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2020 Best Suburbs to Live in the Atlanta AreaAbout this List

Explore the best suburbs to live in the U.S. based on crime, public schools, cost of living, job opportunities, and local amenities. Ranking based on data from the U.S. Census, FBI, BLS, CDC, and other sources. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

1 – 25 of 121
Best Places to Live
121 results

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  1. Decatur

    • Suburb of Atlanta, GA
    • 150 reviews
    #1 Best Suburbs to Live in Atlanta Area

    Current Resident: Decatur is a very diverse community, with lots of people from many different places. The public school system is also nice, it's clear that the teachers care deeply about their students, and the students themselves are very welcoming to newcomers. However, the real estate market is very pricey, and due to the small size of the town, the traffic can be bad during certain times of the day, particularly when the schools get out. The people in Decatur are very welcoming, and overall it is a nice place to live.
    Read 150 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 23,054 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  2. Alpharetta

    • Town in Georgia
    • 287 reviews
    #2 Best Suburbs to Live in Atlanta Area

    Current Resident: I would not change growing up and living in Alpharetta for anything! Alpharetta is constantly developing and improving. They have added a very trendy downtown area which offers something for everyone: breweries, restaurants, shopping, and childrens' areas. Its a perfect place for a nice afternoon with the family or a date night with your significant other.
    The schools in the area are some of the best in the state. I say this based on my own education k-12 in the local schools: Crabapple Crossing, Northwestern, and Milton.
    Unfortunately, Alpharetta is not very diverse. I would like to see it improve its affordability and access to public transportation to make it available for all classes of people. I would say this is the one downside.
    With a little bit more social progression, Alpharetta really can be a place for everyone!
    Read 287 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 64,672 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  3. Johns Creek

    • Suburb of Atlanta, GA
    • 267 reviews
    #3 Best Suburbs to Live in Atlanta Area

    Current Resident: What I love about Johns Creek, GA are the people and the safe environment we all live in. People are connected through social media and apps such as Next Door, creating a sense of a close-knit community. We have a Founder's Day Parade every year which also brings excitement and unity. Annually, there is also a Johns Creek Arts Festival that is held to encourage young children to join the arts and to celebrate people of the arts. Another reason why I love Johns Creek is that all of the schools are not only academically excellent. The amount of service clubs, fine arts clubs, sports clubs, and fun-orientated clubs (like Gaming Club, for example) are high in demand as many, many students join in each school! So many children with ambitious drives join that there is high competition between the different schools in this area! I would definitely recommend Johns Creek as a place to settle down!
    Read 267 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 83,637 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  4. North Decatur

    • Suburb of Atlanta, GA
    • 19 reviews
    #4 Best Suburbs to Live in Atlanta Area

    Current Resident: It is the perfect location for me! I love the city, but don't want to be right downtown. It is so convenient to everything!
    Read 19 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B-
      Public Schools
    • 17,298 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  5. Milton

    • Suburb of Atlanta, GA
    • 120 reviews
    #5 Best Suburbs to Live in Atlanta Area

    Current Resident: Milton is a very safe and diverse area with great schools, great for families! I have lived here for 5 years and have only good things to say. Milton has a small town feel with large city resources. The job market is booming and opportunities are endless. It is driving distance, about 30 minutes, to the major city of Atlanta.
    Read 120 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 38,171 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  6. Berkeley Lake

    • Suburb of Atlanta, GA
    • 8 reviews
    #6 Best Suburbs to Live in Atlanta Area

    Former Resident: I lived in Berkeley Lake for thirty years it is absolutely one of the finest communities in America.
    Berkeley Lake has a city charter with a Mayor and city council so the city is able to better control it’s destiny.
    The Homeowners Association is very involved in keeping the lake itself in wonderful condition for wildlife and the homeowners.
    Fabulous Memories of the people and the beauty of the Lake.
    Read 8 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Public Schools
    • 1,994 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  9. Suwanee

    • Suburb of Atlanta, GA
    • 157 reviews
    #7 Best Suburbs to Live in Atlanta Area

