From Civil Rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. to filmmaker Spike Lee, the Atlanta University Center neighborhood has been the domain of multiple American icons. They were all drawn to the area because it hosts some of the oldest and most prestigious historically Black colleges and universities in the country. Clark Atlanta University, Spelman College, Morehouse College and the Morehouse School of Medicine are all located here. “There’s a lot of history. A lot of men who would go on to become Civil Rights leaders went to school there. Martin Luther King Jr. went to Morehouse and his wife went to Spelman. You feel that energy when you are there,” says Brittany Leaphart, a Realtor with Keller Williams Realty, First Atlanta, who’s been selling homes in the area for five years. “Today’s leaders were educated there as well. Spike Lee and Samuel Jackson both went to Morehouse.”
Located just 2 miles from downtown and right next door to the Atlanta Falcon’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium, this academic enclave touts a prime location. And because nearly 70 percent of residents are renters, the area presents an investment opportunity for those looking to buy and rent their home out to students.
Atlanta University Center’s curb appeal
Homebuyers will primarily find wooden clapboard bungalows built from the 1920s to 1950s in Atlanta University Center. They typically hover around 1,500 square feet and rest on compact lots with views of the skyline. “It’s definitely going through a lot of changes. A lot of those homes are old. They’re being renovated and flipped,” Leaphart says. “It’s a great place for someone who wants to be at the forefront of those changes, rather than at the tail-end.”
The average sale price hovers around $300,000. A cozy two-bedroom could be found for around $200,000, while a more spacious four-bedroom might fetch $350,000. How long it takes a house to sell can vary wildly. “It all depends. It depends on whether it’s been rehabbed, which street it’s on, whether it’s priced right,” Leaphart says. “Houses can range anywhere from $200,000 to $400,000.”
Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive serves as a hub for shopping and dining
For eating out, don't miss the iconic Busy Bee Café on Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive Southwest. The James Beard award-winning eatery has been serving up Southern comfort foods like fried chicken, mac and cheese and collard greens since 1947. It was a frequent meeting place for Civil Rights leaders, including King, who is said to have been a fan of their ham hocks. Further down the street, J.R. Crickets is another popular spot to grab some wings or meet up with friends for happy hour on the rooftop patio.
A grocery run can be easily handled at the Walmart Supercenter a few blocks north on Martin Luther King, Junior Drive Northwest in the Vine City neighborhood.
Catch an Atlanta Falcons game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Art enthusiasts appreciate that there are two free art museums in Atlanta University Center: Spelman College Museum of Fine Art and Clark Atlanta Museum of Art. Both museums feature paintings, sculptures and photography created by African American artists. However, the Spelman College Museum of Fine Art specifically showcases the work of Black women.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium rests against the neighborhood’s eastern border, offering residents access to much more than football. The stadium regularly hosts internationally known performers, such as Taylor Swift, and in 2026 it will be the site of some of the FIFA World Cup soccer matches. “The energy in that area is vibrant because there is so much going on,” Leaphart says. “It’s not your typical college town. There are a lot of transplants. A lot of people really want an Atlanta zip code.”
Public school students slated to attend historic Booker T. Washington High School
Public school students in the neighborhood may attend M.A. Jones Elementary, Herman J. Russell West End Academy for middle school and Booker T. Washington High. Part of the Atlanta Public Schools district, all three schools score C Niche grades. Established in 1924, Booker T. Washington was Georgia’s first public high school for African American students.
Get out and play at Cleopas R. Johnson Park
At Cleopas R. Johnson Park on Atlanta Student Movement Boulevard, residents can shoot some hoops or watch their kids burn off energy on the playground. West End Park, about a mile west of the neighborhood on Oak Street, offers tennis courts and paved walking trails.
Atlanta University Center is pedestrian friendly
With its wealth of sidewalk-lined streets, Atlanta University Center is a highly walkable area. And MARTA has bus stops along multiple roads to help residents easily navigate the neighborhood and beyond.
Interstate 20, which runs from Texas to South Carolina, conveniently runs along Atlanta University Center’s southern edge, making it easy for residents to get out of town.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
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Parks in this Area
West End Park
Picnic Area
Tennis
Trails
Washington Park
Playground
Adair Park II
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Picnic Area
Howell Park
Volleyball
Playground
Kathryn Johnston Memorial Park
Picnic Area
Trails
Playground
Rosa L. Burney Park
Cleopas R. Johnson Park
Transit
Airport
Hartsfield - Jackson Atlanta International
19 min drive
Bus
Northside Dr SW & Mitchell St SW
Bus
W End Ave & Lee St
Bus
W End Ave SW & Wellborn St SW
Bus
W End Ave SW & Ashby St SW
Bus
Tatnall St & Walnut St
Bus
Atlanta Student Movement Blvd & Walnut St SW
Bus
West End Ave SW & Wellborn St SW
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
University Center
US
Homicide
7
4
Sexual Assault
5
4
Assault with Weapon
5
4
Robbery
7
4
Burglary
5
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
5
4
Larceny
5
4
Crime Score
5
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in University Center, Atlanta sell after 13 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in University Center, Atlanta over the last 12 months is $300,780, down 3% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Offered at $1,200,000 with a CAP rate just under 8%, this 14-unit property at 879 Parsons St SW boasts a potential annual gross income of $137,100. Currently over 70% occupied with many tenants currently applying, it’s a perfect 1031 exchange candidate or even for a first time investment. Built in 2010 for student housing, it includes Side A and Side B, each with 7 rooms, 6 bathrooms, and full
Back on the market at no fault to the sellers. Immaculate and rare opportunity for Rental Income in the true heart of Atlanta! $3300/monthly gross income currently. Completely updated 1586 sq ft Duplex w/4 beds & 4 baths. Left unit can rent for $1275 - $1800 and could be lived in while making income off the right unit. This unit has an oversized bedroom, 1 full bathroom with tile floors and stand
Ashley Scholars Landing Apartment Homes is changing the landscape of Atlantas historic West End and Collegetown neighborhoods. Just a nine-minute walk to Spelman College, Morehouse College, Morris Brown College and Clark Atlanta University, Ashley Scholars Landing is also a short distance to interstates I-20 and I-285.If your checklist includes good food, then Ashley Scholars Landing is for you.
Welcome to Atlanta's premier student apartment community. Entra West End is a decidedly higher level of residential living in the Historic West End right in the heart of Atlanta University Center. Sleek, modern architecture that blends seamlessly with the surrounding structures and streetscape. Beautifully designed interiors at the vanguard of style and taste. Common areas and amenities that see
Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood?
Reach out to
Funmi Williams,
an experienced agent in this area.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
4,633
Median Age
24
Population Density
14 ppl/acre
Population under 18
27.8%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
4.5%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$17,250
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$34,115
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
82.5%
College Graduates
50%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
19.2%
% Population in Labor Force
31.8%
Significantly below the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
50''
Average Winter Low Temperature
36°F
Average Summer High Temperature
90°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
53/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
67/ 100
Good Transit
Transit Score®
59/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
