There's something undeniably special about Buckhead that draws people from across Atlanta and beyond. Maybe it's the way designer boutiques sit alongside century-old oak trees, or how you can enjoy world-class dining before catching a show at the Fox Theatre. This isn't just another Atlanta neighborhood, it's the crown jewel of Southern sophistication.
Known as the "Beverly Hills of the South," Buckhead has evolved from a quiet residential area into Atlanta's premier destination for luxury living. The tree-lined streets that once hosted quiet suburban families now also buzzes with young professionals, entrepreneurs and creatives who've discovered the perfect blend of urban amenities and Southern charm.
For those who call the Buckhead neighborhood home, communities like AMLI Buckhead, AMLI 3464, AMLI Lenox, and AMLI Flatiron place them moments from the very best of the area’s shopping, dining, and entertainment.
So, what makes Buckhead one of Atlanta’s most desirable places to live?
Buckhead at a glance
What is Buckhead known for?
Buckhead is an upscale district in North Atlanta known for luxury shopping at Lenox Square, fine dining, high-rise living, walkability, and cultural landmarks like the Atlanta History Center. It blends Southern charm with urban convenience, making it one of Atlanta’s premier residential areas.
Here are five reasons this neighborhood remains the gold standard for Atlanta Living.
What makes Buckhead one of Atlanta’s best places to live?
Why is Buckhead known for luxury shopping and dining?
Step into Buckhead, and you're entering Atlanta's undisputed shopping and dining capital.
Seriously.
This neighborhood doesn't just offer retail therapy, it delivers experiences that rival New York's Fifth Avenue and Beverly Hills' Rodeo Drive!
Lenox Square anchors the area as one of the Southeast's premier shopping destinations. Here you'll find flagship stores like Louis Vuitton, Cartier and Tiffany & Co., alongside your favorite department store giants like Macy's and Nordstrom. The mall's recent renovations have created an even more luxurious atmosphere, with marble floors and soaring ceilings that make every shopping trip feel extra special.
Just across Peachtree Road, Phipps Plaza takes luxury retail to another level. This upscale shopping center houses Gucci, Versace and Jimmy Choo. The mall's elegant design and carefully curated tenant mix create an atmosphere where shopping becomes an event rather than a chore.
The dining (and diner) scene here commands national attention, too. Bones on Piedmont Road has been serving Atlanta's power brokers since 1979, while Chops Lobster Bar on West Paces Ferry Road delivers seafood that rivals anything you'll find in Georgia’s coastal cities. For something more contemporary, St. Cecilia offers Spanish cuisine in a stunning space that feels like a Barcelona dream. Local bakeries like Anis Café bring the finery of French patisserie into your morning routine, while an abundance of vegan restaurants, vegetarian cafes and gluten free options like Buttermilk Kitchen offer up all your favorite alternative-ingredient dishes.
And on top of all that, that’s not all that makes Buckhead's restaurant scene truly special. The concentration of James Beard Award winners and nominees. Atlas Restaurant transforms the St. Regis Atlanta hotel into a culinary destination, while Hal's Steakhouse continues the neighborhood's tradition of exceptional beef and impeccable service.
The Buckhead Village District also brings together retail, dining and residential living in one seamless experience. This mixed-use destination features everything from Hermès to casual dining spots to health and wellness joints and more, creating a convenient, walkable, European-style shopping district right into the heart of Atlanta.
Is Buckhead a major business and career hub?
Buckhead isn't just about shopping and dining (though that’s definitely a huge draw) — it's also Atlanta's second-largest business district, creating unparalleled opportunities for career advancement and professional networking within minutes of your front door.
The Buckhead Business District houses over 30 million square feet of office space, making it home to major corporations like Cox Enterprises, Turner Broadcasting and BellSouth, just to name a few. These companies, along with hundreds of smaller firms, create a dynamic professional ecosystem where career opportunities are all over.
The concentration of corporate headquarters, law offices and co-working spaces attracts ambitious professionals from across the region, making Buckhead one of the best neighborhoods in Atlanta for young professionals.
Modern Class A developments like Buckhead Plaza (3060 Peach Tree Road) and coworking spaces like WeWork Buckhead foster collaboration, networking, and entrepreneurship. Step into Revelator Coffee on Peachtree Road, and you’re likely to overhear conversations about market movements or investment deals.
For professionals seeking proximity to work with walkable neighborhood perks, living at one of AMLI’s Buckhead communities means trading long commutes for morning strolls.
What outdoor spaces and recreation can residents enjoy in Buckhead?
Despite its urban sophistication, Buckhead offers abundant green spaces and outdoor activities that make city living feel refreshingly balanced.
Despite its urban energy, Buckhead maintains a remarkable balance with nature. Marie Sims Park offers tennis courts, open lawns, and family greenspaces right in the heart of the neighborhood and just steps from communities like AMLI Lenox, AMLI Flatiron, AMLI Buckhead, and AMLI 3464.
