2024 Best Atlanta Suburbs

The Suburban Gems that make atlanta Shine

Susie Chow, Tomo’s Lead Writer & Atlanta resident, combines exclusive on the ground local insights with real estate expertise and economic data from Greg Schwartz, Tomo CEO & former Zillow President; Emanuel Santa-Donato, Head of Capital Markets & Interest Rate Forecaster; and Joel Monge, Head of Digital Production.

About to move to The Peach City and wondering which Atlanta suburb is best? Congrats, you’ve come to the right blog! When it comes to Southern sophistication, few cities rival Atlanta’s unique blend of cosmopolitan charisma and Southern charm. But what if we told you the magic of Atlanta extends beyond its city limits? Picture this: verdant landscapes, rolling hills, and charming communities — all within a stone’s throw of the bustling metropolis. Welcome to the world of Atlanta suburbs: a treasure trove of hidden gems, quaint enclaves, and multicultural pockets you’ll seriously want to call home. But before you do, read on to explore Tomo’s guide to the best suburbs to live in Atlanta, and find out which one best suits your lifestyle.

Best Suburb in Atlanta for Entrepreneurs: Alpharetta

Alpharetta sits around 25 to 30 miles north of downtown Atlanta and is a wonderful blend of modern living and Southern comforts. The transformation of this once quaint suburb into a dynamic corporate hub over the past 30 years is nothing short of remarkable. Alpharetta is home to a bevy of major corporations such as Siemens and Verizon. The cost of living runs a little higher in Alpharetta, but it’s a small price to pay for access to top-tier public and private schools such as the International Baccalaureate Alpharetta High School and Fulton Science Academy; world class amenities such as Avalon (where even non-locals frequently commute to enjoy!); and a wonderfully multicultural environment.

Commute times from downtown Atlanta to Alpharetta is around 30-45 minutes via I-75 and GA-400. Additionally, Alpharetta is served by the North Springs MARTA station offering a convenient public transportation option.

Best Suburb in Atlanta for Families: Sandy Springs 

If the ‘burbs are calling your name but you don’t want to stray too far from The Perimeter (the I-285 that conveniently circles the city), then Sandy Springs is one of the best cities near Atlanta to live. Technically straddling both sides of The Perimeter, this enclave is characterized by over 950 acres of pristine parks and green spaces, and is just 10-15 miles from downtown Atlanta. Truly one of the best suburbs in Atlanta, home prices can sometimes be on the steeper side, but residents gladly oblige for excellent public schools such as Riverwood International Charter School and North Springs High School; as well as convenient access to the energy of Atlanta’s Midtown, Downtown, and Buckhead. Nestled between the Chattahoochee River and the allure of city living, Sandy Springs has a wonderfully balanced identity that’s been steadily attracting more young professionals eager to call it home.

Commute times from downtown Atlanta to Sandy Springs is just 15-30 minutes via I-285 or GA-400. Additionally, the city is served by the Sandy Springs MARTA station making it accessible by public transportation.

Best Suburb in Atlanta for Professionals: Johns Creek  

When it comes to cities near Atlanta, Johns Creek, tucked between Alpharetta and Duluth, and about 25-30 miles northeast of Atlanta, is a hidden gem. Historically known for its ferry crossings (evidenced by the many streets with “Ferry” in their names), Johns Creek has gracefully evolved over the past two decades with world-class schools, such as Johns Creek High School, and an enviable safe and secure environment. For outdoor enthusiasts, the crown jewel of Johns Creek (which is also a gently flowing tributary of the Chattahoochee River) is Newtown Park — a sprawling green sanctuary where residents can meander along scenic trails, let their furry friends run wild, and delight in live music events on the regular.

Commute times from downtown Atlanta to Johns Creek is just 30-60 minutes via I-141 (Medlock Bridge Road) or I-120 (Abbotts Bridge Road). Additionally, the city is accessible by car and public transportation with nearby MARTA stations and bus routes.

Best Suburb in Atlanta for Outdoor Lovers: Roswell  

Perched approximately 20 miles north of Atlanta is picturesque Roswell, a quaint city near Atlanta that is not just your run-of-the-mill bedroom community, but a destination in its own right. With a rich historical past and a vibrant arts scene that includes the Roswell Arts Festival, as well as plenty of contemporary dining, Roswell has captivated the hearts of a growing community of young families in search of a fulfilling but unhurried lifestyle. Roswell’s 9 enviable miles of the Chattahoochee River and a slew of parks and walking trails make it a dream location for outdoor lovers, too.

