Buckhead is Atlanta’s most famous address for shopping, dining and high-rise living, but it’s also a collection of leafy residential neighborhoods with big trees, MARTA stations and quick access to Midtown. If you’re thinking about buying here, here’s what to know and my step-by-step guide.
Want the big picture first? See my Buckhead neighborhood guide for the video tour, market update and local favorites.
Buckhead at a glance
- Location: Northern City of Atlanta, about six miles north of Downtown along Peachtree Road
- Neighbors: Midtown, Brookhaven and Sandy Springs
- Single-family median: $1,310,000 in ZIP 30305 (past 12 months)
- Townhome and condo median: $423,750 in ZIP 30305 (past 12 months)
- Transit: Buckhead and Lenox MARTA stations, GA-400
- Schools: Atlanta Public Schools
A little history
In 1838, Henry Irby opened a tavern and general store at the crossroads that is now West Paces Ferry and Roswell Road. A buck’s head mounted at the tavern gave the area its name. For most of the 1800s and early 1900s, Buckhead was a rural retreat and home to country estates for wealthy Atlantans. It was annexed into the City of Atlanta in 1952, and Lenox Square, opened in 1959, helped turn it into the shopping and business district it is today.
What it’s like to live in Buckhead
Buckhead lives on two levels. Along Peachtree, it’s high-rise condos, offices, Lenox Square, Phipps Plaza and the Buckhead Village District’s boutiques and restaurants. Step off the main roads and you’re in quiet, tree-lined neighborhoods like Garden Hills, Peachtree Heights and Tuxedo Park. The Atlanta History Center, the Buckhead Theatre, Chastain Park and the PATH400 trail round out everyday life, and MARTA plus GA-400 make it easy to get around.
Homes and prices
You’ll find high-rise and mid-rise condos along Peachtree, townhomes, classic bungalows and brick colonials in Garden Hills, and large estates in areas like Tuxedo Park. In ZIP 30305 over the past 12 months, 179 single-family homes sold at a median of $1,310,000 and a median of just 8 days on the market, while 260 townhomes and condos sold at a median of $423,750 and 50 days. In October there were 36 single-family homes and 257 townhomes and condos for sale.
Who Buckhead fits
Buckhead tends to fit buyers who want luxury shopping and dining nearby, condo or estate living, MARTA access and established neighborhoods close to Midtown. If you want a quieter, more affordable single-family market, you might compare nearby Brookhaven, Chamblee or Sandy Springs.
My step-by-step guide to buying in Buckhead
Step 1: Decide: condo, townhome or house
Buckhead’s condo and single-family markets behave very differently. Single-family homes moved in 8 days; condos took about 50.
Step 2: Get the right pre-approval
For condos, make sure your lender can approve the specific building. For single-family homes, be ready to move quickly.
Step 3: Pick your neighborhood
Garden Hills, Peachtree Heights, Tuxedo Park, Chastain Park and the Peachtree corridor each have different prices, lots and commutes.
Step 4: Study the HOA
For condos and townhomes, review the budget, reserves, dues, insurance, rental rules and any special assessments.
Step 5: Use your negotiating room on condos
With 257 townhomes and condos for sale in October, compare buildings and ask about price or concessions.
Step 6: Check the school zone
Buckhead is in Atlanta Public Schools. Confirm the zone for the exact address.
Step 7: Test your commute
Drive Peachtree and GA-400 at rush hour, or try MARTA from the Buckhead or Lenox stations.
Local favorites in Buckhead
- Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza
- Buckhead Village District, boutiques, restaurants and patios
- Atlanta History Center, museums, historic houses and gardens
- Buckhead Theatre, a historic venue for live shows
- Chastain Park, amphitheater, golf, trails and tennis
- PATH400, a trail along GA-400
Buckhead FAQ
How did Buckhead get its name?
From a buck’s head mounted at Henry Irby’s tavern, opened in 1838.
How much do homes cost in Buckhead?
In ZIP 30305, single-family homes sold for a median of $1,310,000 and townhomes and condos for $423,750 over the past 12 months, according to FMLS.
Is it a good time to buy a condo in Buckhead?
Condo buyers have more choice, with 257 townhomes and condos for sale in October and a median of 50 days on the market.
When did Buckhead become part of Atlanta?
Buckhead was annexed into the City of Atlanta in 1952.
Can I take MARTA in Buckhead?
Yes. The Buckhead and Lenox stations connect to Midtown, Downtown and the airport.
What schools serve Buckhead?
Atlanta Public Schools. Confirm the zone for each address.
Ready to explore Buckhead?
Whether you’re buying your first home, moving up, selling, relocating to Atlanta, or looking for an agent who welcomes LGBTQ+ clients, I’d love to help you find your place in Buckhead. Start with my Buckhead neighborhood guide, or call or text me at 404-643-2013.