Exploring Towns North of Atlanta, GA: Where to Live, Work, and Play

If you live in Atlanta or you’re thinking about moving to the metro area, the towns north of Atlanta, GA are often the first places people look. These communities are known for strong schools, growing job centers, and a mix of suburban comfort with easy access to the city.

This guide walks through the major north-of-Atlanta towns and suburbs, what they’re known for, and how they connect back to the city so you can quickly narrow down where might fit your lifestyle.

Quick Overview: Key Towns North of Atlanta

Here are some of the most commonly considered towns and cities north of Atlanta and what they’re generally known for:

Distances and travel times vary with traffic, but this gives you a rough sense of how far north each place is from downtown Atlanta.

How the North-of-Atlanta Area Is Laid Out

When locals say they live “north of Atlanta,” they’re usually referring to one of a few general areas:

• Inside or just outside the Perimeter (I‑285): Sandy Springs, Brookhaven, Chamblee, Doraville, Dunwoody
• North Fulton County: Roswell, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton
• Gwinnett County (north/northeast): Norcross, Duluth, Suwanee, parts of Peachtree Corners
• Forsyth County: Cumming and surrounding communities
• Cobb & Cherokee Counties (northwest): Marietta, Kennesaw, Acworth, Woodstock

This layout matters because it affects commute patterns, school districts, and access to MARTA or major interstates like I‑75, I‑85, GA‑400, and I‑575.

Close-In Northern Suburbs (Just North of the City)

Sandy Springs

Where it is: Directly north of Buckhead along GA‑400 and the Chattahoochee River.
Why people look here:

• Major office centers near Powers Ferry Road, Central Perimeter, and along GA‑400
• Riverside neighborhoods and easy access to Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
• Mix of apartments, condos, and single-family homes

Who it fits: People who want shorter commutes into Atlanta or to Perimeter Center, with a more suburban feel than living inside the city limits.

Brookhaven

Where it is: Directly north of Atlanta, between Buckhead and Chamblee, mostly along Peachtree Road.
Why people look here:

• Intown-style neighborhoods but technically a separate city
• Walkable areas around Town Brookhaven and Dresden Drive
• Easy access to MARTA’s Brookhaven/Oglethorpe station

Who it fits: Those who want an Atlanta feel without being downtown, and who value walking to restaurants, shops, and transit.

Dunwoody

Where it is: North of I‑285, east of Sandy Springs, anchored by the Perimeter Center area.
Why people look here:

• Large employment center around Perimeter Mall and nearby office towers
• Well-established subdivisions with mature trees
• Access to MARTA rail (Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, and North Springs stations nearby)

Who it fits: Commuters who work in Perimeter Center, plus families who want suburban streets but still close-in access to Atlanta.

Chamblee

Where it is: Northeast of Brookhaven along Peachtree Boulevard and Buford Highway.
Why people look here:

• MARTA rail access (Chamblee Station) straight into Atlanta
• Rapidly redeveloping downtown with lofts, townhomes, and small businesses
• Proximity to Buford Highway, known for diverse international dining

Who it fits: People who want transit access, diversity, and a more urbanizing feel at a generally lower cost than Buckhead or Brookhaven.

Doraville

Where it is: Just northeast of Chamblee along I‑285 and Buford Highway.
Why people look here:

• MARTA’s Doraville station is the end of the Gold Line
• Mix of industrial, older residential, and new townhome-style development
• Direct interstate connections via I‑285 and I‑85

Who it fits: Budget-conscious renters or buyers who still want quick access to Atlanta and I‑285/I‑85.

North Fulton: Roswell, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton

Roswell

Where it is: About 20 miles north of downtown along GA‑400.
Why people look here:

• Charming Historic Roswell along Canton Street with restaurants and shops
• Riverfront parks along the Chattahoochee
• Blend of older established subdivisions and newer developments

Who it fits: Families and professionals who want a historic, community-oriented feel with a reasonable commute down GA‑400.

Alpharetta

Where it is: Just north of Roswell on GA‑400.
Why people look here:

• Strong presence of tech and corporate offices
• Popular mixed-use areas like Avalon and Downtown Alpharetta
• Extensive network of newer subdivisions and townhome communities

Who it fits: Professionals in the tech and corporate world, as well as families looking for amenities-heavy suburbs and modern housing.

Johns Creek

Where it is: Northeast of Alpharetta and east of GA‑400.
Why people look here:

• Primarily residential with a reputation for strong schools and parks
• Golf course communities and master-planned neighborhoods
• Access to the Chattahoochee River in some areas

Who it fits: Households prioritizing schools, quiet neighborhoods, and parks over walkable nightlife or transit.

Milton

Where it is: Directly north of Alpharetta.
Why people look here:

• Semi-rural character with horse farms, large lots, and scenic drives
• Newer upscale neighborhoods mixed with older rural properties
• More open space compared with more built-out suburbs

Who it fits: Those who want to stay within reach of Atlanta’s job centers but prefer a more rural, estate-style or equestrian lifestyle.

Gwinnett County Towns North/Northeast of Atlanta

Norcross

Where it is: Northeast of Atlanta off I‑85.
Why people look here:

• Historic downtown Norcross with shops and community events
• Older neighborhoods transitioning alongside new construction
• Convenient to I‑85 and Peachtree Industrial Boulevard

Who it fits: People who want access to Gwinnett job centers and I‑85 with a small historic downtown feel.

