The Best Cities Near Atlanta, GA, for 2025
Georgia
With everything right at your fingertips, Atlanta is a fabulous city that can help boost your career while also providing a plethora of attractive qualities from live music to delectable cuisines to a thriving arts and culture scene and even some underrated green spaces. But while living directly in the city seems fabulous, the best cities near Atlanta, GA offer similar perks with more housing options, lower costs of living, and their own unique entertainment.
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Best Cities Near Atlanta, GA — FAQs
Q: What cities are 30 minutes from Atlanta, GA?
A: Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, and Smyrna are all cities that are approximately a 30-minute commute into Atlanta.
Q: What is the safest town closest to Atlanta?
A: According to Niche, Johns Creek is one of the safest areas closest to Atlanta.
Q: Where is the best place to live near Atlanta?
A: Johns Creek and Alpharetta are among the top communities to live near Atlanta.
Q: Where is the cheapest place to live near Atlanta?
A: Decatur has among the lowest rent and home prices in Atlanta.
12 Best Cities Near Atlanta, GA
Often considered as one of the best cities to live in the U.S., Atlanta is a place full of southern hospitality and friendly communities. The best cities near Atlanta, GA, however, allow you to have your own space away from the hustle and bustle of the city while still enjoying similar offerings available in the city itself. With relatively easy commute times into Atlanta, check out our picks for the best cities near Atlanta, GA.
Alpharetta’s local economy is thriving, and many prominent companies such as Verizon Wireless and ADP, call the city home.
1. Alpharetta, GA
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,950
- Average home value: $708,000
- Great for: Families, young professionals, strong economy, local events, entertainment
- Commute into Atlanta: 35-minute drive
If you’re planning on moving to Alpharetta and still need to find employment, you can feel confident that living in Alpharetta will help you take your career to the next level. As one of the best cities outside of Atlanta, the local economy is thriving, and many prominent companies such as Verizon Wireless and ADP, call it home.
Community engagement is valued strongly in Alpharetta, which is an attractive quality for all walks of life to consider. The city hosts various events throughout the year that attract thousands of people, such as the Taste of Alpharetta, which is held each year and draws over 40,000 people. The Arts Streetfest is another hot event featuring performances by local artists and musicians and promotes the arts culture of the city.
One of the best areas for entertainment and sports in the community is Wills Park, which is home to a number of impressive facilities, including an equestrian center.
2. Johns Creek, GA
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,900
- Average home value: $674,800
- Great for: Families, young professionals, retirees, outdoor recreation, entertainment, beautiful neighborhoods
- Commute into Atlanta: 40-minute drive
The city of Johns Creek is one of the best cities in Atlanta that was initially developed during the 1980s as a mixed-use community. It was incorporated in 2006, and some of its closest neighbors are in neighboring Gwinnett and DeKalb counties.
The city of Johns Creek and its surrounding areas have plenty of green spaces and natural areas to visit, like the Autrey Mill Nature Preserve. The Johns Creek Arts Center and the Symphony Orchestra are also great to check out and learn about different types of art.
In addition to homes for sale, there are also plenty of apartments for rent in the city of Johns Creek. One of the most desirable areas in the community is Sugar Mill. Sugar Mill is located between two of the area's country clubs, St. Marlo and St. Ives, and it features all kinds of facilities for residents. Some of these include swimming pools, tennis courts, basketball courts, and playgrounds.
3. Decatur, GA
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,525
- Average home value: $293,300
- Great for: Families, great real estate, family-friendly attractions, farmer’s markets
- Commute into Atlanta: 20-minute drive
Just roughly 20 minutes away from Atlanta, Decatur is one of the best cities close to Atlanta to settle down for families, in particular. There are a variety of established and historic homes in Decatur real estate, which is full of new construction. Many of the neighborhoods within the city are known for their large, two-story homes and mid-century brick ranch houses.
One of the most popular places for family fun in Atlanta is Stone Mountain, which is not far from Decatur. There are a variety of attractions that are popular with visitors, such as the Summit Skyride and the Stone Mountain Museum. Other attractions include a miniature golf course, an antebellum plantation, and a scenic railroad.
Although it sometimes feels like a stadium, the DeKalb Farmers' Market is a popular place for residents and visitors from all around Metro Atlanta and provides high-quality food seven days a week to local residents.
Peachtree City has extensive golf cart paths, which are over 100 miles long and allow residents to utilize a sustainable mode of transportation.
