Is Oakland safe?

Atlanta, Georgia · safety score updated nightly

76out of 100

Mostly yes, with normal city awareness.

VibeLoco rates Oakland as “Go, stay aware”.

Gogo's take on Oakland

“Go. Oakland is a charming, historic pocket centered around Atlanta's oldest public park and Victorian cemetery, bordered by a bustling dining corridor on Memorial Drive. Maintain normal urban awareness at night and do not leave valuables in parked vehicles.”

Memorial Drive continues to see pedestrian safety and infrastructure upgrades following city initiatives to manage traffic alongside rapid corridor development.

About the area

Oakland is a compact, historic neighborhood anchored by the scenic 48-acre Historic Oakland Cemetery and a popular strip of rooftop dining along Memorial Drive. It offers park-like walking paths, deep local history, and immediate access to neighboring Grant Park and Cabbagetown.

Historic / Tree-Lined
Walkable Dining Hub
Scenic Green Space
Transit-Accessible

Walking and biking in Oakland

Walk score: 78/100 · Bike score: 75/100

Relay bike-share hubs sit near King Memorial Station and Oakland Cemetery's main gate. Dedicated bike lanes on Memorial Drive and neighborhood streets connect to the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside and Southside trails less than a mile away.

Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice

Pros

Direct pedestrian access to Historic Oakland Cemetery's expansive green space
Lively cluster of popular rooftop bars and restaurants along Memorial Drive
Direct walking proximity to King Memorial MARTA rail station
Seamless connectivity to neighboring Cabbagetown and Grant Park

Cons

Frequent vehicle break-ins in street parking and restaurant surface lots
Noticeable transient activity and panhandling near the MARTA station
Heavy vehicle traffic along Memorial Drive requiring care at crosswalks

Homelessness: Homelessness is moderately visible, primarily clustered around the King Memorial MARTA station, under rail overpasses, and along intersections on Memorial Drive. Panhandling occurs occasionally near transit exits and restaurant patios, but individuals generally keep to themselves.

What Oakland is like at each time of day

Morning · 5a – 11a: Calm and peaceful, with morning runners, dog walkers, and garden enthusiasts exploring the cemetery grounds.
Afternoon · 11a – 5p: Active and pleasant as lunch crowds gather on Memorial Drive and visitors tour the historic monuments.
Evening · 5p – 10p: Lively and social along the dining corridor, feeling generally safe and well-trafficked around patio venues.
Late night · 10p – 5a: Quiet and relatively dark once restaurants close, requiring heightened vigilance on side streets and near the rail tracks.

Transit, parking and getting around

The King Memorial MARTA Station (Blue and Green rail lines) is situated right on the neighborhood's north edge within a 3-minute walk. MARTA bus routes 21 and 186 run directly along Memorial Drive and MLK Jr. Drive.

On-street parking is available along Memorial Drive and residential side streets, though spots fill up quickly during peak dinner hours. Take all personal items with you, as car window break-ins are common across nearby surface lots.

Things to do in Oakland

Take a guided historic or architectural tour through Oakland Cemetery
Enjoy rooftop drinks and skyline views at patio restaurants along Memorial Drive
Stroll through the cemetery's certified arboretum and restored Victorian gardens

Local favorites

Six Feet Under Pub & Fish House · Seafood Restaurant
Popular neighborhood tavern known for steamed shellfish baskets and a rooftop deck overlooking the cemetery.
Daddy D'z BBQ Joynt · Barbecue Restaurant
Legendary, no-frills institution dishing out tender hickory-smoked ribs, pulled pork, and soul food sides.
Mezcalito's Cantina & Grill · Mexican Restaurant
Laid-back neighborhood Mexican eatery serving creative tacos, burritos, and an extensive tequila selection.

Scores blend recent reported crime levels, area poverty and walk/bike access, refreshed nightly. They are a guide, not a guarantee — conditions change street to street.