    Current Resident: Suwanee is a cute little town with a lot of shops and my favorite nail salon. Apart from the usual terrible road design, traffic, and bad drivers thw entire state of Georgia has, this town is quiet and enjoyable for the most part. There are many accessible grocery stores in the area and gyms. There is a rich elderly community so there are many medical and health centers nearby as well. The public schools are exceptional mainly Lambert High School with the nation's top band in music and also academics. A lot of gated communities and security running round the clock so safety is not a major issue as well since the town is also on the border of Johns Creek. There are many skilled artists (nail, hair, artwork) with exceptional service. Many entertainment centers are nearby as well. One more downside is that everything closes early (9 to 10 pm) and many people working night shifts cannot do anything after work for fun or food.
    Read 157 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 19,215 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  10. Roswell

    • Town in Georgia
    • 248 reviews
    #8 Best Suburbs to Live in Atlanta Area

    Current Resident: Roswell is a very young family-friendly suburb located just north of Atlanta, Georgia. Some of my personal favorite things to do in Roswell include: Taking hikes at the Roswell Mill, mountain biking at Big Creek greenway, tubing down the Chattahoochee River, eating at any of the amazing restaurants in downtown Roswell (Roux, a southern cajun style, is a personal favorite), or visiting any of the brewery/craft beer restaurants in downtown Roswell during "Alive after 5". I have no negative comments to make towards Roswell, it a great city! If you love the suburbs then Roswell is meant for you.
    Read 248 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Public Schools
    • 94,257 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  11. Peachtree Corners

    • Suburb of Atlanta, GA
    • 61 reviews
    #9 Best Suburbs to Live in Atlanta Area

    Current Resident: Love the area. Friendly people, great neighborhood communities and a wonderful place to raise kids. We moved into our neighborhood a year ago and immediately found a group of young families new to the area to link up with. Being close to so much is a major plus also!
    Read 61 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Public Schools
    • 42,463 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  12. Vinings

    • Suburb of Atlanta, GA
    • 18 reviews
    #10 Best Suburbs to Live in Atlanta Area

    Current Resident: I've been living and raising my family here since 2011. Its condos, independent homes and town homes are classy yet affordable. This area is just minutes away from I-75, and stunningly close to both Buckhead and Downtown.

    Vinings can be as laid back or thrilling as you would like to make it for yourself. Every amenity, restaurant and shopping opportunity is easily accessible. Sun Trust Park and the Battery are the cherry on top!

    This County (Cobb) has excellent elementary, middle and high schools. But if you want to go private, more than one of those are located right here too. My children have all graduated from the Cobb County system and are now studying in Ivy League Universities!

    It's a safe neighborhood which you will be happy to live in for years to come. No matter where you go, you will always cherish your experiences from living in Vinings and speak of them with pride and fondness.
    Read 18 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A-
      Public Schools
    • 13,086 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  13. Peachtree City

    • Suburb of Atlanta, GA
    • 144 reviews
    #11 Best Suburbs to Live in Atlanta Area

    Current Resident: I love Peachtree City! It is a beautiful place to live! The town was planned. Before they built the houses they constructed golf cart trails that go all around the city. The trails go from the neighborhoods to the stores, restaurants, parks, golf courses, and pretty much anywhere you would go in a car. Everyone owns golf carts. It is the best way to get around. Not only is it scenic, but you don't have to worry about traffic. The schools are very highly rated. It has an extremely low crime rate. It is by far the best place i have called home.
    Read 144 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 35,165 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  14. Smyrna

    • Suburb of Atlanta, GA
    • 153 reviews
    #12 Best Suburbs to Live in Atlanta Area

    Current Resident: What I enjoy about living in Smyrna is the diversity and openness of the city. Whenever you have a request, question or concern, someone is always willing to learn and solve the problem. In all honestly, I would say that it would not be an issue of timeliness because the situations at hand maybe not be handled quickly. They may take some time. However, the situation won't be left hanging in the dust, it will get solved. Smyrna, GA is a suburb in the surrounding Metropolitan area of Atlanta, GA. Very diverse, very optimistic, very compassionate, resourceful and SAFE!
    Read 153 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A-
      Public Schools
    • 55,976 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  15. Druid Hills

