Here’s Everything You Should Know About the Top Atlanta Suburbs

As one of the most entertaining and vibrant cities you can choose from to settle down in the country, Atlanta, Georgia, is also the perfect place to get exposed to a wide variety of job opportunities and further your career. The tech industry within the city continues to experience growth, but there are also lots of other fields where you can find jobs, including healthcare, finance, and business. The fine dining, outdoor recreation, nightlife activities, and entertainment options are some of the best around, as well. But while living directly in the city may seem convenient, the Atlanta suburbs offer easy access to the fun, in addition to more seclusion, higher-ranked schools, safety, and affordability.

Atlanta at a Glance

• The population in Atlanta is approximately 514,000.
• There are lots of students residing in Atlanta, and the overall percentage of residents who have a Bachelor’s Degree or higher is 59.3 percent.
• The average home value in Atlanta is $399,200, compared to the state average of $333,900 and the national average of $362,500.
• The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Atlanta is $1,800, compared to the national average of $1,725.
• Atlanta is great for outdoor recreation, jobs, arts, culture, entertainment, and dining — among many other things.

12 Best Atlanta Suburbs

If you’re new to Atlanta and not already familiar with the city, navigating and researching all of the different suburbs can feel overwhelming. Because you will have to rely more on your own research, it’s important that you look into each suburb very carefully before you decide on the big move. To give you a better idea of the places you should keep an eye on most, take a look at our picks for the 12 best suburbs of Atlanta!

There are a variety of restaurants in Decatur, serving some of the best dishes in the area.
(Source: VisitDecaturGA via Facebook)

1. Decatur, GA

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,500
• Average home value: $304,300
• Great for: Families, young professionals, dining, festivals
• Commute to downtown Atlanta: 20 minutes

The suburb of Decatur is located in DeKalb County, and it’s one of the best suburbs of Atlanta for families due to its various family-friendly events. This affordable suburb is about five miles east of Atlanta and surrounded by various neighborhoods, such as Druid Hills, Belvedere Park, and Panthersville.

There are a variety of restaurants in Decatur that serve some of the best dishes in the area, including The White Bull, which is an Italian restaurant that focuses on using local ingredients to make it taste extra homemade and special.

Decatur hosts various festivals, including the Decatur Arts Festival, which takes place every spring. People from all over the city attend this event, and the streets surrounding the square are also closed during the festival.

The Decatur Book Festival is held every fall, which is another special and lively event that takes place in the town square and features various activities for children and speakers from around the country.

2. North Druid Hills, GA

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,700
• Average home value: $565,300
• Great for: Young professionals, shopping, dining, outdoor recreation, arts
• Commute to downtown Atlanta: 20 minutes

The trendy North Druid Hills suburb is located in the Druid Hill community and offers a variety of activities and services.The Emory Village, for example, is a great place to eat and shop in North Druid Hills, and some of the popular local bars in the area include Maggie's Neighborhood Bar and Grill, and Bench Warmers Sports Grill.

The Schwartz Center for Performing Arts at Emory University features various performances and plays that are open to the general public. There are also lots of parks that can be enjoyed by the residents, which include La Vista Park, Elwyn John Wildlife Sanctuary, and W.D. Thomson Park.

And according to Neighborhood Scout, Druid Hills is one of the safest communities to reside in the Atlanta area, which makes North Druid Hills one of the safest suburbs of Atlanta to settle down in. 

3. Vinings, GA

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,775
• Average home value: $518,200
• Great for: Families, young professionals, shopping, outdoor recreation
• Commute to downtown Atlanta: 20 minutes

Located in the heart of Atlanta's northern suburbs, Vinings is an unincorporated area with a tight-knit community that offers plenty of family-friendly living. It's also ideal for people looking for the convenience of living close to a major city while still enjoying a suburban lifestyle.

People are drawn to Vinings due to its location, which is within Cobb County, and its lower property taxes. The Vinings Village is also known for its historic architecture and boutique shopping center, the Vinings Jubilee.

And Vinings is bordered on the west by the Chattahoochee River, which provides residents with numerous opportunities for outdoor activities. There are plenty of hiking trails, fishing, and kayaking opportunities in the area.

4. Brookhaven, GA

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,750
• Average home value: $695,700
• Great for: Families, young professionals, shopping, dining
• Commute to downtown Atlanta: 25 minutes

The development of Brookhaven continues to be driven by the area's growing population and the construction of the Emory Sports Medicine Complex. And while this suburb has a lot to do, it's best known for its fabulous shopping and dining opportunities.

In addition to its everyday needs, Town Brookhaven is also known for its variety of activities and entertainment. And this area is home to over 950 luxury apartments and 450,000 square feet of mixed-use space.

If you're looking for a great meal with a luxurious atmosphere, then head to Arnette's Chop Shop, which has been receiving positive feedback from its customers since it opened.

5. Johns Creek, GA

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,900
• Average home value: $698,300
• Great for: Families, outstanding public schools, outdoor recreation
• Commute to downtown Atlanta: 40 minutes

Located 40 minutes away from the Atlanta area, Johns Creek is a diverse and safe suburb — and one of the best Atlanta suburbs by far. 

The main draw of the Johns Creek community is the area's public school system, which has 19 schools. Four high schools, including Johns Creek High School, are especially known for their academic excellence and extra-curricular programs.

Besides schools, there are plenty of other things to do in the area, such as hiking nature trails and visiting a variety of sports facilities. One of these is Ocee Park, which features grounds for all kinds of outdoor activities.

