Exploring Towns Near Atlanta, GA: Where to Live, Work, and Visit Around the Metro Area

Atlanta might be the hub, but many people live, commute, or spend weekends in smaller towns near Atlanta, GA. Whether you’re trying to shorten your drive to the city, find a quieter suburb, or plan a quick day trip, understanding the towns around Atlanta helps you narrow your options fast.

Below is a practical guide to notable towns and small cities within roughly an hour of downtown Atlanta, broken down by direction, lifestyle vibe, and common reasons Atlanta residents choose them.

Quick Snapshot: Popular Towns Near Atlanta

*Drive times are general, without heavy traffic. Atlanta traffic can change everything.

How to Think About Towns Near Atlanta

When comparing towns around Atlanta, it helps to ask:

• What’s my commute pattern? (Downtown, Perimeter, Alpharetta, Airport, etc.)
• Do I want walkable, “intown” energy or quieter, more suburban streets?
• Is access to MARTA or the airport important?
• Do I want new construction, historic neighborhoods, or more land?

With those questions in mind, here’s how the main areas around Atlanta break down.

North of Atlanta: Suburban Hubs and Corporate Corridors

The northern suburbs are among the most popular areas for people who work in tech, corporate offices, or along GA-400 and I-75.

Marietta

Distance: About 20–30 minutes northwest of downtown via I-75.
County: Cobb County.

Why people choose Marietta:

• Historic Marietta Square with restaurants, boutiques, and seasonal events.
• Mix of older neighborhoods, established subdivisions, and newer townhomes.
• Direct access to I-75 and Cobb Parkway, convenient to Truist Park/The Battery area.

Marietta appeals to families, long-time metro residents, and people wanting a more traditional small-city feel without being too far from Atlanta.

Roswell

Distance: Around 30 minutes north.
County: Fulton County.

Highlights:

• Historic downtown Roswell with restaurants, galleries, and nightlife.
• Close to the Chattahoochee River (parks, trails, water activities).
• Feels like a blend of small town + upscale suburb.

Roswell is popular with people who want character, mature trees, and walkable pockets, but don’t need to be right in the city.

Alpharetta

Distance: About 30–40 minutes north via GA-400.
County: Fulton County.

Key features:

• Avalon and Downtown Alpharetta offer dining, shopping, and events.
• Large presence of tech and corporate offices along GA-400.
• More master-planned subdivisions and newer construction than many closer-in suburbs.

If you work in Alpharetta, Johns Creek, or North Fulton, living nearby can significantly cut your commute versus driving from in-town Atlanta.

Woodstock & Kennesaw

Driving time: Roughly 30–45 minutes northwest.
County: Cherokee (Woodstock); Cobb (Kennesaw).

• Woodstock: Revitalized downtown area, brewery and restaurant scene, convenient to I-575, and access to outdoor recreation (near Lake Allatoona).
• Kennesaw: Suburban feel, Kennesaw State University, and several residential neighborhoods convenient to I-75.

These towns often attract people who want a bit more space and slightly lower housing costs than some closer-in suburbs, but still need freeway access to Atlanta.

Northeast of Atlanta: Growing Suburbs and Town Centers

Northeast suburbs cluster along I-85 and Peachtree Industrial Boulevard.

Duluth

Distance: Around 30–40 minutes northeast.
County: Gwinnett County.

What stands out:

• A walkable downtown Duluth with a green space, events, and local restaurants.
• Mix of established neighborhoods and newer developments.
• Proximity to I-85 and Peachtree Industrial Blvd. for commuting.

Suwanee

Distance: Approximately 35–45 minutes northeast.
County: Gwinnett County.

Highlights:

• Known for Suwanee Town Center, with parks, events, and restaurants.
• Modern subdivisions and master-planned communities.
• Many residents commute either into Atlanta or to nearby office parks in Gwinnett and North Fulton.

