Is Marietta in Atlanta? How the Two Cities Are Connected
If you spend any time in metro Atlanta, you’ll hear people talk about Marietta and Atlanta in almost the same breath. That can make it confusing, especially if you’re visiting or new to the area. So, is Marietta in Atlanta?
No — Marietta is not in the City of Atlanta.
Marietta is its own independent city in Cobb County, located northwest of Atlanta. However, it is very much part of the Atlanta metro area, and daily life in Marietta and Atlanta is closely linked.
Below is a practical breakdown of what that means for residents, visitors, and anyone trying to understand how Marietta fits into greater Atlanta.
Atlanta vs. Marietta: The Short Answer
Atlanta:
- A major city in Fulton County (and a small part of DeKalb County)
- Has its own city government, mayor, city council, and services
- Known as the regional hub for business, transportation, and culture
Marietta:
- A separate city in Cobb County
- Has its own mayor and city council, police, fire, and public works departments
- Considered a suburban city within the Atlanta metropolitan area
So, while Marietta is near Atlanta and part of “metro Atlanta,” it is not inside the City of Atlanta’s limits and is governed separately.
Where Is Marietta Located in Relation to Atlanta?
Marietta sits to the northwest of downtown Atlanta.
Approximate Distance & Travel
- Distance from Downtown Atlanta to Marietta Square: about 18–20 miles
- Driving time (typical): around 25–40 minutes, depending on traffic
- Main route:
- I-75 North from Atlanta leads directly toward Marietta
- Exit options for central Marietta include North Marietta Parkway (GA-120 Loop) and nearby interchanges
Because of this relatively short distance, many people live in Marietta and commute into Atlanta for work, school, or entertainment.
Is Marietta Part of Metro Atlanta?
Yes. When people refer to “metro Atlanta” or “greater Atlanta,” they’re talking about the entire metropolitan area, which includes several surrounding counties and cities.
Marietta is one of the main cities within metro Atlanta.
It’s also the county seat of Cobb County, meaning many Cobb County government offices and services are based there. While Atlanta is the key urban core, Marietta is a major suburban center in its own right.
City Limits, Counties, and Mailing Addresses
A big source of confusion comes from city limits vs. county lines vs. mailing addresses.
City Limits
- Atlanta city limits mainly cover parts of Fulton County and a small portion of DeKalb County.
- Marietta city limits cover an area within Cobb County.
- If you’re “in Marietta,” you are not in the City of Atlanta, even though you may still be just a quick drive away.
Counties
- Atlanta: Primarily Fulton County, plus a portion of DeKalb County
- Marietta: Entirely within Cobb County
Government services, certain taxes, school districts, and some public programs are organized by county, not just by city. That’s why knowing whether you’re in Atlanta, Marietta, Cobb County, or Fulton County can matter.
Mailing & ZIP Codes
Some Atlanta-area addresses can be confusing:
- Some Cobb County addresses use Marietta as the city in the mailing address even if they’re technically in unincorporated Cobb County, not inside Marietta city limits.
- Likewise, some places may use Atlanta in their mailing address although they’re actually in nearby cities or unincorporated areas.
For legal or official purposes, the city limits and county boundaries, not just the mailing address, determine where you actually are.
How Marietta and Atlanta Differ in Day-to-Day Life
Even though they’re close, living in Marietta can feel different from living inside Atlanta’s city limits.
1. Government & Services
Because Marietta is its own city, key services are handled separately:
- City of Atlanta provides:
- Atlanta Police Department
- Atlanta Fire Rescue Department
- City of Atlanta Watershed Management
- City of Atlanta sanitation (trash, recycling)
- City of Marietta provides:
- Marietta Police Department
- Marietta Fire Department
- Marietta Power and Water (in many areas)
- Marietta sanitation services
If you need permits, utility setup, or local government help, you would contact Atlanta city offices if you’re in Atlanta, or Marietta city offices if you’re within Marietta city limits.
2. Schools
Public schools are tied more strongly to counties and school districts than to “Atlanta” vs. “Marietta” in a casual sense.
- Atlanta: Most public schools within the city limits fall under Atlanta Public Schools (APS).
- Marietta:
- Many addresses in Marietta are served by Cobb County School District.
- The City of Marietta itself has its own independent Marietta City Schools system for some neighborhoods.
If you’re moving to the area, it’s important to check your precise address to see which school district you fall into, rather than just relying on “Atlanta” or “Marietta” in the mailing address.