6. Tyrone, GA

• Average rent (one-bedroom): N/A
• Average home value: $502,600
• Great for: Young professionals, retirees, dining, local shopping
• Commute to downtown Atlanta: 30 minutes

Although Tyrone is a small suburb, it still offers its residents plenty of excitement and fun. Those who live in the area can visit nearby areas such as Peachtree City or travel up to Atlanta to enjoy different attractions.

And although it doesn't have many major stores and shopping centers, Tyrone still has plenty of independent establishments. Some of these include Red Door Consignment Company, Circa Antiques, and Déja vu Home Furnishings.

The town is best known for its host of various family-friendly festivals and events, such as the 4th of July Parade (pictured). 
(Source: Discover Dunwoody, GA via Facebook)

7. Dunwoody, GA

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,725
• Average home value: $654,300
• Great for: Young professionals, families, commuters, family-friendly events
• Commute to downtown Atlanta: 30 minutes

One of the most popular locations for families looking to live in the Atlanta metro area is Dunwoody. There are lots of companies in this area, such as tech companies like Vyne Medical, so young professionals are also moving to Dunwoody to live close to their work. And students from nearby universities, such as Perimeter College, also appreciate the town's affordable apartments and convenient MARTA rail link.

The town is best known for its host of various family-friendly festivals and events, such as the 4th of July Parade, the Butterfly Festival, and the Lemonade Days Festival.

8. Peachtree City, GA

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,825
• Average home value: $549,600
• Great for: Families, retirees, young professionals, outdoor recreation, tranquility, lots of space
• Commute to downtown Atlanta: 40 minutes

Peachtree City is a popular suburb for families, retirees, and young professionals alike. It is organized into various "villages" that each have their own unique features and character. This structure gives the residents the opportunity to choose their own living environment.

The suburb of Peachtree City also has plenty of recreational and park facilities, including Picnic Park and Luther Glass Park. Its convenient location allows residents to enjoy outdoor activities such as water sports, cycling, and golf in a tranquil, suburban setting.

9. Woodstock, GA

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,775
• Average home value: $455,500
• Great for: Families, outdoor recreation, arts, culture
• Commute to downtown Atlanta: 30 minutes

The suburb of Woodstock, Georgia, has a rich history and is known for its welcoming community. It is situated in Cherokee County and has easy access to interstates 75 and I-575.

Woodstock is surrounded by natural landscapes that provide plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. Some of the parks that are nearby include Dupree Park, which features picnic areas and trails, and the Olde Rope Mill Park. 

The suburb is also known for its vibrant cultural scene, which hosts events and performances through its community performance venue Woodstock Arts. The city also organizes various concerts and festivals that are popular among locals.

Avondale Estates is known for its Tudor-style homes, diverse culture, and being the site of the first Waffle House!
(Source: Explore Avondale via Facebook)

10. Avondale Estates, GA

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,125
• Average home value: $541,500
• Great for: Retirees, families, diverse homes, music events, farmer’s market
• Commute to downtown Atlanta: 20 minutes

Located northeast of Atlanta, the suburb of Avondale Estates is a bit of a small community. It's bordered by Stone Mountain, Decatur, Scottdale, and Clarkston, and it’s known for its Tudor-style homes, diverse culture, and being the site of the first Waffle House.

Plenty of concerts, comedy shows, and other live performances are consistently held in the area. And a must-visit attraction is the DeKalb Farmers Market, which has been running for over 40 years.

11. Smyrna, GA

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,625
• Average home value: $462,900
• Great for: Families, retirees, interesting history, dining, outdoor recreation
• Commute to downtown Atlanta: 30 minutes

The Smyrna suburb was initially a Christian community and was finally incorporated in 1872 after the construction of the Atlantic and Western Railroad.

There are a variety of great restaurants in Smyrna that you can choose from, and one of the best ones is Muss & Turner's, which prides itself as having “no culinary boundaries.” It features a wide variety of southern dishes and creatively named sandwiches. Craving authentic Mexican food? Then Zama Mexican Cuisine is a must-visit.

Residents of Smyrna are in for a treat when it comes to outdoor pursuits, and one of the most popular places to explore is the Silver Comet Trail, which spans over 60 miles. It starts in Smyrna and ends at the Alabama-Georgia state line.

12. Milton, GA

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,975
• Average home value: $924,900
• Great for: Young professionals, families, retirees, schools, outdoor recreation, golfing, fun activities
• Commute to downtown Atlanta: 45 minutes

The city of Milton is in Fulton County and borders Cumming, Roswell, and Alpharetta. Interesting fact: Zoning restrictions in Milton require residential lots to be at least an acre, which gives the area a rural appearance. 

In addition to enjoying various outdoor activities, the city of Milton also has a variety of restaurants and shopping establishments. One of these is the White Columns Country Club, which features a championship 18-hole golf course with pine trees and extreme elevation changes.

The Painted Horse Winery is another exciting attraction in the area that offers all kinds of wines for sampling and sale. And the Winery is connected to “Pamelot Farm,” which offers on-site horse-riding lessons.

PODS Can Help You Move to One of the Best Atlanta Suburbs

If you need help moving to your new home in one of the suburbs of Atlanta, give PODS a call and they'll help you get started. They can provide you with a portable storage container that can be delivered right to your driveway, and they'll take it when you're ready to move. One month of storage is included in the deal, as well, so you can easily move on your own schedule without having to feel rushed!

Editor’s note: For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100.