Escape the hustle and bustle of city life by settling into one of the best suburbs in Atlanta, Georgia. Enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle while still being near major attractions, the airport, Braves games, nightlife, and tons of activities for all ages. You may find many Atlanta suburbs to be more affordable than city living, and you can choose from a wide variety of neighborhoods, such as more upscale or commuter-friendly areas. Let’s discover the best suburbs in Atlanta and see which one might be perfect for you!

Summary:

• Best Suburbs in Atlanta, Georgia
• Which Atlanta Neighborhood Is Right for You?
• New Build Homes in Atlanta, Georgia
• Atlanta Suburbs Conclusion

Best Suburbs in Atlanta, Georgia

The metropolitan area of Atlanta holds 28 counties, so you’ll find an abundance of good Atlanta suburbs ideal for planting roots in virtually any direction you drive, which is one of the many benefits of living near this major city. 

Here are some of the best places to live outside of Atlanta, Georgia: 

• Sandy Springs: Just outside the perimeter and under 17 miles from Atlanta is Sandy Springs. For healthcare workers or those who use I-285 to get around, Sandy Springs is an ideal suburb. As of the 2020 U.S. Census, Sandy Springs is one of Georgia’s ten most populous cities.
   
• Dunwoody: Neighboring Sandy Springs is the suburb of Dunwoody. While only added to the metropolitan area in 2008, Dunwoody has been around since the 1830s.
   
• Roswell: One of the more upscale suburbs of Atlanta is Roswell, about 20 miles north of the city. Some of the beautiful parks in the area include the Chattahoochee Nature Center and East Roswell Park.
   
• Johns Creek: Johns Creek is one of the best North Atlanta suburbs. Situated 27 miles north of the city, it’s a more affluent suburb popular with outdoor enthusiasts. As of January 2024, the city’s websitestates that Johns Creek also has 125 restaurants representing cuisine from more than 25 countries.
   
• Peachtree City: Approximately 30 miles south of Atlanta is Peachtree City. Locals prefer using golf carts to get around, so the city offers more than 100 miles of paved paths specifically for them.
   
• Marietta: Located 18 miles northwest of Atlanta is Marietta, a city with a history that began before Atlanta existed. Accounts of Marietta go back to as early as 1824, according to the Marietta History Center. Today, Marietta’s quality schools and quintessential small-town feel make it one of the best suburbs of Atlanta.
   
• Decatur: One of the more urban suburbs around Atlanta, Decatur only spans roughly 4.6 square miles. It’s primarily known for its proximity to Emory University.
   
• Kennesaw: About 27 miles northwest of Atlanta is Kennesaw, home to Kennesaw State University. Residents can take advantage of the university’s event calendar, spend free time learning about the Civil War history at the Southern Museum, or stroll the gorgeous grounds of Smith-Gilbert Gardens.
  
  
• Alpharetta: Roughly 30 miles north of Atlanta is Alpharetta, one of the city’s more well-known suburbs. Alpharetta has a bustling, charming downtown area, with 250 shops to check out and more than 200 restaurants to try, according to Explore Georgia’s 2022 guide to the city. Alpharetta is also known for its music scene, with regular concerts and events at the Ameris Bank Amphitheatre.
   
• Duluth: About 27 miles northeast of Atlanta is the suburb of Duluth. Duluth has a very historic and quaint downtown area. Residents of this suburb also benefit from being roughly halfway between Atlanta and the shores of Lake Lanier.
  
  
• Sugar Hill/Suwanee: Sugar Hill and Suwanee are two up-and-coming suburbs of Atlanta, less than five miles apart. Both are ideal for people who don’t have to commute into Atlanta regularly, as these suburbs are about 40 miles outside the city.
   
• Buford: Buford, a suburb east of Atlanta, is known for the Mall of Georgia, proximity to Lake Lanier, and location right off of I-85, which makes it ideal for convenient commutes into the city.
   
• McDonough: One of the best affordable suburbs of Atlanta is McDonough. Located in Henry County, McDonough is 30 miles south of Atlanta.
  
  
• Lawrenceville: This suburb is 30 miles northeast of Atlanta and sits near the major highways of I-85, Sugarloaf Parkway, and 216, making it ideal for commuting and getting around.
  
  
• Woodstock: If you keep driving beyond the suburbs of Kennesaw and Marietta, you’ll find Woodstock, roughly 30 miles north of Atlanta. A quiet suburb, Woodstock has dozens of restaurants in their downtown district, selling sushi, BBQ, and pies, to name a few. You’ll also find an arcade bar and The Sweet Read, a charming bakery and used book store.

Which Atlanta Neighborhood Is Right for You?

When choosing among the best areas to live in Atlanta, suburbs outside the city often offer just about everything to suit your needs and lifestyle. Whether you’re looking for a spot closer to work or one with a community-oriented atmosphere and entertainment you enjoy, Atlanta has no shortage of options.

