Living, Working, and Exploring Near Atlanta, GA: A Local’s Guide to the Metro Area

If you’re searching for what’s “near Atlanta, GA”—whether to move, commute, visit, or plan a day trip—you’re really asking about the wider Atlanta metro area and the many cities, suburbs, and attractions that surround the city itself.

This guide walks through what’s near Atlanta in a practical, local-focused way: nearby cities and suburbs, commuting patterns, airports and transit options, parks and day trips, and key services you’re likely to need.

Understanding “Near Atlanta, GA”

When people say “near Atlanta”, they usually mean:

• Close-in neighborhoods just outside the City of Atlanta limits
• Inner-ring suburbs within roughly 10–20 miles of Downtown
• Metro Atlanta counties that are commonly part of an Atlanta lifestyle and job market

Locally, most people think of “near Atlanta” as areas easily reachable by:

• I-285 (the Perimeter)
• I-75, I-85, I-20, GA-400, I-75/575
• Or within a 30–45 minute drive in typical traffic (though rush hour can stretch this).

Key Suburbs and Cities Near Atlanta, GA

Here’s a look at major communities around Atlanta and what they’re generally known for. Distances are approximate from Downtown Atlanta (Five Points area).

North of Atlanta

1. Sandy Springs (Fulton County)

• Distance: ~10–15 miles north via GA-400
• Known for: High-rise offices, Chattahoochee River access, mix of urban and suburban living
• Government:
  • Sandy Springs City Hall
    • 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs, GA 30328
    • Main phone: 770-730-5600

2. Dunwoody (DeKalb County)

• Distance: ~15 miles north
• Known for: Perimeter Center offices, shopping, MARTA access
• Frequently chosen by: Professionals who want near-Atlanta convenience with more suburban neighborhoods.

3. Brookhaven (DeKalb County)

• Distance: ~10 miles northeast
• Known for: Townhome communities, Buford Hwy food scene nearby, access to Buckhead and Midtown.

4. Roswell (Fulton County)

• Distance: ~20 miles north
• Known for: Historic downtown, family neighborhoods, Chattahoochee parks.
• City Hall:
  • 38 Hill Street, Suite 115, Roswell, GA 30075
  • General information: 770-641-3727

5. Alpharetta & Milton (Fulton County)

• Distance: ~25 miles north
• Known for: Tech corridor (North Fulton), Avalon and downtown Alpharetta, more space and master-planned communities.

Northwest of Atlanta

1. Smyrna (Cobb County)

• Distance: ~10 miles northwest via I-75/285
• Known for: Proximity to The Battery Atlanta/Truist Park, townhome and single-family neighborhoods.

2. Vinings (unincorporated Cobb County)

• Distance: ~10 miles northwest
• Known for: Upscale condos and homes just outside Atlanta city limits, easy access to Buckhead and Midtown.

3. Marietta (Cobb County)

• Distance: ~20 miles northwest
• Known for: Historic Marietta Square, Cobb Civic Center, established neighborhoods.
• Government:
  • Marietta City Hall
    • 205 Lawrence Street, Marietta, GA 30060
    • Main: 770-794-5500

4. Kennesaw & Acworth (Cobb County)

• Distance: ~25–30 miles northwest
• Known for: Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, KSU campus, more affordable housing compared with intown areas.

Northeast of Atlanta

1. Decatur (DeKalb County)

• Distance: ~6 miles east
• Known for: Walkable downtown, restaurants, MARTA rail, older bungalows and renovated homes.
• City Hall:
  • 509 N. McDonough Street, Decatur, GA 30030
  • Main: 404-370-4100

2. Tucker (DeKalb County)

• Distance: ~15 miles northeast
• Known for: Established neighborhoods, proximity to I-285, more suburban feel with easy access to the city.

3. Doraville & Chamblee (DeKalb County)

• Distance: ~12–15 miles northeast
• Known for: Buford Highway’s international food corridor, MARTA rail stations, growing mixed-use developments.

4. Norcross, Peachtree Corners (Gwinnett County)

• Distance: ~20 miles northeast
• Known for: Tech and office parks, older and newer neighborhoods, access to I-85 and Peachtree Industrial Boulevard.

East and Southeast of Atlanta

1. Stone Mountain (DeKalb County)

• Distance: ~15 miles east
• Known for: Stone Mountain Park, older subdivisions, and access via US-78.

2. Lithonia (DeKalb County)

• Distance: ~20 miles east-southeast
• Known for: Residential communities, proximity to Stonecrest area retail.

3. Conyers (Rockdale County)

• Distance: ~25 miles east
• Known for: More rural-suburban mix with access along I-20 for commuters.

