Union City Near Atlanta: A Local’s Guide to This Growing Southside Community

If you spend much time on Atlanta’s southside, Union City is a name you’ll hear often. It’s a separate city in Fulton County just southwest of Atlanta, but for many residents and visitors, it feels like part of the greater Atlanta metro area.

Whether you’re thinking about living in Union City, commuting from there into Atlanta, or just trying to understand what this area is like, this guide walks through the essentials with an Atlanta-focused lens.

Where Is Union City in Relation to Atlanta?

Union City sits in South Fulton County, roughly:

• 15–20 miles southwest of Downtown Atlanta
• Along the I-85 corridor
• Just north of Fairburn and south of East Point and College Park

For many Atlantans, Union City is part of the broader “Southside” region. It’s close enough that:

• Trips to Downtown Atlanta, Midtown, or Buckhead are common for work or events.
• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is typically an easy drive north via I-85.

If you live in the city of Atlanta and are looking for more affordable or less dense suburban options nearby, Union City is often on the list.

Getting Around: Commute & Transportation

Driving Between Atlanta and Union City

The main route between Atlanta and Union City is:

• Interstate 85 (I-85)
  • Northbound into Atlanta
  • Southbound toward Newnan and beyond

Typical drive times (without heavy traffic):

• Union City → Downtown Atlanta: 20–30 minutes
• Union City → Airport (ATL): 15–20 minutes

During rush hours, I-85 can be congested, especially near Camp Creek Parkway, the airport, and where I-85 meets I-285. If you work in central Atlanta, it’s worth planning alternate routes and extra time for peak commute periods.

MARTA and Public Transit Options

Union City itself is not inside the City of Atlanta, and MARTA rail does not extend directly there. However, you can use a mix of options:

• MARTA Bus / Rail Access Points nearby:
  • College Park Station (Rail + Bus)
    3800 Main St, College Park, GA 30337
    Often used as a park-and-ride spot for South Fulton residents.
  • East Point Station and Oakland City Station are also reachable by car from Union City.

From Union City, many residents:

1. Drive to a MARTA rail station (College Park is common), then take the train into Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead.
2. Use rideshare services to and from stations when they don’t want to deal with parking.

South Fulton also has local bus routes that connect parts of the area, but for most people commuting between Union City and central Atlanta, driving + MARTA or driving alone remain the primary options.

What Is Union City Like? Neighborhood Feel & Housing

General Vibe

Union City feels distinctly suburban compared with intown Atlanta neighborhoods like Old Fourth Ward, West End, or Inman Park. Expect:

• Residential subdivisions with single-family homes
• Townhome and apartment communities, many near main roads like Jonesboro Road, Flat Shoals Road, and Shannon Parkway
• Shopping and services clustered near I-85 exits

For Atlanta residents used to dense, walkable intown living with restaurants on every corner, Union City offers more space but less of a “park and walk everywhere” feel.

Housing Compared to Atlanta

Union City is often considered by:

• Renters looking for lower rents than central Atlanta
• Families wanting larger homes or yards within reasonable driving distance of the city
• Commuters who work near the airport, industrial corridors, or southside logistics centers

Common housing options include:

• Single-family homes in subdivisions
• Apartments and townhomes near Jonesboro Rd, Highway 138, and major arteries
• Senior living communities and smaller multi-family complexes

If you’re moving from Atlanta, it helps to think about:

• Commute time and route: Work in Midtown or Buckhead? You’ll be heavily I-85 and MARTA-dependent.
• Proximity to schools: Check Fulton County Schools zoning for specific addresses.
• Noise considerations: Some neighborhoods are closer to industrial areas or busy freight and warehouse corridors.

Schools and Education in Union City

Union City is served by the Fulton County School System, the same county system that covers northern and much of southern Fulton outside the City of Atlanta Schools zone.

