Exploring Cities Surrounding Atlanta: A Practical Guide for Locals and Visitors

Atlanta doesn’t stop at the city limits. If you live here—or you’re visiting—the cities surrounding Atlanta are a big part of daily life, whether you’re commuting, planning a move, or exploring weekend destinations.

This guide focuses on the metro Atlanta cities and suburbs most people mean when they talk about “around Atlanta,” how they relate to the city, what they’re known for, and what to keep in mind when traveling between them.

Understanding “Metro Atlanta” vs. City of Atlanta

When people say Atlanta, they might mean:

• City of Atlanta: The official city, mainly in Fulton County and part of DeKalb County.
• Metro Atlanta / Atlanta area: A much larger region that includes dozens of nearby cities and counties.

For everyday purposes, most residents think in terms of inside vs. outside the Perimeter:

• ITP (Inside the Perimeter): Areas inside I‑285, closer to central Atlanta.
• OTP (Outside the Perimeter): Suburbs and cities around Atlanta beyond I‑285.

Most surrounding cities are OTP, but many are still closely tied to Atlanta by commuting patterns, transit, shopping, and entertainment.

Quick Overview: Major Cities Surrounding Atlanta

Here’s a simple snapshot of some of the best-known cities around Atlanta:

Distances are approximate from downtown Atlanta (Five Points area) and can feel very different depending on traffic.

Key Nearby Cities by Direction

North of Atlanta

The northern suburbs are some of the most developed and heavily traveled parts of the metro area.

Sandy Springs

• Just outside the Atlanta city limits along GA‑400 and I‑285.
• Mix of high-rise offices and suburban neighborhoods.
• Access to the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area for kayaking, tubing, and trails.
• Many people who work in Buckhead or central Perimeter live or commute through Sandy Springs.

Roswell

• Historic downtown Roswell is a popular spot for restaurants, shops, and festivals.
• Bordered by the Chattahoochee River, with multiple parks and greenways.
• Feels like a small historic city but is closely connected to Atlanta’s job centers.

Alpharetta

• North Fulton city with major tech and office parks.
• The Avalon district and Downtown Alpharetta draw people from all over metro Atlanta.
• If you’re commuting from Atlanta, GA‑400 is the main route, and traffic can be heavy at peak times.

Johns Creek & Milton

• Johns Creek (northeast of Alpharetta) is largely residential with many parks and golf communities.
• Milton (north of Alpharetta) has a more rural and equestrian feel.
• Popular with people looking for suburban living while still within reach of Atlanta jobs and amenities.

Northeast of Atlanta

The northeastern corridor along I‑85 and Peachtree Industrial Boulevard is known for its diversity and rapid growth.

Norcross

• Includes Historic Norcross, with a walkable downtown and parks.
• Mix of older suburbs, apartment communities, and small industrial areas.
• Convenient to both I‑85 and Peachtree Industrial, making it a frequent choice for commuters.

Duluth

• Known for its vibrant Korean and Asian business districts, especially along Pleasant Hill Road.
• Downtown Duluth has an active town green with concerts and community events.
• The Gas South District (arena and convention/expo spaces) hosts sporting events, concerts, and shows.

Lawrenceville

• County seat of Gwinnett County with a historic courthouse square.
• Residential neighborhoods, local college campuses, and growing commercial corridors.
• Often considered a hub for northeast metro Atlanta services and government offices.

East of Atlanta

Decatur

• Technically its own city, located mostly in DeKalb County, just east of Atlanta.
• Known for:
  • Walkable downtown with restaurants, bookstores, and local shops
  • Historic neighborhoods and older homes
  • Easy MARTA rail access from downtown Atlanta
• Many Atlanta residents choose Decatur for a small-city feel while staying close to intown Atlanta.

Stone Mountain

• Home city to Stone Mountain Park, a major regional attraction with trails, a lake, and family activities.
• Older suburban housing stock and commercial corridors along Memorial Drive and Stone Mountain Highway.
• Popular day-trip destination for hiking, picnics, and scenic views.

South of Atlanta

The southern cities around Atlanta are especially important for anyone using Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

College Park

• Includes part of the airport area, hotels, and the Georgia International Convention Center.
• Historic neighborhoods and easy access via I‑85 and MARTA (Airport Station).
• Many flight crews, airport workers, and convention visitors pass through here daily.

