Cities Near Atlanta: Your Guide to Nearby Towns, Suburbs, and Day Trips

Living in or visiting Atlanta, Georgia puts you in the center of a huge web of nearby cities, suburbs, and small towns. Whether you’re planning a commute, a move, a day trip, or just want to understand the metro area, it helps to know what’s around Atlanta and how long it takes to get there.

This guide focuses on cities near Atlanta, how they connect to the city, and what they’re known for from an Atlanta resident or visitor’s perspective.

Quick Overview: Cities Near Atlanta by Distance

The Atlanta metro (often called Metro Atlanta or the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Alpharetta area) includes dozens of cities. Here’s a simple snapshot of some of the best-known nearby cities and how far they typically are from Downtown Atlanta.

Understanding the Atlanta Metro Layout

From an Atlanta perspective, nearby cities are often grouped by direction and interstate corridor:

• North / Northwest: I‑75, I‑575, GA‑400 (Marietta, Kennesaw, Roswell, Alpharetta)
• Northeast: I‑85, I‑985 (Doraville, Norcross, Duluth, Lawrenceville, Suwanee)
• East / Southeast: I‑20 East, I‑285 East, I‑675 (Decatur, Stone Mountain, Conyers, Lithonia)
• South / Southwest: I‑75 South, I‑85 South (College Park, East Point, Union City, Newnan, Peachtree City)
• West: I‑20 West (Austell, Lithia Springs, Douglasville)

If you live in Atlanta, your commute or day trip experience will feel very different depending on which corridor you use, especially during rush hour.

Intown-Adjacent Cities Near Atlanta

These are cities that sit directly beside Atlanta and feel closely tied to the urban core. Many Atlantans live, work, or hang out in these cities almost as if they’re neighborhoods of Atlanta.

Decatur

• Distance from Downtown Atlanta: ~6 miles east
• Best known for: A walkable downtown square, restaurants, festivals, and older homes.

Highlights for Atlantans:

• Popular with people who want intown living but a smaller-city feel.
• MARTA rail access via the Decatur Station on the Blue Line.
• Mix of bungalows, historic houses, and small condo buildings.
• Strong local food, coffee, and craft beer scene.

Brookhaven

• Distance: ~10 miles northeast
• Best known for: Intown-style suburb with parks, restaurants, and access to Peachtree Road.

From Atlanta, Brookhaven can feel like:

• A quieter alternative to Buckhead with similar access to Peachtree Road.
• Home to popular areas like Brookhaven Village and Murphey Candler Park.
• MARTA access via Brookhaven/Oglethorpe Station on the Gold Line.

East Point and College Park

• Distance: 7–9 miles south/southwest
• Best known for: Proximity to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, historic housing, and quick access to Downtown.

Why Atlantans look here:

• More affordable older homes compared with many intown neighborhoods.
• Convenient for residents working near the airport or in south Fulton.
• Served by multiple MARTA rail stations (East Point, College Park, Airport).

Northern Suburbs and Cities Near Atlanta

North of Atlanta is one of the most developed and job-dense parts of the metro. Many people commute daily between Atlanta and these cities.

Sandy Springs

• Distance: ~15 miles north
• Access: GA‑400, I‑285, Red Line MARTA stations (Sandy Springs, North Springs).
• Known for: Office towers, river access, and established neighborhoods.

From an Atlanta resident’s perspective:

• A major employment center with many corporate offices.
• Popular for those wanting a shorter commute than more distant suburbs but still a suburban feel.
• Access to Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area for paddling, trails, and picnics.

Roswell

• Distance: ~22 miles north
• Access: GA‑400
• Known for: Historic downtown, river parks, and family-friendly neighborhoods.

What stands out:

• Historic Roswell Square is a common day-trip destination for Atlantans.
• Easy access to riverfront parks like Riverside Park and Azalea Park.
• Mix of established neighborhoods and larger homes on wooded lots.

Alpharetta

• Distance: ~26 miles north
• Access: GA‑400
• Known for: Tech companies, shopping and dining at Avalon, and events at Ameris Bank Amphitheatre.

