Union City.
Union City sits at the crossroads of I-85 and I-285 in south Fulton County, with Redfin's 3-month median near $283K, Zillow's typical value around $234K, and price per square foot of $123–$142. The year-over-year direction depends on which window you pull; the honest read is a market that has normalized after 2021–2023 gains. What's clear: homes take roughly 52 to 70 days to sell depending on the tracker, single-family rents run about $1,800–$2,500 for houses, and the I-85/I-285 interchange puts this among the most-connected communities in south metro. The city adopted a development moratorium in March 2026 while it rewrites its zoning ordinance and issues an RFP for a transformational mixed-use master plan, so the planning groundwork for the next growth phase is underway.
South Fulton's
hidden corridor.
What Makes Union City Unique
Union City is one of south Fulton County's most strategically located cities. Sitting at the I-85/I-285 interchange, it offers unmatched highway connectivity to downtown Atlanta, the airport, and the southern suburbs. The city has been attracting new retail and commercial development, and its proximity to the former Atlanta Motor Studios site positions it for growth as the entertainment corridor expands.
Why It's a Good Investment Opportunity
Union City's combination of highway access, affordable land, and a growing commercial base creates a foundation for appreciation. Median prices of $234K–$283K with $123–$142 per square foot remain well below the metro average. The city's 2026 zoning rewrite and the Development Authority's RFP for a mixed-use master plan are the near-term planning catalysts, while ongoing capital improvements, water and sewer work, sidewalks, trails, and traffic signal projects keep the infrastructure base current. New construction communities keep adding modern inventory at price points of $245K–$395K. Homes take roughly 52 to 70 days to sell, a more deliberate pace than a year ago, but still a workable market for buyers who are ready. The city's land area is larger than many intown Atlanta neighborhoods, giving developers room for new projects once the new zoning code is in place.
Property Types & Price Ranges
Union City features a mix of single-family homes, townhome communities, and newer subdivisions. Entry points for older homes needing work start around $180K–$220K, while newer construction and updated homes range from $270K–$350K. The availability of vacant land also presents opportunities for ground-up development, particularly in the I-85 corridor.
Rental Market Conditions
Rental demand is driven by highway commuters, airport workers, and families seeking affordable housing with Atlanta access. RentCafe's average rent runs about $1,441 per month and Zumper's median is near $1,645, while single-family houses for rent typically list in the $1,800–$2,500 range. The combination of affordability, highway access, and new construction quality keeps Union City competitive in the south metro rental market, with the recovery in employment around the airport and the pending master plan positioning the city for the next supply cycle.
Growth drivers
& lifestyle.
Appreciation Potential
Union City's appreciation story is mixed and honest to report both ways. Redfin's 3-month median is down about 6% year over year, while Orchard's short-window median shows a gain, and Zillow's typical value is off about 4%; the net is a market that has cooled from its peak. Active listings have grown sharply on RealtyTrac's count, giving investors real choices without seller's-market frenzy, while days on market run roughly 52 on Movoto or about 24–25 on Orchard's short window depending on tracker. The zoning rewrite and pending mixed-use master plan, plus the continued capital improvement program, are the structural catalysts to watch through 2027.
Nearby Amenities & Attractions
- I-85 and I-285 interchange — highway hub
- Atlanta Motor Studios area (former site)
- Welcome All Park and recreation facilities
- New retail development along Roosevelt Highway
- 25 min to downtown Atlanta, 20 min to airport
Union City is infrastructure meets opportunity. The I-85/I-285 interchange, a 2026 zoning rewrite, and a mixed-use master plan RFP that will shape the next growth phase, all at $123–$142 per square foot. The city is doing the planning work now; buyers who get in before the next cycle starts have the advantage.
Tommy Williams, Tom Will Sell Atlanta
