Best Towns to Live In Near Atlanta, GA: A Local’s Guide to Top Suburbs and Communities

If you love Atlanta but want a little more space, quieter streets, or a different school district, the good news is that the metro area is full of great towns and suburbs within an easy drive of the city.

This guide walks through some of the best towns to live in near Atlanta, GA, what they’re known for, and how to match each area to your budget, commute, and lifestyle.

How to Choose the Best Town Near Atlanta for You

Before looking at specific suburbs, it helps to get clear on your priorities. Around Atlanta, people usually weigh:

• Commute time to Atlanta (Midtown, Downtown, Buckhead, or the airport)
• Home prices and property taxes
• Public school options
• Walkability and town center vibe
• Access to MARTA, I‑75, I‑85, I‑285, GA‑400, or I‑20
• Lifestyle: urban-feeling suburb, quiet cul-de-sac, historic downtown, or lake/mountain access

Think about what matters most, then use the summaries below to narrow your search.

Quick Comparison of Popular Towns Near Atlanta

Times are rough, and rush hour can add a lot. Many Atlantans time their commutes around MARTA access, flex schedules, or telework days.

Decatur: Intown Feel, Strong Community, and Walkability

Where it is: Just east of Atlanta, centered around the Decatur Square.
Counties: Mostly in DeKalb County.

Decatur is often chosen by people who want a true neighborhood feel without giving up quick access to intown Atlanta.

Why people like Decatur

• Walkable downtown with restaurants, coffee shops, and bars around East Court Square and Ponce de Leon Avenue
• Convenient to Emory University, the CDC, and major hospitals
• Mix of historic bungalows, cottages, and renovated homes
• MARTA rail stations (Decatur, East Lake, Avondale) for easy rides into the city
• Frequent community events and festivals

Things to consider

• Home prices can be higher than many outer suburbs.
• Yards are usually smaller than in exurban areas.
• Street parking can be tight near the square and older neighborhoods.

For zoning, property tax, and local services, residents often work through City of Decatur and DeKalb County offices:

• DeKalb County Government: 1300 Commerce Dr, Decatur, GA 30030 | Main line: (404) 371‑2000

Sandy Springs: Close-In Suburb With River Access and Big Employers

Where it is: Directly north of Buckhead along GA‑400 and I‑285.
County:Fulton County.

Sandy Springs blends high-rise offices, established neighborhoods, and river parks, appealing to both professionals and families.

Why people consider Sandy Springs

• Shorter commute to Buckhead, Midtown, and Perimeter Center
• Easy access to GA‑400, I‑285, and multiple MARTA stations (Sandy Springs, North Springs, Medical Center)
• Access to outdoor spaces along the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
• Mix of condos, townhomes, and single-family neighborhoods

Things to consider

• Traffic around I‑285/GA‑400 is famously heavy at peak times.
• Some areas feel more urban and commercial than traditional small-town.

City services and permits are coordinated through:

• City of Sandy Springs: 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs, GA 30328 | (770) 730‑5600

Roswell: Historic Downtown and Family-Friendly Suburbs

Where it is: North of the Perimeter, roughly along Holcomb Bridge Rd and GA‑400.
County:Fulton County.

Roswell is known for its historic charm, strong sense of community, and access to parks and the Chattahoochee River.

Why Roswell is popular

• Roswell Historic District with restaurants, shops, and events
• Riverside parks like Riverside Park and Azalea Park, with walking trails and river views
• Established neighborhoods with variety: from older ranch homes to newer subdivisions
• Feels “small town” while still within commuting distance of Atlanta

Things to consider

• Commutes to Midtown/Downtown can be long if you rely solely on GA‑400 at peak times.
• Popular neighborhoods and school zones can be very competitive when homes hit the market.

Alpharetta: Tech Hub With Modern Amenities

Where it is: Further up GA‑400, north of Roswell.
County:Fulton County.

Alpharetta attracts many people who want newer developments, corporate campuses, and a suburban environment with a lot of amenities.