Why people from Atlanta head to Alpharetta:

• Concerts and large events.
• Shopping, dining, and walkable mixed-use developments.
• Considered a commuter hub for people who work in tech or corporate centers along GA‑400.

Marietta

• Distance: ~20 miles northwest via I‑75
• Known for: The Marietta Square, historic homes, and family-oriented neighborhoods.

Marietta from an Atlanta lens:

• A frequent pick for those who want slightly more space while staying commutable to Atlanta.
• Close to Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park for hiking and history.
• Good access to I‑75 and nearby job centers in Cumberland and Truist Park/The Battery Atlanta area.

Kennesaw

• Distance: ~27 miles northwest
• Access: I‑75
• Known for: Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw Mountain, and suburban neighborhoods.

Many Atlantans visit or move to Kennesaw for:

• University-related life (students, faculty, staff).
• More suburban and often more affordable housing than closer-in suburbs.
• Outdoor time at Kennesaw Mountain and local parks.

Northeastern Cities and Suburbs Near Atlanta

The I‑85 northeast corridor is dense with cities and has some of Metro Atlanta’s largest suburban populations.

Doraville and Chamblee

• Distance: ~12–15 miles northeast
• Access: I‑285, I‑85, MARTA Gold Line
• Known for: Diverse food options, light industrial areas, redevelopment.

From Atlanta:

• Popular for international food and markets, especially along Buford Highway.
• Access to MARTA, making car-optional commutes to Downtown or Midtown more realistic.

Norcross, Duluth, and Peachtree Corners

• Distance: ~20–27 miles northeast
• Access: I‑85, Peachtree Industrial Boulevard
• Known for: Mix of older suburbs, new town centers, and office parks.

Why Atlantans head this way:

• Growing job centers in Peachtree Corners and tech corridors.
• Walkable historic areas like Downtown Norcross and Duluth’s Parsons Alley.

Lawrenceville, Suwanee, and Buford

• Distance: ~30–40+ miles northeast
• Access: I‑85, GA‑316, I‑985
• Known for: Gwinnett County seat (Lawrenceville), parks, and lake access closer to Buford.

From Atlanta, these cities can be:

• Commutable, but traffic heavy in peak hours.
• Popular for people seeking newer subdivisions and large master-planned communities.
• A gateway to Lake Lanier for boating and water recreation.

Eastern Cities Near Atlanta

Heading east from Atlanta, you quickly move from intown neighborhoods to smaller cities and towns with their own character.

Decatur and Avondale Estates

Technically already mentioned, but from Atlanta’s east side you’ll also encounter:

• Avondale Estates: A small city next to Decatur with Tudor-style architecture and a close-knit community feel.

Stone Mountain

• Distance: ~15 miles east
• Access: US‑78
• Known for: Proximity to Stone Mountain Park.

Why Atlantans go:

• Hiking to the top of the granite mountain.
• Park events, light shows, and festivals (subject to current programming).
• More suburban neighborhoods at relatively accessible prices compared to some closer intown areas.

Conyers and Covington

• Conyers: ~24 miles east on I‑20
• Covington: ~35–40 miles east on I‑20

From an Atlanta perspective:

• Both are common choices for people working in Atlanta but wanting small-city or semi-rural living.
• Covington’s historic square is known for filming locations and day trips.

Southern Cities Near Atlanta

The south side of Atlanta includes some of the oldest suburbs and close-in cities, along with fast-growing areas further out.

College Park, East Point, and Hapeville

• These cities border or sit very close to Atlanta and the airport.
• Common reasons Atlantans focus here:
  • Quick access to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
  • MARTA access and shorter commutes to Downtown/Midtown.
  • Mix of older, tree-lined neighborhoods and new development.

Union City, Fairburn, and Palmetto

• Distance: Roughly 15–30 miles southwest
• Access: I‑85 South
• Known for: Growing residential areas and a more suburban or semi-rural environment.

From Atlanta:

• Often chosen by residents seeking more space, sometimes at lower housing costs.
• Still realistically commutable to Atlanta, though traffic can build on I‑85.

