With its warm weather, rich history, and Southern charm, Georgia is a retirement hotspot. And for retirees looking for a thriving metro area with an affordable cost of living, Atlanta beckons. But this big city has hundreds of neighborhoods with distinct personalities. If you’re searching for the best neighborhoods in Atlanta, Buckhead will be high on your list.
Get a taste of life in Buckhead to help you narrow down your search for the ideal retirement spot in the Atlanta area.
Housing Options in Buckhead
The history of Buckhead dates back to the 1830s, and you can still see the neighborhood’s historical roots in its architecture. Southern mansions are a part of Buckhead’s fabric. The neighborhood is home to Swan House, a classical mansion that now holds a place on the National Register of Historic Places.
While you can’t move into this architectural gem, its stately charm is characteristic of Buckhead’s luxury living. You will find a mix of historic homes in a variety of styles: bungalows, Craftsman homes, and Victorian styles all make an appearance. Buckhead also has more contemporary single-family homes and condos.
Median Home Prices in Buckhead
Buckhead is a popular Atlanta neighborhood for homebuyers. Owner-occupied units account for a little over half of the neighborhood’s housing market, according to the Buckhead Coalition. As of December 2024, the median listing price in the neighborhood is $702,579, an increase of 15.3% compared to last year, according to Rocket Homes.
While buying is an option and a priority for some people planning their retirement years, others prefer the flexibility of renting. Buckhead has an active rental market, and the median rent for a two-bedroom apartment in this popular neighborhood is $3,424, according to RentHop.
While median prices can give you an idea of what to expect in the housing market, there is flexibility for many different budgets in Buckhead. For example, rent at the Overture Buckhead South, a 55+ community, starts in the $1,600s.
Lifestyle and Amenities
Atlanta earns its nickname as “The Capital of the South.” You will never be bored in this Southern city. Active adults can always find something to do in Atlanta. If you settle down in Buckhead, you won’t have to walk far for a taste of what the city has to offer.
Buckhead is one of Atlanta’s trendy shopping districts. The neighborhood is home to two major malls that feature upscale name brands. You can also dive into a more local shopping scene in Buckhead’s boutiques and antique stores. Shopping, of course, goes hand-in-hand with dining, and Buckhead’s culinary scene does not disappoint. Whether you want an inventive tasting menu or Southern comfort food, you will find an eatery to satisfy your palate.
Buckhead also offers you ways to learn about the history of its city and state. Atlanta History Center (home of the Swan House) is home to a museum and research center. You can also enrich your days with visits to the Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia as well as the neighborhood’s local art galleries.
While Buckhead is certainly popular for its homes, shopping, dining, and cultural touchstones, it’s also a neighborhood that embraces greenspace. Residents of Buckhead enjoy access to Chastain Park, the third-largest park in Atlanta. In addition to plenty of walking trails, the park has a pool, an amphitheater, tennis courts, an 18-hole golf course, and a horse park.
While not located in the Buckhead neighborhood, a short trip to the Druid Hills neighborhood will bring you to Emory University. The university offers lifelong learning programs for seniors.
Cost of Living
The overall cost of living in Atlanta is 3% lower than the national average, according to PayScale. The median home price in Atlanta is $464,167, which is lower than the average sale price in Buckhead.
While real estate may be on the pricier side in this neighborhood, Georgia residents enjoy life in a tax-friendly state. The state’s income tax rate is 5.49%, and the average combined state and local sales tax is 7.38%, according to the Tax Foundation. Active adults may find the state’s lack of estate tax and inheritance tax advantageous. Plus, Georgia doesn’t tax Social Security. Any withdrawals from retirement accounts are only subject to a partial tax.
While the cost of living in Atlanta is lower in many categories, you may find that food and health care costs are above the national average. Groceries are 1% higher than the national average, while health care costs are 7% above the national average, according to PayScale data.
Pros and Cons of Living in Buckhead
Buckhead is a prime retirement spot for many reasons. Thanks to Georgia’s warm weather, you can step out and enjoy the neighborhood and its beautiful parks any time of year. If you want to eat out, you’ll quickly find a favorite neighborhood spot. If you want to shop, you’ll never run out of big name stores and local shops to explore. The neighborhood is also steeped in history. Olders adults will appreciate the walkability of Buckhead, and its multiple options for ways to stay active.
In many ways, Buckhead is the ideal retirement destination. But like any area, you need to weigh the pros and cons. Overall, the housing market in Buckhead is more expensive than in Atlanta as a whole. You will also need to consider the slightly more expensive health care costs that come with living in the city.
Given its popularity, Buckhead is known for its traffic. If you plan to drive, that can be a significant drawback. Active adults who like the buzz of a busy urban center will appreciate the neighborhood’s nightlife. But if you are looking for a quieter place to call home in retirement, you might find the lively evenings to be a downside of living in this Atlanta neighborhood.
Pros of Retiring in Buckhead
- Year-round warm weather
- Plenty of dining options
- Big-name stores and local shops
- Rich history
- Walkability
- Multiple ways to stay physically active
- Vibrant nightlife
Cons of Retiring in Buckhead
- High housing costs
- Higher health care expenses
- Traffic congestion
- Lively evenings
55+ Communities
Overture Buckhead South
$1,600s – $3,700s
Overture Buckhead South combines the convenience of a maintenance-free apartment home lifestyle with the luxury of world-class amenities. Residents can forget about yard work and instead enjoy the 12,000 square feet of amenity space, which includes a fitness center, yoga studio, game room, library, nail and hair salon, and the Nosh Bistro Cafe. Outside, residents enjoy a resort-style pool and scenic walking trails around the community.
The apartment homes at Overture Buckhead South range from 691 to 1,797 square feet. When residents are not exploring Downtown Atlanta, they can enjoy the numerous lifestyle activities offered within the community. Active adults can get together for fitness classes, book club, game nights, cooking classes, movie nights, potlucks, and yappy hours.
Overture Powers Ferry
Prices Starting At $1,500
Located just seven miles north of the Buckhead area, Overture Powers Ferry is a new 55+ community that keeps Buckhead and Atlanta within reach. Builder Greystar began construction in 2021 with plans to build 162 homes across 18 floor plans that range from 555 to 1,405 square feet. Features in many of the apartment homes include open-concept floor plans, flex spaces, and balconies.
Overture Powers Ferry borders an expansive natural area that surrounds the Chattahoochee River, allowing residents to access miles of trails within walking distance. An abundance of resort-style amenities can also be found within the community, including a great room, a lounge, a fitness center, a coffee bar and bistro, a theater room, and a game room. An outdoor pool with a relaxing patio awaits residents looking to cool off on hot Georgia days.
On top of all the amenities, a convenient location, and a maintenance-free lifestyle, residents enjoy numerous activities together like day trips, happy hours, game nights, and wellness seminars.
55places Will Help You Find Your Dream Home
If you are planning to move to Atlanta, take some time to explore the city. Explore Buckhead and more of the best neighborhoods in Atlanta to help you decide if you are ready to take a bite out of the Big Peach. Contact us today to explore the best 55+ communities in Atlanta.
