Top 5 Suburbs of Atlanta

Dreaming of living in Atlanta? These Atlanta suburbs offer easy access to major metropolises without having to pay a high price.

By Cheryl Rodewig on July 23, 2024

Atlanta has a lot to offer. It’s nicknamed the “City in the Forest,” with nearly half of the city (46%) sheltered by tree canopy. It’s home to the country’s largest airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, in case you’re feeling like escaping to London, Seoul, or Cancun (all direct flights). The area boasts a thriving economy with jobs in many industries and world-class attractions.

But beyond the city limits lie hidden gems: Atlanta’s exceptional suburbs with diverse communities, each with their own unique charm and appeal. What if you want easy access to the big city without living in the city proper? What if you want a little less traffic than Atlanta is infamous for? Luckily for you, another thing Atlanta does well is its suburbs. These aren’t insignificant cities added to the capital. They’re cultural hotspots in their own right, each with their own version of Atlanta life.

If you’re considering moving to Georgia and prefer a more suburban lifestyle, read on to discover the best Atlanta suburbs.

1. Johns Creek, Georgia

Distance from downtown Atlanta: 31.4 miles

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When you look at the numbers, it’s easy to see why Johns Creek tops the list of suburbs in metro Atlanta. With a population of about 82,000, it’s the most ethnically diverse city in Georgia. It’s also the fourth safest city in the state, according to Safewise’s 2024 study. Meanwhile, U.S. News & World Report ranks its three high schools (Northview, Chattahoochee, and Johns Creek) in the top 20 in the state.

And let’s not forget that it landed the top spot on our list of the 100 Best Places to Live in America in 2023. That’s largely due to the thriving economy, safety, and access to healthcare that residents enjoy. Another factor that contributes to residents’ quality of life? The 200 acres of parks, including the popular Autrey Mill Nature Preserve & Heritage Center and five river access points for fishing, swimming, and kayaking.

Johns Creek is also investing in community development. Its current major project is the 192-acre Town Center, a live-work space surrounding City Hall with a trendy shopping and dining center, Medley, set to open next year.

2. Roswell, Georgia

Distance from downtown Atlanta: 23.3 miles

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If you walk down Canton Street, lined with cafes, shady trees, and boutiques, you might decide on a whim that Roswell is the place for you. But dig a little deeper into the nitty-gritty of job prospects, schools, and safety, and you’ll see that Roswell really is a smart choice.

Roswell has highly rated public and private schools with low student-to-teacher ratios and is consistently ranked among the safest cities in Georgia. As the ninth-largest city in the state, Roswell is also home to employers of all sizes, from startups to national and international companies like McKesson (healthcare), Rhino (financial services), GreyOrange (robotics), and the PGA Tour Superstore (retail).

Back to nostalgia. The aforementioned Canton Street is the center of a 600-acre historic district that includes landmarks like the picturesque ruins of the Roswell Mill and a Greek Revival mansion that once housed Teddy Roosevelt’s mother. Don’t miss tubing on the Chattahoochee River, a rite of passage that locals call “shooting the Hooch.” And mark your calendar for events like the Roswell Beer Festival in March, which features more than 350 craft beers, and Miss Mary’s Ice Cream Crankin’ in August, where you can enjoy all you can eat of America’s favorite dessert for a good cause.

3. Alpharetta, Georgia

Distance from downtown Atlanta: 25.6 miles

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Just northeast of neighboring Roswell, Alpharetta is a little closer to the mountains of north Georgia (the stunning Amicalola Falls are just an hour’s drive away) but still less than an hour from Atlanta if you’re commuting.

But that may not be the case, especially if you work in the tech industry. Alpharetta is known as the Tech City of the South, home to nearly 700 tech companies, including big names like ADP and Fiserv. Even the city’s schools are tech-focused, like Innovation Academy, a public school specializing in STEM, and Gwinnett Technical College’s North Fulton campus.

In this thriving city, you’ll have plenty of choices for your weekend getaway. Shop downtown or at Avalon, a 85-acre mixed-use development with shopping, dining and entertainment. Bike the 9-mile Big Creek Greenway or the Alpha Loop. And catch concerts year-round, from the big stars at Ameris Bank Amphitheatre to baroque hits performed by the Alpharetta Symphony.

4. Dunwoody, Georgia

Distance from downtown Atlanta: 15.8 miles

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Dunwoody is just outside the Perimeter (that’s “outside the Perimeter,” as locals call the I-285 loop around Atlanta), making it a convenient option for getting into the city. The community also has access to MARTA, the city’s public transit system, so you can hop on the subway and be in Midtown in minutes, without traffic jams.

Dunwoody is also a relatively affordable city, all things considered. While the city’s population (currently 52,000) is growing, home prices are falling, with a median sale price of $573,000, according to Redfin.

Given its proximity to the big city, the vibe is a little more urban than suburban. But you don’t have to venture far to ITP to find entertainment. Residents have their own arts center, nature center, treetop adventure course, live theater, farmers market, shopping mall, and just about every type of restaurant you could want. Whether it’s a salsa night at the local tapas bar or a yoga class with goats at the park, you’ll have no shortage of things to do.

5. Peachtree City, Georgia

Distance from downtown Atlanta: 31.8 miles

Getty Images/Marilyn Nieves

How about cruising through an idyllic planned community with your own golf cart? That’s the kind of dream you can live out in Peachtree City, which has some 11,000 golf carts plying its 100 miles of paved trails.

As far as Atlanta suburbs go, this is the furthest on this list, just over 30 miles from downtown. You can take the freeway for most of the way and get there in about a half-hour in normal traffic, though rush hour takes a bit longer. The city is even closer to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, so you may notice a particularly high concentration of Delta employees among your neighbors.

The vibe is decidedly suburban, but a bit quieter than the northern Atlanta suburbs on our list. PTC is a solid choice for families looking to settle down. The schools are highly rated, and nearly three-quarters of residents own their homes. And the three lakes, golf courses, and upscale shopping, like the manicured plaza at The Avenue, provide laid-back entertainment when you want to unwind.