Atlanta, Georgia and Its Surrounding Cities: A Local Guide to the Metro Area

Atlanta doesn’t end at the city limits. When people say “Atlanta,” they often mean a wide metro area made up of dozens of surrounding cities and suburbs that are closely tied to the city for work, entertainment, education, and travel.

If you live in Atlanta, are planning a visit, or are considering a move, it helps to understand the key surrounding cities, how they’re different, and how they connect back to Atlanta.

Understanding “Metro Atlanta” and the Surrounding Cities

When locals talk about “Metro Atlanta” or “the Atlanta area,” they’re usually referring to Atlanta plus nearby cities in counties like:

• Fulton County (includes most of Atlanta, Sandy Springs, Roswell)
• DeKalb County (Decatur, Dunwoody, Brookhaven, Stone Mountain area)
• Cobb County (Marietta, Smyrna, Kennesaw)
• Gwinnett County (Lawrenceville, Duluth, Norcross)
• Clayton County (Forest Park, Riverdale, Jonesboro)
• Henry, Fayette, Cherokee, Douglas, Paulding and others on the outer ring

These surrounding cities are where many Atlantans live, commute, shop, and go out. Each has its own character, downtown area, and local government, but they’re closely tied to Atlanta by highways, MARTA, and shared culture.

Quick Overview: Major Cities Surrounding Atlanta

Here’s a simple snapshot of some of the most commonly referenced cities around Atlanta and what they’re known for:

*Drive times are general, assuming no major traffic; rush hour in Atlanta can significantly change this.

North of Atlanta: Suburbs Along GA-400 and I-285

Sandy Springs

Location: Directly north of Atlanta, mostly in Fulton County.
Vibe: Urban-suburban mix with many offices and apartments.

Key points:

• Major employment center along GA-400 and I-285.
• Easy access to MARTA (North Springs, Sandy Springs, Dunwoody stations).
• Close to the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, popular for walking, tubing, and kayaking.

For everyday life, many Atlantans work in Midtown or Downtown and live in Sandy Springs, or vice versa.

Dunwoody

Location: Just inside the I-285 loop to the north/northeast.
Vibe: Suburban feel with a big business and shopping district.

Highlights:

• Home to the Perimeter Center area (offices, medical centers, hotels).
• Well-known shopping and dining around Perimeter Mall.
• Convenient for people who want fast access to I-285, GA-400, and multiple MARTA stations.

Roswell

Location: North of Sandy Springs along GA-400.
Vibe: Historic, scenic, and relatively residential.

What stands out:

• Historic Downtown Roswell with restaurants, bars, and boutiques.
• Strong access to the Chattahoochee River for trails and outdoor activities.
• Feels more like a stand-alone city while still being closely tied to Atlanta for commuting.

Alpharetta

Location: Farther north along GA-400, in Fulton County.
Vibe: Well-developed suburb with a strong corporate and tech presence.

Features:

• Popular mixed-use areas like Avalon and the Downtown Alpharetta district.
• Known for office parks, tech companies, and newer subdivisions.
• A common choice for people who work in North Fulton or telecommute but still want occasional access to the city.

East of Atlanta: Decatur, Stone Mountain, and Nearby Communities

Decatur

Location: Just east of Atlanta in DeKalb County.
Vibe: Walkable, artsy, and community-focused.

Why it’s popular:

• Downtown Decatur Square is a major food and nightlife hub.
• Tree-lined older neighborhoods with a small-town feel but MARTA rail access (Decatur, East Lake, and Avondale stations).
• Many people choose Decatur to be close to Atlanta while enjoying a more compact, pedestrian-friendly center.

Stone Mountain Area

Location: East/northeast of Atlanta in DeKalb and surrounding counties.
Vibe: Suburban neighborhoods anchored by the major park.

Key notes:

• Stone Mountain Park is a top regional attraction for hiking, walking, and outdoor recreation.
• Residential areas around the park are a mix of older and newer neighborhoods.
• Commuters often use US-78 into the city or local roads connecting to I-285.

