Cities Near Atlanta: Where to Go, What to Know, and How to Choose

If you live in Atlanta or you’re visiting and want to explore a city near Atlanta, you have a lot of good options in every direction. From historic small cities to fast-growing suburbs that feel like mini-Atlantas, the metro area and nearby towns offer different vibes, housing costs, schools, and things to do.

This guide walks through the most notable cities near Atlanta, how far they are, what they’re known for, and what type of person they tend to fit best—whether you’re commuting into the city, planning a day trip, or considering a move.

Quick Overview: Popular Cities Near Atlanta

Here’s a simple snapshot of some of the most commonly searched-for cities near Atlanta and what they’re known for:

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

How to Pick the Right City Near Atlanta for You

When people in Atlanta talk about “cities near Atlanta,” they usually mean one of three things:

1. Close-in cities that almost feel like Atlanta neighborhoods
2. Suburban cities that are part of the metro area
3. Smaller stand-alone towns within an easy drive

Think about:

• Commute and traffic: Are you driving to Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or working locally?
• Transit access: Do you want MARTA rail nearby or are you okay being car-dependent?
• Lifestyle: Urban walkability, quiet suburb, historic charm, or planned community?
• Schools and family needs: Public school systems, parks, youth activities.
• Budget: Rents and home prices vary a lot by direction and county.

Below, you’ll find the major options by distance and direction from Atlanta.

Very Close Cities Near Atlanta (Under 10 Miles)

These cities are so close that many Atlanta residents visit them weekly for dining, events, or work.

Decatur

Where it is: Just east of Atlanta, centered around the Decatur Square.
Vibe: Walkable, artsy, family-friendly, with a small-city feel but big-city amenities.

Why people choose Decatur:

• Walkable downtown with restaurants, coffee shops, bookstores, and bars.
• MARTA rail access (Decatur Station), making it easy to get into Downtown or Midtown.
• Known for strong public schools within Decatur city limits.
• Frequent community festivals and local events.

Best for: People who want something slightly quieter than intown Atlanta but still want to walk to restaurants and use MARTA.

Northern Cities Near Atlanta

The north side is one of the most popular directions for people who work in Atlanta but want a suburban or semi-urban lifestyle.

Sandy Springs

Distance from Atlanta: About 15 miles north.
Key areas: City Springs area, Perimeter Center, neighborhoods along the Chattahoochee River.

Highlights:

• One of the larger cities near Atlanta by population.
• Mix of high-rise apartments, subdivisions, and townhomes.
• Chattahoochee River access (parks and trails along the river).
• Close to major employers at Perimeter Center and along GA-400.

Best for: Professionals who want to be near job centers like Perimeter or North Fulton, or anyone who wants quick access to both the city and the suburbs.

Dunwoody

Distance from Atlanta: Around 15 miles north-northeast.
Vibe: Suburban, convenient, with a focus on shopping and commuter access.

Why it’s popular:

• Home to Perimeter Mall and large office complexes.
• Dunwoody MARTA Station and Sandy Springs Station make commuting by rail possible.
• Mix of older single-family neighborhoods and newer condos/townhomes.

Best for: Commuters who want transit options and easy access to I‑285 and GA‑400.

Roswell

Distance from Atlanta: About 22 miles north.
Vibe: Historic, scenic, and community-oriented.

Highlights:

• Historic Downtown Roswell with restaurants, boutiques, and events.
• Chattahoochee River parks and trails, including popular riverfront areas.
• Mix of established neighborhoods, newer developments, and good access to GA‑400.

Best for: Families and professionals who want history, river access, and a “small city” main street feel while still being within commuting range of Atlanta.

Alpharetta

Distance from Atlanta: Roughly 26 miles north.
Vibe: Modern, business-focused, and upscale suburban.

What stands out:

• Home to major corporate offices and tech companies.
• Avalon and Downtown Alpharetta provide walkable shopping and dining.
• Often associated with strong public schools in the surrounding area.
• Easy access to GA‑400 for commuters.

Best for: People working in North Fulton or northern tech/business hubs who want new developments, shopping, and suburban comforts more than urban nightlife.

Northwestern Cities Near Atlanta

The northwest corridor is popular with residents who want quick access to I‑75, Truist Park, and established suburbs.

Marietta

Distance from Atlanta: About 20 miles northwest.
Vibe: Historic county seat with a classic downtown square and big-city access.

Key features:

• Marietta Square with restaurants, museums, and community events.
• Wide range of housing—from older in-town homes to suburban subdivisions.
• Access to I‑75 and Cobb Parkway, plus relatively easy trips to Truist Park.

Best for: Families and long-time residents who want a traditional suburban city near Atlanta with a strong sense of local identity.

Smyrna

Distance from Atlanta: Around 15 miles northwest.
Vibe: Growing, younger, and close to entertainment.

Why people look at Smyrna:

• Very close to Truist Park and The Battery area.
• Smyrna Market Village offers a small-town center with restaurants and events.
• Mix of newer townhomes and single-family homes.

Best for: People who want to be close to the Braves stadium, restaurants, and activities, with an easy drive into Atlanta via I‑285 or I‑75.

Northeastern Cities Near Atlanta

The northeast side has a mix of historic downtowns, diverse neighborhoods, and large suburban residential areas.

Norcross

Distance from Atlanta: Around 20 miles northeast.
Vibe: Historic small city with significant cultural diversity.

