Exploring Cities Outside Atlanta: Nearby Places to Live, Work, and Visit

If you live in Atlanta or you’re planning a visit, it helps to understand the cities just outside Atlanta that shape “metro Atlanta” life. Many people work in the city but live in surrounding communities, or stay in Atlanta and take quick side trips to nearby towns.

Below is a practical guide to cities near Atlanta, Georgia—what they’re known for, why Atlantans go there, and what to expect in terms of commuting, lifestyle, and local services.

How Far Is “Outside Atlanta,” Really?

When people in Atlanta say “outside the city,” they usually mean:

• Inside the I‑285 Perimeter: Intown or close-in suburbs.
• Just Outside the Perimeter (OTP): Close suburbs that still feel connected to Atlanta.
• Outer Metro Cities: Larger suburban cities that are still part of daily Atlanta life but have their own downtowns and identities.
• Day-Trip Cities: Places within about 1–2 hours’ drive that Atlantans visit for weekends, nature, or special events.

This guide focuses on cities and major suburbs in the Atlanta metro that you’re most likely to live in, commute from, or visit, plus a few popular day-trip destinations.

Quick Comparison of Key Cities Outside Atlanta

*Times are approximate from Downtown Atlanta and depend heavily on traffic.

Close-By Cities That Feel Like Extensions of Atlanta

Decatur: Intown Vibe Just East of Atlanta

Technically its own city, Decatur sits just east of Atlanta but feels very connected.

Why Atlantans go to Decatur:

• Walkable downtown with restaurants, bars, and shops.
• Older bungalow-style neighborhoods and tree-lined streets.
• Easy access to MARTA rail (Decatur and East Lake stations).

Best for:

• People who want an intown feel but a smaller-city atmosphere.
• Commuters to downtown or midtown Atlanta using MARTA or surface streets.

Sandy Springs: Suburban City Along the Chattahoochee

Just north of Atlanta, Sandy Springs is one of the largest metro-area cities.

What it’s known for:

• Large office complexes along GA‑400.
• Access to Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area for kayaking and trails.
• Mix of apartments, townhomes, and single-family homes.

Best for:

• People working in Perimeter Center, Buckhead, or North Fulton.
• Those who want quicker access to north Georgia while still staying metro.

North of Atlanta: Roswell, Alpharetta, and Beyond

Roswell: Historic Charm and River Access

Roswell sits along the Chattahoochee and has a notable historic district.

Highlights:

• Canton Street and surrounding area with restaurants and boutiques.
• Access to river parks, greenways, and trails.
• Established subdivisions and family neighborhoods.

Why Atlantans visit:

• Dining and events in the historic district.
• Outdoor activities along the riverfront.

Alpharetta & Johns Creek: Suburban and Job-Rich

These cities are key parts of North Fulton County, often chosen by people who work in tech, finance, or corporate roles.

Alpharetta:

• Major business centers along GA‑400.
• Popular destinations like Avalon and its walkable areas.
• Wide range of planned neighborhoods and newer housing.

Johns Creek:

• Strong residential focus with master-planned communities.
• Numerous parks and golf courses.
• Frequently chosen for its suburban schools and amenities.

Best for:

• Commuters heading to north-side offices more than downtown.
• Families who want suburban living but still within metro Atlanta.

Northwest of Atlanta: Marietta, Smyrna, and Kennesaw

Marietta: Historic Square and Suburban Hub

Marietta is a central city in Cobb County with its own identity.

Key features:

• Marietta Square: restaurants, events, and a small-town downtown feel.
• Close to Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park for hiking.
• Mix of older intown-style neighborhoods and outlying subdivisions.

Why Atlantans care:

• Many people live in Marietta and commute to Cumberland, Buckhead, or downtown.
• Court and county services are based around downtown Marietta.

Smyrna: Close to The Battery and Truist Park

Smyrna has grown quickly thanks in part to its location near major job centers.

Highlights:

• Short drive to The Battery Atlanta and Truist Park (home of the Atlanta Braves).
• Smyrna Market Village and surrounding residential areas.
• Convenient to I‑285 and I‑75, making commutes to central Atlanta possible.

Best for:

• People who want suburban living with close access to stadium events.
• Commuters working in Cumberland, Vinings, or Buckhead.

Kennesaw & Acworth: Farther Northwest Suburbs

Farther northwest, Kennesaw and Acworth offer a more traditional suburban feel.

What to expect:

• Larger subdivisions and newer developments.
• Proximity to Kennesaw State University (Kennesaw campus).
• Access to Kennesaw Mountain, Lake Allatoona, and local parks.

These cities are typically chosen by people willing to trade a longer drive into Atlanta for more space or different housing options.

North-Central: Dunwoody and the Perimeter Area

Dunwoody: Perimeter Center and Transit Access

Just north of Atlanta along I‑285, Dunwoody is a key jobs and shopping area.

Key points:

• Perimeter Center houses many corporate offices.
• MARTA rail stations (Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, Medical Center) connect directly to Buckhead, Midtown, and Downtown.
• Surrounding suburban neighborhoods with single-family homes and townhomes.

