The Best Suburbs in Atlanta (A 2023 Guide)

How do you get the benefits of big city living, without the cramped spaces, high costs and craziness of urban life? You choose to live in the suburbs. And if Atlanta is the big city you’re moving to – lucky you! The city tops many “best places to live” lists, and offers many cultural and economic advantages to its residents. It’s a welcoming place, where anybody can feel at home.

But where exactly should you stake your suburban claim? There are so many choices. Metro Atlanta is made up of 13 counties, ranging from quiet country towns to bustling neighborhoods. Getting all the details about housing options, neighborhood safety, quality of local schools, amenities, cost of living – it all can be quite overwhelming.

Fret not, friends! We’ve done the research for you. The article below provides an in-depth look at what it’s like to live in select Atlanta suburbs.

What makes us experts in Atlanta? We’re Bellhop —Atlanta movers, Kennesaw movers, Alpharetta movers, Marietta movers, and movers throughout the metro area). If you’re moving long-distance to Altanta, we’re here to help. And that starts with sharing what we know, as local movers, about the best places in Atlanta to live, work and play.

Are Atlanta’s Suburbs a Good Place to Live?

Yes! Here’s why:

Beautiful: Atlanta’s suburbs are among the most beautiful in the country. If you choose to live in any of the neighborhoods we highlight below, you’ll escape the hustle and bustle of downtown, while still having easy access to the city.

Good Schools: The Atlanta metro area and its suburbs are served by multiple school districts. In general, the quality of education in the Atlanta area is considered to be higher than the state average in Georgia. The Atlanta area is home to several of the state’s largest and most highly regarded school districts, including Cobb County School District (87.4% graduation rate in 2022), Fulton County Schools (89.3 percent) and Gwinnett County Public Schools (83.15%). According to data from the Georgia Department of Education, the graduation rate for the state of Georgia was 84.1% in 2022. Graduation rates aren’t the only indicator of the quality of education delivered by a school district, but they are useful in gauging how well a district is doing overall.

Friendly People: Atlanta tend to be an inclusive, diverse city that welcomes everyone. Southern charm warms many social interactions, and – outside of the major metro area – people tend to know their neighbors.

Are Atlanta’s Suburbs Safe?

We’re not going to lie, Atlanta has a fairly high crime rate, similar to many U.S. big cities. We’ve chosen safer suburbs for our recommendations, but it’s important to remember that safety shifts according to time of day, neighborhoods (a suburb may be mostly safe, but have some less-than-safe areas) and even whether you’re a local or a visitor. See specifics for each area we selected, below.

Atlanta’s Best Suburbs

We’ve selected suburbs that are outside of city limits but still within the metropolitan area. And we didn’t just blindly choose from a map, we also based our selections off of years of experience getting to know the Atlanta metro area and all it has to offer. Below is our list of the best suburbs in Atlanta.

Decatur

Just east of the Atlanta Beltline, a 22-mile outdoor space circling the city’s neighborhoods, Decatur is both cozy and hip. You can drive to the city in 20 minutes or so (depending on traffic, of course), and it is connected to The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) system, a network of buses and trains. This suburb is a favorite of young professionals and families. Decatur Square is packed with interesting restaurants, clubs, and unique shops. Hint: the Square is home to some surprising public art, keep your eyes down to spot “Secret Doors Decatur,” and/or look up to view art installed on light poles.

In general, the northeast part of the city is considered to be the safest, according to data by CrimeRates. The odds of you being a victim of a crime can be as high as 1 in 18 in the western neighborhoods, or as low as 1 in 37 in the northeast part of the city.

What’s Happening in Decatur

Decatur holds some of the area’s coolest venues and establishments, such as the live music venue, Eddie’s Attic (where John Mayer was discovered) and the brewpub, Twain’s (where Creature Comforts’ brew recipes originated). Many of Decatur’s businesses are locally-owned, and the neighborhood offers its own urban flare, while still being a ways from the tightly-packed downtown. Decatur is also home to Agnes Scott College and minutes from Stone Mountain Park – a popular attraction for locals and tourists.

Decatur has a little bit of everything: festivals, museums, art galleries, colleges, pubs, nearly 57 acres of developed parks, and an excellent school district. So whether you’re a millennial embarking on your career, or you’re settling down to start a family, Decatur is a great place to live. For a taste of some of the neighborhood’s finest drinks and grub, check out Brick Store Pub, Leon’s Full Service, Kimball House, and Three Taverns Brewing.