Tucker and Clarkston

These smaller cities east of Atlanta are often mentioned along with Decatur and Stone Mountain.

• Tucker: Suburban, with a growing downtown main street and proximity to I-285 and US-78.
• Clarkston: Known for its diversity and community feel, with quick access to Decatur and I-285.

West and Northwest of Atlanta: Marietta, Smyrna, and Beyond

Marietta

Location: Northwest of Atlanta in Cobb County.
Vibe: Historic city center with extensive surrounding suburbs.

Highlights:

• Marietta Square is a popular destination with shops, restaurants, and events.
• Mix of older neighborhoods, new developments, and more rural-feeling areas farther out.
• Many residents commute to Atlanta via I-75, although traffic can be heavy at peak times.

Smyrna

Location: Just inside Cobb County, close to the city.
Vibe: Suburban but very closely tied to city life.

Notable for:

• Proximity to Truist Park and The Battery Atlanta (Atlanta Braves’ stadium and entertainment district).
• Convenient access to I-285 and I-75, making commuting into Atlanta common.
• Popular among younger professionals and families seeking shorter commutes than farther-out suburbs.

Kennesaw and Acworth

Farther northwest:

• Kennesaw: Home to Kennesaw State University, with many family neighborhoods and major shopping corridors.
• Acworth: Lakeside community (near Lake Allatoona) with a more relaxed, small-city feel.

These areas are common for people who don’t need to be in the city daily but still want to be within reach of Atlanta for big events or occasional trips.

South and Southwest of Atlanta: Airport Access and Established Communities

College Park and Hapeville

Location: Directly south/southwest of Atlanta, near Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
Vibe: Older established communities, strong connection to aviation and logistics.

Key aspects:

• Very close to Atlanta’s airport, one of the busiest in the world.
• Access to MARTA heavy rail (Airport and College Park stations).
• Shorter drive into Downtown Atlanta via I-85 and local roads.

These cities are particularly relevant for:

• Airline workers and airport staff.
• Travelers looking for airport hotels or park-and-ride options.
• People who need convenient access to both the airport and the inner city.

Jonesboro and Morrow

Farther south in Clayton County, you’ll find:

• Jonesboro: The county seat, with historic areas and neighborhoods at varying price points.
• Morrow: Close to I-75, with retail centers and residential communities.

These cities often appeal to those who:

• Want more affordable housing than many intown neighborhoods.
• Don’t mind a longer commute into central Atlanta, especially if they work on the Southside.

Peachtree City, Fayetteville, and the Southwest Corridor

Peachtree City (in Fayette County) is known for:

• Extensive golf cart paths throughout the city.
• Planned neighborhoods, lakes, and a quieter lifestyle.
• Being a bit of a drive from central Atlanta, but popular for those wanting a suburban-wooded feel.

Fayetteville is nearby and offers:

• A traditional downtown.
• Access to new developments like studio facilities that have brought more attention to the area.

These communities are particularly appealing for families and people who prefer a slower pace but still want to be tied into the larger Atlanta region.

Northeast of Atlanta: Gwinnett County Cities

Lawrenceville

Location: Northeast of Atlanta in Gwinnett County.
Vibe: Suburban county seat with an expanding downtown.

Highlights:

• Downtown Lawrenceville has been revitalized with dining, events, and a walkable core.
• Many subdivisions and master-planned communities spread across the area.
• Major corridors like GA-316 and I-85 connect residents back toward Atlanta.

Duluth, Norcross, and Suwanee

These cities are often grouped together when people mention northeast suburbs:

• Duluth: Walkable downtown area, strong community events, and easy access to I-85.
• Norcross: Historic downtown plus major industrial and business parks.
• Suwanee: Known for parks and green spaces, especially Suwanee Town Center and its trails.

Many Atlantans choose these cities to:

• Be close to Gwinnett County schools, parks, and shopping.
• Have relatively direct freeway access to Atlanta while living in more residential communities.