Duluth

Where it is: Further northeast along I‑85 and Peachtree Industrial Boulevard.
Why people look here:

• Walkable Downtown Duluth with a town green and frequent events
• Range of subdivisions, from older communities to newer builds
• Cultural venues and easy access to other parts of Gwinnett

Who it fits: Families and commuters who want a suburban lifestyle with a community hub and relatively easy I‑85 access.

Suwanee

Where it is: North of Duluth, off I‑85 and Peachtree Industrial.
Why people look here:

• Well-known Suwanee Town Center and extensive parks/trails
• Master-planned neighborhoods with community amenities
• Family-oriented activities and events

Who it fits: Residents looking for a planned, park-centric suburban community with a strong focus on public green space.

Forsyth County: Cumming and Lake Access

Cumming

Where it is: North of Alpharetta and Roswell, along GA‑400.
Why people look here:

• Proximity to Lake Lanier for boating and recreation
• Rapid residential growth with newer subdivisions and shopping centers
• Still generally more open and less dense than inner suburbs

Who it fits: Those who don’t mind a longer commute into Atlanta but want more space, newer housing, and lake or mountain access.

Northwest of Atlanta: Cobb & Cherokee Suburbs

Marietta

Where it is: Northwest of Atlanta along I‑75.
Why people look here:

• Marietta Square as a hub for restaurants, events, and local government
• Wide variety of housing types, from older bungalows to newer subdivisions
• Close to Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park

Who it fits: People wanting a central Cobb location with a strong community identity and multiple commute routes to Atlanta.

Kennesaw

Where it is: North of Marietta along I‑75.
Why people look here:

• Home to Kennesaw State University
• Suburban neighborhoods, shopping, and parks
• Area history tied to Civil War sites and Kennesaw Mountain nearby

Who it fits: Students, faculty, and families seeking a university town atmosphere with suburban convenience.

Acworth

Where it is: Further northwest past Kennesaw.
Why people look here:

• Access to Lake Acworth and Lake Allatoona
• Historic downtown with small shops and restaurants
• More affordable options than closer-in suburbs in many cases

Who it fits: Those who want lake access and small-town character while still being part of the metro region.

Woodstock

Where it is: North-northwest along I‑575, in Cherokee County.
Why people look here:

• Revitalized Downtown Woodstock with restaurants, shops, and trails
• Suburban neighborhoods with relatively newer construction
• Proximity to outdoor recreation in Cherokee County

Who it fits: Residents who want a lively small-city downtown and are okay with a longer drive into central Atlanta.

Commuting From North of Atlanta

If you’re choosing a northern town and still plan to work or regularly visit Atlanta, commute options matter:

Major corridors:

• GA‑400: Primary north–south route through Sandy Springs, Roswell, Alpharetta, Cumming
• I‑75: Connects Marietta, Kennesaw, Acworth to Atlanta
• I‑85: Serves Norcross, Duluth, Suwanee and beyond
• I‑575: Branches from I‑75 to Woodstock and further into Cherokee
• Peachtree Industrial Blvd: Alternative to I‑85 for parts of Chamblee, Doraville, Norcross, Duluth, Suwanee

Transit options:

• MARTA Rail:
  • Gold Line north stations: Lindbergh Center, Lenox, Brookhaven/Oglethorpe, Chamblee, Doraville
  • Red Line north stations: Buckhead, Medical Center, Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, North Springs
• Many residents drive to North Springs or Doraville stations, park, and take rail into downtown or Midtown Atlanta.

If you want to rely on public transit into the city, look more closely at Sandy Springs, Brookhaven, Chamblee, Doraville, Dunwoody, or Atlanta neighborhoods near MARTA.

How to Narrow Down the Best Town for You

When comparing towns north of Atlanta, it helps to focus on a few practical questions:

• Commute

  • How far is it to your main destination (Downtown, Midtown, Perimeter, Alpharetta tech corridor)?
  • Do you prefer driving, or is MARTA access important?

• Lifestyle

  • Do you want a walkable downtown (Roswell, Alpharetta, Duluth, Woodstock, Marietta)?
  • Are parks, trails, and river or lake access a priority (Sandy Springs, Roswell, Suwanee, Cumming, Acworth)?

• Housing type and density

  • Prefer condos and townhomes near transit? Look closer in: Sandy Springs, Brookhaven, Chamblee, Doraville.
  • Want larger lots or semi-rural settings? Consider Milton, parts of Cumming, and some areas of Cherokee County.

• Schools and community feel

  • Many people look north of Atlanta specifically for school options and a family-focused environment.
  • Community events, local sports, and neighborhood associations differ by town, so visiting in person helps.

Practical Next Steps for Atlanta Residents and Newcomers

If you already live in Atlanta and are exploring towns to the north:

• Drive or ride at your usual commute time to see real-world travel times on GA‑400, I‑75, or I‑85.
• Visit at least one town center (for example, Downtown Roswell, Alpharetta’s city center, Duluth Town Green, Marietta Square, or Downtown Woodstock) to get a feel for daily life.
• Check local parks and recreation departments and city websites for maps, facility lists, and community events—these often show how active and connected a town is.

If you’re visiting Atlanta and thinking long term:

• Use Atlanta as your base and take day trips north to 2–3 of the towns that interest you the most.
• Compare how each community feels in terms of traffic, noise, amenities, and distance back to the city.

The towns north of Atlanta, GA offer a wide spectrum—from dense, transit-linked suburbs just outside the Perimeter to lake and horse-country communities farther out. Focusing on commute, lifestyle, housing style, and how often you need to be in the city will help you quickly zero in on the places that fit you best.