Grant Park, Atlanta: Neighborhood Guide

Written By Sarah Moore

Grant Park is one of Atlanta's most beloved intown neighborhoods, built around the city's oldest park. Tree-lined streets of restored Victorian homes and Craftsman bungalows sit just southeast of downtown, with Zoo Atlanta, a Sunday farmers market and the BeltLine all close by.

A short history

The neighborhood takes its name from Lemuel P. Grant, an engineer and businessman who gave the city 100 acres in 1883 to create a public park. The city added more land a few years later and hired the Olmsted Brothers, the firm behind some of America's most famous parks, to design it in 1903. Today the park covers 131 acres.

Zoo Atlanta got its start here in 1889, when a lumber merchant donated animals from a failed circus. The Battle of Atlanta cyclorama painting was displayed in the park for nearly a century before moving to the Atlanta History Center.

The homes around the park were mostly built between the 1880s and early 1900s. Like many intown neighborhoods, Grant Park went through decades of decline, but residents fought to preserve it. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979, and today it has one of Atlanta's largest collections of Victorian architecture.

Why people love living here

  • The park itself. 131 acres of trails, playgrounds, ball fields and a pool, right in the neighborhood.

  • Historic homes. Grand Victorians facing the park, Queen Anne houses on nearby streets, and Craftsman bungalows to the east.

  • A true community feel. A popular Sunday farmers market, a strong neighborhood association and an active park conservancy.

  • Location. Minutes from downtown, with easy access to the BeltLine, Summerhill and Cabbagetown.

  • Something for every age. The zoo for kids, rooftop bars and restaurants on Memorial Drive for grown-ups.

Notable spots

Food and drink

  • Ria's Bluebird: A cozy brunch spot famous for its pancakes.

  • Estrellita: A small, much-loved Filipino restaurant.

  • Six Feet Under: Seafood and a rooftop raw bar across from Oakland Cemetery.

  • Republic Social House: A sunny rooftop bar known for weekend brunch.

  • Firepit Pizza Tavern: Pizza, sandwiches and a laid-back happy hour.

  • Ziba's Bistro and Wine Bar: Small plates and wine on Boulevard.

  • Perc Coffee and Howdy ATL: Neighborhood coffee and breakfast.

Parks and outdoors

  • Grant Park: Atlanta's oldest city park, with trails, a pool and playgrounds.

  • Zoo Atlanta: One of the city's top family attractions.

  • Grant Park Farmers Market: A Sunday tradition since 2011.

  • The BeltLine Southside Trail: Walking and biking connections nearby.

Landmarks

  • Historic Oakland Cemetery: Founded in 1850, Atlanta's oldest public burial ground and a beautiful place to walk.

  • Lemuel P. Grant Mansion: The 1858 home of the park's founder.

  • St. Paul United Methodist Church: Known for its stained glass.

Neighboring areas

Grant Park borders Summerhill, Cabbagetown, Ormewood Park, Chosewood Park and Peoplestown, with downtown Atlanta just to the northwest.

Thinking about Grant Park?

King Moore Group at Keller Williams Realty Intown Atlanta helps first-time buyers, move-up buyers and sellers in Grant Park and across intown Atlanta. Call 678-641-7925 or send us a message.

Sarah Moore
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