EXHIBIT 99.1

Memphis, TN. Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc. (NYSE: MAA) announced today
the sale of  400,000  shares of its common  stock to RREEF  America,  L.L.C.  on
behalf of itself and Scudder  RREEF Real Estate Fund II, Inc. Net proceeds  from
the sale,  after  deducting  expenses,  are  expected  to be  approximately  $12
million.  . The sale is being made  pursuant  to the  Company's  existing  shelf
registration  statement  previously  filed with, and declared  effective by, the
Securities  and  Exchange  Commission.  Proceeds  from the sale  will be used to
partially  fund the  acquisition of Lighthouse  Court,  a new 501-unit  up-scale
apartment  community  located in  Jacksonville,  FL which the Company expects to
acquire on December 3, 2003.  Lighthouse  Court is a newly  developed  apartment
community  within  the new  golf  course  community  of  Fleming  Island  in the
Jacksonville  metro. Spread over 48 acres, the community offers residents resort
style  amenities,  large upscale unit interiors  averaging 1,110 square feet and
detached garages.

Eric Bolton,  Chairman and CEO, said "The  acquisition  of  Lighthouse  Court is
another step towards deploying additional capital in new up-scale properties, in
high growth  markets,  that we believe will deliver robust  earnings growth over
the next 10 years and  continue to balance our  diversified  portfolio in large,
middle and small tier  markets  throughout  the stable  southeast  and  mid-west
regions of the country. We have a strong and experienced  management team in the
Jacksonville area and this newest addition will further enhance our productivity
in the market."

"By partially  financing the acquisition with a pre-committed and cost efficient
direct stock sale,  we have been able to avoid any dilution to current  dividend
coverage  while  continuing to position the balance sheet for stronger  earnings
and  dividend  coverage in 2004 and beyond.  This  transaction  is  accretive to
current shareholder value and continues our focus on growing value and improving
current  dividend  coverage  through  disciplined new growth and positioning the
portfolio for improving market conditions."

Mid-America Apartment Communities is a NYSE traded multifamily REIT specializing
in  the  acquisition,  redevelopment  and  management  of  apartment  properties
throughout the southeast and south central US with 35,233 units under  ownership
and management. For further details, please refer to our website at www.maac.net
or contact Simon R. C.  Wadsworth at  901/682-6668,  ext. 105. 6584 Poplar Ave.,
Suite 300, Memphis, TN 38138.

Certain matters in this press release may constitute  forward-looking statements
within the meaning of Section 27-A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E
of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934. Such statements include, but are not
limited to, statements made about  anticipated  market  conditions,  anticipated
acquisitions,   redevelopment  opportunities,  and  property  financing.  Actual
results and the timing of certain  events  could  differ  materially  from those
projected in or contemplated by the  forward-looking  statements due to a number
of factors,  including a downturn in general economic  conditions or the capital
markets,  competitive  factors  including  overbuilding  or other  supply/demand
imbalances  in some or all of our markets,  changes in interest  rates and other
items that are difficult to control, as well as the other general risks inherent
in the  apartment  and real estate  businesses.  Reference is hereby made to the
filings of  Mid-America  Apartment  Communities,  Inc.,  with the Securities and
Exchange  Commission,  including quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, reports on Form
8-K, and its annual report on Form 10-K, particularly including the risk factors
contained in the latter filing.