Living in Virginia-Highland

Virginia-Highland is a classic intown neighborhood with leafy streets, front porches, and a lively village core. Cafés, bakeries, and locally loved restaurants line North Highland Avenue, with pocket parks tucked between old-growth trees.

You are close to Midtown and the BeltLine Eastside Trail. Daily routines orbit the Virginia-Highland triangle, John Howell Park, and nearby Piedmont Park for fresh air and open lawns.

At-a-Glance

• Boundaries: Amsterdam Avenue NE to the north, Ponce de Leon Avenue NE to the south, Briarcliff Road NE to the east, and Monroe Drive NE and Piedmont Park to the west.
• Character: Craftsman bungalows, charming duplexes, and small apartment buildings around a walkable retail village.
• Outdoors: John Howell Park, Orme Park, Piedmont Park.
• Everyday stops: Alon's Bakery & Market, Murphy's, La Tavola.
• Commute patterns: Ponce de Leon Avenue, Monroe Drive, North Highland Avenue, Briarcliff Road; MARTA connections via nearby bus routes and rail at Midtown or North Avenue.
• ZIP codes: 30306, 30324.

Where It Is

Virginia-Highland sits on Atlanta's east side inside the Perimeter, oriented by North Highland Avenue and Ponce de Leon Avenue. It is adjacent to Morningside-Lenox Park, Poncey-Highland, Midtown, and Druid Hills, with quick links to Piedmont Park and the BeltLine Eastside Trail.

Lifestyle & Weekend Rhythm

Start with coffee and a croissant at Alon's, run midday errands along North Highland and the village blocks, spend late afternoon at John Howell Park or Orme Park, sit down to dinner at Murphy's or La Tavola, then take an evening stroll toward Piedmont Park or along the quiet residential streets.

Parks, Trails, and Outdoors

• John Howell Park: Suits families and casual walkers with shaded paths, open lawns, and neighborhood events.
• Orme Park: A creek-side green for picnics and playground time under tall trees.
• Piedmont Park: A regional anchor with trails, fields, and city views next to the neighborhood.
• BeltLine Eastside Trail: A paved path for car-light trips linking Virginia-Highland to Inman Park and Midtown.
• Morningside Nature Preserve: A nearby forested loop and sandy river spot for dog owners and hikers.

Dining, Cafés, and Nightlife

• Alon's Bakery & Market - European-style bakery and prepared foods, best for coffee runs and picnic supplies.
• Murphy's - neighborhood bistro, best for brunch and relaxed dinners.
• La Tavola - Italian kitchen, best for date nights and pasta cravings.
• Highland Tap - steakhouse in a cozy basement setting, best for classic cocktails and steaks.
• Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar - long-running pub, best for casual meetups.
• Surin of Thailand - Thai standards, best for group dinners.
• Moe's & Joe's - old-school tavern, best for burgers and a laid-back vibe.
• Press & Grind - coffee and smoothies, best for a healthy snack stop.
• DBA Barbecue - smoked meats and sides, best for family-style plates.

Arts, Culture, and Community

Virginia-Highland's calendar revolves around village streets, porch concerts, and nearby cultural stops. Piedmont Park hosts festivals and arts events, while small galleries and studios pop up along North Highland and Amsterdam. For permits and official park programs, use the Department of Parks and Recreation.

Family, Pets, and Play

Expect tot lots and open lawns at John Howell Park and Orme Park, plus story times and activities through the local library system. Check dates and rules with the Department of Parks and Recreation and the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System. Dogs are welcome on leashes; follow posted signs and pack out waste.

Getting Around

Primary corridors are Ponce de Leon Avenue, Monroe Drive, North Highland Avenue, Briarcliff Road, and Virginia Avenue. MARTA rail sits just outside the neighborhood at Midtown and North Avenue, with bus routes along Ponce and Monroe linking to stations. The BeltLine Eastside Trail supports biking for close trips. Parking is a mix of signed street spaces and small lots around village blocks.

Local Services and Utilities

• City services and permitting: City of Atlanta Department of City Planning.
• Water and sewer: Department of Watershed Management.
• Trash and recycling: Office of Solid Waste Services.
• Power: Georgia Power.
• Library: Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System — Joan P. Garner Library at Ponce de Leon.
• Post Office: United States Postal Service - North Highland Post Office, 1190 N Highland Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306.

Always confirm service areas and account setup on official sites.

Nearby Communities

Morningside-Lenox Park: Leafy streets and creek-side trails north of the village.
Poncey-Highland: Bungalows and eateries next to Freedom Park.
Midtown Atlanta: High-rises, arts venues, and Piedmont Park.
Inman Park: Grand homes and dining along the BeltLine.
Druid Hills: Historic streets and Olmsted-designed greenways.
Ansley Park: Garden-lined avenues and classic homes by the park.
Old Fourth Ward: Loft living and the Eastside Trail just south.

FAQs

Is Virginia-Highland walkable?
Yes in the core. Blocks around North Highland Avenue and the village are the most walkable, while stretches near Monroe Drive and Briarcliff Road feel more car-oriented.

What home types are common in Virginia-Highland?
Craftsman bungalows, brick Tudors, duplexes, small apartment buildings, and townhomes near the village.

Where do people gather on weekends?
North Highland's cafés and patios, John Howell Park, Orme Park, and the paths near Piedmont Park.

Are there dog-friendly spaces?
Leashed dogs are common in parks and on neighborhood sidewalks. Follow posted rules and use waste stations where provided.

How do I verify school zones for a Virginia-Highland address?
Use Atlanta Public Schools' official tools, including the School Zones and Boundary Maps or the APS School Zone Locator.

How does Virginia-Highland connect to the rest of Atlanta?
Ponce de Leon Avenue, Monroe Drive, and Briarcliff Road are the main corridors, with MARTA bus links to Midtown and North Avenue rail stations.

Is transit available nearby?
Yes. Bus routes run along Ponce de Leon and Monroe with transfers to rail. Plan trips with MARTA.

What are parking norms?
Expect signed street parking and small private lots around village blocks, plus residential street parking on side streets.

Where can I confirm park programs and facility rentals?
See the Department of Parks and Recreation for permits, programs, and reservations.

About the Author

Produced by The Agency Atlanta. This guide shares a lifestyle-first look at Virginia-Highland and nearby intown neighborhoods.
Last updated: 2025-10-28.

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