East Lake is an east Atlanta neighborhood built around the historic East Lake Golf Club, home of the TOUR Championship. It mixes Craftsman bungalows and newer homes with a MARTA station and easy access to Kirkwood and Decatur. 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 East Lake neighborhood guide for the video tour, market update and local favorites.
East Lake at a glance
- Location: East Atlanta, between Kirkwood and Decatur, about 6 miles from Downtown
- ZIP code: 30317
- Median sale price: $643,500, ZIP 30317, past 12 months (FMLS)
- Days on market: 15 (median)
- Known for: East Lake Golf Club, the TOUR Championship and the Villages of East Lake
A little history
East Lake grew up in the early 1900s as a resort and golf destination east of the city. East Lake Golf Club is where Bobby Jones began and ended his career. In 1971 the club’s second course became East Lake Meadows, a public housing complex. In the 1990s the East Lake Foundation, working with residents and partners, redeveloped the area: the mixed-income Villages of East Lake opened its first phase in 1998, and Drew Charter School became Atlanta’s first charter school after approval in 2000. The TOUR Championship first came to East Lake in 1998, and the PGA TOUR made it the event’s permanent home in 2007.
What it’s like to live in East Lake
Life in East Lake mixes green space and intown convenience. East Lake Park has lakes and walking paths, the public Charlie Yates Golf Course is nearby, and the golf club brings the TOUR Championship to the neighborhood each year. Kirkwood’s restaurants and shops along Hosea L. Williams Drive are next door, and downtown Decatur is a short drive east. The East Lake MARTA station on the Blue Line makes it easy to ride downtown.
Homes and prices
You’ll find Craftsman bungalows and cottages, renovated older homes, newer construction and townhomes, plus mixed-income housing at the Villages of East Lake. In ZIP 30317, 246 homes sold over the past 12 months (Nov 2025–Oct 2026) at a median of $643,500, with a median of 15 days on the market and homes selling at about 99.6% of list price. There were 100 homes for sale in October. ZIP 30317 also includes Kirkwood, so prices vary by street and home type.
Who East Lake fits
East Lake fits buyers who want intown living with rail transit, golf and parks nearby, and quick access to Kirkwood and Decatur. It works for first-time buyers looking at cottages and townhomes and for move-up buyers who want newer construction close in.
My step-by-step guide to buying in East Lake
Step 1: Get pre-approved
With a median of 15 days on market, have your pre-approval ready before you tour.
Step 2: Know the boundaries
The East Lake area sits where the City of Atlanta, Decatur and unincorporated DeKalb meet; confirm taxes, services and school assignment for each address.
Step 3: Compare home types
Look at bungalows, renovated homes and newer builds so you know the trade-offs.
Step 4: Check permits on renovations
Ask for permits and system ages on flipped or updated homes.
Step 5: Tour and compare
See several homes; I’ll pull recent sales street by street.
Step 6: Make a strong offer
In a fast market, price and clean terms matter. I’ll help you set both.
Step 7: Inspect and close
Get a full inspection and a sewer scope on older homes, then get ready for closing.
Local favorites in East Lake
- East Lake Golf Club, home of the TOUR Championship
- Charlie Yates Golf Course, public golf nearby
- East Lake Park, lakes and walking paths
- Hosea L. Williams Drive, Kirkwood’s restaurants next door
- Downtown Decatur, dining and events
- East Lake MARTA station, easy rail access
East Lake FAQ
Is East Lake a good place to buy a home?
Many buyers like East Lake for its golf history, mix of homes, MARTA station and closeness to Kirkwood and Decatur.
What is the median home price in East Lake?
The median sale price in ZIP 30317 was $643,500 over the past 12 months (Nov 2025–Oct 2026), according to FMLS InfoSparks.
Is East Lake in Atlanta or DeKalb County?
The East Lake neighborhood is in the City of Atlanta, in DeKalb County. Some nearby addresses are in Decatur or unincorporated DeKalb, so check each one.
Is there MARTA in East Lake?
Yes, East Lake station on the Blue Line.
What is East Lake known for?
East Lake Golf Club and the TOUR Championship, the Villages of East Lake and Drew Charter School.
Ready to explore East Lake?
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 East Lake. Start with my East Lake neighborhood guide, or call or text me at 404-643-2013.