Exploring Cities Around Atlanta: The Key Metro Areas to Know

When people talk about Atlanta, they’re often thinking about much more than the city limits. Day-to-day life, commuting, and travel in the region usually involve a network of surrounding cities and suburbs that together make up “metro Atlanta.”

Whether you live in the city, are planning a move, or are visiting and want to understand the area better, it helps to know the major cities around Atlanta, what they’re known for, and how they connect to the core of the city.

How the Atlanta Metro Area Is Laid Out

Metro Atlanta is centered on Fulton County and DeKalb County, with major suburbs and edge cities spreading into Cobb, Gwinnett, Clayton, Cherokee, Henry, Fayette, and Douglas Counties, among others.

In everyday conversation, people usually divide the region into a few broad areas:

• Inside the Perimeter (ITP) – inside I‑285 (Atlanta, Decatur, parts of Sandy Springs, etc.)
• Outside the Perimeter (OTP) – beyond I‑285 (most suburbs and farther-out cities)
• Northside, Southside, Eastside, Westside – informal but commonly used directions from downtown

Most of the best-known cities around Atlanta sit along major highways like I‑75, I‑85, GA‑400, I‑20, and I‑285, and many have direct access to MARTA or regional bus systems.

Quick Snapshot of Key Cities Around Atlanta

Here’s a high-level look at some of the best-known cities surrounding Atlanta and what they’re commonly associated with:

*Drive times vary with traffic and weather; these are general off-peak estimates.

East of Atlanta: Decatur, Stone Mountain, and Beyond

Decatur

Decatur is an independent city just east of Atlanta in DeKalb County. Although it blends seamlessly with in-town Atlanta, it has its own government and identity.

What Decatur is known for:

• Walkable downtown with restaurants, coffee shops, and independent stores
• Mix of early-20th-century bungalows and renovated homes
• MARTA rail stations: Decatur, Avondale
• Popular with people who want intown living without being in the City of Atlanta

From downtown Atlanta, Decatur is easily reached via Ponce de Leon Avenue, DeKalb Avenue, or MARTA’s Blue Line.

Stone Mountain (City & Area)

Stone Mountain can refer to both the City of Stone Mountain and the broader area around Stone Mountain Park.

Key points:

• Located in eastern DeKalb County, about 15–20 miles from downtown Atlanta
• Best known for Stone Mountain Park, a large public park and recreation area
• Surrounding neighborhoods range from older subdivisions to more affordable housing options compared with some inner suburbs

Many Atlanta residents commute from Stone Mountain via US‑78 (Stone Mountain Freeway) into the city.

North of Atlanta: Sandy Springs, Roswell, Alpharetta, and Dunwoody

Sandy Springs

Directly north of Atlanta, Sandy Springs is one of the largest cities in the metro area.

Notable features:

• Located along GA‑400 and the Chattahoochee River
• Mix of high-rise office towers, apartments, and single-family neighborhoods
• Home to several major corporate headquarters and medical centers
• Popular with commuters who work in Perimeter Center, Buckhead, or Midtown

Sandy Springs has multiple MARTA rail stations close by (North Springs, Sandy Springs, Medical Center), making it one of the more transit-friendly OTP cities.

Roswell

Further north along the Chattahoochee, Roswell offers a historic small-town feel with suburban convenience.

What stands out:

• Historic downtown Roswell with restaurants and boutiques
• Riverfront parks and trails along the Chattahoochee
• Established neighborhoods with trees and larger lots
• Frequently chosen by families wanting good school options and a balance between city access and suburban life

Roswell connects to Atlanta mainly via GA‑400, with typical commutes heading toward Buckhead, Midtown, and Downtown.

Alpharetta & Milton

Alpharetta, about 25 miles north of downtown, sits along the GA‑400 tech corridor.

Alpharetta highlights:

• Major technology and corporate offices
• Modern town center areas with retail, restaurants, and events
• Newer neighborhoods, townhomes, and apartment communities
• Popular with commuters working in north Fulton business parks or choosing reverse commutes from the city

Just to the northwest, Milton is more rural/suburban, with larger lots and a semi-country feel while still close to Alpharetta’s amenities.

Dunwoody

Dunwoody sits just outside the Perimeter north of Atlanta, near the I‑285 and GA‑400 interchange.

Key traits:

• Home to the Perimeter Center business district and large shopping centers
• Mix of condos, townhomes, and mid-century single-family subdivisions
• Multiple MARTA stations nearby (Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, Medical Center), making it attractive for car-light commutes

Residents often work in Dunwoody itself, nearby Sandy Springs, Buckhead, or Midtown.

