Looking for cities south of Atlanta, GA—whether for commuting, moving, or exploring on a day trip? The south side of metro Atlanta offers a wide mix of options, from fast-growing suburbs to quieter small towns and historic communities.
This guide focuses on cities and key communities directly south of Atlanta, what they’re known for, and how they connect back to the city.
When people in Atlanta say “south of the city”, they’re usually referring to areas:
These areas are popular with:
Below is a simple overview of some of the most commonly mentioned cities and large towns south of Atlanta that matter to residents and visitors.
| City / Area | Approx. Distance from Downtown Atlanta | Main Routes | Known For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hapeville | ~7 miles south | I-75, I-85 | Close to airport, artsy, historic downtown |
| East Point | ~7 miles southwest | I-75, I-85, MARTA | In-town feel, easy MARTA access |
| College Park | ~8–10 miles south | I-85, Camp Creek Pkwy | Airport city, Georgia International Convention Center |
| Forest Park | ~10 miles south | I-75, Forest Pkwy | Proximity to ATL airport, industrial & logistics |
| Riverdale | ~14 miles south | GA-85, I-75 | Suburban, largely residential |
| Morrow | ~13 miles south | I-75 | Clayton State University, big-box retail corridor |
| Jonesboro | ~17 miles south | Tara Blvd (US-19/41) | Historic town, county seat of Clayton County |
| Union City | ~16 miles southwest | I-85 | Rapid growth, warehouses, suburban neighborhoods |
| Fairburn | ~20 miles southwest | I-85 | Historic downtown, access to film studios |
| Fayetteville | ~22 miles south | GA-85, GA-54 | County seat of Fayette County, suburban + semi-rural |
| Peachtree City | ~30–35 miles southwest | GA-74 | Planned community, golf cart paths |
| Stockbridge | ~20 miles southeast | I-75, I-675 | Henry County gateway, fast-growing suburb |
| McDonough | ~30 miles southeast | I-75 | Historic square, growing subdivisions |
| Hampton | ~35 miles south | US-19/41 | Atlanta Motor Speedway area |
| Newnan | ~40 miles southwest | I-85 | Larger suburb with historic core |
| Griffin | ~40–45 miles south | US-19/41 | Regional city with older neighborhoods and industry |
Distances are approximate and based on driving from Downtown Atlanta (Five Points area) in normal traffic.
These are the closest cities south of Atlanta, especially convenient if you want quick access to the airport or Downtown.
Location: Just south of I-75, bordering the airport
Why it matters to Atlantans:
You can drive from Downtown Atlanta to Hapeville in roughly 10–15 minutes under light traffic.
Location: Southwest of Downtown along I-75/I-85 and Main Street
Highlights for locals:
East Point is often considered by people who want urban-style living but slightly lower housing costs than some intown neighborhoods.
Location: Directly south of the airport, along I-85 and the MARTA Red/Gold Lines
Key features:
For travelers, College Park is one of the most convenient places to stay or park when flying in and out of Atlanta.
As you continue south, you quickly move into suburban cities that many Atlanta workers call home.
County: Clayton County
Location: Directly south of the city along I-75
Forest Park is often chosen by:
It’s largely residential, with commercial corridors along Forest Parkway and Old Dixie Highway.
County: Clayton County
Location: South of Hartsfield–Jackson, along GA-85
Common reasons people look at Riverdale from Atlanta:
County: Clayton County
Location: Just off I-75, about 15–20 minutes south of Downtown (in light traffic)
Key local anchors:
County: Clayton County (county seat)
Location: Along US-19/41 (Tara Blvd), southeast of the airport
Jonesboro is known for:
Jonesboro is a typical destination for people wanting a Clayton County address with a more traditional town center feel.
County: Fulton County (South Fulton area)
Location: Along I-85, southwest of Atlanta
Union City has seen steady growth with:
Further south, you’ll find larger suburbs and historic towns that still function as Atlanta commuter hubs.
County: Fulton County (South Fulton)
Location: Off I-85, about 20–25 miles southwest of Downtown
Highlights:
County: Fayette County (county seat)
Location: South of the airport via GA-85 and GA-54
Why Atlantans look at Fayetteville:
County: Fayette County
Location: Southwest of Atlanta, often reached via GA-74 (Peachtree Pkwy)
Known for:
Many residents commute north toward I-85 and into Atlanta or the airport area.
County: Henry County
Location: Southeast of Atlanta along I-75 and I-675
Why it’s on the radar:
County: Henry County (county seat)
Location: Further down I-75, about 30 miles southeast of Atlanta
Hallmarks:
County: Henry County
Location: South of Jonesboro and McDonough via US-19/41 or I-75
Best known for:
Some cities a bit farther out are still part of many Atlantans’ mental map, especially for work, family, or day trips.
County: Coweta County
Location: Southwest of Atlanta along I-85, about 40–45 minutes from Downtown (depending on traffic)
What stands out:
County: Spalding County
Location: South of Jonesboro along US-19/41
Griffin functions as:
If you live, work, or visit south of Atlanta, daily life often centers on transportation access and commute patterns.
Key routes that matter if you’re in or going to cities south of Atlanta:
For commuting into Atlanta, traffic is a major consideration—especially at peak hours on I-75 and I-85.
For many southside residents, access to MARTA and the airport is a key advantage:
If you’re deciding where to live or stay south of Atlanta, common factors include:
If you want…
🛫 Fast airport access:
🚆 MARTA rail access plus southside location:
🏡 Suburban living with big retail corridors:
🏘️ Historic or small-town atmosphere:
🚙 Planned community lifestyle with trails and green space:
By understanding how each city south of Atlanta fits into the broader metro area—commutes, lifestyle, and access—you can better decide where to live, stay, or explore when you’re based in or around Atlanta, Georgia.
