15 of The Best Gated Communities in Atlanta, Georgia
There are hundreds of gated communities in the greater Atlanta area, each with its own culture, features, amenities, and perks. Whether you’re searching for a community where your family can grow together or a 55+ neighborhood, you have plenty of options.
In this article, we’ll take a look at fifteen of the best and most well-regarded gated communities in the Atlanta area. You’ll find options right in Buckhead as well as some on the outskirts of the metro area, ranging from deep in the heart of the city to practically rural.
Are you more interested in luxurious amenities or low HOA fees? Do you want to be able to head to your community spa, or do you just want some peace and quiet?
Either way, you’ll find some great options on our list. Let’s dive in and take a look.
15 of the Best Gated Communities in Atlanta, Georgia
Choosing between the various gated communities in Atlanta can feel like an impossible task– with so many options, how can you pick? Though this list certainly isn’t exhaustive, join us while we explore some of the greatest gated neighborhoods that will provide you and your family with a safe, comfortable, and beautiful place to call home.
Sterling on the Lake
Sterling on the Lake is a gated, master-planned community located in Flowery Branch. Just 40 miles north of downtown, one of the perks of living in Flowery Branch is being close to beautiful mountains and Lake Lanier.
This is an excellent choice for families that want to spend time in the great outdoors. You can go fishing in Lake Sterling, enjoy the walking and biking trails, have a relaxing picnic at the Village Green, or play a rousing game of tennis.
Some really delightful amenities are available in this community, including a 24-hour fitness center, a caterer’s kitchen, a movie theater, and an outdoor fireplace. In addition to having two pools and a full-time activities director that arranges community events, you’ll never need to think too hard about what to do next.
Smyrna Grove
Bounded by Windy Hill and Old Concord Roads in Smyrna, this gated community has 194 Craftsman-style homes built around a beautiful lake. Development began in 2014 for this single-family neighborhood, which is nestled into a pastoral setting.
Known for being a great place to raise small children with a close-knit community, Smyrna Grove has a clubhouse complete with a fitness center, fireplaces, a bar and kitchen, and a deck that overlooks gorgeous views of the lake. There’s also an outdoor pool complete with outdoor amenities, including lounging spaces, permanent grills, a fireplace, and a bar.
Old Paces Place
Located in Buckhead, Old Paces Place offers French-Provincial and Traditional homes on lots that are about one-half an acre.
With homes ranging from a little over 3,000 square feet to 5,500 square feet, this seventeen-home community is where you and your family can have plenty of room to grow. Adjacent to the Westminster School (which recently made an appearance on our list of the best private schools in Atlanta) and only half a mile away from the West Paces Ferry Shopping Center, the location is ideal. Beyond that, the on-ramp to I-75 couldn’t be any more convenient, located basically right outside the community.
Rivers Edge at Peachtree Creek
Located right on the Dekalb and Fulton County line, Rivers Edge at Peachtree Creek is a gated townhome community.
With easy access to nearby restaurants and shopping as well as quiet, peaceful areas to walk your dogs along the banks of Peachtree Creek, this is known to be a lovely community.
Cresswind at Twin Lakes
If you’re searching for a 55+ gated community in Atlanta, you’ll want to check out Cresswind at Twin Lakes. Located 43 miles northeast of Atlanta, living in this community means you’re less than an hour from Atlanta but far enough away to enjoy more peace and quiet.
This community is for active professionals and retirees, and quite a lot of them! With nearly 1,300 homes, this is one of the biggest gate communities in the whole metro area.
The homeowners association is very active in putting on community events and even fitness classes, helping offer ways for everyone to get to know each other and stay active.
Big Canoe
Located an hour from Atlanta in Marblehill, Big Canoe is the perfect gated community for people looking for a quiet, peaceful retreat in nature. Located in a rural area with beautiful mountains and lakes, this community has won quite a few awards, including a number for its property designs from the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association.
Are you moving to Atlanta but don’t want your new home to cost an arm and a leg? Check out our list of the most affordable Atlanta suburbs.
The Enclave on Collier
Coming in at number seven on Niche.com’s list of the best neighborhoods for raising a family in Atlanta, the Enclave on Collier is a place where both young families and young professionals will feel right at home.
Located in Collier Hills, this community has an intimate atmosphere and 53 townhomes with spacious floor plans. At the center of the community, you’ll find a gathering pavilion located on a one-acre park. This is a lovely place to spend time with loved ones and take pleasant walks. While there aren’t any amenities like fitness centers or restaurants in the community, the proximity to Collier Hills means you never have to go far for what you need.
The Tate Reserve
The Tate Reserve is located in the suburb that was ranked by Niche.com as the best in the entire state, Alpharetta. Only 26 miles north of the city, this gated community is located in a beautiful wooded area and contains primarily newly built homes. Whether you want to buy an existing home or construct your own, there are options here.