(Source: Visit Peachtree City via Facebook)
4. Peachtree City, GA
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,750
- Average home value: $544,100
- Great for: Families, retirees, transportation, outdoor recreation, access to healthcare
- Commute into Atlanta: 40-minute drive
Peachtree City is a charming community in Fayette County, Georgia, that’s known for its beautiful natural surroundings and convenient infrastructure. The town has extensive golf cart paths, which are over 100 miles long and allow residents to utilize a sustainable mode of transportation.
You'll have the opportunity to participate in various outdoor activities as a Peachtree City resident, including fishing, cycling, and hiking. Some of the local nature areas that you can visit include Spyglass Island and Somerby Woods.
The residents of the city of Peachtree City have easy access to healthcare facilities, which includes everything from hospitals to medical clinics to other specialists accommodating the different needs of citizens. This includes numerous walk-in medical centers and urgent care facilities, and some of the prominent organizations that are based in this area include the Piedmont Physicians Group and CTCA.
5. Milton, GA
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,025
- Average home value: $885,600
- Great for: Families, retirees, recreation, local events
- Commute into Atlanta: 35-minute drive
Those who prefer more of a laid-back atmosphere and tight-knit community feel will appreciate what the city of Milton has to offer. Large picket fences are common features that surround multi-acre properties, and long driveways lead to hidden homes. Due to the area's rural setting, it doesn't feel overcrowded, and it’s one of the best metro Atlanta cities to reside in for people who enjoy their own space.
Milton City Park and Preserve consists of different areas, including a pool, tennis courts, a clubhouse, and plenty of beautiful green spaces. Enjoy hiking? Hiking enthusiasts living in or near Milton appreciate Birmingham Park, which is an ideal spot for hikers.
The first Saturday in October is when Crabapple Road becomes a vendor-lined marketplace. This event, which is called Crabapple Fest, is an arts and antiques festival. It features all kinds of attractions for kids, such as rides and sports.
6. Sandy Springs, GA
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,525
- Average home value: $649,700
- Great for: Families, retirees, outdoor recreation, entertainment, dining
- Commute into Atlanta: 20-minute drive
Sandy Springs is a mid-sized city and one of the best cities in Atlanta. It’s close to the Chattahoochee River, which makes it an ideal location for people who love to go canoeing, kayaking, and tubing. Besides activities available on the river, there are 16 parks and greenways in the city, including Heritage Park and the Abernathy Greenway that’s located in the center of the city.
There are also plenty of opportunities available for entertainment in Sandy Springs, including The Act3 Playhouse and the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center, which are popular places to watch live performances. When you’re in the mood for a bite to eat, the local dining scene has plenty to offer, as well, like Persian at Zafron Restaurant.
The city of Duluth spans a little over 10 square miles and houses over 32,000 residents just about an hour away from Atlanta.
7. Duluth, GA
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,725
- Average home value: $442,700
- Great for: Families, young professionals, outdoor recreation, entertainment, local events
- Commute into Atlanta: 30-minute drive
Located in Georgia's Gwinnett County, the city of Duluth spans a little over 10 square miles and houses over 32,000 residents just about an hour away from Atlanta.
One of the region's most popular parks is the Peachtree Ridge Park, which features activities for families and individuals, such as picnicking, biking, and hiking. Its trails run through beautiful landscapes, providing numerous opportunities for both vigorous and leisurely walks.
The Infinite Energy Center is a renowned venue, known for being a popular entertainment hub in the area. It features a variety of shows, including exhibitions, concerts, theater performances, and sporting events.
One of the most popular community events in the city of Duluth is the Fall Festival, which is held during the last weekend of every September and offers a variety of activities.
8. Dunwoody, GA
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,725
- Average home value: $649,400
- Great for: Families, young professionals, housing variety, shopping, recreation
- Commute into Atlanta: 20-minute drive
The city of Dunwoody was founded by the Cherokee tribe, and they originally called it "Standing Peach Tree." It eventually served as a manufacturing hub for the Roswell Railroad.
In Dunwoody, there are a variety of housing options, including single-family homes, townhouses, and condominiums. Its subdivisions feature wide, well-kept front yards and spacious streets, which are most ideal for families who want some room to grow.
Dunwoody is filled with various stores and restaurants, and residents boast easy access to Perimeter Mall — the second-largest mall in the southeast, with over 200 stores.
In addition to seven parks, the city also has a variety of recreational facilities. One of these is Brook Run Park, which has 110 acres of land. In 2020, it was expanded with a disc golf course, a skate park, and sports fields. One of its most popular features is a multi-use trail that connects to the Georgetown and Pernoshal parks.
