Transit Proximity Means Higher Commercial Rents in Atlanta

Due in part to a parking shortage, Atlanta firms are doling out higher rents to get closer to MARTA stations.

1 minute read

June 29, 2018, 12:00 PM PDT

By Philip Rojc @PhilipRojc


MARTA Station

ReanC / Shutterstock

Transit-oriented office development is booming in Atlanta. Jarred Schenke writes, "What has arguably been the strongest office submarket in the past few years has been Midtown, which has spawned a number of new office projects, all of which have been close to MARTA stations."

But transit proximity comes at a price. According to a recent study, "Office rents at spaces within a half-mile of a transit station are approaching $30/SF this year, nearly 25% higher than the average office rents throughout Metro Atlanta."

Like their residential counterparts, these offices trend on the newer side. "They are also predominantly new construction, including MARTA's seven transit-oriented development projects in various stages of either planning or development. Any new construction will have market-high rates to cover the costs to build in today's market."

Limited parking is another factor behind the rising rents. As one market expert weighed in, "MARTA has to be an option. Whether someone takes it, that’s a whole different story."

Tuesday, May 29, 2018 in Bisnow

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

May 7, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Person in yellow safety suit and white helmet kneels to examine water samples outdoors on a lake shore.

USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure

If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.

May 1, 2025 - Inside Climate News

Wide suburban road with landscaped median and light pole banners advertising local amphitheater.

End Human Sacrifices to the Demanding Gods of Automobile Dependency and Sprawl

The U.S. has much higher traffic fatality rates than peer countries due to automobile dependency and sprawl. Better planning can reduce these human sacrifices.

April 29, 2025 - Todd Litman

Close-up of pug dog sitting on woman's lap on city bus.

Seattle Transit Asked to Clarify Pet Policy

A major dog park near a new light rail stop is prompting calls to update and clarify rules for bringing pets on Seattle-area transit systems.

5 hours ago - The Urbanist

Modular home being lifted with crane.

Oregon Bill Would End Bans on Manufactured Housing

The bill would prevent new developments from prohibiting mobile homes and modular housing.

6 hours ago - Oregon Capital Chronicle

Two people on Nashville BCycle bike share wearing helmets loking out over railing at downtown skyline.

Nashville Doesn’t Renew Bike Share Contract, Citing Lost Federal Funding

The city’s bike share system, operated by BCycle, could stop operating if the city doesn’t find a new source of funding.

7 hours ago - WKRN

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.

Comprehensive Bikeway Design Workshop

Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University

Early Bird Deadline – save on your tuition fee!🚨

Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)