Highlights

• Avalon and Downtown Alpharetta offer shopping, dining, and events
• Many corporate and tech employers are based in this corridor
• Plenty of newer neighborhoods, swim/tennis communities, and townhome developments
• Proximity to Big Creek Greenway and multiple parks

Things to consider

• Distance to Atlanta’s core is greater; commute times can be significant during rush hour.
• Some areas feel more like master-planned developments than a traditional small town.

City services:

• City of Alpharetta: 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, GA 30009 | (678) 297‑6000

Johns Creek: Quiet, Residential, and School-Focused

Where it is: Northeast of Alpharetta and Roswell.
County:Fulton County.

Johns Creek is often chosen by people seeking a quieter, residential feel with a strong focus on schools, parks, and cul-de-sacs.

Why it appeals to many

• Subdivisions with swim/tennis amenities and tree-lined streets
• Access to parks such as Newtown Park and Ocee Park
• Residential, low commercial density in many areas
• A community-oriented feel with local events and festivals

Things to consider

• Most areas are car-dependent; not very walkable or transit-heavy.
• Commutes to central Atlanta can be long, especially without flexible hours.

Marietta: Historic Square, Subdivisions, and Cobb County Access

Where it is: Northwest of Atlanta along I‑75.
County:Cobb County.

Marietta mixes historic neighborhoods near the Marietta Square with large suburban areas that stretch toward Kennesaw and East Cobb.

Why people choose Marietta

• Marietta Square has restaurants, the Strand Theatre, and a regular calendar of events
• Wide range of housing: historic homes, post-war ranches, townhomes, and large subdivisions
• Convenient access to I‑75 and the Northwest Corridor Express Lanes
• Proximity to Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park for hiking

Things to consider

• Some stretches of Cobb Parkway and I‑75 can be very traffic-heavy.
• Public transit options are more limited compared with intown Atlanta.

Government services:

• Cobb County Government: 100 Cherokee St NE, Marietta, GA 30090 | (770) 528‑1000

Smyrna: Suburban Living Near Truist Park and The Battery

Where it is: Just outside I‑285 northwest of Atlanta.
County:Cobb County.

Smyrna is popular among those who want quick access to Atlanta but prefer a suburban neighborhood environment.

What stands out

• Proximity to Truist Park and The Battery Atlanta (restaurants, entertainment, Braves games)
• Mix of townhomes, new construction, and established single-family homes
• Reasonable drive to Midtown/Downtown taking either I‑285/I‑75 or surface streets
• A growing “Smyrna Market Village” area with local shops and restaurants

Things to consider

• Game days around Truist Park can significantly affect traffic and noise in certain areas.
• Most neighborhoods require driving for daily errands.

Brookhaven: Close-In Suburb with Intown Convenience

Where it is: Just north of Buckhead along Peachtree Road.
County:DeKalb County.

Brookhaven is often seen as a blend of intown and suburban, with tree-lined streets and parks close to major job centers.

Why Brookhaven draws residents

• Quick access to Brookhaven/Oglethorpe MARTA Station
• Short commute to Buckhead, Midtown, and major employment centers
• Parks such as Murphey Candler Park and Blackburn Park
• Mix of older cottages, renovated homes, townhomes, and new constructions

Things to consider

• Prices can be high in popular pockets.
• As with other close-in areas, traffic on Peachtree Road and nearby arterials can be busy.

Dunwoody: Established Suburb Near Perimeter Center

Where it is: North of I‑285 around Perimeter Mall.
County:DeKalb County (with nearby pockets in Fulton).

Dunwoody is a good fit for those working near Perimeter Center who want suburban neighborhoods not far from a MARTA rail line.

Why people look at Dunwoody

• Reasonable commute to Perimeter’s office towers, Sandy Springs, and Buckhead
• Access to Dunwoody and Sandy Springs MARTA stations
• Established neighborhoods with larger lots relative to closer-in intown areas
• Nearby shopping, dining, and services around Perimeter Mall

Things to consider

• The I‑285/GA‑400 interchange can be very congested.
• Some areas feel more commercial than small-town.

Peachtree City: Planned Community and Golf-Cart Lifestyle

Where it is: South of Atlanta, accessible via Highway 74 and I‑85.
County:Fayette County.

