Understanding Atlanta, Georgia and the Cities Around It

“Cities in Atlanta, Georgia” is a phrase people use all the time, but it’s a little misleading. Atlanta itself is a single city, not a group of cities. What most people actually mean is:

• Cities inside Atlanta’s metro area
• Cities and suburbs around Atlanta
• How all these different places fit together for living, working, commuting, and visiting

If you live in Atlanta, are moving here, or are planning a visit, understanding how Atlanta and its surrounding cities are laid out will make housing, commuting, and planning your time much easier.

Atlanta vs. Metro Atlanta: What’s the Difference?

When locals say “Atlanta,” they might mean two things:

• City of Atlanta – a specific municipality with its own mayor, city council, and services
• Metro Atlanta – a large region of multiple cities, towns, and counties that function as one big area

The City of Atlanta (Core City)

The City of Atlanta is mainly in Fulton County, with a portion in DeKalb County. It includes:

• Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead
• Close-in neighborhoods like Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, Grant Park, West End, Virginia-Highland, East Atlanta, and Kirkwood
• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (partly in the city)

City services are primarily handled by:

• City of Atlanta City Hall
  55 Trinity Ave SW
  Atlanta, GA 30303
  Main line: (404) 330-6000

If your address actually says “Atlanta, GA” and you’re within Atlanta’s official city limits, this is usually your main city government.

Key “Inner-Ring” Cities Around Atlanta

Surrounding the City of Atlanta are a number of independent cities that many people casually lump into “Atlanta.” These are some of the most important inner-ring cities you’ll hear about regularly.

1. Decatur

County: DeKalb County
Vibe: Walkable, historic, progressive, strong local food and bar scene

Highlights:

• Charming downtown Decatur (a separate city from Atlanta despite the postal overlap)
• Popular with families and professionals who want urban convenience with a smaller-town feel
• Easy MARTA access into central Atlanta

City services:

• City of Decatur
  509 N McDonough St
  Decatur, GA 30030
  Main line: (404) 370-4100

2. Sandy Springs

County: Fulton County
Vibe: Major employment center, suburban feel, lots of office parks and river access

Why it matters:

• One of the largest cities in the metro area
• Home to many corporate offices, medical centers, and higher-end apartment and condo communities
• Convenient to GA 400, I‑285, and the Perimeter Center office district

City services:

• City of Sandy Springs City Hall
  1 Galambos Way
  Sandy Springs, GA 30328
  Main line: (770) 730-5600

3. Brookhaven

County: DeKalb County
Vibe: Young professionals, townhome and apartment growth, established single‑family neighborhoods

Key points:

• Recently incorporated (compared to some neighbors) and has grown quickly
• Includes popular areas near Buckhead’s northern edge and Peachtree Road
• MARTA rail access and quick trips into Midtown and Downtown

City services:

• City of Brookhaven
  4362 Peachtree Rd NE
  Brookhaven, GA 30319
  Main line: (404) 637-0500

4. Dunwoody

County: DeKalb County
Vibe: Suburban, family-oriented, anchored by Perimeter Center

Notable features:

• Close to the Perimeter Mall / Perimeter business district, one of Atlanta’s biggest job hubs
• Good access to I‑285 and GA 400, with several MARTA stations nearby
• Mix of older neighborhoods and newer townhomes/condos

City services:

• City of Dunwoody
  4800 Ashford Dunwoody Rd
  Dunwoody, GA 30338
  Main line: (678) 382-6700

5. East Point

County: Fulton County
Vibe: Historic, diverse, relatively affordable compared with some northern suburbs

Why people consider it:

• Close to downtown Atlanta and Hartsfield–Jackson Airport
• Developing neighborhoods and growing food/arts scene
• Multiple MARTA rail stations

City services:

• City of East Point
  2757 East Point St
  East Point, GA 30344
  Main line: (404) 270-7090

6. College Park

County: Mainly Fulton County (with small portions in other counties)
Vibe: Airport-focused, historic core, student presence from local schools

Highlights:

• Directly adjacent to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
• Serves many airport workers, travelers, and logistics-related businesses
• Historic downtown area and access to MARTA rail

City services:

• City of College Park
  3667 Main St
  College Park, GA 30337
  Main line: (404) 767-1537

Major “Metro Atlanta” Cities by Direction

If you’re new to the area, it helps to think of the cities around Atlanta by compass direction. Many locals use “OTP” (Outside the Perimeter) and “ITP” (Inside the Perimeter, meaning within I‑285) to describe where places are.

