing shortage as homes become de facto hotels.
- Airbnb drives up rents and housing prices as investors buy properties specifically to list them on Airbnb.
- Neighborhood character changes as landlord-owned Airbnbs overtake long-term residents.
- But Airbnb does enable homeowners to earn supplemental income to afford rising housing costs.
Many cities now fine Airbnb hosts who improperly convert residences into illegal short-term rentals. Regulations seek to balance housing availability with economic opportunity through home sharing.
Conclusion
Airbnb home rentals provide visitors unique lodging options in Atlanta’s vibrant central neighborhoods. Midtown, Downtown, Old Fourth Ward, Virginia Highland, and Buckhead make up the nexus of Airbnb demand due to their location, attractions, and amenities. Entire apartments currently lead Airbnb listings, although a range of rental types can accommodate different needs. While convenient and affordable, the legal status of many Atlanta Airbnb listings remains questionable. As the practice continues gaining popularity, Airbnb will shape Atlanta’s housing landscape and tourist accommodations for the foreseeable future.