Cities South of Atlanta, GA: Where to Live, Work, and Visit Near the City

Looking for cities south of Atlanta, GA—whether for commuting, moving, or exploring on a day trip? The south side of metro Atlanta offers a wide mix of options, from fast-growing suburbs to quieter small towns and historic communities.

This guide focuses on cities and key communities directly south of Atlanta, what they’re known for, and how they connect back to the city.

Understanding “South of Atlanta”: What Area Are We Talking About?

When people in Atlanta say “south of the city”, they’re usually referring to areas:

• Along I-75, I-85, and US-19/41 (Metropolitan Pkwy/Tara Blvd)
• In or near Clayton, Henry, Fayette, Coweta, and South Fulton counties
• Within a 15–50 mile radius of Downtown Atlanta

These areas are popular with:

• Commuters who work in Downtown, Midtown, the airport, or nearby industrial/logistics hubs
• Families looking for more space than many in-city neighborhoods
• Travelers who want easy access to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport

Quick Snapshot: Major Cities South of Atlanta

Below is a simple overview of some of the most commonly mentioned cities and large towns south of Atlanta that matter to residents and visitors.

Distances are approximate and based on driving from Downtown Atlanta (Five Points area) in normal traffic.

Close-In Cities Directly South of Downtown Atlanta

These are the closest cities south of Atlanta, especially convenient if you want quick access to the airport or Downtown.

Hapeville

Location: Just south of I-75, bordering the airport
Why it matters to Atlantans:

• Very close to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
• Known for an artsy, walkable downtown, murals, and older homes
• Popular with people who work in aviation, film production, or nearby corporate offices

You can drive from Downtown Atlanta to Hapeville in roughly 10–15 minutes under light traffic.

East Point

Location: Southwest of Downtown along I-75/I-85 and Main Street
Highlights for locals:

• In-city feel while technically separate from the City of Atlanta
• Access to MARTA rail (East Point Station) with direct service to downtown and the airport
• Mix of older neighborhoods, small businesses, and industrial areas

East Point is often considered by people who want urban-style living but slightly lower housing costs than some intown neighborhoods.

College Park

Location: Directly south of the airport, along I-85 and the MARTA Red/Gold Lines
Key features:

• Home to parts of Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
• Contains the Georgia International Convention Center (GICC) and nearby hotels
• Older neighborhoods with tree-lined streets and historic homes

For travelers, College Park is one of the most convenient places to stay or park when flying in and out of Atlanta.

Suburban Cities South of Atlanta (Clayton County & South Fulton)

As you continue south, you quickly move into suburban cities that many Atlanta workers call home.

Forest Park

County: Clayton County
Location: Directly south of the city along I-75

Forest Park is often chosen by:

• Workers in airport-related and logistics/warehouse jobs
• People wanting quick access to I-75 into Downtown

It’s largely residential, with commercial corridors along Forest Parkway and Old Dixie Highway.

Riverdale

County: Clayton County
Location: South of Hartsfield–Jackson, along GA-85

Common reasons people look at Riverdale from Atlanta:

• More affordable housing than many in-town neighborhoods
• Suburban setting within a reasonable commute of Downtown and the airport
• Shopping and services concentrated along major roads like GA-85

Morrow

County: Clayton County
Location: Just off I-75, about 15–20 minutes south of Downtown (in light traffic)

Key local anchors:

• Clayton State University
• A dense retail area near Southlake Mall and Jonesboro Road
• Apartment communities and residential neighborhoods that appeal to commuters

Jonesboro

County: Clayton County (county seat)
Location: Along US-19/41 (Tara Blvd), southeast of the airport

Jonesboro is known for:

• A historic downtown square with city and county government offices
• Proximity to Tara Boulevard, a major north–south corridor toward Griffin
• Suburban neighborhoods, many built in later 20th century

Jonesboro is a typical destination for people wanting a Clayton County address with a more traditional town center feel.

Union City

County: Fulton County (South Fulton area)
Location: Along I-85, southwest of Atlanta

Union City has seen steady growth with:

• Distribution centers, warehouses, and industrial parks serving metro Atlanta
• Subdivisions and townhome communities appealing to commuters using I-85
• Easy access to nearby Fairburn, South Fulton, and the airport area

Historic Southside Towns and Growing Suburbs

Further south, you’ll find larger suburbs and historic towns that still function as Atlanta commuter hubs.

Fairburn

County: Fulton County (South Fulton)
Location: Off I-85, about 20–25 miles southwest of Downtown

Highlights:

• A compact historic downtown with older brick buildings
• Access to film studios and production facilities in south Fulton
• Residential neighborhoods ranging from older homes to newer subdivisions

Fayetteville

County: Fayette County (county seat)
Location: South of the airport via GA-85 and GA-54

Why Atlantans look at Fayetteville:

• Suburban setting with a slightly more semi-rural feel in outlying areas
• Popular with families wanting larger lots and quieter streets
• Easy access to Pinewood Forest / Trilith area (a well-known mixed-use and film-related development)

Peachtree City

County: Fayette County
Location: Southwest of Atlanta, often reached via GA-74 (Peachtree Pkwy)

Known for:

• Extensive golf cart path network connecting homes, schools, and shopping
• Planned community layout, lakes, and green spaces
• Strong appeal to families and professionals willing to commute

Many residents commute north toward I-85 and into Atlanta or the airport area.