The Atlanta BeltLine connects Buckhead to a 22-mile loop of parks, trails and transit, transforming old railway corridors into vibrant community spaces. The Eastside Trail portion brings you within walking distance of Piedmont Park, Atlanta's premier green space featuring 185 acres of rolling hills, meadows and recreational facilities.
Beyond Buckhead, the Atlanta BeltLine’s Eastside Trail connects residents to Piedmont Park, Midtown, and beyond. To the north, Chastain Park provides 268 acres of golf, recreation, and summer concerts under the stars.
Prefer water? The Chattahoochee River and Peachtree Creek Greenway invite kayaking, biking, and weekend escapes, all easily accessible without leaving Atlanta.
What cultural attractions make Buckhead unique?
Buckhead pulses with cultural energy that rivals any major American city, offering residents access to world-class museums, galleries and entertainment venues.
The Atlanta History Center stands as one of the Southeast's premier cultural institutions, housed on 33 acres in the heart of Buckhead. The center focuses on the local history, historic houses and gardens that tell the story of the American South. The Swan House alone draws visitors from around the world with its stunning architecture and period furnishings.
Nearby, the High Museum of Art and Fox Theatre, located in Midtown are minutes away via MARTA or Peachtree Road, extending Buckhead’s cultural reach beyond its borders.
Live music thrives at Chastain Park Amphitheatre throughout the summer, transforming into Atlanta's premier live performance and outdoor concert venue during these hot, humid months.
Is Buckhead walkable, and what defines its southern charm?
What sets Buckhead apart from other urban neighborhoods is how it maintains that old-timey Southern hospitality while simultaneously delivering big-city convenience. This balance creates a community where neighbors know each other by name, yet world-class amenities remain steps away.
The Peachtree Road corridor serves as the neighborhood's main artery, lined with wide sidewalks, mature trees and pedestrian-friendly crosswalks. The recent streetscape improvements have made walking even more pleasant, with better lighting and landscaping that reflects Buckhead's commitment to livability.
MARTA's Buckhead Station provides seamless connections to the rest of Atlanta, including direct service to Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. This transit accessibility means you can easily explore other neighborhoods while maintaining Buckhead as your home base.
Community events throughout the year bring residents together, with events like Taste of Buckhead showcasing the neighborhood's culinary diversity in a family-friendly setting! Whatever you like, there’s sure to be an event that’s just right for you at some point.
The Buckhead Heritage Society works hard to preserve Buckhead's historic character while embracing thoughtful development and modernization. This organization sponsors walking tours, historic preservation projects and community gatherings that connect longtime residents with newcomers.
Ready to live in Buckhead?
From luxury shopping to peaceful park mornings, Buckhead delivers a lifestyle defined by elegance and energy. Whether you’re drawn to its cultural pulse or business prestige, this district offers a place to thrive.
Explore our Buckhead communities:
If you’re deciding where to put down roots, you can compare all four of our Buckhead communities. Not sure if Buckhead is your perfect fit? You can also browse communities in other neighborhoods across Atlanta to get a feel for other city lifestyles.
What else do you need to know about Buckhead?
What is the difference between Buckhead and Buckhead Village?
Buckhead Village is a specific neighborhood within the larger Buckhead district. Buckhead Village is a 9-acre neighborhood that features walkable urban streets, upscale shopping and fine dining, and is generally considered one of the best places to live in the state! The greater Buckhead district contains Buckhead Village as well as other smaller neighborhoods.
Is Buckhead a good place to live in Atlanta?
Buckhead is the safe choice for anyone who wants easy access to the best shopping, dining, recreation and commuting routes in Atlanta. The Buckhead neighborhood has the best of what Atlanta has to offer, and plenty more!
How far is Buckhead from Downtown Atlanta?
Buckhead is 16-20 minutes from Downtown Atlanta. During rush hour traffic, Buckhead can be 28-45 minutes from Downtown Atlanta.
What is Buckhead best known for?
Buckhead, GA is known for luxury living, including top-tier shopping, dining and residential areas. Buckhead is also known for its art and culture destinations, including the Atlanta History Center, the Buckhead Theatre, Atlanta's largest park and the Governor's Mansion. Many celebrities, entrepreneurs and executives live in Buckhead.
Is Buckhead considered an upscale area?
Buckhead is often called the "Beverly Hills of the South" because of its wealth of fine dining, high-end shopping and luxury residences. It's also home to some of Atlanta's best restaurants and a thriving nightclub scene!
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Featured photo by Kaleb East on Unsplash
Other photos courtesy AMLI Residential
The AMLI Editorial Team consists of a team of writers and editors who work together on blog articles, and may occasionally employ AI tools to assist in developing content.
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