Peachtree City and Fayetteville

• Peachtree City: ~32 miles southwest
• Fayetteville: ~25 miles south

Why Atlantans think about these cities:

• Peachtree City is famous for its golf cart paths, lakes, and planned neighborhoods.
• Fayetteville has grown around film and production jobs related to Trilith Studios.
• Common choices for families or those wanting a slower pace outside the core metro.

McDonough and Stockbridge

• McDonough: ~30 miles southeast via I‑75
• Stockbridge: ~20–25 miles southeast

From Atlanta:

• Key hubs in Henry County, popular with commuters heading into the city.
• Growing commercial corridors with big-box shopping and new housing.

Western Cities Near Atlanta

Heading west from Atlanta along I‑20, you quickly transition to more suburban and exurban areas.

Austell and Lithia Springs

• Distance: ~15–20 miles west
• Access: I‑20
• Known for: Proximity to Six Flags Over Georgia and industrial/job corridors.

From an Atlanta standpoint:

• Common for residents working in logistics, warehousing, or manufacturing.
• A mix of older neighborhoods and newer developments.

Douglasville

• Distance: ~22 miles west
• Access: I‑20
• Known for: Suburban lifestyle and shopping centers.

How Atlantans use Douglasville:

• As a bedroom community for those willing to commute into the city.
• A local hub for west-of-Atlanta residents, with its own retail, dining, and schools.

Newnan and Carrollton (Beyond the Immediate Suburbs)

• Newnan: Southwest on I‑85, ~45–60 minutes in typical traffic.
• Carrollton: West-southwest, about an hour’s drive via I‑20 and surface roads.

From Atlanta:

• These are more often full-day trips or relocation destinations than quick hops.
• Popular with those who want small-city life and are willing to drive for occasional Atlanta events or work.

Commuting to Atlanta from Nearby Cities

If you’re choosing a city near Atlanta to live in, commuting is a major factor. A few practical points:

• I‑285 (“The Perimeter”): Many nearby cities sit just inside or outside this loop. Living closer to I‑285 often shortens drive times, but traffic can still be heavy.
• MARTA Rail: Cities like Decatur, College Park, East Point, Brookhaven, Chamblee, and Sandy Springs have direct rail access, which is helpful if you work in Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or near major stations.
• Rush Hour Reality: A city that’s 20 miles away might take 25 minutes in light traffic or more than an hour at peak rush hour, especially on I‑75, I‑85, GA‑400, or I‑20.

If you’re in Atlanta now and considering a move to a nearby city, it’s wise to:

• Test your actual commute route at your normal work time.
• Consider access to MARTA stations or park-and-ride lots.
• Factor in school locations, if relevant, and how they affect your daily driving.

Quick Reference: Common Day Trip Cities from Atlanta

From Atlanta, these cities are popular day trip or short visit destinations:

• Decatur: Restaurants, bars, local shops, and festivals.
• Roswell: Historic district, river parks, and dining.
• Marietta: Marietta Square, local events, and museums.
• Stone Mountain (city and park area nearby): Hiking and outdoor activities.
• Alpharetta: Shopping, dining, concerts in the GA‑400 corridor.
• Peachtree City: Lakes, multi-use paths, and a planned-community feel.
• Covington: Historic square, small-town charm.

All are reachable in about an hour or less from most parts of Atlanta under normal conditions, making them easy destinations for weekends or visitors staying in the city.

How to Choose the Right Nearby City for You

When comparing cities near Atlanta, consider:

• Commute to your main destinations (Downtown, Midtown, Perimeter, Airport, etc.).
• Housing style and density: Intown-adjacent cities (Decatur, Brookhaven, East Point) vs. more traditional suburbs (Marietta, Lawrenceville, McDonough).
• Transportation options: MARTA rail vs. car-only commutes.
• Lifestyle priorities:
  • Walkable downtowns: Decatur, Roswell, Marietta, Duluth, Covington.
  • Big-box shopping and newer subdivisions: McDonough, Lawrenceville, Douglasville, Kennesaw.
  • Access to water or trails: Roswell (river), Peachtree City (lakes), Buford (Lake Lanier), Stone Mountain (park and trails).

By understanding how these cities near Atlanta relate to the urban core—distance, traffic patterns, and local character—you can better plan where to live, which areas to explore, and how to make the most of your time in and around Atlanta.