Stockbridge

County: Henry County
Location: Southeast of Atlanta along I-75 and I-675

Why it’s on the radar:

• Considered a gateway to Henry County from the Atlanta side
• A mix of established neighborhoods and newer subdivisions
• Convenient for people commuting toward Downtown, the airport, or the I-285 east side

McDonough

County: Henry County (county seat)
Location: Further down I-75, about 30 miles southeast of Atlanta

Hallmarks:

• A well-known historic town square with restaurants and local shops
• Rapid residential growth with many new-home communities
• Access to I-75 for commuters heading north into Atlanta

Hampton

County: Henry County
Location: South of Jonesboro and McDonough via US-19/41 or I-75

Best known for:

• Atlanta Motor Speedway, which draws visitors for major racing and event weekends
• Smaller-town atmosphere compared with McDonough and Stockbridge
• Residential pockets that attract those wanting to be near, but not in, the busier suburbs

Regional Centers South of Atlanta

Some cities a bit farther out are still part of many Atlantans’ mental map, especially for work, family, or day trips.

Newnan

County: Coweta County
Location: Southwest of Atlanta along I-85, about 40–45 minutes from Downtown (depending on traffic)

What stands out:

• A larger historic downtown with shops, restaurants, and government offices
• Regional medical centers and professional services
• Subdivisions popular with commuters who drive up I-85

Griffin

County: Spalding County
Location: South of Jonesboro along US-19/41

Griffin functions as:

• A regional hub for surrounding rural areas
• A city with a mix of historic neighborhoods, industry, and newer commercial development
• A realistic commute for some who work on the south side of metro Atlanta, especially around Clayton and Henry counties

How These Cities Connect Back to Atlanta

If you live, work, or visit south of Atlanta, daily life often centers on transportation access and commute patterns.

Major Highways Serving the Southside

Key routes that matter if you’re in or going to cities south of Atlanta:

• I-75: Main corridor for Forest Park, Morrow, Stockbridge, McDonough, and points farther south
• I-85: Main corridor for East Point, College Park, Union City, Fairburn, Newnan
• I-675: Connector between I-75 (Henry/Clayton) and I-285 east of Atlanta
• US-19/41 (Tara Blvd / Metropolitan Pkwy): Surface-route alternative through Hapeville, Forest Park, Jonesboro, Hampton, Griffin
• GA-85 & GA-54: Important routes for Riverdale, Fayetteville
• GA-74: Main connector to Peachtree City

For commuting into Atlanta, traffic is a major consideration—especially at peak hours on I-75 and I-85.

Transit and Airport Access

For many southside residents, access to MARTA and the airport is a key advantage:

• MARTA rail serves East Point, College Park, and the Airport directly on the Red/Gold Lines.
• MARTA bus routes extend into parts of Clayton and South Fulton, connecting riders to rail stations.
• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport sits directly south of the city and is bordered by Atlanta, College Park, and Hapeville, making nearby cities especially attractive to frequent travelers or aviation workers.

Choosing a City South of Atlanta: What to Consider

If you’re deciding where to live or stay south of Atlanta, common factors include:

• Commute time: How long will it realistically take to get to Downtown, Midtown, the airport, or Perimeter in rush hour?
• Housing style: Do you prefer urban, suburban, or small-town? Older homes or newer subdivisions?
• Access to services: Proximity to schools, healthcare, parks, and shopping
• Lifestyle priorities:
  • Closer in (Hapeville, East Point, College Park) for more urban and transit access
  • Mid-ring suburbs (Morrow, Riverdale, Union City, Stockbridge) for commuter convenience
  • Outer cities (Fayetteville, Peachtree City, McDonough, Newnan, Griffin) for more space and a quieter pace

Simple Reference: Popular South-of-Atlanta Choices by Priority

If you want…

• 🛫 Fast airport access:

  • Hapeville, College Park, East Point, parts of Forest Park

• 🚆 MARTA rail access plus southside location:

  • East Point, College Park, Airport area

• 🏡 Suburban living with big retail corridors:

  • Morrow, Stockbridge, McDonough, Riverdale, Union City

• 🏘️ Historic or small-town atmosphere:

  • Jonesboro, Fairburn, Fayetteville, Newnan, Griffin, Hampton

• 🚙 Planned community lifestyle with trails and green space:

  • Peachtree City

By understanding how each city south of Atlanta fits into the broader metro area—commutes, lifestyle, and access—you can better decide where to live, stay, or explore when you’re based in or around Atlanta, Georgia.