Features:

• Historic Norcross has a charming downtown with local businesses and parks.
• Variety of housing styles, including apartments, townhomes, and older homes.
• Convenient to I‑85, making it a commuter option for both Atlanta and Gwinnett offices.

Best for: Residents looking for more affordable options than some other northern suburbs, with a community feel and access to major highways.

Lawrenceville

Distance from Atlanta: Roughly 30–35 miles northeast.
Vibe: Growing mid-size city and county seat of Gwinnett County.

Highlights:

• A revitalized downtown Lawrenceville with theater, dining, and events.
• Large suburban neighborhoods and new construction in many directions.
• Government and county services based here, including courts and county offices.

Best for: Families and workers whose jobs are already in Gwinnett or who don’t mind a longer commute in exchange for more space and suburban amenities.

Eastern Cities Near Atlanta

The east side offers quick outdoor access, historic sites, and a mix of suburban and small-town living.

Stone Mountain

Distance from Atlanta: About 15 miles east.
Vibe: Older suburban city anchored by a major park attraction.

What to know:

• Near Stone Mountain Park, a large outdoor recreation area with trails, lake, and mountain views.
• Older subdivisions and established neighborhoods dominate the area.
• Direct routes into Atlanta via Memorial Drive, Highway 78, or MARTA buses connecting to rail.

Best for: Residents who value outdoor access and a lower price point, and don’t mind more driving to intown Atlanta.

Southern Cities Near Atlanta

To the south, you’ll find a mix of industrial areas, airport access, and destination planned communities.

College Park

Distance from Atlanta: Around 10–12 miles south.
Vibe: Historically rooted city closely tied to the airport.

Highlights:

• Borders Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
• Home to portions of the Georgia International Convention Center and airport hotels.
• Historic homes and streets in older parts of the city.
• MARTA rail access through multiple nearby stations.

Best for: Those working in aviation, hospitality, or airport-related industries, or people who travel frequently and want to be very close to the airport.

East Point

Distance from Atlanta: About 7–10 miles southwest.
Vibe: Older, in-transition city with proximity to both Atlanta and the airport.

Features:

• Access to MARTA rail stations serving Downtown, Midtown, and the airport.
• Mix of older bungalows and newer developments.
• Short drive into intown neighborhoods on the southwest side.

Best for: Residents seeking relatively close-in housing with transit options and airport convenience.

Peachtree City

Distance from Atlanta: Around 30–35 miles south-southwest.
Vibe: Planned community known for golf carts and green space.

Why it’s unique:

• Extensive golf cart path network throughout the city.
• Lakes, parks, and a quieter, planned-community character.
• Popular with families and some corporate offices in the area.

Best for: People who prefer a self-contained, suburban lifestyle with strong community amenities and don’t need daily, quick access to central Atlanta.

Day Trip Cities Near Atlanta (Within About 1–1.5 Hours)

If you’re in Atlanta and just want to explore nearby cities for a day trip, several options are close enough for a morning drive and an evening return.

Athens

• Approx. distance: About 70 miles northeast.
• Known for: The University of Georgia, music scene, and historic downtown.
• Why go: Great for concerts, college sports, and a walkable downtown full of restaurants and shops.

Macon

• Approx. distance: About 85 miles south.
• Known for: Music history, architecture, and cultural festivals.
• Why go: To explore historic neighborhoods, museums, and seasonal events.

Chattanooga (Tennessee)

• Approx. distance: Around 120 miles northwest.
• Known for: Riverfront, outdoor activities, and family attractions.
• Why go: Scenic views, attractions like Lookout Mountain, and a revitalized downtown make it a popular getaway for Atlanta residents.

Practical Tips for Choosing a City Near Atlanta

When narrowing down your options, consider:

• Commute reality, not just distance: A “20-mile” city might take 30 minutes at off-peak times or over an hour during rush hour.
• MARTA access: Cities like Decatur, Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, College Park, and East Point are more transit-friendly.
• School districts: If schools are important, look at the specific county and city school systems and individual schools—not just the city name.
• Services and offices: Many county offices, courts, and public services are in county seat cities like Marietta (Cobb) and Lawrenceville (Gwinnett), which can matter if you handle permits, records, or legal matters frequently.
• Lifestyle fit:
  • Want walkable restaurants and nightlife? Look at Decatur, Roswell, Alpharetta’s downtown, Marietta Square, Smyrna Market Village.
  • Want more space and a quieter pace? Consider Peachtree City, Lawrenceville, parts of Roswell and Alpharetta, or farther-out suburbs.
  • Want airport convenience? College Park and East Point stand out.

Using Atlanta as Your Hub

Whether you live in central Atlanta or you’re staying in the city for a short trip, Atlanta works well as a hub to explore nearby cities:

• For food and nightlife: Try Decatur, Roswell, Alpharetta, or Marietta for evening visits.
• For family-friendly outings: Stone Mountain, Roswell’s river parks, Marietta Square, and Peachtree City’s paths are common choices.
• For house-hunting or relocation research: Spend time in potential cities at different times of day—morning rush, weekend afternoons, evenings—to get a sense of traffic, noise, and activity.

By understanding the cities near Atlanta and how they differ by direction, distance, and feel, you can match what you’re looking for—whether it’s a new home, a favorite weekend spot, or simply a better sense of the Atlanta area beyond the downtown skyline.