The capital of the South, better known as the city of Atlanta, boasts a genuinely captivating cultural scene and vibrant community. For many, the famous Big Peach is a welcoming haven and a melting pot.
Top Cities near Atlanta
However, like any crowded metropolis, the hustle and bustle of city life can sometimes disrupt your daily rhythm. This could be one of the reasons why you yearn for cities close to Atlanta. Leading us to a critical question, which cities near Atlanta provide the perfect blend of city living and suburban relaxation?
Keep reading to discover some of the best cities near Atlanta!
1. Milton
Is Milton, GA, an excellent place to live? Yes! Of course, it is! Milton is one of the more prominent places that is increasingly popular across all generations.
Nestled in the embrace of lavish estates and upscale living, Milton, Georgia, has earned its reputation as a haven for those searching for their dream residence.
Whether you’re a young professional on the rise or approaching the golden years, Milton offers a canvas for you to paint the picture of your ideal home. This is where lovely homes, top-tier schools, low crime rates (lower than 70% of America’s communities), and a beautifully manicured cityscape create welcoming and vibrant communities.
With its prosperous reputation, Milton and most of Fulton County strike a chord with anyone seeking an elegant and serene lifestyle. The city’s green neighborhoods, featuring sprawling estates and finely crafted manors, create a backdrop of sheer luxury. The distance between Milton and the central part of Atlanta is approximately 25-35 miles (40-56 kilometers), depending on the exact locations.
Typically, properties in Milton are sold within an average of 50 days from the time they are listed. The median days on the market in Milton, GA, have shown a declining trend compared to the previous month, although there has been a slight increase compared to last year.
As for education and schools in Milton, the entire area is renowned for its quality educational institutions that foster academic knowledge and spirit. This is precisely why many parents choose Milton as their top choice.
Population: around 41,259
Time travel to Atlanta: around 30-45 min
The median listing home price: it can go as far as $1.4M
Average rent price: around $2,065
The median household income: $136,020
Schools: Above average
Festivals: Crabapple Fest
Crime Index: 42.51
Safety Index: 57.49
2. Marietta
Marietta is a charming place located just a 20-minute drive northwest of Atlanta. Its proximity to the Big A allows many residents to commute to their jobs in the city easily. The roads are well-connected, making the commute relatively quick and convenient. With its population, Marietta stands as one of the more popular cities in the region, captivating residents with its unique charm and allure, so it’s no wonder we proudly rank Marietta as the top choice on our list. If you are considering moving to Marietta, click here to learn more about our professional moving services.
Another reason so many people relocate to Marietta is its proximity to the airport. If you’re looking for commercial flights, the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), located in Atlanta, is the nearest major international airport. It is approximately a 30-40-minute drive from Marietta, depending on traffic and rush hours.
Population: 60,972
Proximity to Atlanta: 20 miles northwest of Atlanta
Time travel to Atlanta: Approximately 40 minutes drive
Average Marietta home value: Around $456,467
East Cobb
Nestled in the heart of Georgia, East Cobb is a testament to the American dream. This vibrant community has a reputation for its exceptional educational offerings, making it a desirable haven for families committed to providing their children with a top-notch education.
These schools emphasize academics and offer various extracurricular activities, ensuring a well-rounded education. The most prominent are Mountain View Elementary, Hightower Trail Middle School, and Lassiter High.
The community is famous for its safe, tree-lined neighborhoods and well-maintained parks, making it an attractive and popular place to live. Residents enjoy a high quality of life and have access to various amenities, from shopping centers to recreational facilities.
East Cobb is an unincorporated community conveniently located within Marietta, a historic city with a rich cultural heritage. Because of its proximity to Marietta, residents have easy access to various entertainment options, historical sites, and a diverse culinary scene.
Population: around 5,947,008
Time travel to Atlanta: 32 min (22.8 mi) via I-75 S
The median sale price for homes: $350,100
Average rent price: average $1,887
The median household income: $106,283
Schools: Above average, by GreatSchools.
Festivals: Taste of East Cobb, Fall Festival
3. Sandy Springs
Sandy Springs can be the perfect place for you if you are looking for an exquisite family residence or a luxurious apartment. Renowned for its impressive real estate offerings, the city is the region’s prime choice.
Sandy Springs has a thriving business landscape, attracting significant businesses and providing excellent employment opportunities. Its proximity to Atlanta is very appealing to families. If you’re moving to Sandy Springs, we completely understand you, and our movers will ensure your relocation goes smoothly!
With a dynamic business landscape and amenities, this thriving city has carved its place on the map. Here’s a closer look at Sandy Springs’ business world and lifestyle offerings. Sandy Springs proudly houses major corporate players, including global shipping giant UPS, the American division of Mercedes-Benz.
Sandy Springs also values well-being and education. For the eager minds, there’s a constellation of educational institutions, encompassing schools and colleges. Some more popular ones are Fulton County Schools, High Point Elementary School, and Ridgeview Charter School.