Commute times from downtown Atlanta to Roswell is just 20-45 minutes via I-400 and Holcomb Bridge Road. Additionally, Roswell has its own MARTA bus service which connects residents to the MARTA rail system.

Best Suburb in Atlanta for Young Professionals: Marietta

With a strong sense of community and a variety of festivals and events throughout the year, such as Taste of Marietta and Marietta Art in The Park, Marietta is a city near Atlanta known for its safe, vibrant, and family-friendly atmosphere. Marietta is also one of Georgia’s oldest cities with a rich history celebrated through its well-preserved historic districts and landmarks. Fun fact: Margaret Mitchell’s famous novel “Gone With the Wind” was penned in Marietta! Outdoor enthusiasts will also love Marietta for its crown jewel: the Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park — a sprawling national park spanning almost 3,000 acres. Marietta’s bustling downtown is a treasure trove of breweries, dive bars, celebrated restaurants, and speakeasies like the iconic Third Door — making it one of the best places in Atlanta for the young and young at heart.

Commute times from downtown Atlanta to Marietta is just 30-45 minutes via I-75 or I-285. Additionally, MARTA and CobbLinc provide public transport options for commuting to and from the broader Atlanta region.

Best Suburb in Atlanta for Golf Enthusiasts: Peachtree City

Of all the places in Atlanta, picturesque Peachtree City is where charm takes center stage. It may be less developed than its northern counterparts, but Peachtree City boasts a unique and novel feature — the favored mode of transport in this charming city near Atlanta is the golf cart! Truly a golfer’s paradise, Peachtree City features over 100 miles of paved multi-use paths, allowing residents to zip around in eco-friendly style. Five quaint villages — Aberdeen, Braelinn, Glenloch, Kedron, and Wilksmoor — dot the landscape, each brimming with shopping, dining, and entertainment. So picturesque, screen buffs will love that The Walking Dead and Sweet Home Alabama, amongst other shows, were filmed in Peachtree City. Quiet and affordable, Peachtree City is a comfortable, safe, and accessible Atlanta suburb to call home.

Commute times from downtown Atlanta to Peachtree City is just 30-60 minutes via I-74 (Joel Cowan Parkway) or I-54 (Lafayette Avenue). Additionally, there’s the extensive network of golf cart paths which residents use for local transportation within the area.

Best Suburb in Atlanta for Ethnic Diversity: Duluth

Around 30 miles from Atlanta’s metropolitan area, Duluth is a city near Atlanta known for its affordability, and is one of Gwinnett County’s most popular towns offering a blend of suburban charm, great schools, large healthcare facilities and medical centers, and of course, diversity. The vibrant Buford Highway corridor is well known to ATLiens as a melting pot of cultures and the go-to destination for international cuisines. Fun fact for “Stranger Things” fans: Duluth is home to Gwinnett Place Mall where parts of the series were filmed! A great mix of gated communities, townhomes, luxury estates, condos, and its fair share of green open spaces, Duluth offers an excellent quality of life for its notably diverse community. 

Commute times from downtown Atlanta to Duluth is just 30-45 minutes via I-85 and Pleasant Hill Road. Additionally, the city is served by Gwinnett County Transit, offering public transportation options.

Summary

Suburb	Violent Crime Rate per 100k Residents	Property Crime Rate per 100k Residents	4 Year Graduation Rate
Alpharetta	239	1,077	97%
Sandy Springs	187	1,472	92%
Johns Creek	23	405	97%
Roswell	319	1,340	94%
Marietta	465	2,619	86%
Peachtree City	41	928	93%
Duluth	147	1,181	86%

Sources

*Crime Data: https://crimegrade.org

*4 Year High School Graduation Rate Data: https://public.gosa.ga.gov/

What’s Next?

For those of you looking to buy a home in one of these Best Neighborhoods, Tomo.com provides free access to the most up to date real estate listings. You also can connect with a free home search advisor to get your journey started – by phone or text. 

Next Guide:  7 Best Neighborhoods in Atlanta, Some of the Best Schools in Atlanta