How Surrounding Cities Connect to Atlanta: Transportation Basics

Highways and Major Roads

Most surrounding cities are linked to Atlanta by a few main routes:

• I-75/I-85 (Downtown Connector): Runs north–south through central Atlanta.
• I-285 (The Perimeter): The loop around Atlanta that connects most suburbs.
• GA-400: Runs north from Buckhead through Sandy Springs, Roswell, and Alpharetta.
• I-20: Runs east–west, connecting to Douglasville, Lithia Springs (west) and Decatur, Conyers (east).
• I-75 North: Connects to Smyrna, Marietta, Kennesaw.
• I-85 North: Connects to Brookhaven, Norcross, Duluth, Lawrenceville.
• I-85 South / I-75 South: Heads toward the airport, College Park, Forest Park, McDonough, and other Southside communities.

For many residents, choosing a surrounding city often comes down to which highway corridor they’ll be using most often.

MARTA and Transit Access

Not all surrounding cities have equal transit access. For people who don’t want to depend on driving, it helps to focus on cities with MARTA rail or major bus connections.

Cities and areas with nearby MARTA rail include:

• Decatur, Avondale Estates, East Lake (East Line)
• Brookhaven, Chamblee, Doraville (Northeast Line)
• Sandy Springs, Dunwoody (North Springs Line)
• College Park, East Point, Hapeville area via Airport Station (South Line)

Bus routes extend farther out into some suburbs, and separate systems serve certain counties:

• CobbLinc in Cobb County (Marietta, Smyrna, etc.).
• Gwinnett County Transit in Gwinnett County (Lawrenceville, Duluth, Norcross).
• Xpress regional commuter buses along major corridors into central Atlanta.

If you rely on transit, it’s important to check whether your target city:

• Has MARTA rail,
• Has reliable bus routes, or
• Is largely car-dependent.

Choosing the Right Surrounding City for Your Needs

When comparing Atlanta’s surrounding cities, people often weigh:

1. Commute and Access

• How far is it to Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead?
• Is there direct highway access or a MARTA station nearby?

2. Housing and Neighborhood Feel

• Do you want a more urban, walkable area (e.g., Decatur, Roswell’s historic district, parts of Brookhaven)?
• Or a more traditional suburb with larger subdivisions (e.g., Alpharetta, Lawrenceville, Kennesaw)?

3. Proximity to the Airport

• Southside cities like College Park, Hapeville, and Forest Park, and even parts of Atlanta’s south and west sides, are popular if you travel frequently.

4. Schools, Parks, and Community Amenities

• Many families look closely at:
  • Access to parks, greenways, and trails (e.g., Suwanee, Peachtree City, Roswell).
  • Local community events and downtown areas.

5. Lifestyle and Activities

• Nightlife and restaurants? You might lean toward Decatur, Roswell, Alpharetta, Smyrna, or Marietta.
• Quieter, more residential? Many parts of Gwinnett, Fayette, Henry, and Cherokee counties fit that preference.

Key Takeaways for Navigating Atlanta’s Surrounding Cities

• “Atlanta” is more than just the city limits; it’s a connected region of cities and suburbs.
• North and northeast suburbs (Sandy Springs, Roswell, Alpharetta, Dunwoody, Brookhaven, Gwinnett cities) are major hubs for offices, shopping, and newer development.
• East and southeast areas (Decatur, Stone Mountain area) offer a mix of older neighborhoods, walkable town centers, and easy access into the city.
• West and northwest suburbs (Smyrna, Marietta, Kennesaw) link to Atlanta along I-75 and are closely tied to major attractions like Truist Park.
• South and southwest (College Park, Jonesboro, Peachtree City, Fayetteville) have strong connections to Hartsfield–Jackson Airport and a range of suburban and small-city environments.

If you’re in Atlanta and trying to understand the surrounding cities, start by thinking about which direction from the city best fits your commute and lifestyle, then narrow down based on how urban, suburban, or small-town you’d like your day-to-day life to feel.