    • Suburb of Atlanta, GA
    • 5 reviews
    #13 Best Suburbs to Live in Atlanta Area

    Current Resident: Quiet neighborhood, streets are lined with trees and giant houses. It's close to Emory University and Virginia Highland/Little 5 Point nightlife. It's an amazing spot to be in.
    Read 5 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B-
      Public Schools
    • 8,244 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  16. Dunwoody

    • Suburb of Atlanta, GA
    • 148 reviews
    #14 Best Suburbs to Live in Atlanta Area

    Current Resident: Dunwoody has a small town feel with all of the amenities of a big city. It's the best of both worlds! People are very friendly. There are many wonderful parks, woods, and walking trails. There are countless outdoor concerts, festivals, and family-friendly activities. Dunwoody even hosts the largest 4th of July parade in Georgia. The neighborhoods are very safe and the public schools are some of the best in the state. Yet Dunwoody is centrally located to all of metro Atlanta's major job centers so commute times average just 15-25 minutes. (It only takes 5 minutes to get to 285, 85, and 400- Atlanta's three main highways.) Dunwoody has a great selection of restaurants and shops. It has one of the largest shopping malls in the Southeast- Perimeter Mall. Dunwoody is a wonderful place to raise a family where you won't have to compromise anything- commute, schools, safety, shopping, or amenities. Dunwoody has it all and we feel so blessed to live here!
    Read 148 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B
      Public Schools
    • 49,016 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  17. Avondale Estates

    • Suburb of Atlanta, GA
    • 6 reviews
    #15 Best Suburbs to Live in Atlanta Area

    Current Resident: This is a unique neighborhood with a beautiful community lake, park, playground, and swim/tennis facility that dates back to the 1940s and is still loved today. It is inside the perimeter and close to Decatur, another great neighborhood. The architecture is extremely varied - there is a house here for any taste. Neighbors are friendly and helpful and everyone is out walking and enjoying the area and the frequent social events like fireworks, pig roasts, and festivals. House prices are reasonable and there are a variety of quality school options including The Museum School, Waldorf, Montessori, and The Friends School. It is a safe, small town within a large Metro Area. Awesome!
    Read 6 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B-
      Public Schools
    • 3,135 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  18. Duluth

    • Suburb of Atlanta, GA
    • 153 reviews
    #16 Best Suburbs to Live in Atlanta Area

    Current Resident: I personally love Duluth. I have lived here my whole life and I consider it to be a big part of my life. Downtown Duluth is one of my favorite places to hang out with my friends because it's close to home and there is a variety of stuff to do there. The Fall Festival that is held on the last weekend every September is pretty great, too. I have gone almost every year since I was little and it's a good way for my parents and I to spend time together. Almost all of the people I have met have been very nice and my neighbors are all very friendly. I feel safe in this town and with the people that live here. I'm so glad that I've grown up here!
    Read 153 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Public Schools
    • 29,239 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  19. Sugar Hill

    • Suburb of Atlanta, GA
    • 66 reviews
    #17 Best Suburbs to Live in Atlanta Area

    Current Resident: Sugar Hill is a quickly-growing and spread out area that has the potential to be so great. Although there isn't too much to do at the moment, neighboring cities, such as Suwanee or Buford, are close and allow Sugar Hill to be a safe family-friendly area. The Sugar Hill Bowl, that is currently being built, will provide great nightlife and a way to bring the community together. This small town provides multiple parks and a great education system, making it great for children and a good place to raise a family.
    Read 66 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 22,314 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  22. Kennesaw

    • Suburb of Atlanta, GA
    • 261 reviews
    #18 Best Suburbs to Live in Atlanta Area