Northwest of Atlanta: Marietta, Smyrna, and Kennesaw

Marietta

Marietta is the county seat of Cobb County and one of the major cities around Atlanta.

Known for:

• The Marietta Square, a historic downtown area with shops and a central park
• Proximity to I‑75 and US‑41 (Cobb Parkway) for commuting
• A wide range of housing, from older intown-style areas near the Square to planned subdivisions farther out
• Easy access to attractions and employment centers in Cumberland and Truist Park area

Marietta offers a more established suburban feel while still being within reasonable commuting distance to central Atlanta.

Smyrna

Just northwest of Atlanta and inside part of the I‑285 loop, Smyrna has grown rapidly.

What you’ll find:

• Close access to Truist Park and the Battery Atlanta entertainment district
• Townhome and urban-suburban style developments mixed with traditional neighborhoods
• Popular for people seeking shorter commutes to Midtown, Buckhead, or Cumberland

Many residents use I‑285, I‑75, and local surface streets to get into Atlanta or to nearby suburban job centers.

Kennesaw & Acworth

Further up I‑75 from Marietta:

• Kennesaw – Known for a large state university presence and suburban neighborhoods
• Acworth – Farther northwest with lake access and a smaller historic downtown

These cities are common choices for people who prefer larger homes and a more traditional suburban lifestyle, while still tied economically and culturally to Atlanta.

Northeast of Atlanta: Brookhaven, Chamblee, Norcross, and Peachtree Corners

Brookhaven

Brookhaven is just northeast of Buckhead, stretching along the Peachtree Road corridor.

Highlights:

• In-town suburban neighborhoods with a variety of home styles
• Restaurants and shops along Peachtree Road and Dresden Drive
• Served by Brookhaven/Oglethorpe MARTA Station
• Short commutes to Buckhead, Midtown, and Downtown

Brookhaven is often chosen by people seeking a balance between city access and a quieter residential environment.

Chamblee

Farther up the same corridor, Chamblee combines older industrial areas, newer mixed-use developments, and established neighborhoods.

Key features:

• Direct access to MARTA (Chamblee Station)
• Growing international food and business presence
• More affordable options than some intown areas while staying close to the city

Many residents commute by MARTA or via Peachtree Boulevard and nearby highways.

Norcross & Peachtree Corners

In Gwinnett County, these two cities sit northeast of Atlanta.

• Norcross – Has a quaint historic downtown, older neighborhoods, and diverse communities.
• Peachtree Corners – Home to significant office parks, technology businesses, and newer residential developments.

People living here often commute to Perimeter Center, Buckhead, Midtown, or local Gwinnett job centers using I‑85, Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, or GA‑141.

South of Atlanta: College Park, East Point, and Clayton County Cities

College Park & East Point

Immediately south and southwest of Atlanta, College Park and East Point are closely tied to the city.

College Park:

• Home to a large portion of Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
• Includes historic neighborhoods and new development
• Served by multiple MARTA rail stations and airport transit options
• Convenient for airline and hospitality workers, and frequent travelers

East Point:

• Mix of historic homes, newer infill, and industrial/commercial zones
• Close to downtown Atlanta via I‑85, I‑285, and MARTA
• Attracts residents who want short commutes and airport access

Clayton County: Forest Park, Morrow, Jonesboro

Just beyond College Park and East Point, Clayton County includes several cities that many consider part of the Atlanta area:

• Forest Park – Close to major distribution centers and airport-related jobs
• Morrow – Home to Clayton State University and retail centers
• Jonesboro – A mix of historic areas and subdivisions

These areas are often chosen by people seeking more affordable housing while staying connected to the city and airport.

West and Southwest: Douglasville, Fairburn, Union City, and Newnan

Douglasville

West of Atlanta along I‑20, Douglasville is the primary city in Douglas County.

What to know:

• Traditional suburban neighborhoods and shopping corridors
• A smaller historic downtown area
• Common home base for commuters heading into Atlanta or staying in the I‑20 corridor

Fairburn & Union City

In south Fulton County, Fairburn and Union City offer a mix of older town centers and newer subdivisions.

• Convenient to I‑85 and Hartsfield–Jackson Airport
• Often chosen by people working on the southside or at distribution and logistics centers

Newnan

Further southwest in Coweta County, Newnan is more of an exurban city but still closely tied to Atlanta’s economy.

• Growing residential communities
• A defined downtown and hospital/medical centers
• Longer commute into Atlanta but often with larger homes and lots

Popular In-Town Adjacent Areas and Small Cities

Some places around Atlanta blur the line between city and suburb but are important to know because they are so integrated into daily life.