Best Atlanta Suburb for Families

No matter your household size, Atlanta has some excellent community-oriented suburbs:

• Decatur: Decatur is a suburb with a slower pace and one of the best suburbs in Atlanta for families and individuals. It’s mainly a residential area, butting up against the Druid Hills area, which is home to the prestigious Emory University. Decatur also has the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, a fun experience for people of any age. Decatur is also less than seven miles from Zoo Atlanta and the Georgia Aquarium.

• Duluth: One of the best Atlanta suburbs to settle down in is Duluth. In addition to its classic suburban feel, this suburb offers easy access to the highway and all Atlanta has to offer. The suburb also has a lively downtown, with a few parks and numerous boutiques and restaurants, all within a few squares.

• Buford: If you’re looking for a lakeside lifestyle, consider a home in Buford with its convenient location to Lake Lanier. It’s also one of the best Atlanta suburbs to raise a family because of the volume of activities, stores, and restaurants in the area, including abundant shopping at the Mall of Georgia, arcades, art galleries like the Tannery Row Artist Colony, and a robust events calendar with free outdoor movies and concerts at the Buford Community Center. In addition, Buford City Schools, the public district in the area, has an A+ rating, according to Niche® as of February 2024.

Best Atlanta Suburbs for Young Professionals

Several of the best Atlanta suburbs are also the most commuter-friendly, simply because of their proximity to Atlanta:

• Alpharetta: Alpharetta is known as the “Technology City of the South,” states Business View Magazine (July 2022). Home to many of Atlanta’s tech companies, this suburb is great for those in that industry. It also has more than 750 acres of parkland, according to Explore Georgia’s “Guide to Alpharetta,” published in November 2022. From equestrian parks to playgrounds and hiking trails, Alpharetta is a beautiful place to be outside. It also has a cute downtown area with abundant options for food, shopping, and events.

• Sandy Springs: For those who work in the healthcare industry, Sandy Springs offers proximity to several ospitals, including St. Joseph’s, Northside, and Emory. Spend your days off at the City Green, catching a show, enjoying a picnic, or taking in a festival.

• Lawrenceville: Lawrenceville is among the good Atlanta suburbs because of its proximity to the city and other areas. Located directly off Route 316 and I-85, it offers convenient commuting options. This suburb also has a delightful downtown area and streets lined with shops, art galleries, and restaurants. There’s lots to do almost any night of the week, whether you want to test your knowledge at trivia night or belt out your favorite tune at karaoke. Lawrenceville is also home to Georgia Gwinnett College.

Most Walkable Atlanta Suburbs

Suburbs are often more suited to driving due to their sometimes sprawling nature and distance from the city. However, if you’re seeking a more accessible and pedestrian-friendly area, consider one of these suburbs: 

• Sugar Hill and Suwanee: If you’re looking for a suburb with an active and vibrant downtown, easy access to major highways, and plenty of amenities for everyday life like grocery stores, dentists, doctors, school systems, and more, then the Sugar Hill and Suwanee areas are perfect. Sugar Hill has recently completed 4.5 miles of a proposed 16.5-mile trail called the Sugar Hill Greenway. Residents also benefit from an accessible downtown area. As announced in a 2021 City of Suwanee press release, the town is also actively working on making the suburb increasingly pedestrian- and bike-friendly.

• Alpharetta: Alpharetta is known as the “Technology City of the South,” states Business View Magazine (July 2022). Home to many of Atlanta’s tech companies, this suburb is great for those in that industry. It also has more than 750 acres of parkland, according to Explore Georgia’s “Guide to Alpharetta,” published in November 2022. From equestrian parks to playgrounds and hiking trails, Alpharetta is a beautiful place to be outside. It also has a cute downtown area with abundant options for food, shopping, and events.

• Sandy Springs: For those who work in the healthcare industry, Sandy Springs offers proximity to several hospitals, including St. Joseph’s, Northside, and Emory. Spend your days off at the City Green, catching a show, enjoying a picnic, or taking in a festival.

• Decatur: Given its proximity to Emory University and Emory Hospital and the greater Atlanta area, Decatur is a good Atlanta suburb for everyone. Residents find it convenient to get around downtown, the university campus, and local neighborhoods without a car. In fact, the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center designated Decatur as a “Gold-level Walk Friendly Community,” with more than 60 miles of sidewalks in less than five square miles.

Upscale Suburbs of Atlanta

If you’re looking for a more refined Atlanta experience, consider any of these upscale suburbs of Atlanta: 

• Johns Creek: Johns Creek is one of the most upscale suburbs of Atlanta, and the cost of living index here is about 133, according to AreaVibes® as of January 2024. However, this tranquil suburb is surrounded by the beauty of nature. Locals find the homes have more property than other suburbs and that the area is less crowded. Johns Creek has five access points to the Chattahoochee River, allowing residents to go tubing, kayaking, or canoeing. There’s also the Autrey Mill Nature Preserve, which has 46 acres of hiking trails and historic buildings for visitors to explore, and the recently opened Cauley Creek Park. Consider our new construction homes in Johns Creek, GA. Located inside Technology Park, this Pulte® community boasts easy access to Highway 141, a pocket park, and a series of mixed-use paths.
   