East Point

• Immediately southwest of Atlanta, with direct MARTA access and quick trips into the city.
• Mix of established neighborhoods and commercial strips.
• Often chosen by people who want to be close to both downtown Atlanta and the airport.

Union City & Fairburn

• Further southwest along I‑85.
• More suburban and residential, with shopping centers and business parks.
• Often considered when people are seeking more space at a lower housing cost while still within reach of Atlanta.

West and Northwest of Atlanta

The western side of the metro area is anchored by Cobb and Douglas counties.

Smyrna

• Just northwest of Atlanta, near the junction of I‑285 and I‑75.
• Close to Truist Park and The Battery Atlanta, home of the Atlanta Braves and surrounding entertainment district.
• Large number of townhomes, apartments, and newer residential communities.

Marietta

• County seat of Cobb County, centered around the Marietta Square, a historic downtown district.
• Diverse housing options, from older neighborhoods near the square to newer subdivisions.
• Common choice for commuters who work in Cumberland, Sandy Springs, or Midtown.

Mableton

• Located southwest of Smyrna, near I‑285 and I‑20.
• Primarily residential, with easy routes into downtown Atlanta via I‑20.
• Often considered by people wanting quicker access to the city’s west side.

Douglasville

• West of Atlanta along I‑20.
• Features major retail, restaurants, and subdivisions.
• Feels more like a standalone city, but many residents commute into Atlanta or nearby job centers.

Close-In Independent Cities and Town Centers

Some cities surrounding Atlanta blend so closely into the urban fabric that many people barely realize they’re separate cities.

Brookhaven

• North of Buckhead, along Peachtree Road and near I‑85.
• Mix of high-density apartments, older single-family homes, and new townhome developments.
• Popular dining and shopping corridors and multiple parks.

Chamblee

• Northeast of Brookhaven, along Peachtree Boulevard.
• Known for its Asian shopping and dining corridors, including large international markets.
• Growing area of in-town style redevelopment with apartments and mixed-use projects.

Tucker

• East/northeast of Atlanta and Decatur, in DeKalb County.
• Houses older suburbs, light industrial areas, and shopping centers.
• Offers relatively quick access to both I‑285 and I‑85.

These close-in cities are often grouped with “intown Atlanta” because of short travel times and similar urban feel.

Common Reasons People Look at Cities Around Atlanta

1. Choosing Where to Live

If you already live in Atlanta or you’re relocating, nearby cities differ in:

• Commute patterns:

  • North Fulton and Cobb are popular for jobs, but interstates can be congested.
  • Eastern and southern suburbs may offer easier routes depending on your workplace.

• Housing types:

  • Older bungalows and historic homes: Decatur, Marietta, Roswell
  • Newer subdivisions: Johns Creek, Alpharetta, Douglasville, parts of Gwinnett
  • Townhome and mixed-use communities: Smyrna, Brookhaven, Duluth

• Lifestyle priorities:

  • Walkable downtowns: Decatur, Roswell, Marietta, Duluth
  • Proximity to airport: College Park, East Point, Hapeville
  • Access to outdoor recreation: Roswell, Sandy Springs, Stone Mountain

📝 Tip: When comparing cities, look at both where you’ll live and where you’ll work or study. Commute times in metro Atlanta can vary widely even over similar distances.

2. Commuting and Transportation

For many people in the Atlanta area, the most important feature of surrounding cities is how easy it is to get into and out of Atlanta.

Key routes include:

• I‑75 / I‑575 Corridor: Marietta, Kennesaw, Acworth, Woodstock
• I‑85 North Corridor: Brookhaven, Chamblee, Doraville, Norcross, Duluth, Suwanee
• GA‑400 Corridor: Sandy Springs, Roswell, Alpharetta, Cumming
• I‑20 East/West: Decatur, Stone Mountain (east); Mableton, Douglasville (west)
• I‑85 South / I‑75 South: College Park, East Point, Union City, Morrow, Jonesboro

MARTA Rail primarily serves:

• North–south line: from North Springs/Sandy Springs down through downtown Atlanta to College Park and Airport.
• East–west line: from Indian Creek (near Decatur) to Hamilton E. Holmes on the west side.

Most outlying cities are not directly on MARTA rail but may have MARTA or county bus connections to rail stations.