Best for:

• People who work or study in Perimeter Center or along the MARTA Red Line.
• Those who want transit-based commuting options to Atlanta.

East and Northeast: Lawrenceville, Norcross, and Stone Mountain

Lawrenceville: Hub of Gwinnett County

Lawrenceville is a major city in Gwinnett County.

Known for:

• Serving as a county hub for courts and government.
• A revitalized downtown with dining and entertainment.
• Mostly suburban-style housing and shopping centers.

It’s a common choice for people working in Gwinnett or willing to commute via I‑85 or surface roads into Atlanta.

Norcross & Peachtree Corners: Older Suburbs, Newer Centers

Norcross and Peachtree Corners sit along I‑85 northeast of Atlanta.

• Norcross has a historic downtown with older homes and small businesses.
• Peachtree Corners has more modern commercial/office areas and newer developments.

Many Atlantans live here and commute both to Atlanta and to jobs in Gwinnett or North Fulton.

Stone Mountain: Park Access and Eastside Living

Stone Mountain is best known for Stone Mountain Park, a large public recreation area with trails, lake access, and family attractions.

Living near Stone Mountain:

• Older suburban neighborhoods and townhomes.
• Access to Memorial Drive and US‑78 for commuting into Decatur or Atlanta.
• Popular with people who want relatively affordable housing with outdoor access.

South of Atlanta: College Park, East Point, and the Airport Area

College Park: Gateway to Hartsfield‑Jackson

Just south of Atlanta, College Park is directly connected to Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

Why it matters to Atlantans:

• Airport workers and frequent travelers often choose to live nearby.
• MARTA rail offers direct connections from College Park to downtown, midtown, and Buckhead.
• Older homes, some historic areas, and a growing number of new developments.

East Point & Hapeville: Close-In Southern Neighbors

East Point and Hapeville sit between Atlanta and the airport.

• East Point offers MARTA access, older neighborhoods, and proximity to Fort McPherson redevelopment areas.
• Hapeville has a small-town main street feel and is also very close to the airport.

These cities are useful to know if you’re:

• Looking for airport-adjacent living.
• Planning to split time between Atlanta and frequent flights.
• Seeking shorter commute times into downtown from the south side.

How People Commonly Use Nearby Cities

If you live in or visit Atlanta, you’ll likely interact with nearby cities in a few main ways:

1. Commuting for Work

Many Atlantans:

• Live in a suburban city (Marietta, Alpharetta, Lawrenceville) and commute into Atlanta.
• Live in Atlanta and commute to major job centers in Perimeter Center, Sandy Springs, or Alpharetta.

Understanding where your job is located relative to I‑285, GA‑400, I‑75, I‑85, and MARTA can help you narrow down which nearby cities make sense for your home base.

2. Choosing Where to Live Near Atlanta

When deciding between Atlanta and nearby cities, people usually compare:

• Commute time vs. housing options.
• Access to transit (MARTA rail and buses).
• Proximity to parks, trails, restaurants, and shopping.
• Whether they prefer a walkable downtown feel (Decatur, Roswell, Marietta) or more spread-out suburbs (Alpharetta, Lawrenceville).

3. Weekend and Day Trips from Atlanta

Even if you live in the city, it’s common to use nearby towns for quick getaways:

• Roswell & Marietta: Historic downtowns, dining, and local events.
• Stone Mountain: Hiking, walking trails, and outdoor activities.
• North Georgia (slightly farther): Cities like Dahlonega, Blue Ridge, or Helen are popular for mountain views and small-town charm, usually 1.5–2 hours from Atlanta.

These trips can be done as day visits or short weekend stays.

Using Transit to Reach Cities Outside Atlanta

While many surrounding cities are car-oriented, some are more accessible by MARTA:

• Decatur (Decatur and East Lake stations)
• Doraville and Chamblee to the northeast
• College Park, East Point, and Hapeville area via nearby stations
• Dunwoody and Sandy Springs near the Perimeter Center corridor

If you don’t want to drive regularly, focusing on cities with MARTA rail access or strong bus connections can make your daily life easier.

Practical Tips for Choosing a City Outside Atlanta

When comparing nearby cities, consider:

• Where you work or study: Map the route during rush hour, not just mid-day.
• Transit options: Check how close you’d be to MARTA stations or major expressways.
• Lifestyle priorities:
  • Want walkable downtowns? Look at Decatur, Roswell, Marietta.
  • Want corporate job centers nearby? Think Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Alpharetta.
  • Want airport convenience? Consider College Park, East Point, Hapeville.
• Access to nature: For frequent hiking and outdoor time, explore Roswell, Sandy Springs, Stone Mountain, Kennesaw.

Living in Atlanta often means thinking beyond the city limits. Nearby cities like Decatur, Sandy Springs, Roswell, Marietta, Alpharetta, Lawrenceville, College Park, and others are part of everyday life here—whether you’re choosing where to live, where to work, or where to spend your weekends. Understanding these cities outside Atlanta helps you make better decisions about your home base, your commute, and how you experience the broader metro area.