Examples of public schools serving the Union City area include:

• Elementary Schools
  • Liberty Point Elementary School
    9000 High Point Rd, Union City, GA 30291
  • Gullatt Elementary School (nearby in Fairburn but may serve some Union City students)
• Middle Schools
  • Bear Creek Middle School
    7775 Lester Rd, Fairburn, GA 30213
• High Schools
  • Creekside High School
    7405 Herndon Rd, Fairburn, GA 30213
  • Some neighborhoods may also be zoned for nearby high schools depending on exact address.

For families living in or moving from Atlanta, practical steps include:

• Using Fulton County Schools’ school zone lookup tool (via their website or by contacting the district) to confirm your specific school assignments.
• Comparing school calendars if you have children in Atlanta Public Schools and Fulton County Schools to coordinate schedules.

Higher Education Nearby

While Union City doesn’t have a major university campus within its borders, nearby options in the south metro and broader Atlanta area include:

• Clayton State University (Morrow)
• Atlanta Metropolitan State College (South Atlanta)
• Georgia State University, Georgia Tech, and other main campuses in Downtown/Midtown Atlanta within commuting distance.

Jobs, Economy & Nearby Employment Hubs

Union City’s location near I-85 and relatively close to the airport puts it in the middle of several major employment corridors.

Local and Regional Job Areas

Residents commonly work in:

• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
  Major employer for airlines, logistics, food service, maintenance, and support roles.
• Warehouse and logistics centers
  Many large distribution facilities and trucking companies operate along I-85 and in nearby Fairburn and Palmetto.
• Retail and service jobs
  Along Jonesboro Road, Highway 138, Shannon Parkway, and the I-85 exits.
• Downtown and Midtown Atlanta
  Office, government, legal, education, and professional jobs for commuters willing to make the daily drive or rail trip.

If you live in the City of Atlanta and are job-hunting, Union City and the southside can be worth exploring for industrial, logistics, transportation, and service-sector roles, particularly if you have easy access to I-85.

Shopping, Dining & Everyday Essentials

Where Residents Typically Shop

Union City offers a mix of national chains and local businesses. You’ll find:

• Grocery stores and supermarkets on or near:
  • Jonesboro Road / GA-138
  • Flat Shoals Road
• Big-box stores and discount retailers around:
  • I-85 exits
  • Major commercial corridors through the city

For broader shopping trips, many Union City residents also head to:

• Camp Creek Marketplace (East Point area) via Camp Creek Parkway
• Fayette Pavilion (Fayetteville) via Highway 138
• Major malls and shopping districts in Buckhead or Perimeter for higher-end options.

Dining & Local Food

Most dining in Union City is casual and car-oriented, including:

• Fast food chains
• Sit-down casual restaurants
• Local spots serving Southern, soul food, barbecue, and international cuisines

If you’re used to the dense restaurant clusters of Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, or West Midtown, expect more spread-out options and more driving between places out in Union City and the surrounding southside.

Parks, Recreation & Things To Do

Union City has a modest but growing selection of parks and community recreation opportunities. It’s also close to southside attractions often used by Atlanta residents looking for something calmer than intown hotspots.

Local Parks & Recreation

Examples in and around Union City include:

• Ronald Bridges Park
  Includes green space and recreational facilities for residents.
• Union City parks and recreation programs
  Typically offer youth sports, senior activities, and community events coordinated by:
  • Union City Parks & Recreation Department
    (Service locations and contacts can be confirmed via the city’s main offices.)

Nearby, many residents enjoy:

• Trammell Crow Park and greenspaces within South Fulton
• Recreation centers and athletic fields in neighboring Fairburn, Palmetto, and College Park

Nearby Attractions for Atlanta Residents

Within an easy drive from Union City:

• ATL Airport attractions
  Plane spotting areas, airport-area hotels and restaurants, and aviation-related events.
• South Fulton trails and nature areas
  Various walking and biking options throughout South Fulton County.
• Downtown Atlanta
  A straight drive up I-85 to major attractions like:
  • Mercedes-Benz Stadium
  • State Farm Arena
  • Georgia Aquarium
  • World of Coca-Cola
  • Centennial Olympic Park

For many Atlantans, Union City functions as a home base close to both urban attractions and quieter southside communities.

