Top 10 Areas To Avoid In Atlanta (2023)

Atlanta is not exactly a crime riddled city; as a matter of fact it not among the most dangerous places in the United States. Nevertheless, just like in any city in the world, there are some places that can be listed among the most dangerous neighborhoods in Atlanta, due to the relatively higher rates of crime recorded in those places.

Some of the crimes recorded in those places include prostitution, drug use, and possession of weapons. Other types of crime in the city include theft, scams, and pick pocketing.

Visitors to Atlanta are not in any overwhelming risk as long as long as they maintain commonsense protocols, and move about mostly during the day. With or without a guide, the visit can be a lot happier when knows beforehand the areas not to step foot.

Areas To Avoid In Atlanta 2023

1. Mechanicsville

Mechanicsville is located south of downtown Atlanta; the neighborhood is somewhat towards the west of the city. Mechanicsville is actually one of the oldest neighborhoods in Atlanta; many mechanics who worked on the rail line lived here back in the early 19^th century.

The neighborhood had a multi ethnic community, as well as several prominent families. There are still some impressive buildings of antiquity standing in the neighborhood.

Mechanicsville is easily the most dangerous neighborhood in Atlanta; it has a population of 5,886 and a violent crime rate of 2,517 per 100,000 people. Due to the significant gang related activity; gun violence is quite common in the area. Thefts, burglaries, and auto theft are also quite common.

2. English Avenue And Vine City

English Avenue and Vine City are two adjacent neighborhoods that are closely linked, and located in the west of the city of Atlanta. The population is 4,486, and the demographics are quite diverse. There are all kinds of houses in the neighborhood; and there are also businesses as well as churches. There are ongoing efforts to improve this area, and make it more attractive to investors.

English Avenue and Vine City are some of the roughest parts of Atlanta; with a population of 4,486, violent crimes occur at a rate of 2,126 per 100,000 people. Property crimes also occur at a rate of 15,013 per 100,000 people.

3. Adair Park

Adair Park is a residential neighborhood located southwest of downtown Atlanta. It has a real park by the same name, and has several historic buildings reminding all about the town’s history. Being a residential area; there are mostly bungalows, modest but artfully designed houses, plenty of green areas.

Adair Park is one of the neighborhoods to avoid in Atlanta; with a population of 1,479, there is still a violent crime rate of 2,024 per 100,000. Property Crimes also occur quite frequently.

Nevertheless, there is a strong community spirit in the neighborhood, and community events are held every year.

4. Oakland City

Oakland City is a neighborhood located in the Southwest area of Atlanta. This is considered one of the toughest neighborhoods in Atlanta, despite being a small community of only around 6,350. The problem seems to be that there are very few economic opportunities for the young people in the area.

Young people, disillusioned by the lack of job opportunities then turn to crime. Even when jobs are available the pay is ridiculously low; the average income is $22,857.

Oakland City therefore sees a lot of crime; violent crime occurs at a rate of 1,246 per 100,000. The city’s situation is further worsened by the fact that it borders other trouble spots such as West and Adair Park.

5. Lakewood Heights

Lakewood Heights is another neighborhood in Atlanta that is not suitable to the fainthearted. It is located in the southeast of Atlanta, and has great potential as both a residential and industrial area. This is a primarily black neighborhood; and it has suffered from a number of problems for a long time.

Lakewood Heights has a population of 2,750, but has a violent crime rate of 994 per 100,000 people, making it one of the Atlanta neighborhoods to be wary of. Residents seem to have become quite used to the sounds of gunshots.

Lakewood is home to many of Atlanta’s television and film production studios. As mentioned there is a lot of potential in this neighborhood.

6. Center Hill

Center Hill is a neighborhood located near central Atlanta. This is a mix use neighborhood; there are many residential and commercial properties in the area. Center Hill is considered a low-income neighborhood; and there are concerns about access to basic amenities, including police protection. There are also few employment opportunities in this area.

Center Hill has a population of 5,471, and yet has a violent crime rate of 1,048. The property crime rate is also high; the figure is 3,720 per 100,000 people.

Center Hill is no stranger to gun violence; although the bulk of crime here is property crimes.

7. West End

West End is a neighborhood in the western part of Atlanta. This is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city; it has many historic buildings, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

West End has parks, green areas and a commercial strip. The neighborhood was once one of the most important parts of Atlanta; it had an impressive number of industrial establishments located in the area.

However, this neighborhood has declined economically over the years, resulting in crime, as many young people cannot find employment. However, the area is undergoing gentrification.

8. Adamsville

Adamsville is a neighborhood located in the west side of Atlanta. It is marked by wide roads, apartment blocks, and a nice commercial area. Entertainment is a big deal in this part of the area; many rappers, comedians, and TV personalities who are popular in the city come from this area.

However, crime is quite a worry; despite a population of only 7,789, violent crime occurs at a rate of 859 per 100,000 people. However, the good thing is that most of the crime usually occurs around specific areas such as gas stations. Some of the sad things that happen there include robberies, prostitution, and peddling drugs.

9. Grove Park

Grove Park is a neighborhood located in the Northwest Atlanta. The neighborhood has a park, commercial area, and of course plenty of residential buildings. The population of the neighborhood is around 6,400 and the population is mostly Black.

Grove Park suffers from crime; there are 829 violent crimes per 100,000 people. However, it is the property crimes one should worry about; it almost doubles the rate of violent crime.

10. Adams Park

Adams Park is a nice neighborhood in the Southwest of Atlanta. There are nice apartments, and the lovely park to look out for in this neighborhood. With Gentrification efforts this can be a nice neighborhood to live and work.

The neighborhood has a population 3,146, but has a violent crime rate of 623 per 100,000 persons. The property crime rates are a lot more worrying; thefts and burglaries are quite popular.

Conclusion

Despite how this list of the areas to avoid in Atlanta looks, Atlanta is not nearly the most dangerous city in the country. Besides, many of these areas are being gentrified; meaning that there is plenty of hope that these forgotten neighborhoods will soon experience a turnaround.