Lawrenceville & Buford

• Lawrenceville (about 40–50 minutes): County seat of Gwinnett, revitalized downtown, courthouse square, and proximity to Gwinnett’s government and services.
• Buford (about 45–55 minutes): Access to Lake Lanier, Mall of Georgia area, and a growing number of neighborhoods and shopping corridors.

These towns are often chosen by families wanting suburban life, access to shopping, and relatively straightforward routes to Atlanta via I‑85 (keeping in mind heavy rush-hour traffic).

East of Atlanta: Historic, Intown-Adjacent, and Scenic

Heading east from Atlanta gives you a mix of intown-adjacent communities and more rural or historic towns as you move farther out.

Decatur

Distance: About 15–20 minutes east.
County: DeKalb County.

Why Decatur feels almost like an “intown” neighborhood:

• Walkable downtown Decatur with MARTA access, restaurants, and shops.
• Older bungalows, historic neighborhoods, and some condo/townhome developments.
• Very popular with people who want city-like walkability but a smaller footprint than Midtown or Buckhead.

Decatur is technically a small city separate from Atlanta, but for everyday life it feels seamlessly tied into the metro.

Stone Mountain

Distance: About 25–35 minutes east.
County: DeKalb County.

Key features:

• Proximity to Stone Mountain Park, a major recreational area (walking trails, hiking, events).
• Suburban neighborhoods at various price points.
• Convenient to US-78, with routes into Atlanta and other DeKalb communities.

Conyers & Covington

Distance: Roughly 35–55 minutes east along I‑20.
Counties: Rockdale (Conyers); Newton (Covington).

• Conyers: Mix of suburban and semi-rural, with a smaller historic downtown.
• Covington: Known for its historic square and as a filming location, more of a small-town feel with a traditional courthouse square.

These are good options if you’re willing to drive a bit more in exchange for a slower pace and, often, more space or land.

South of Atlanta: Airport Access, Golf Carts, and Green Space

The south side is ideal if you travel frequently, work near Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, or want a more laid-back community with greenery and planned neighborhoods.

East Point & College Park

Distance: About 15–25 minutes south of downtown.
County: Fulton County.

Shared advantages:

• Close to Hartsfield–Jackson Airport.
• Access to MARTA rail and interstates (I‑85, I‑285).
• Mix of historic homes, older neighborhoods, and some redevelopment areas.

People who work for airlines, airport-related businesses, or downtown/West Midtown often consider these areas due to the combination of location and public transit.

Union City & Fairburn

Distance: Roughly 25–35 minutes south.
County: Fulton County.

• More suburban and spread out, with subdivisions and some newer developments.
• Convenient to I‑85 for commuting into the city or to the airport.

Fayetteville & Peachtree City

Distance: About 35–55 minutes south/southwest.
County: Fayette County.

Fayetteville:

• Traditional small-city feel with a growing retail and residential base.
• Suburban neighborhoods and some rural pockets.

Peachtree City:

• Known for its extensive golf cart path system, lakes, and planned communities.
• Often chosen by families and commuters willing to drive a bit more in exchange for a planned, green community layout.

These towns appeal to those who prefer quieter neighborhoods and do not need daily access to intown nightlife.

West and Northwest of Atlanta: Bedroom Communities with Easy Highway Access

The west and northwest suburbs hug I‑20 and I‑285, giving relatively direct access downtown.

Smyrna

Distance: About 15–25 minutes northwest.
County: Cobb County.

Why Smyrna stands out:

• Proximity to The Battery/Truist Park.
• Walkable Smyrna Market Village and surrounding neighborhoods.
• Offers a “close-in suburb” feel, convenient for commuting to both Midtown and Cumberland/Vinings office areas.

Mableton, Austell & Powder Springs

Distance: About 20–35 minutes west/northwest.
County: Cobb County.

• Mableton: Growing interest due to proximity to city and more affordable neighborhoods.
• Austell & Powder Springs: Quieter, suburban communities with access to I‑20 and local parks.

These towns are common choices for people who want a residential feel but need reasonable access to Atlanta or to industrial/commercial corridors along I‑20.

