Curbed Comparisons: Top-shelf condo living in downtown Atlanta vs. Buckhead

In this installment of Curbed Comparisons, we’re looking at which high-rise condominiums provide the best bang for the (big) bucks. Today’s contestants hail from the Centennial Olympic Park area and the heart of Atlanta’s poshest district.

Not surprisingly, both feature scenic views of Atlanta, along with fashionable, modern interiors outfitted with high-quality appliances, fixtures, and finishes.

Both also are in prime locations, with one in downtown and the second in Buckhead, so there’s no question that either locale is desirable.

The real question here is which one provides the better value, given that the larger uptown entry costs nearly $1 million more. Let’s look a bit closer:

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DOWNTOWN

Photos by Coldwell Banker Atlanta

^ 45 Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd. N.W., Unit 2404

Bedrooms: 2

Bathrooms: 3

Square footage: 2,171

Price: $899,000

Building: W Atlanta Downtown

With views of Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Centennial Olympic Park, and the Georgia Aquarium, this condo sits high atop the W Atlanta Downtown. Accordingly, it has top-notch features like granite countertops, Gaggenau appliances, power blinds, custom closets, and two terraces. As a benefit of being located above a hotel, residents also can enjoy 24-hour hotel services and amenities such as a full-service spa, gym, and sky pool. However, those services aren’t cheap, with hefty HOA fees of $1,137 per month.

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BUCKHEAD

Photos by Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty

^ 3344 Peachtree Road, Unit 3702

Bedrooms: 2

Bathrooms: 3

Square footage: 3,107

Price: $1,799,000

BUILDING: Sovereign in Buckhead

In contrast to the more spartan unit above, this warm and stylish condo features a gourmet kitchen, three covered terraces, and an additional 1,000 square feet, even though it also claims two bedrooms and three bathrooms. While building amenities include a saltwater swimming pool, gym, guest suites, a wine cellar, and catering kitchen, are those extras—along with more space and this fashionable address—really worth an additional $1 million? The HOA fees are not disclosed, but the monthly commitment will obviously go beyond the mortgage note.