Government, Services & Key Contacts

If you live in Union City but regularly spend time in Atlanta, it helps to know which offices serve you. Union City is an incorporated city with its own local government, but some services are handled by Fulton County or other regional agencies.

City of Union City Government

• Union City City Hall
  5047 Union St, Union City, GA 30291
  Handles:

  • City ordinances and local policies
  • Business licensing within Union City
  • City council meetings and local government administration

• Union City Police Department
  5060 Union St, Union City, GA 30291
  For emergency situations in Union City, always dial 911.
  Non-emergency questions and local policing issues are handled here.

• Union City Fire Department
  Provides fire and emergency response within city limits.

Fulton County Services (Shared with Atlanta Area)

Because Union City is in Fulton County, residents use many of the same county services as Atlanta residents outside the city’s school district:

• Fulton County South Service Center (for various county services)
  5600 Stonewall Tell Rd, College Park, GA 30349
  Often used for:

  • Some county administrative services
  • Community programs
  • County-level outreach

• Fulton County Tax Commissioner (South Fulton Office)
  5600 Stonewall Tell Rd, College Park, GA 30349
  Typically handles:

  • Property tax questions and payments
  • Vehicle registrations and tags (check current services before visiting)

• Fulton County Public Libraries
  Residents can access multiple branches in the area, including libraries in South Fulton, College Park, and other nearby communities.

Healthcare & Emergency Services Near Union City

Union City residents rely on a mix of local clinics and regional hospitals, many of which also serve Atlanta’s southside.

Hospitals & Major Medical Centers Nearby

Within a reasonable drive:

• Southern Regional Medical Center (Riverdale area)
• Wellstar Atlanta Medical Center South (in East Point/nearby southside)
• Various urgent care centers and primary care clinics along I-85 and Highway 138

For specialized care, many residents still travel into central Atlanta to reach:

• Grady Memorial Hospital
• Emory University Hospital Midtown
• Piedmont Atlanta Hospital
• Northside Hospital (farther north, but still used for some specialized treatments)

For emergencies, always call 911 for the fastest connection to local police, fire, and EMS services.

How Union City Fits into the Atlanta Metro Picture

For someone based in Atlanta, it can help to see Union City in context:

Union City can be appealing if you:

• Work on the southside, at or near the airport, or along I-85
• Want suburban living with a reasonable route into central Atlanta
• Prefer more space and less dense traffic on neighborhood streets, accepting heavier traffic mainly on major highways

Practical Tips for Atlantans Considering Union City

If you’re in Atlanta and curious about Union City as a place to live, work, or regularly visit:

1. Test the commute at your typical travel times.
   Drive from Union City to your usual Atlanta destinations (Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead) during your real morning/evening windows.

2. Check school zoning carefully.
   If you have children, verify Fulton County School assignments by address, and compare calendars and transportation options to your current situation.

3. Explore multiple neighborhoods.
   Union City includes older areas, newer subdivisions, and apartment communities—drive them at different times of day to see noise, traffic, and activity patterns.

4. Map out your essentials.
   Identify your nearest:

   • Grocery store
   • Pharmacy
   • Gas station
   • Primary care or urgent care clinic
   • Preferred MARTA station or major routes into Atlanta

5. Consider where you spend weekends.
   If your social life revolves around Midtown, Edgewood, or West Midtown, factor in late-night travel time and design a safe plan for getting back and forth.

Union City sits at a practical crossroads for the Atlanta metro, especially for people connected to the southside economy, airport, and logistics corridor. For Atlantans, understanding Union City means seeing it not as a distant suburb, but as a nearby, growing community that’s closely tied—by highway, jobs, and daily life—to the rest of Atlanta.