• Roswell: Located in Fulton County, one of Georgia’s wealthiest counties, according to February 2024 data from SmartAsset®. “At Your Own Pace,” the city’s tagline, sets the tone quite well. Residents can expect a laid-back lifestyle. Spend it in nature, sipping cocktails, shopping at boutiques, or eating at the area’s restaurants.
   
• Dunwoody: Dunwoody is where an urban lifestyle blends with nature. Though the area has a few towering buildings, it also has a charming downtown village with a vibrant arts and culture scene and proximity to Dunwoody Nature Center, Big Trees Forest Preserve, and Morgan Falls Overlook Park.

Best North Atlanta Suburbs

Take I-75 or I-285 north out of the city, and you’ll find several of the best North Atlanta suburbs:

• Marietta: Though this seat of Cobb County only spans 18 miles, Marietta packs a lot into its small space. From Kennesaw Mountain in the distance to pedestrian-friendly downtown streets with boutiques and restaurants, this city also offers a lively events calendar and a rich history, dating back to the Civil War, a historic town square, and Six Flags® White Water.
  
  
• Woodstock: Woodstock is one of the best north Atlanta suburbs. It’s a wonderfully relaxed place to live outside Atlanta while still offering proximity to the greater metro area for work and entertainment. Based in Cherokee County, Woodstock has several top-rated schools in the district, according to GreatSchools® as of January 2024.
   
• Kennesaw: Kennesaw is one of the best North Atlanta suburbs, where residents benefit from the quality schools of Cobb County and enjoy convenient commutes to the city with proximity to several major employers, including Kennesaw State University. For some adventure, residents can also hike Kennesaw Mountain, the highest point in the metro area.

Best South Atlanta Suburbs

While most of Atlanta’s suburbs tend to be north of the city, prospective Atlanta residents can find beautiful homes and an ideal suburban life south of the city: 

• Peachtree City: One of the best South Atlanta suburbs is Peachtree City. This suburb has five unique villages with locally owned boutiques and restaurants. It’s also an inviting suburb where residents drive around town in golf carts.
  
  
• McDonough: McDonough is another community-oriented suburb that supports all things local. A popular attraction is Southern Belle Farm, where you can pick fresh fruit in the summer. Local restaurants include a rib shack, burrito joint, and eatery serving pizza and pub food. Browse our new construction homes in McDonough, GA.
  

New Build Homes in Atlanta, Georgia

Due to space restraints, some suburbs in Atlanta often have more townhomes than single-family houses, but they’re all lovely places to live with ample room inside. These are some of the best Atlanta suburbs to buy beautiful new construction homes for starting your next life chapter:

• Embry: The townhomes in this Johns Creek community offer easy access to abundant dining and shopping areas, Technology Park, and Highway 141. Other features include a pocket park, a network of paths to explore, and scenic green spaces.
  
  
• Hawthorne Ridge: Also in McDonough, GA, homes in this community start in the upper $300Ks. Amenities in Hawthorne Ridge include a community pool, clubhouse, dog park, and fire pit. McDonough Square, Henry Town Center, and Hudson Bridge are all within a convenient drive to lots of restaurants, retail, and entertainment options.
  
  
• Anderson Point: Another community in the suburb of McDonough, Anderson Point offers affordable new construction homes in an upscale setting, with prices starting in the mid $300Ks. Large backyards, trails, playgrounds, and proximity to the 129 acres of Heritage Park are just a few of the features of this lovely community.
  
  
• Harrington: This brand-new community in McDonough has 141 single-family homes surrounded by the tranquility of woodland areas and pastures. Perched alongside Indian Creek, amenities include a pool, cabana, and playground, plus convenient drives to Downtown Locust Grove, Warren Holder Park, and the Cole Reservoir for shopping, events, and all kinds of outdoor activities.

Atlanta Suburbs Conclusion

This list is only a sample of the many Atlanta metropolitan area suburbs. From historic sites like Dunwoody and Marietta to upscale areas like Johns Creek and Roswell, every Atlanta suburb has a distinct personality and atmosphere. Whether you prefer a spot like Sandy Springs with easy access to the excitement of city life or a quieter community closer to nature like McDonough, there’s an Atlanta suburb to suit your lifestyle and call home.

Explore new construction homes in Atlanta, GA, today or browse more Pulte blogs. You can also find affordable home builders in Atlanta with Centex.

Written By: Alexandra Shimalla, Georgia Resident and Freelance Writer