4. Stockbridge, Morrow, and Jonesboro (Clayton & Henry Counties)

• Distance: ~20–25 miles south-southeast
• Known for: Suburban neighborhoods, shopping corridors, and proximity to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

South and Southwest of Atlanta

1. East Point & College Park (Fulton County)

• Distance: 5–10 miles south
• Known for: Close to the airport, MARTA access, historic residential neighborhoods.
• East Point City Hall
  • 2757 East Point Street, East Point, GA 30344
  • Main: 404-270-7091

2. Hapeville (Fulton County)

• Distance: ~8 miles south
• Known for: Small-city feel right next to airport, historic homes, growing restaurant scene.

3. Union City, Fairburn, Palmetto (South Fulton)

• Distance: ~20–30 miles southwest
• Known for: Larger lots, warehouses/logistics facilities, more affordable housing options.

4. Fayetteville & Peachtree City (Fayette County)

• Distance: ~25–35 miles south-southwest
• Known for: Planned communities, golf cart paths (Peachtree City), and a quieter “near but not in Atlanta” lifestyle.

Quick Comparison: Areas Near Atlanta

Getting Around: Transit and Highways Near Atlanta

If you live or stay near Atlanta, GA, transportation is a major factor.

Major Highways

• I-285 (The Perimeter) – Loops around Atlanta; many “near Atlanta” suburbs sit along or just outside it.
• I-75 / I-85 (“Downtown Connector”) – Run north–south through the city.
• I-20 – Runs east–west through Downtown.
• GA-400 – Main north–south route through Buckhead, Sandy Springs, and North Fulton.
• I-75/575 – Serves Cobb and Cherokee County suburbs (Marietta, Kennesaw, Woodstock).

Commute times vary widely, but rush hour traffic is a daily reality. Many people choose suburbs based on reverse-commute routes (driving out of the city in the morning rather than into it).

MARTA: Rail and Bus

Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) is the primary transit system.

• MARTA Central Office (Annex):
  • 2424 Piedmont Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30324
  • Customer Information: 404-848-5000

Rail lines connect core “near Atlanta” areas:

• North–South (Red/Gold) – Airport, College Park, East Point, Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Doraville, North Springs.
• East–West (Blue/Green) – Decatur, Avondale, Kensington, West End, Ashby, etc.

Suburbs like Decatur, Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Chamblee, Brookhaven, East Point, Hapeville (via bus) can be very convenient if you prefer using transit to reach Atlanta.

Airports and Travel Near Atlanta

If you’re near Atlanta, you’re close to a major air hub.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

• Location: Primarily in Clayton County, just south of Atlanta city limits
• Main address:
  • 6000 N Terminal Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30320
• General airport information: 800-897-1910

Nearby communities include College Park, Hapeville, East Point, Forest Park, and Riverdale. Many airline and airport employees choose to live in these “near airport, near Atlanta” areas for shorter commutes.

DeKalb-Peachtree Airport (PDK)

• Location: Chamblee/Brookhaven area, northeast of Atlanta
• Address:
  • 2000 Airport Road, Atlanta, GA 30341
• General info: 770-936-5440

This is a general aviation airport (private and corporate flights), and its presence influences nearby business and residential development.

Parks, Nature, and Outdoor Spots Near Atlanta

Living or staying near Atlanta doesn’t mean you’re far from nature. Some of the most popular outdoor areas within easy reach include:

Inside or Very Near the Perimeter

• Piedmont Park (Midtown Atlanta) – Central city park with trails, fields, and skyline views.
• Atlanta BeltLine – Multi-use trails around intown neighborhoods; reachable from many nearby areas.
• Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area – Multiple units in Sandy Springs, Roswell, and north of the city.

Popular Day-Trip Nature Destinations

• Stone Mountain Park (Stone Mountain, GA)
• Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park (Kennesaw, GA)
• Sweetwater Creek State Park (Lithia Springs, west of town)

All are within roughly 30–45 minutes of many “near Atlanta” communities, depending on traffic.

Schools, Colleges, and Universities Near Atlanta

If you’re considering living near Atlanta, education options may be important.

Major Public School Districts

Many suburbs near Atlanta are served by large county systems:

• Atlanta Public Schools (APS) – City of Atlanta

  • 130 Trinity Avenue SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • Main: 404-802-3500

• DeKalb County School District – Decatur-area (outside City of Decatur), Tucker, Stone Mountain, etc.

  • 1701 Mountain Industrial Blvd., Stone Mountain, GA 30083
  • Main: 678-676-1200

• Cobb County School District – Smyrna, Marietta (unincorporated), Kennesaw, etc.

  • 514 Glover Street, Marietta, GA 30060
  • Main: 770-426-3300

• Fulton County Schools – Sandy Springs, Alpharetta, Roswell, South Fulton (outside City of Atlanta).

