Atlanta Suburbs Guide
Detailed profiles of metro Atlanta's top suburbs — population, housing, schools, commute times, and major employers for each city.
| City | County | Population | Income | Home Value | Schools | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roswell | Fulton | 94,000 | $95K | $520K | 8/10 | 30-45 min via GA-400 |
| Alpharetta | Fulton | 67,000 | $110K | $575K | 9/10 | 35-50 min via GA-400 |
| Marietta | Cobb | 61,048 | $62K | $375K | 7/10 | 25-40 min via I-75 |
| Smyrna | Cobb | 56,800 | $72K | $420K | 7/10 | 20-30 min via I-75/I-285 |
| Dunwoody | DeKalb | 51,000 | $98K | $480K | 8/10 | 20-30 min via GA-400/MARTA |
| East Point | Fulton | 39,600 | $42K | $220K | 4/10 | 15-20 min via I-85/MARTA |
| Peachtree City | Fayette | 38,400 | $105K | $430K | 9/10 | 35-45 min via GA-74/I-85 |
| Kennesaw | Cobb | 35,500 | $68K | $350K | 7/10 | 30-45 min via I-75 |
| Lawrenceville | Gwinnett | 30,900 | $55K | $310K | 7/10 | 35-50 min via I-85 |
| College Park | Fulton/Clayton | 14,950 | $35K | $180K | 4/10 | 15-20 min via I-85/MARTA |
Roswell
Fulton County
Roswell is an affluent north Fulton County city known for its historic Canton Street restaurant district, Chattahoochee River recreation, and excellent schools. With a population over 90,000, it's one of Georgia's largest cities and a premier Atlanta suburb.
Alpharetta
Fulton County
Alpharetta is the 'Technology City of the South' — a booming suburb anchored by hundreds of tech companies, the upscale Avalon mixed-use development, and top-rated Fulton County schools. It combines Silicon Valley energy with Southern charm.
Marietta
Cobb County
Marietta is a charming city 20 miles northwest of Atlanta with a vibrant downtown square, strong aerospace industry presence (Lockheed Martin), and excellent Cobb County schools. Its blend of Southern charm, affordability, and job access makes it one of metro Atlanta's most popular suburbs.
Smyrna
Cobb County
Smyrna is a fast-growing suburb with a walkable downtown Market Village, proximity to Truist Park (Atlanta Braves), and a strong sense of community. It offers more affordable housing than intown Atlanta while maintaining easy access via I-285 and I-75.
Dunwoody
DeKalb County
Dunwoody is a prosperous city centered around the Perimeter Center business district, with excellent schools, MARTA rail access, and established residential neighborhoods. Its location at I-285 and GA-400 makes it a commuter's sweet spot.
East Point
Fulton County
East Point is an affordable, rapidly gentrifying city south of Atlanta with MARTA access, a growing arts and dining scene along Main Street, and proximity to both the airport and downtown. It's attracting young buyers priced out of intown neighborhoods.
Peachtree City
Fayette County
Peachtree City is famous for its 100+ miles of golf cart paths — a planned community where residents drive golf carts to school, restaurants, and shopping. With top-rated Fayette County schools and a resort-like lifestyle, it's unlike any other Atlanta suburb.
Kennesaw
Cobb County
Kennesaw is a growing north Cobb County city anchored by Kennesaw State University and the Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park. It offers affordable housing, good schools, and a family-friendly atmosphere with quick I-75 access to Atlanta.
Lawrenceville
Gwinnett County
Lawrenceville is the county seat of Gwinnett County — one of America's most diverse counties. Its revitalized downtown square, affordable housing, and access to top-rated Gwinnett County schools make it a popular choice for families and professionals.
College Park
Fulton/Clayton County
College Park is an affordable city adjacent to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, offering MARTA access, historic Victorian homes on Main Street, and proximity to the Gateway Center and Georgia International Convention Center.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best suburbs of Atlanta?
Top-rated Atlanta suburbs include Alpharetta, Roswell, Decatur, Marietta, and Dunwoody. Rankings depend on priorities — Alpharetta leads for schools, Decatur for walkability, and Marietta for affordability.
Which Atlanta suburb has the best schools?
Alpharetta and Johns Creek consistently rank highest for schools with ratings of 9-10/10. Decatur City Schools and East Cobb (Marietta) are also top performers.
How far are Atlanta suburbs from downtown?
Most popular suburbs are 15-35 minutes from downtown Atlanta. Decatur is the closest (10-15 min), while Alpharetta and Johns Creek are 30-45 minutes depending on traffic.