North of Atlanta

These cities are popular with commuters and families, and they’re major parts of the metro job market.

Marietta

County: Cobb County
Known for:

• Historic Marietta Square
• Strong sense of local identity separate from Atlanta
• Mix of older neighborhoods and newer developments

City services:

• City of Marietta
  205 Lawrence St NE
  Marietta, GA 30060
  Main line: (770) 794-5500

Roswell

County: Fulton County
Known for:

• Historic downtown area with restaurants and shops
• Access to the Chattahoochee River and parks
• Suburban feel with established neighborhoods

City services:

• City of Roswell
  38 Hill St
  Roswell, GA 30075
  Main line: (770) 641-3727

Alpharetta

County: Fulton County
Known for:

• Major tech and corporate presence
• Mixed-use destinations such as Avalon and a lively downtown district
• Highly developed suburbs with shopping, dining, and entertainment

City services:

• City of Alpharetta
  2 Park Plaza
  Alpharetta, GA 30009
  Main line: (678) 297-6000

Johns Creek

County: Fulton County
Known for:

• Primarily residential, with planned neighborhoods
• Golf communities and parks
• Strong emphasis on schools and family life

City services:

• City of Johns Creek
  11360 Lakefield Dr
  Johns Creek, GA 30097
  Main line: (678) 512-3200

Northeast and East of Atlanta

These areas offer a mix of urban-style access and more traditional suburban or small‑town environments.

Tucker

County: DeKalb County
Known for:

• Recently incorporated city with an older suburban core
• Easy access to I‑285 and US‑78
• Mix of long-time residents and newer arrivals

City services:

• City of Tucker
  1975 Lakewood Dr
  Tucker, GA 30084
  Main line: (678) 597-9040

Stone Mountain (City vs. Park)

City of Stone Mountain
County: DeKalb County

• Small city with a historic downtown
• Distinct from Stone Mountain Park, the large nearby state park area

City services:

• City of Stone Mountain
  875 Main St
  Stone Mountain, GA 30083
  Main line: (770) 498-8984

South of Atlanta

These cities are important if you work near the airport or in logistics, distribution, or manufacturing.

Forest Park

County: Clayton County
Known for:

• Proximity to I‑285, I‑75, and airport-related employment
• Industrial and residential mix

City services:

• City of Forest Park
  745 Forest Pkwy
  Forest Park, GA 30297
  Main line: (404) 366-1555

Riverdale

County: Clayton County
Known for:

• Primarily residential
• Convenient to southside jobs and highways

City services:

• City of Riverdale
  971 Wilson Rd
  Riverdale, GA 30296
  Main line: (770) 909-5300

West and Northwest of Atlanta

These areas connect Atlanta to the western part of Georgia and have a mix of established and growing suburbs.

Smyrna

County: Cobb County
Known for:

• Close to The Battery Atlanta/Truist Park (Atlanta Braves stadium area)
• Popular for people who want quick access to the city with a strong suburban base

City services:

• City of Smyrna
  2800 King St SE
  Smyrna, GA 30080
  Main line: (770) 434-6600

Kennesaw

County: Cobb County
Known for:

• Home to Kennesaw State University
• Family-oriented suburbs
• Easy access to I‑75

City services:

• City of Kennesaw
  2529 J O Stephenson Ave
  Kennesaw, GA 30144
  Main line: (770) 424-8274

Quick Comparison: Core Atlanta vs. Nearby Cities

Below is a simplified overview to help you understand how different cities around Atlanta compare from a practical standpoint.

ITP = Inside the Perimeter (I‑285) · OTP = Outside the Perimeter

How City Boundaries Affect Daily Life in Atlanta

If you’re choosing where to live, visit, or set up a business near Atlanta, which city you’re actually in can affect several practical things.