Peachtree City is known for its extensive multi-use path system and golf-cart lifestyle. It’s further from Atlanta but has a distinct, planned feel.

Why some Atlantans move to Peachtree City

• Miles of cart paths connecting neighborhoods, schools, and shopping
• A quieter, master-planned layout with lots of green space and lakes
• Popular among families and people who commute to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport or the south side

Things to consider

• Commute to Midtown or Downtown Atlanta is relatively long compared with closer suburbs.
• It has a more self-contained feel; you’ll drive (or cart) locally for most needs.

Other Notable Towns Near Atlanta to Consider

Depending on your budget, commute, and school preferences, you might also look at:

• Kennesaw (Cobb County): Northwest, with Kennesaw State University and access to Kennesaw Mountain.
• Woodstock (Cherokee County): Growing downtown, more affordable than some closer-in suburbs, further up I‑575.
• Lawrenceville (Gwinnett County): County seat with a revitalizing downtown and a wide range of housing types.
• Duluth (Gwinnett County): Walkable downtown core with cultural events and a variety of neighborhoods.
• Tucker (DeKalb County): Close to I‑285 and I‑85, with an emerging Main Street feel.

These may mean a longer commute but can offer more space for the price or specific community vibes.

Practical Tips for Evaluating Towns Around Atlanta

Use these steps to zero in on the best place for your needs:

1. Map Your Realistic Commute

• Plug your potential home area and your actual work location (Midtown, Downtown, Perimeter, Airport, etc.) into a map app.
• Check drive times at weekday rush hours, not just mid-day.
• If you plan to use MARTA, look for proximity to a rail station or reliable bus line.

2. Visit at Different Times of Day

• Drive or walk around neighborhoods morning, mid-day, and evening.
• Note traffic noise, nearby commercial areas, and how busy local streets feel.
• Stop by local parks and town centers to get a sense of community life.

3. Compare Local Services and Government Resources

Each town or county runs its own services for things like permits, property taxes, and public safety. To get a feel for how an area is organized, you can contact:

• Fulton County Government
  141 Pryor St SW, Atlanta, GA 30303 | (404) 612‑4000
• DeKalb County Government
  1300 Commerce Dr, Decatur, GA 30030 | (404) 371‑2000
• Cobb County Government
  100 Cherokee St NE, Marietta, GA 30090 | (770) 528‑1000
• Gwinnett County Government
  75 Langley Dr, Lawrenceville, GA 30046 | (770) 822‑8000
• Fayette County Government
  140 Stonewall Ave W, Fayetteville, GA 30214 | (770) 305‑5400

These offices can provide information on zoning, utilities, property assessments, and public services that can affect where you choose to live.

4. Look Closely at Schools and Zoning

If schools are important:

• Check which school cluster a specific address feeds into, not just the town name.
• School boundaries can shift, so confirm current zoning with the relevant county school district office (such as Fulton County Schools, Cobb County School District, DeKalb County School District, etc.).

5. Balance Budget vs. Lifestyle

• Decide whether you’d rather have a shorter commute with a smaller home (closer-in areas like Decatur, Brookhaven, Smyrna)
  or
  more space and newer development with a longer drive (areas like Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Peachtree City).
• Consider homeowners’ association (HOA) dues, property taxes, and commuting costs.

Which Town Near Atlanta Is “Best” for You?

There isn’t one single “best town to live in near Atlanta”—the right choice depends on how you rank:

• Commute vs. space
• Walkability vs. quiet streets
• Budget vs. proximity to the city
• Historic character vs. newer developments

If you want a walkable, intown-adjacent lifestyle, look closely at Decatur, Brookhaven, and parts of Smyrna or Roswell.
If you prioritize schools, newer homes, and master-planned neighborhoods, explore Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Peachtree City, or parts of East Cobb/Marietta.
For a balance of access, amenities, and suburban feel, Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Roswell, and Marietta are common choices.

By visiting these areas, testing your commute, and checking how each town lines up with your priorities, you can pinpoint the best-fit community near Atlanta for how you actually live and work.