9. Roswell, GA
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,725
- Average home value: $636,600
- Great for: Families, young professionals, dining, shopping, golfing, local events
- Commute into Atlanta: 25-minute drive
The city of Roswell, Georgia, is one of the best cities north of Atlanta and was established in the 1830s as a cotton mill.
The welcoming atmosphere of the local restaurants in Roswell is due to the area's southern hospitality, and you can rely on high-quality food from establishments like Table & Main, The Mill Kitchen, and Vin25.
Along with eateries, the historic district of downtown Roswell is known for its many quaint shops, including Spirited Boutiques and Findlay Rowe Designs Gift Shop & Boutique. This area is a great place to explore during the Alive in Roswell festival, in particular, which happens the third Thursday of every month from April to October.
The Country Club of Roswell is a great place to play golf, and the course features a maximum distance of over 6,570 yards and a par of 71. It's located in the Willow Springs neighborhood, which is surrounded by lots of beautiful greenery and water.
Suwanee’s Town Center is a 10-acre facility that's used for various community events, including Suwanee Fest.
10. Suwanee, GA
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,875
- Average home value: $608,600
- Great for: Families, young professionals, retirees, local events, entertainment, outdoor recreation
- Commute into Atlanta: 30-minute drive
Suwanee, Georgia, is best known for its unique parks and events and also has a welcoming small-town atmosphere. One of the most interesting things about the town is that its Town Center is a 10-acre facility that's used for various community events, including Suwanee Fest.
Besides plenty of local events and festivities throughout the year, Suwanee also has several unique museums, such as the Greek Life Museum. There are also a couple of performing arts venues in the area, like the J.B. Chambers Performing Arts Center and the Sugar Loaf Performing Arts Center.
Suwanee has lots of parks and nature preserves, and you can enjoy some fresh air and nature at popular locations such as Sims Lake Park, the Town Center Park, and the Suwanee Creek Greenway, which is a multi-use trail that goes through various habitats and woods.
11. Fayetteville, GA
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,775
- Average home value: $427,200
- Great for: Families, young professionals, outdoor recreation, shopping, dining
- Commute into Atlanta: 35-minute drive
Located approximately 24 miles south of Atlanta, Fayetteville is a top suburb of Fayette County. When you look around, it may seem like this area is typical, but heading west will lead you to Trilith Studios, which is one of the biggest movie studios in the country. The studio has produced Marvel movies such as "Ant-Man" and "End Game."
Behind the city hall is Fayetteville's City Center Park, which is a popular spot for people to gather. It features areas such as a playground, walking paths, and a large green space that can be used for events. Another great place to visit is the Ridge Nature Preserve that has several hiking trails that are surrounded by trees.
The town of Fayetteville has lots of shopping centers along Highway 85, and most residents love the Fayette Pavilion, which is full of entertainment, dining, and retail options. It’s a popular spot for locals during the weekends, with top dining locations such as Frida's Bar and Grill serving up the best Mexican food.
12. Smyrna, GA
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,625
- Average home value: $451,700
- Great for: Families, young professionals, outdoor recreation, shopping, dining
- Commute into Atlanta: 25-minute drive
Named after a city that was mentioned in the Book of Revelations, Smyrna has turned from a small town into a thriving and beautiful city near Atlanta. The area's rapid growth was triggered by the Atlantic and Western Railroad's construction, which led to its incorporation in 1872.
Situated around 30 minutes away from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Smyrna is an excellent location for commuters who use Interstate 285 and 75. There are a variety of great restaurants in Smyrna that cater to different needs, as well. One of the most popular places is Muss & Turner’s, which is a versatile bistro featuring a variety of southern dishes and creative sandwiches. And if you’re craving some authentic Mexican food, head to Zama Mexican Restaurant — they serve up some of the best quesadillas around.
In addition to great restaurants, there are also plenty of outdoor activities that are available for residents of Smyrna. One of these is the Silver Comet Trail, which is a 61.5-mile path that can be accessed by bike or foot. It starts in Smyrna and ends at the Alabama-Georgia state line.
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PODS Can Help You Move to One of the Best Cities Near Atlanta, GA
Consider moving to your new home in one of the best cities near Atlanta, GA, with a portable moving container from PODS. This convenient container can be delivered right to your driveway, where you can pack and load your belongings at your own pace. It will then be picked up and delivered to your new home when you are finished loading and ready to go. Additionally, every move comes with one month of storage.
Editor’s note: Average rent prices were obtained from RentCafe and average home values were obtained from Zillow. For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100.
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