City of South Fulton

Recently formed from unincorporated parts of southwest Fulton County, the City of South Fulton includes many neighborhoods and communities that directly border Atlanta.

Key characteristics:

• Large geographic area with diverse neighborhoods
• Mix of older and newer housing
• Close to Camp Creek Marketplace, Greenbriar area, and airport corridors

Avondale Estates, Clarkston, and Tucker

In DeKalb County east and northeast of Atlanta:

• Avondale Estates – Small city with a distinctive historic district and newer townhome communities.
• Clarkston – Known for its diverse, international communities and proximity to I‑285.
• Tucker – A larger DeKalb city with both established neighborhoods and commercial corridors, especially along LaVista Road and Lawrenceville Highway.

These cities often appeal to people who want shorter commutes and a slightly more relaxed feel compared with intown neighborhoods.

Getting Around: How These Cities Connect to Atlanta

If you live in or are visiting one of the cities around Atlanta, your daily experience will be shaped by transportation and commuting options.

Highways and Major Routes

Most surrounding cities connect to Atlanta through a few main corridors:

• I‑75 / I‑575 – Marietta, Smyrna, Kennesaw, Acworth
• I‑85 (north) – Brookhaven, Chamblee, Norcross, Duluth, Suwanee
• I‑85 (south) – Hapeville, East Point, College Park, Fairburn, Newnan
• I‑20 (east/west) – Stone Mountain (via US‑78), Lithonia, Conyers (east); Douglasville, Villa Rica (west)
• GA‑400 – Sandy Springs, Roswell, Alpharetta, Cumming
• Peachtree Industrial Blvd / GA‑141 – Chamblee, Norcross, Peachtree Corners

Traffic conditions can vary widely by time of day, so many residents factor rush-hour patterns heavily into their choice of city.

MARTA and Transit Access

If transit matters to you, cities with MARTA rail stations or strong bus connections stand out:

• Rail served or near rail:

  • Decatur, Avondale Estates (Decatur & Avondale stations)
  • Brookhaven, Chamblee, Doraville
  • Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, North Springs
  • College Park, East Point, Hapeville (via airport station)

• Bus connectors:

  • Many cities in DeKalb, Fulton, and Clayton are connected via MARTA buses.
  • Some areas in Gwinnett and Cobb use separate county systems that connect to MARTA at certain points.

If you’re deciding where to stay or live, check whether your target city has direct rail access, a short drive to a park-and-ride, or only car-based commuting.

Choosing a City Around Atlanta Based on Your Priorities

Different cities around Atlanta tend to attract different types of residents and visitors. While every area is diverse and has exceptions, people often choose based on a few recurring priorities.

If You Want Shorter Commutes to Downtown/Midtown

Look at:

• Decatur
• Brookhaven
• Smyrna (particularly closer to the Perimeter)
• Dunwoody
• Chamblee / Doraville
• College Park / East Point

These typically offer more direct highway or rail access and shorter drive times than farther-out suburbs.

If You Prefer a Historic or Walkable Downtown

Consider:

• Decatur
• Marietta
• Roswell
• Norcross
• Avondale Estates
• Newnan (farther out, but with a defined downtown)

These cities often hold festivals, farmers markets, and community events that feel more like a small town center within the broader metro area.

If You Want a More Suburban, Newer-Housing Feel

You may look toward:

• Alpharetta / Milton
• Peachtree Corners
• Kennesaw
• Douglasville
• McDonough
• Parts of Clayton and Henry counties

These areas tend to feature planned subdivisions, cul-de-sacs, and newer construction.

Practical Tips for Navigating Cities Around Atlanta

• Check commute times at your actual hours. Use mapping tools at the times you’d normally drive; Atlanta traffic changes dramatically by time of day.
• Look at proximity to MARTA or park-and-ride lots if you want alternatives to driving every day.
• Note school districts and county lines if schools or specific services (like libraries and county parks) matter to you; even neighboring streets can fall into different jurisdictions.
• Be aware of city vs. unincorporated areas. Some addresses near Atlanta may be in unincorporated county land rather than an official city, which can affect services and taxes.
• Plan airport access. If you travel frequently, living along an I‑85 or I‑285 corridor south of the city, or near a MARTA rail line, can significantly simplify trips to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

Understanding the cities around Atlanta helps you make sense of how the region actually works: where people live, where they work, and how they move between the two. Whether you’re exploring neighborhoods, choosing a suburb, or planning how to get around on your visit, viewing Atlanta as a connected region of cities and communities will give you a much clearer picture of your options.