  • 6201 Powers Ferry Road NW, Atlanta, GA 30339
  • Main: 470-254-3600

• Gwinnett County Public Schools – Norcross, Peachtree Corners, Duluth, etc.

  • 437 Old Peachtree Road NW, Suwanee, GA 30024
  • Main: 678-301-6000

When choosing a “near Atlanta” suburb, many families compare school zoning, commute, and local amenities together.

Colleges and Universities Near Atlanta

In and around Atlanta you’ll find:

• Georgia State University (Downtown, Perimeter campuses)
• Georgia Tech (Midtown Atlanta)
• Emory University (Druid Hills, near Decatur)
• Kennesaw State University (Kennesaw and Marietta)
• Various smaller colleges and technical schools spread through the metro area.

Living in a nearby suburb can still offer reasonable commute times to these campuses, especially if you are along major highways or near MARTA.

Government, Courts, and Key Services Near Atlanta

Many regional services are county-based, so your exact “near Atlanta” location determines where you go for licenses, courts, and records.

Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS)

Common DDS centers near Atlanta include (check current locations and hours before visiting):

• Atlanta Customer Service Center
  • 400 Whitehall Street SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Decatur Customer Service Center
  • 2801 Candler Road, Decatur, GA 30034
• Marietta Customer Service Center
  • 1605 County Services Parkway, Marietta, GA 30008

DDS General Information: 678-413-8400

County Courthouses and Records (Examples)

If you live near Atlanta, you may need services from:

• Fulton County Government Center

  • 141 Pryor Street SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • Main switchboard: 404-612-4000

• DeKalb County Courthouse

  • 556 N. McDonough Street, Decatur, GA 30030
  • Main: 404-371-2000

• Cobb County Superior Court

  • 70 Haynes Street, Marietta, GA 30090
  • Main: 770-528-1300

These locations handle things like court cases, property records, marriage licenses, and some business filings for residents of the surrounding suburbs.

Healthcare and Major Hospitals Near Atlanta

If you live or work near Atlanta, larger hospital systems are usually within a 15–40 minute drive.

Examples of major hospital campuses in or near the city:

• Emory University Hospital (Druid Hills/Atlanta)

  • 1364 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30322
  • Main: 404-712-2000

• Emory University Hospital Midtown

  • 550 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30308

• Piedmont Atlanta Hospital

  • 1968 Peachtree Road NW, Atlanta, GA 30309
  • Main: 404-605-5000

• Northside Hospital Atlanta (Sandy Springs)

  • 1000 Johnson Ferry Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30342
  • Main: 404-851-8000

Suburban branches of larger systems (Northside, Wellstar, Emory, Piedmont) are spread throughout Cobb, Gwinnett, DeKalb, Fulton, Henry, and other nearby counties, giving many “near Atlanta” residents multiple options.

Popular Things to Do Near Atlanta

If you’re staying near, but not directly in, Atlanta, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy what the region offers.

Attractions in and Near the City

• Georgia Aquarium (Downtown)
• World of Coca-Cola (Downtown)
• Atlanta Botanical Garden (Adj. to Piedmont Park)
• Zoo Atlanta (Grant Park)
• Mercedes-Benz Stadium & State Farm Arena (Downtown events and sports)

Many nearby suburbs—Smyrna, Decatur, Sandy Springs, Roswell, Marietta—have their own lively downtown squares with restaurants, festivals, and farmers markets, offering local entertainment without driving all the way into Downtown Atlanta every time.

Choosing the Right “Near Atlanta, GA” Area for You

When deciding where near Atlanta to live, stay, or work, most people weigh:

• Commute: How long to Atlanta’s job centers (Downtown, Midtown, Perimeter, Cumberland, etc.)?
• Transit access: Is there a MARTA station or major bus route nearby?
• Lifestyle: Intown feel vs. quieter suburbs; walkability vs. larger yards.
• Schools: Which county or city school system serves the area?
• Budget: Housing costs vary widely between, for example, Decatur and Kennesaw or Brookhaven and Jonesboro.

A practical approach is to:

1. Identify where you’ll work, study, or spend the most time in Atlanta.
2. Look at suburbs or neighborhoods within a reasonable drive or transit ride.
3. Visit those areas at different times of day to see real-world traffic and feel.
4. Check local services (grocery, healthcare, parks, schools) to be sure they fit your needs.

Being “near Atlanta, GA” can mean anything from a walkable intown-adjacent community like Decatur or Sandy Springs to a quieter, more distant suburb like Kennesaw or Peachtree City. With a clear sense of your priorities—commute, lifestyle, budget—you can narrow in on the part of the metro area that fits you best while still keeping all of Atlanta’s resources, jobs, and attractions within reach.