If you and your family are searching for a place not too far from the city that still offers plenty of outdoor opportunities, this is a great choice. With hiking trails nearby in Amicola Falls State Park and the Burnt Mountain Preserve, as well as a 25-acre nature park right in the community, you’ll have plenty of green spaces to explore.
Chateau Elan Estates
Is one of your priorities in your home search to make sure you can play golf as much as possible?
If so, Chateau Elan Estates should definitely be on your shortlist. Located in Braselton, 43 miles northeast of Atlanta, this community has a number of truly luxurious amenities.
Chateau Elan doesn’t just have one golf course– it has three. Each golf course has its own beautiful views of the surrounding countryside and its own water features. Residents can book some tee time, rent out the pavilion to host private parties, and even participate in tournaments with pros.
The winery and resort in the community were listed as number five on US News and World Reports ranking of the best resorts in the state of Georgia. Both residents and guests can indulge in more than thirty varieties of wine here while also enjoying massages, skincare, and more at the spa.
Another benefit of living in Chateau Elan is that Braselton is considered one of the safest suburbs in all of Atlanta. In fact, it’s been rated as the second-safest city in the state by the National Council on Home Safety and Security.
Breckinridge Station
Just 22 miles northeast of Atlanta in Duluth, Breckinridge Station is located near a thriving restaurant and shopping scene. Duluth could be a great choice for those who are looking to live close to Atlanta for their commute but don’t want to be right in the city.
With nearly 400 townhomes and cluster homes, this larger gated community has a clubhouse and plenty of neighborhood events.
Brickstone Heights Townhomes
Located in Sandy Springs, Brickstone Heights is a gated townhome and cluster home community. This could be a great choice if you’re interested in finding a spot inside the I-285 loop that still affords close access to nature. Nearby to the Chattahoochee National River Park, you can enjoy proximity to both city amenities and green space.
Have you been researching different Atlanta suburbs, and you’re interested in learning more about Brookhaven? Make sure you check out our recent in-depth piece about this northeastern Atlanta suburb.
Olde Ivy at Vinings
This luxury condo community is located in Smyrna, Georgia. Composed of three different neighborhoods– Townhomes, Condos, and The Manor– this is a well-regarded gated community within the I-285 loop.
Enjoy plenty of amenities here, including a neighborhood clubhouse with a fireplace, balcony, and living and dining rooms. Residents can also take advantage of the 24-hour fitness center, walking trails, and swimming pool.
Crown Communities - Hampton Oaks
Hampton Oaks is southwest of Atlanta in Fairburn, with this community less than half an hour’s drive from downtown. One of the things that really make this community stand out is that more than one-third of the 480-acre property is reserved for green space, meaning that residents can always enjoy the beautiful rolling hills.
This gated community has a number of amenities that can add to your lifestyle, including nature trails, a family playground, lighted tennis courts, a clubhouse, and a Junior Olympic size swimming pool.
Downing Park
Right in the heart of the highly sought-after neighborhood of Druid Hills, Downing Park is a brand-new gated community that is designed to help residents live a healthy and intentional lifestyle.
Near the Druid Hills Golf and Country Club, you can enjoy a lap pool, resort-style sunbathing terrace, and ample outdoor gathering space here. Though the project is still underway, it’s already been making a splash by transforming a historic Tudor mansion into condos. When it’s complete, the project will offer four varieties of upscale home plans ranging from manor houses to repurposed carriage houses, condos, and villas.
Camp Creek Village
Camp Creek Village is an exclusive gated community that is, on the one hand, luxurious and, on the other, quite convenient. Located in South Fulton, this thriving neighborhood can serve as your escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The homes here range from 2,400 to 3,800 square feet and are built with an open-concept design.
Located right by the Camp Creek Village marketplace, where there are tons of opportunities to shop, dine, and enjoy some entertainment, you’ll also have easy access to both I-85 and I-285. This is a great spot for growing families, busy professionals, or anyone that’s interested in sticking close to the city but seeking a more relaxing lifestyle after a long day’s work.
The Pros and Cons of Gated Communities in Atlanta
Before we sign off, let’s just quickly touch upon the benefits and drawbacks of gated communities. Choosing between gated communities means that you’re limiting your options, but you might find that the reasons in favor far outweigh the common criticisms.
As far as benefits go, gated communities:
Offer more privacy
Generally give you access to luxurious amenities
Are typically well-maintained thanks to HOAs
Have less traffic due to limited access
Tend to be quieter than other neighborhoods
Offer safety by restricting access
Help provide a sense of community
Typically offer more parking options
Tend to have stable, high home values
On the other hand, there are certainly some downsides to gated communities that you’ll want to consider before making a decision. Here are some of the most prominent criticisms you’ll want to think about:
Slightly more inconvenient for guests to visit
Tend to be more expensive than non-gated communities
HOAs can be restrictive and have high fees
Potential for delivery problems for groceries, food, or
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