3. Day Trips and Exploring the Region

Even if you live in the city, the surrounding cities can make great day trips:

• Decatur: Cafés, local shops, festivals.
• Roswell: Historic homes, riverfront parks.
• Marietta: Marietta Square, museums, seasonal events.
• Duluth: Town green events, international dining.
• Stone Mountain: Hikes, lake activities, family attractions.
• Alpharetta: Avalon, downtown events, food halls and markets.

If you’re visiting Atlanta and have a car, adding one or two nearby cities to your itinerary can give you a broader feel for the metro area.

Government and Regional Services Covering Surrounding Cities

Many public services in the Atlanta area are organized by county, not just by city. When dealing with utilities, taxes, courts, or public records, knowing the county is often more important than the city name.

Major counties that include cities surrounding Atlanta:

• Fulton County: Sandy Springs, Roswell (part), Alpharetta, College Park (part), East Point, Union City, Fairburn, Milton, Johns Creek (part).

  • Fulton County Government Center
    • 141 Pryor St SW
    • Atlanta, GA 30303
    • Main phone: 404‑612‑4000

• DeKalb County: Decatur, Tucker, Stone Mountain (part), Chamblee, Doraville, Brookhaven, Dunwoody (part).

  • DeKalb County Government Administration Building
    • 1300 Commerce Dr
    • Decatur, GA 30030
    • Main phone: 404‑371‑2000

• Cobb County: Marietta, Smyrna, Mableton, Kennesaw, Acworth (part).

  • Cobb County Government
    • 100 Cherokee St
    • Marietta, GA 30090
    • Main phone: 770‑528‑1000

• Gwinnett County: Norcross, Duluth, Lawrenceville, Suwanee, Lilburn, Snellville, parts of Peachtree Corners.

  • Gwinnett Justice & Administration Center
    • 75 Langley Dr
    • Lawrenceville, GA 30046
    • Main phone: 770‑822‑8000

If you’re unsure which county your address falls in, local residents often use county boundary maps or online address lookup tools provided by the county.

How to Decide Which Surrounding City Fits Your Needs

When comparing cities around Atlanta, it can help to create a simple checklist:

Questions to ask:

1. Commute & Transit

   • How long will it take to reach downtown, Midtown, or your workplace during rush hour?
   • Is there realistic access to MARTA rail or bus service?

2. Housing & Neighborhoods

   • Are you looking for an older neighborhood or a newer subdivision?
   • Do you prefer apartments/condos, townhomes, or single-family homes?

3. Schools & Services

   • Which county will you be in, and what services do they provide?
   • How close are grocery stores, medical offices, and other everyday services?

4. Lifestyle & Amenities

   • Do you want a walkable downtown, or is driving everywhere acceptable?
   • How important are parks, trails, and recreation?

5. Airport and Travel Needs

   • If you fly often, how easy is the drive to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport?
   • Will traffic around the airport or interstates affect your schedule?

Simple City Snapshot: What Each Area is Generally Known For

Below is a quick reference you can skim when thinking about cities around Atlanta:

• Close-in east:

  • Decatur – Walkable, historic, urban small-city feel.
  • Stone Mountain – Outdoor recreation and older suburbs.

• Close-in north:

  • Sandy Springs – Major job center, access to GA‑400 and the river.
  • Brookhaven, Chamblee – Urban-suburban mix, strong dining scenes.

• Farther north:

  • Roswell – Historic downtown, riverfront parks.
  • Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton – Suburban, employment hubs, newer development.

• Northeast:

  • Norcross, Duluth – Diverse communities, strong international business and dining.
  • Lawrenceville – County government hub and historic square.

• West/Northwest:

  • Smyrna – Near Braves stadium, townhome and mixed-use growth.
  • Marietta – Historic square, family-oriented suburbs.
  • Mableton, Douglasville – Residential and retail, easier I‑20 access.

• South/Southwest:

  • East Point, College Park, Hapeville – Airport access, historic neighborhoods.
  • Union City, Fairburn – Farther-out suburbs along I‑85.

Understanding the cities surrounding Atlanta can make it much easier to choose where to live, plan daily commutes, or explore the region more confidently. Whether you’re in-town or out in the suburbs, these nearby cities are all part of how metro Atlanta really works day to day.