Summerhill, Atlanta: Neighborhood Guide
Just south of downtown, Summerhill is one of Atlanta's oldest neighborhoods and one of its most dramatic comeback stories. Today it's known for a lively stretch of Georgia Avenue, easy access to Grant Park and the BeltLine, and a growing mix of new and historic homes.
A short history
Summerhill was founded in 1865, right after the Civil War, and its first residents were freed slaves and Jewish immigrants. By the early 1900s it was one of the city's most important communities. It was home to some of Atlanta's earliest Black churches and schools, and by 1911 two-thirds of Atlanta's Jewish residents lived here. Classes for what became Clark College were first held in a Summerhill church.
The 20th century was harder on the neighborhood. In the 1960s, much of the area was cleared for Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium and its parking lots, and Summerhill spent decades surrounded by asphalt. For the 1996 Olympics, a new stadium was built here. It hosted the opening and closing ceremonies, then became Turner Field, home of the Atlanta Braves through the 2016 season.
When the Braves moved, Georgia State University bought Turner Field and the surrounding lots in 2017. The ballpark became Georgia State's football stadium, now Center Parc Stadium, and the old parking lots have been steadily redeveloped into homes, shops and restaurants, bringing Summerhill back to life as a true neighborhood.
Why people love living here
A real main street. Georgia Avenue packs restaurants, a brewery, coffee and ice cream into a few walkable blocks.
Close to everything. Downtown is minutes away, and Grant Park, Zoo Atlanta and the BeltLine’s Southside Trail are right next door.
New transit. MARTA’s Rapid A-Line, Atlanta’s first bus rapid transit line, runs through Summerhill, connecting downtown to the BeltLine.
A mix of old and new. Historic cottages and bungalows sit alongside new townhomes and modern single-family homes.
Game-day energy. Georgia State football at Center Parc Stadium brings a fun buzz on fall Saturdays.
History you can feel. It’s one of the few intown neighborhoods with roots going back to the 1860s.
Notable spots
Food and drink
Talat Market: Thai-inspired cooking with a menu that changes often, a favorite for date night.
Southern National: Southern comfort food on Georgia Avenue.
Little Bear: Creative, seasonal small plates from a chef-driven kitchen.
Wood’s Chapel BBQ: Barbecue with a big patio and full bar.
Halfway Crooks: A neighborhood brewery with a rooftop and a shady beer garden.
JD’s Summerhill Variety Deli: A corner store known for Caribbean takeout like beef patties.
The Little Tart Bakeshop: Coffee, fruit tarts and quiche.
Big Softie: Generous soft-serve with rotating flavors, including vegan options.
Parks and outdoors
Grant Park and Zoo Atlanta: Atlanta’s oldest city park, a short walk east.
The BeltLine Southside Trail: Walking and biking connections to Grant Park, Ormewood Park and beyond.
Neighborhood parks: Smaller green spaces like Phoenix Park II and Stanton Park, with playgrounds and courts.
Landmarks
Center Parc Stadium: The former Olympic Stadium and Turner Field, now home to Georgia State football.
Georgia State Convocation Center: Basketball games and concerts.
Historic Oakland Cemetery: One of Atlanta’s oldest landmarks, just a short drive north.
Neighboring areas
Summerhill borders Grant Park, Peoplestown and Mechanicsville, with downtown Atlanta just to the north.
Thinking about Summerhill?
King Moore Group at Keller Williams Realty Intown Atlanta helps first-time buyers, move-up buyers and sellers in Summerhill and across intown Atlanta. Call 678-641-7925 or send us a message.