1. Taxes and Utilities

Different cities have different:

• Property tax rates
• Sales taxes (combining state, county, and occasionally city levels)
• Utility providers (some cities, like Marietta, have their own utility services)

For specific property, sales, or utility questions, you can contact:

• Fulton County Government
  141 Pryor St SW
  Atlanta, GA 30303
  Main line: (404) 612-4000

• DeKalb County Government
  1300 Commerce Dr
  Decatur, GA 30030
  Main line: (404) 371-2000

• Cobb County Government
  100 Cherokee St
  Marietta, GA 30090
  Main line: (770) 528-1000

2. Schools

School zoning is often tied to county school districts and, in some cases, independent city school systems (for example, Decatur has its own system).

To figure out which schools serve a specific address, check with the relevant district, such as:

• Atlanta Public Schools (APS) – for many addresses in the City of Atlanta
• DeKalb County School District – large parts of Decatur-area and east metro
• Cobb County School District – Marietta area and west/northwest suburbs (note: City of Marietta has its own system)
• Fulton County Schools – north and south Fulton cities like Sandy Springs, Roswell, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, College Park (outside APS zones)

3. Public Transportation and Commuting

MARTA services the core of the metro area:

• Rail lines primarily cover the City of Atlanta, Decatur, College Park, East Point, Brookhaven, Sandy Springs, and parts of Dunwoody.
• Many outer cities (like Alpharetta, Roswell, and Marietta) are bus or car dependent, though some offer local transit services.

For system maps, routes, and schedules, residents typically contact:

• Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA)
  2424 Piedmont Rd NE
  Atlanta, GA 30324
  Customer service: (404) 848-5000

4. Police, Fire, and Local Services

Every city listed here has its own setup for:

• Police and fire departments
• Code enforcement
• Public works (roads, trash pickup, etc.)

If you’re unsure which city you’re in, you can:

• Check your property tax bill or water bill
• Look at the city name on your address and confirm it with the county tax assessor’s office
• Call your county government (Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, Clayton, etc.) and ask for clarification based on your address

How to Figure Out Which “Atlanta-Area City” You’re In

Because postal addresses can be confusing (some say “Atlanta” even if you’re in another city), here are simple steps:

1. Check your address carefully

   • Look not only at the city name, but also your county.

2. Use your county offices

   • For example, if you’re in Fulton County but outside the City of Atlanta, you might actually be in Sandy Springs, Roswell, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, or another Fulton city.

3. Contact your local city hall

   • City staff can usually confirm whether your specific address is within their boundaries.

4. Ask about services

   • When you call, you can confirm who handles trash pickup, water, police, and fire for your exact location.

Tips for Choosing an Atlanta-Area City to Live or Visit

When comparing Atlanta vs. surrounding cities, people often weigh:

• 🚗 Commute:

  • If you work downtown or in Midtown, living ITP or near MARTA stations (Atlanta, Decatur, Brookhaven, Sandy Springs) can cut commute times.
  • If your job is in a corporate area like Perimeter, Alpharetta, or Marietta, being close to those cities may make more sense.

• 🏙 Lifestyle:

  • City of Atlanta and Decatur: more walkable, more nightlife and cultural events.
  • Roswell, Alpharetta, Marietta, Smyrna: stronger suburban feel, family focus, more single‑family neighborhoods.

• 💰 Costs and housing options:

  • City of Atlanta neighborhoods can range from very expensive to relatively modest, often block by block.
  • Some surrounding cities offer larger homes or yards for similar prices, but with more driving.

• 🎯 Priorities:

  • If you want big-city energy and diverse neighborhoods: Atlanta (intown).
  • If you want a smaller city core but still near everything: Decatur, Marietta, Roswell, Alpharetta.
  • If quick access to the airport is critical: College Park, East Point, Hapeville, south Atlanta.

Bottom Line: There’s One Atlanta, But Many Atlanta-Area Cities

There is only one official City of Atlanta, but it’s surrounded by a network of distinct cities and communities—Decatur, Sandy Springs, Marietta, Alpharetta, Roswell, Brookhaven, Smyrna, College Park, East Point, and many more.

Understanding which city, county, and neighborhood you’re dealing with will help you:

• Navigate housing and commuting choices
• Figure out who provides your local services
• Make better decisions about where to live, work, or stay when you’re in the Atlanta, Georgia area