Population:107,180
Proximity to Atlanta: 16 miles away from Atlanta
Time travel to Atlanta: Approximately 30 to 40 minute drive
Average Sandy Springs home value: Around $628,839
Average rent price: ~$1,533
Festivals: Fall Arts Festival, Artsapalooza Spring Arts Festival, Sandy Springs Lantern Parade, City Green Live
4. Decatur
Many claim that Decatur is the heart of Dekalb County. Frequent travelers can appreciate the convenience of Decatur’s proximity to Atlanta. Decatur’s location offers easy access to major highways and transportation hubs, making it convenient for residents to travel to nearby cities or explore the rest of Georgia.
The area is famous for its genuine Southern hospitality, warmly greeting new residents and caring for their communities. The Decatur housing market is competitive, with the median price range between $315K and $450K. Decatur has a lot to offer!
Population: 23,953,
Proximity to Atlanta: 7 miles away from Atlanta
Time travel to Atlanta: Approximately 20 to 30 minute drive
Average Decatur home value: $315,222
5. Roswell
Roswell is another famous city nestled close to Atlanta. What attracts a lot of people to move to Roswell is its beautiful neighborhoods. Roswell’s public schools are highly esteemed, offering many excellent educational opportunities. The road that connects Roswell and Atlanta is Georgia State Route 400 (GA-400), meaning that many find it easy to live in Roswell, a smaller, quieter place, while commuting to Atlanta for work.
Population: 91,619
Proximity to Atlanta: 22 mile
Time travel to Atlanta: Approximately 50 minute drive
Average Roswell home value: $605,895
6. Alpharetta
Nestled in the warm embrace of Atlanta’s northern suburbs, Alpharetta stands out as a unique gem of its own, a city that combines modern attraction with southern charm. Being just a stone’s throw away from Atlanta, this city gives its residents many job opportunities and urban amenities.
Alpharetta will provide you with a blend of urban and suburban vibes, top-notch schools, and low crime rates, making it an excellent place for family-orientated people. Relocating to Alpharetta has never been easier with the right help of our experienced professional movers.
The city’s schools deliver the finest education and actively welcome donations, enhancing the student learning experience. These schools consistently earn high ratings, showcasing their dedication to academic excellence.
Alpharetta High School is ranked 375th nationally based on its performance in state tests, graduation rates, and how well it prepares students for college. Some of the best schools are Lake Windward Elementary School, Ocee Elementary School, and Chattahoochee High School.
Moreover, Alpharetta offers various amenities, including easy access to healthy food options. It’s worth noting that the well-known health-conscious grocery store chain Whole Foods is conveniently located in the city, allowing residents to enjoy a balanced and healthy lifestyle. If you like healthy and nutritious snacks, you know where to find them!
Population: 66,446
Proximity to Atlanta: 25 mile
Time travel to Atlanta: Approximately 60 minute drive
Average Alpharetta home value: $655,121
Average rent price: From $1,200 to $1,800 per month (1-bedroom)
Schools: Above average
Festivals: Wire & Wood Alpharetta Music Festival, Alpharetta Farmers Market, Alpharetta Arts Center Events
7. Fairburn
Discover the enchanting allure of this historically charming city, nestled in the vicinity of Atlanta, that will surely captivate your heart. Fairburn offers all the essentials for a tranquil and harmonious life, with a crime rate below the national average, making it an ideal haven for retirees and families. And with just a stroke of luck, you can reach Atlanta in just half an hour, unlocking a world of exciting possibilities for job seekers and career growth. If you plan to move to Fulton County, no worries; we got your back.
Population:12,950
Proximity to Atlanta: 20 miles
Time travel to Atlanta: Approximately 30 minute drive
Average Fairburn home value: $332,038
8. Tucker
Located in the famous DeKalb County in Georgia, Tucker offers its residents a fantastic mix of urban and suburban. According to Niche.com, Tucker is one of the best areas to live in. Tucker proudly stands as the esteemed corporate hub for many renowned companies, each leaving an indelible mark on the national stage. Home to powerhouses like Oglethorpe Power, YP Holdings, and many others, this city provides excellent job opportunities for people of all ages.
If you are also considering relocating there and looking for a new job, let professional Tucker movers do their magic and seamlessly relocate you there.
By Gulbenk - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
Population: 36,764
Proximity to Atlanta: 20 miles
Time travel to Atlanta: Approximately 30 minute drive
Average Tucker home value: $375,349
Urban metropolis or smaller place - the decision is yours!
Overall, our list of best cities near Atlanta includes the following places:
- Marietta with East Cobb
- Milton
- Sandy Springs
- Decatur
- Roswell
- Alpharetta
- Fairburn
- Tucker
The rental and housing prices here are based on average and approximate estimates, and as such, they are subject to various variations. The condition of the house, its exact location, the neighborhood it’s situated in, the number of rooms, and its size can significantly impact the final property price.
Let Atlanta captivate you with its urban energy. Nearby cities offer endless possibilities, each with its distinct perks and advantages. You will not be able to run away from the historic charm of Marietta and Roswell, and you will fall in love with the suburban appeal of Decatur and Alpharetta. When it comes to Sandy Springs, you will enjoy its metropolitan vibrance as much as its peaceful bliss. As always, the decision is entirely on you to decide which city suits you best, and we wish you all the best in your new life chapter!