3. Taxes and Utilities
Because Marietta and Atlanta are different cities in different counties:
- Property tax rates can vary between:
- City of Atlanta (Fulton/DeKalb)
- City of Marietta (Cobb County)
- Unincorporated parts of each county
- Utilities:
- Inside the City of Atlanta, water and sewer are typically handled by City of Atlanta Watershed Management.
- In Marietta, many residents get power and water through Marietta Power and Water or Cobb County Water System, depending on the location.
This is one of the reasons people distinguish between “living in Atlanta” and “living in Marietta,” even though they’re both in the same metro region.
Quick Comparison: Atlanta vs. Marietta (for Local Context)
| Feature | Atlanta (City) | Marietta (City) |
|---|---|---|
| County | Fulton & small part of DeKalb | Cobb |
| Government Type | Separate city government | Separate city government |
| In City of Atlanta? | Yes | No |
| In Metro Atlanta? | Yes – core city | Yes – major suburban city |
| Distance from Downtown Atlanta | — | ~18–20 miles northwest |
| Main Access Route | — | I-75 North, GA-120 Loop, Cobb Parkway |
| Typical Identity | Major urban center | Historic suburb / county seat of Cobb |
Getting Between Atlanta and Marietta
If you live in or are visiting Atlanta, getting to Marietta is straightforward.
By Car
Most people use I-75 North from central or downtown Atlanta:
- Head north on I-75.
- Continue past the I-285 interchange (the Perimeter).
- Look for Marietta exits, such as:
- North Marietta Parkway (GA-120 Loop)
- South Marietta Parkway
- Delk Road, Roswell Road, or Cobb Parkway depending on your destination.
Traffic along this corridor can be heavy during rush hour, so plan extra time if you’re commuting.
By Public Transit
There is currently no MARTA rail station in Marietta, but there are bus connections:
- MARTA buses and rail can bring you to Cobb County transfer points.
- Within Cobb County (including Marietta), CobbLinc runs bus routes that connect various parts of the county, including routes toward Atlanta.
If you’re staying in Atlanta and want to reach Marietta by transit, you may combine MARTA and CobbLinc depending on your starting and ending points.
Why People Often Say “Marietta, Atlanta” Anyway
In everyday conversation, many residents and visitors use “Atlanta” loosely to describe the whole metro area. That’s why you’ll hear things like:
- “I live in Atlanta,” from someone who’s technically in Marietta, Smyrna, or another suburb.
- “We’re staying in Atlanta,” when the hotel is actually in a nearby city off I-75.
This is common because:
- The Atlanta metro area is large, and Atlanta is the main recognizable name.
- Many suburbs, including Marietta, are close enough that they feel like part of one continuous region.
- For people outside Georgia, saying “Atlanta” is often simpler than explaining specific suburbs.
From a local or legal standpoint, though, Marietta is distinct from Atlanta. If you’re dealing with schools, utilities, permits, voting, or taxes, that difference matters.
Key Things Someone in Atlanta Should Know About Marietta
If you live in Atlanta, plan to visit, or are thinking about moving to the region, here’s what’s most helpful to understand:
- Marietta is its own city, not a neighborhood of Atlanta.
- It’s located just northwest of Atlanta and is a common choice for commuters.
- You’ll deal with different local governments:
- City of Atlanta/Fulton County vs. City of Marietta/Cobb County.
- Public services, including schools and utilities, are organized separately.
- In casual conversation, it’s still normal to hear Marietta described as being “in the Atlanta area.”
When You Might Need Official Clarification
Sometimes you may need to be very clear about where you are for legal, residential, or business reasons. Situations might include:
- Registering your vehicle or voter registration
- Determining your school district
- Applying for business licenses or building permits
- Figuring out property taxes or city services
In those cases, you should check:
- Your exact address
- Your city (Atlanta vs. Marietta vs. unincorporated county)
- Your county (Fulton/DeKalb vs. Cobb)
You can usually confirm these through your county tax assessor’s office, city hall, or official online property search tools provided by Fulton County, DeKalb County, or Cobb County, depending on where you are.
Bottom line:
Marietta is not in the City of Atlanta, but it is a major city within the Atlanta metropolitan area. If you’re in Atlanta and you head northwest up I-75, you’ll reach Marietta in a short drive — close enough to feel connected, but separate when it comes to government, services, and city identity.
