By Lindsay Levin
One of the questions I hear most often from buyers relocating to Atlanta is, "What are the best country clubs in Buckhead and Atlanta?"
For many people, country club membership is about much more than golf. Clubs often influence where people choose to live, who they spend time with, and how they enjoy the city. As a Buckhead and Sandy Springs real estate agent, I frequently help buyers compare clubs such as Cherokee Town and Country Club, Piedmont Driving Club, and Ansley Golf Club while also evaluating nearby neighborhoods.
While every club has its own culture and membership process, these three are consistently among the most sought-after private clubs in Atlanta.
Key Takeaways
- Cherokee Town and Country Club is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious private clubs in Atlanta and the United States.
- Piedmont Driving Club combines historic Atlanta tradition with a Midtown clubhouse overlooking Piedmont Park and a championship golf facility.
- Ansley Golf Club offers a strong family atmosphere, exceptional tennis facilities, and two distinct golf experiences.
- Club location matters. Atlanta traffic often plays a significant role in how frequently members use their clubs.
- Many Buckhead, Sandy Springs, Midtown, and Chastain Park homebuyers consider club access when selecting a neighborhood.
Cherokee Town and Country Club
Cherokee Town and Country Club is often considered the gold standard of Atlanta private clubs. Founded in 1956, the club operates two campuses that serve different purposes.
The Town Club is located on West Paces Ferry Road in Buckhead within the historic Grant Estate. This campus serves as the social and dining hub and hosts many of Atlanta's business, charitable, and social events.
The Country Club campus is located in Sandy Springs near the Chattahoochee River and features the club's golf, tennis, swimming, fitness, and family amenities.
Many buyers looking in Tuxedo Park, Chastain Park, and Buckhead specifically mention Cherokee membership when discussing where they want to live. The convenience of having either the Town Club or Country Club nearby can be a meaningful factor in their home search.
What Cherokee Town and Country Club Offers
- Two championship golf courses
- Tennis, swimming, paddle sports, and fitness facilities
- Multiple dining venues and private event spaces
- Family programming and social events throughout the year
- The historic Buckhead Town Club and Sandy Springs Country Club campuses
Piedmont Driving Club
Founded in 1887, Piedmont Driving Club is one of Atlanta's oldest and most historic private clubs. The original club was established during the era of horse-drawn carriages, which is reflected in its name.
Today, the club's Midtown clubhouse sits adjacent to Piedmont Park and remains one of Atlanta's most iconic social destinations. Members also enjoy access to the Camp Creek golf facility, which features a highly regarded championship course.
Piedmont Driving Club is often popular with residents of Ansley Park, Midtown, Morningside, and Buckhead who value both the club's history and its central location.
What Piedmont Driving Club Offers
- Historic Midtown clubhouse overlooking Piedmont Park
- Championship golf course at Camp Creek
- Tennis, swimming, squash, fitness, and recreational amenities
- Multiple dining venues and private event facilities
- A longstanding role in Atlanta's civic and social community
Ansley Golf Club
Founded in 1912, Ansley Golf Club has built a reputation as one of Atlanta's premier golf and family clubs.
What makes Ansley unique is its combination of an in-town club experience and a championship golf facility. Members enjoy the original nine-hole course in Midtown's Ansley Park neighborhood as well as the acclaimed Settindown Creek course in Roswell.
Many Atlanta families are drawn to Ansley because of its active tennis program, youth activities, and family-focused social calendar.
The club is particularly popular among residents of Ansley Park, Sherwood Forest, Brookwood Hills, Buckhead, and Roswell.
What Ansley Golf Club Offers
- Two clubhouses and dining facilities
- The Midtown course and Settindown Creek championship course
- Clay tennis courts and pickleball facilities
- Junior Olympic swimming pool and fitness center
- Youth programming, camps, and family events
Cherokee vs. Piedmont Driving Club vs. Ansley Golf Club
While all three clubs are highly respected, each tends to attract members for different reasons.
Club | Known For |
Cherokee Town and Country Club | Prestige, dual campuses, golf, family amenities, social connections |
Piedmont Driving Club | Historic tradition, Midtown location, social and business networking |
Ansley Golf Club | Family atmosphere, tennis culture, in-town convenience, golf |
The best choice often depends less on the facilities and more on how you plan to use the club.
Why Club Location Matters
One of the biggest mistakes I see buyers make is focusing only on amenities and not enough on convenience.
Atlanta is a large city, and traffic can quickly turn a club that looked close on a map into a destination you rarely visit during the week. A family living in Chastain Park may use Cherokee several times a week because it is nearby. That same family may use another club far less frequently if the drive becomes inconvenient.
For that reason, I always encourage buyers to think about where they spend their time day-to-day and how a club fits into their lifestyle.
Questions to Ask Before Joining a Country Club
Before pursuing membership, consider:
- How often will you realistically use the club?
- Is golf, tennis, dining, fitness, or family programming your top priority?
- Does the club culture match your personality and lifestyle?
- What is the current waitlist and nomination process?
- How close is the club to your home, office, or children's activities?
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most exclusive country clubs in Atlanta?
Cherokee Town and Country Club, Piedmont Driving Club, and Ansley Golf Club are consistently considered among Atlanta's most prestigious private clubs.
Which Atlanta country club is best for families?
Many families are drawn to Ansley Golf Club because of its youth programming, swim teams, tennis culture, and active social calendar. Cherokee Town and Country Club also offers extensive family amenities.
Does country club membership affect home values?
For some buyers, proximity to a preferred club can absolutely influence purchasing decisions. In neighborhoods such as Tuxedo Park, Chastain Park, Sandy Springs, Ansley Park, and Midtown, club access is often part of the overall lifestyle conversation.
Do I need to live near the club?
No, but convenience matters. Members who live closer to their club often use it significantly more than those facing longer drives.
Thinking About Moving to Buckhead or Sandy Springs?
Country clubs are just one piece of the lifestyle equation, but they are often an important one. Whether you're relocating to Atlanta, considering Buckhead, Sandy Springs, Chastain Park, Tuxedo Park, Midtown, or another intown neighborhood, understanding the relationship between clubs and neighborhoods can help narrow your search.
If you're considering a move and would like insight into Atlanta neighborhoods, private clubs, schools, commute patterns, and market trends, I'd be happy to help you navigate the options and find the right fit for your lifestyle.
Contact the Lindsay Levin Team
If you are exploring Atlanta real estate and want to understand how neighborhoods, lifestyle amenities, and club access fit together, I am here to help. Reach out to me at the
Lindsay Levin Team for a conversation about what the right Buckhead or Atlanta neighborhood looks like for your goals.