Douglasville

Distance: Roughly 30–40 minutes west along I‑20.
County: Douglas County.

Highlights:

• A historic downtown with local businesses.
• Larger subdivisions and more space than some closer-in suburbs.
• Convenient for people who work along I‑20, at west-metro distribution centers, or in parts of west Atlanta.

Farther-Out Towns for More Space or Weekend Trips

Some towns near Atlanta are just beyond the main commuter belt but still close enough for day trips or weekly commutes.

Newnan

Distance: About 40–60 minutes southwest via I‑85.
County: Coweta County.

• Historic downtown Newnan with shops and restaurants.
• Mix of farmland, subdivisions, and newer commercial corridors.
• Often chosen by people who want a small-town vibe with occasional trips into Atlanta.

Carrollton

Distance: Approximately 60–75 minutes west.
County: Carroll County.

• College town feel thanks to the University of West Georgia.
• Walkable downtown, greenbelt trail, and more rural surroundings as you move outward.

Madison & Nearby Towns

Distance: Roughly 60–75 minutes east on I‑20.
County: Morgan County.

• Historic homes, quiet streets, and a classic small Southern town character.
• More relevant for weekend getaways or for those who work remotely and visit Atlanta periodically.

Serenbe (Chattahoochee Hills)

Distance: About 45–60 minutes southwest.
County: Fulton County.

• A planned community focused on green space, trails, and village-style living.
• Popular as both a weekend destination and a primary residence for those prioritizing a more rural, eco-focused lifestyle.

Practical Tips for Choosing a Town Near Atlanta

If you’re trying to decide which town near Atlanta fits you, consider:

• Commute routes, not just distance.
  – North: GA‑400, I‑75
  – East: I‑20, US‑78
  – South: I‑75, I‑85
  – West: I‑20, I‑285

• Transit and airport access.
  If you rely on MARTA rail, look at towns close to MARTA stations (Decatur, East Point, College Park, Sandy Springs city itself rather than outlying suburbs). For frequent flyers, southside towns frequently make sense.

• Walkability vs. driving.
  – More walkable town centers: Decatur, Roswell, Alpharetta, Duluth, Suwanee, Smyrna.
  – More car-oriented suburbs: most outer suburbs and farther-out towns.

• Type of housing and density.
  – Historic and older homes: Decatur, Marietta, Roswell, Newnan, Covington.
  – Newer subdivisions and master-planned communities: Alpharetta, Suwanee, Peachtree City, many Gwinnett and Cherokee suburbs.

Helpful Local Government & Information Contacts

If you’re comparing towns, city and county offices can provide zoning maps, permit details, and community information.

Some key government contacts around Atlanta include:

• City of Atlanta City Hall
  55 Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  Phone: (404) 330‑6000

• Cobb County Government (Marietta, Smyrna, etc.)
  100 Cherokee St, Marietta, GA 30090
  Main line: (770) 528‑1000

• Gwinnett County Government (Duluth, Suwanee, Lawrenceville, Buford)
  75 Langley Dr, Lawrenceville, GA 30046
  Main line: (770) 822‑8000

• DeKalb County Government (Decatur, Stone Mountain, parts of east metro)
  1300 Commerce Dr, Decatur, GA 30030
  Main line: (404) 371‑2000

• Fulton County Government (Roswell, Alpharetta, East Point, College Park, etc.)
  141 Pryor St SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  Main line: (404) 612‑4000

• Clayton County Government (parts of south metro near the airport)
  112 Smith St, Jonesboro, GA 30236
  Main line: (770) 477‑3208

Reaching out to these offices or checking their public information can help you understand local services, school districts, and regulations that may affect where you choose to live around Atlanta.

Understanding towns near Atlanta, GA comes down to balancing commute, lifestyle, and how close you want to be to the city’s core. From walkable intown-adjacent communities like Decatur and Roswell to quieter suburban pockets like Peachtree City, Woodstock, or Douglasville, the Atlanta metro offers a wide range of nearby towns that feel connected to the city while offering their own distinct character.