Decatur Walkability and Green Spaces

Decatur is one of the most pedestrian-friendly areas in the Atlanta metropolitan area. In 2020, the city implemented a new “Complete Streets” policy, which aims to create streets that are safe and accessible for all users. The city has also invested in infrastructure improvements, such as new crosswalks, pedestrian signals, and other measures to improve safety and encourage walking.

In addition, Decatur has an extensive system of parks and greenspaces, including the 77-acre Glenlake Park and the 58-acre Mason Mill Park, both of which offer walking and biking trails. The city also has a number of annual events that encourage walking and other forms of outdoor activity, such as the Decatur Arts Festival and the Tour deCatur 5K race.

Schools in Decatur

The Georgia Department of Education awarded Decatur’s school district, City Schools of Decatur, a score of 91.5 out of 100 on the College and Career Ready Performance Index (CCRPI), which is used to evaluate schools and districts in the state. This score was above the statewide average of 77.2. Notable schools include Decatur High School, Oakhurst Elementary School and Westchester Elementary School. Friends School of Atlanta is a private Quaker school located in Decatur. It offers a K-8 program and has a strong focus on social justice and community service.

Homes in Decatur

Decatur offers many bungalow-style homes, though there are plenty of houses and apartments available in different styles and at different prices. The median home value in Decatur is $384,300, according to Redfin. Average rent is $950.

The Best Suburbs in Atlanta (A 2022 Guide) Bellhop Blog

Sandy Springs

Sandy Springs lies due north of Atlanta and sits at the intersection of Interstate 285 (the perimeter highway of metro Atlanta) and GA-400. It’s about a 15-minute drive, in good traffic conditions. Sandy Springs is also located right on the Red Line with two MARTA stations.

With a nearly equal spread of ages from under 10 to over 65 years old, Sandy Springs caters to a diverse crowd and is one of the most sought-after places to live in the Atlanta area. Residents enjoy their small neighborhood feel while not being too far removed from all the city has to offer.

What’s Happening in Sandy Springs

The neighborhood sits directly next to the Chattahoochee River, offering residents a wealth of water activities as well as several city parks, recreation areas, and youth camps. Heritage Sandy Springs, the home of the original springs for which the city is named, is now a 4-acre park and museum in the heart of the city that hosts many outdoor concerts, festivals and events each year. Sandy Springs also boasts many music venues, comedy clubs, popular shops, and over 300 restaurants. We recommend checking out Bogartz Food Artz and the GA Chapter Room.

Sandy Springs Walkability

Despite Sandy Springs’ beautiful greenspaces, the city is primarily designed for car travel, and residents may find it more convenient to drive or use public transportation to get around.

Schools in Sandy Springs

The Fulton County School System, one of Georgia’s biggest districts, serves the Sandy Springs area. As you’d expect, rankings vary widely across the huge district, which has one of the highest graduation rates in the state. Sandy Springs is home to some of the state’s best schools, including Riverwood International Charter School, a public high school that serves grades 9-12, and is consistently ranked as one of the best schools in the state. Private schools, such as the Weber school, the Davis Academy and Holy Innocents Episcopal School are also excellent choices.

Homes in Sandy Springs

You’ll be sure to find a home that fits your needs in Sandy Springs. From fixer-upper deals to luxe condos to multi-million dollar mansions, Sandy Springs has plenty to offer. The median home listing price here is $584K.

Alpharetta

If you had to pick one of these suburbs based on growth rate then Alpharetta would be at the top of your list. Located about 25 miles north of downtown, its excellent schools, safe communities, beauty and amenities have made this suburb super-popular. It’s a competitive housing market, with few bargains to be found, but it’s ideal for young professionals, families and retirees.

What’s Happening in Alpharetta

Alpharetta is known for its exceptional live music scene. From raucous rock and roll to country and blues, jazz and funk, Alpharetta is your go-to for hot music in cool venues such as Matilda’s Music Under the Pines, the Velvet Note and Roaring Social.

You can shop till you drop at Avalon, a large commercial shopping district featuring 250 shops (national chains and local offerings) within a five-mile radius. Hungry? We recommend checking out Citizen Soul, Farm to Ladle and Smokejack BBQ.

Alpharetta Walkability

The city is primarily designed for driving, but downtown Alpharetta has a pedestrian-friendly environment that offers a mix of restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues easily accessible on foot. The Avalon development, a mixed-use development that features retail stores, restaurants, and residential areas, is also designed to be walkable. The city’s prime greenspaces, such as the Big Creek Greenway, also provide opportunities for walking, running, and biking.

