Atlanta is a bustling, vibrant, and diverse city many love to call home, but for those who prefer to access the intensity of the big city in smaller doses, the Atlanta metropolitan area is home to several fantastic cities that can offer a great quality life with easy access to the beating heart of the ATL. Here are 7 great cities near Atlanta to consider calling home.
The Best Cities Near Atlanta
- Decatur
- Sandy Springs
- Alpharetta
- Marietta
- Stone Mountain
- Brookhaven
- Smyrna
1. Decatur
- Driving distance from Atlanta*: 6.2 miles
- Commute time to Atlanta via car: 19 minutes
- Commute time to Atlanta via public transit: 19 minutes
- Population**: 24,338
- Median rent: $1,690, according to the July 2024 rent report
- Best for: Families, young professionals, and those who love a small-town feel
- Attractions: Decatur Square, Decatur Farmers Market, Fernbank Museum of Natural History
Why Decatur is a Great Place to Live
If you want a charming downtown area, a strong sense of community, and close proximity to Atlanta proper, Decatur might be the place for you. The city hosts numerous festivals yearly, including the Decatur Arts Festival and the Decatur Book Festival. With easy access to public transportation, Decatur is ideal for those who want the best of both worlds.
2. Sandy Springs
- Driving distance from Atlanta: 16.3 miles
- Commute time to Atlanta via car: 21 minutes
- Commute time to Atlanta via public transit: 44 minutes
- Population: 107,763
- Median household income**: $93,303
- Median rent: $1,689, according to the July 2024 rent report
- Best for: Outdoor enthusiasts, families, and those who enjoy upscale shopping and dining
- Attractions: Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center, Anne Frank in the World Exhibit
Why Sandy Springs is a Great Place to Live
Sandy Springs offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and urban amenities. The city has several parks and green spaces, including the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, which offers hiking, fishing, and kayaking. Sandy Springs also boasts a thriving culinary scene, with various restaurants and food festivals throughout the year.
3. Alpharetta
- Driving distance from Atlanta: 26.3 miles
- Commute time to Atlanta via car: 31 minutes
- Population: 67,267
- Median household income: $188,051
- Median rent: $2,350, according to the July 2024 rent report
- Unemployment rate: 2.80%
- Best for: Tech professionals, families, and those who enjoy a suburban lifestyle with easy access to the city
- Attractions: Avalon, Alpharetta Farmers Market, Wills Park Equestrian Center
Why Alpharetta is a Great Place to Live
The tech industry has a solid presence in Alpharetta, now known as the “Technology City of the South” because of the companies that have set up shop within city boundaries. Also home to Alpharetta is the Avalon mixed-use development, which features high-end shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Alpharetta also offers good schools and a variety of recreational activities, making it a great choice for families.
4. Marietta
- Driving distance from Atlanta: 27.4 miles
- Commute time to Atlanta via car: 41 minutes
- Commute time to Atlanta via public transit: 1 hour 24 minutes
- Population: 62,602
- Median household income: $91,082
- Median rent: $1,873, according to the June 2024 rent report
- Best for: History buffs, outdoor enthusiasts, and those who enjoy a small-town atmosphere
- Attractions: Marietta Square, Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, Six Flags White Water
Why Marietta is a Great Place to Live
Marietta is a historic city with a charming downtown square with unique shops, restaurants, and museums. The city also has several parks and green spaces, including the Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, which offers hiking trails and Civil War history. Marietta hosts numerous festivals annually, including the Marietta Square Art Walk and the Taste of Marietta.
5. Stone Mountain
- Driving distance from Atlanta: 19.8 miles
- Commute time to Atlanta via car: 30 minutes
- Commute time to Atlanta via public transit: 1 hour 19 minutes
- Population: 6,627
- Median household income: $99,345
- Median rent: $1,460, according to the July 2024 rent report
- Best for: Nature lovers, families, and those who enjoy a slower pace of life
- Attractions: Stone Mountain Park, Yellow River Park, Stone Mountain Village
Why Stone Mountain is a Great Place to Live
Stone Mountain is best known for its massive granite outcropping and Stone Mountain Park, which offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, and golfing. The city also has a quaint downtown area, Stone Mountain Village, with unique shops and restaurants. Stone Mountain is an excellent choice for those who want to live near nature while still within easy reach of Atlanta.
6. Brookhaven
- Driving distance from Atlanta: 10.9 miles
- Commute time to Atlanta via car: 18 minutes
- Commute time to Atlanta via public transit: 30 minutes
- Population: 57,934
- Median household income: $114,570
- Median rent: $2,020, according to the July 2024 rent report
- Best for: Young professionals, foodies, and those who enjoy a vibrant nightlife
- Attractions: Brookhaven Park, Lenox Square, Oglethorpe University Museum of Art
Why Brookhaven is a Great Place to Live
Brookhaven has a thriving food and drink scene. The city is home to numerous restaurants, bars, breweries, and the popular Lenox Square shopping mall. Brookhaven also offers several parks and green spaces, including Brookhaven Park and the Peachtree Golf Club. With its proximity to Atlanta and easy access to public transportation, Brookhaven is an excellent choice for young professionals and those who enjoy a lively social scene.
7. Smyrna
- Driving distance from Atlanta: 16.7 miles
- Commute time to Atlanta via car: 24 minutes
- Commute time to Atlanta via public transit: 1 hour 28 minutes
- Median household income: $76,689
- Median rent: $1,875, according to the July 2024 rent report
- Best for: Families, outdoor enthusiasts, and those who enjoy a tight-knit community
- Attractions: Smyrna Market Village, Silver Comet Trail, Smyrna History Museum
Why Smyrna is a Great Place to Live
Smyrna is a friendly and lively suburb. It hosts numerous events yearly, including the Smyrna Food Truck Tuesday and the Smyrna Summer Concert series. Smyrna also offers several parks and recreational areas, including the Silver Comet Trail, popular with cyclists and runners. Because of its great schools, Smyrna is a solid choice for families and those who value a closer-knit community.
Whether you’re drawn to Marietta’s historic charm, Brookhaven’s vibrant nightlife, or Stone Mountain’s natural beauty, these cities near Atlanta offer something for everyone and make excellent places to call home.
*Distances and commute times are based on Google
**US Census and local government websites informed population and median household income numbers
***Median rent is calculated monthly. Please see our rent research pages for more.
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