Schools in Alpharetta

Alpharetta is served by the Fulton County School System, see the Sandy Springs section above for details. The top ranked public schools in Alpharetta include Crabapple Crossing Elementary School, Barnwell Elementary School and Creek View Elementary School. Fulton Science Academy Private School is an excellent option, and is ranked #1 in Best High Schools for STEM in Georgia.

Homes in Alpharetta

Beautiful suburban homes line Alpharetta’s historic streets. The median listing price of a home in Alpharetta is $675K in January, 2023, and the average rent is $2083.

Vinings

Before the Atlanta Braves moved to Cobb County, Vinings was just a small blip of a place. But as soon as Suntrust Park and its stadium were built, Vinings became a highly desirable area to live. Vinings is not quite as expensive as some of the other suburbs in the area, and it’s conveniently located between Interstate 75 and Interstate 285, a mere 11 miles from downtown Atlanta and 16 miles from the airport.

What’s Happening in Vinings

Suntrust Park and the Chattahoochee River are the main draws to the area, as these provide its locals with the stadium and a plethora of bars and restaurants. Plus, with plenty of outdoor activities, hiking grounds, and vast natural beauty despite its proximity to the city, Vinings is a great spot for adventure enthusiasts.

Looking for the best of Vinings? Check out the intimate, local hub Heirloom Market BBQ. Or try The El Felix, which serves mouthwatering, saucy Tex-grub with Texas cuisine’s signature Mexican influence. For a breath of fresh air, jog along the scenic, 13-mile Silver Comet Trail. Or catch a show at The Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre.

Schools in Vinings

Vinings is part of the Cobb County School District, one of Atlanta’s top districts. Highly-ranked schools in this neighborhood include Vinings School of Art, Lovett School, and Teasley Elementary School.

Walkability in Vinings

You’ll likely want a car to get around Vinings and surrounding areas. There are some great greenspaces to enjoy, including the Silver Comet Trail, a 61.5-mile paved trail that runs through Vinings and provides a beautiful and peaceful setting for walking, running, and biking. And don’t miss the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, it has several well-maintained hiking trails along the Chattahoochee River that offer views of the river and surrounding wildlife.

Homes in Vinings

The average sale price of a home in Vinings is $653K.That said, many residents are young professionals who rent. The average price for a 1000 sq ft apartment is $1,920 .

Brookhaven

This neighborhood could be described as Buckhead’s more casual cousin. With all the fine dining and entertainment options, Brookhaven has a Buckhead feel but offers residential options that are more flexible on the finances. Unlike the other neighborhoods mentioned in this list, Brookhaven is technically inside the Atlanta Perimeter. But its beautiful homes, spaciousness, and amenities give the area a comfortable and suburban feel. Median price for a home here is $663K.

What’s Happening in Brookhaven

Brookhaven blends neighborhood comfort with city life. The Lenox Square Mall, Atlanta Tech Village, two country clubs, and parks all nearby keep its residents entertained and content.

This neighborhood serves as a great option for those who want to live near the middle of Atlanta without paying quite as much for the cost of living.

Check out one of Brookhaven’s local-favorite eateries, Haven. The Cinebistro is a theater, bar, and restaurant all in one. And the nearby Murphey Candler Park features trails, a pool, and a picturesque lake.

Walkability in Brookhaven

Most daily activities will require a car, as public transportation in Brookhaven is somewhat limited, with only a few bus routes available. However, the city has been working to improve walkability and bikeability by adding sidewalks, bike lanes, and other pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.

Schools in Brookhaven

Brookhaven is part of the DeKalb County School District. Schools in this neighborhood include Ashford Park Elementary School, Woodward Elementary School, and Kittredge Magnet School, among others.

Homes in Brookhaven

The average home price in Brookhaven was $610K in January, 2023, and average rent for an apartment was $18,18.

There you have it: the best Atlanta suburbs!

We hope this guide to the best suburbs in Atlanta was helpful, and if you decide to take the plunge, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Bellhop. We have local Atlanta movers, as well as long-distance moving services to Atlanta. We’ll make your move to any of Atlanta’s suburbs as stress-free and easy as possible. And if you need to move quickly? We also provide last minute moving services in Atlanta!

Check out some of our awesome Atlanta movers reviews here: https://www.google.com/maps?cid=14060505484178299622

Larry Blue

City Operations Manager at Bellhop

Larry has been in Atlanta for more than four years. He enjoys hanging out in Buckhead, exploring the parks and trails of the Atlanta BeltLine, snowboarding, and rooting for his favorite local sports teams (including the Braves, Falcons, and GA Bulldogs). Larry has been in the moving industry for more than five years, and says he knows it's going to be a good moving day "[when] all items are boxed and sealed and there's a clear path from house/apartment to the truck."