    Works Here: I have grown up in Kennesaw, went to school in Kennesaw, and now work in Kennesaw. Overall, I think it is a great city with some hustle and bustle, but far enough away from downtown to feel very congested. With the addition of the Nooday trail (a walking and bike path), you can sense that the city is becoming more aware of the health and welfare of it's constituents. Additionally, having Kennesaw Mountain right in town gives a perfect opportunity to convene with nature. I would say the city has a little something for everyone, so I would certainly recommend it to anyone looking to move here!
    Read 261 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Public Schools
    • 33,700 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  23. Mountain Park

    • Suburb of Atlanta, GA
    • 20 reviews
    #19 Best Suburbs to Live in Atlanta Area

    Current Resident: A wonderful family friendly family neighborhood. Close enough to walk to nearby park and/or high school.
    Read 20 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 13,877 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  24. North Druid Hills

    • Suburb of Atlanta, GA
    • 23 reviews
    #20 Best Suburbs to Live in Atlanta Area

    Current Resident: Incredibly safe places to live and for kiddos to grow up. Access to hundreds of different stores and restaurants, always something to do! Many different religious areas, such as Orthodox Catholic and Orthodox Jew, who create a safe and welcoming environment. Outside play is seen daily and encouraged. Amazing place to live.
    Read 23 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B-
      Public Schools
    • 17,287 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  25. Brookhaven

    • Suburb of Atlanta, GA
    • 53 reviews
    #21 Best Suburbs to Live in Atlanta Area

    Current Resident: Brookhaven is great! It is very up and coming so a lot of recent college grads and young families live in the area. It is cheaper than living in Buckhead, yet it is only 5-10 minutes from Buckhead. There are so many new restaurants, grocery stores, gyms, coffee shops, nail salons, hair salons, etc. that are all within a 5-10 minute drive or even a short walk from the Brookhaven neighborhoods. There are things to do for all ages whether it be dog parks, kid parks, bars, restaurants, or spas. It is not too loud but it is close enough to the heart of Atlanta to where it is not boring.
    Read 53 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • C+
      Public Schools
    • 53,140 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  26. Tyrone

    • Suburb of Atlanta, GA
    • 38 reviews
    #22 Best Suburbs to Live in Atlanta Area

    Current Resident: I've lived in Tyrone for over 12 years now, and it's the most peaceful town you'll ever visit! It is safe to say that not much happens, but that doesn't take away from all fun attractions you can enjoy with friends and family like the Tyrone park or visiting its neighboring city, Peachtree city. This city is truly one of its kind and is a great place to get away from the stress of a fast paced life.
    Read 38 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A-
      Public Schools
    • 7,221 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  27. Sandy Springs

    • City in Georgia
    • 188 reviews
    #23 Best Suburbs to Live in Atlanta Area

    Current Resident: I've been living in Sandy Springs for ten years now and I absolutely love it! Everywhere I need to go is highly accessible and not far away at all. I go walking to the Riverside Park all the time and having the Sandy Springs library near is so convenient. You will never get bored here, as there is always something fun to do around the corner. If you've never visited this city, I highly recommend you do, and bring your family while you're at it!
    Read 188 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B+
      Public Schools
    • 105,411 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  28. Grayson

    • Suburb of Atlanta, GA
    • 56 reviews
    #24 Best Suburbs to Live in Atlanta Area

    Current Resident: Acting as a general citizen of the Grayson community I enjoy the cleanliness of the area as there is little to no trash scattered about haphazardly. I also enjoy the many community activities and opportunities that can be found posted and advertised around Grayson. I would like to see a more emphasized traffic system including a few more signs and possibly crossing guards. Overall, Grayson is a wonderful place to live with many opportunities waiting to be explored.
    Read 56 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Public Schools
    • 3,658 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  29. Woodstock

    • Suburb of Atlanta, GA
    • 182 reviews
    #25 Best Suburbs to Live in Atlanta Area

    Current Resident: I loved Woodstock as a small city with a cute, historical main street, farms, all the big name stores, easy access to Atlanta and friendly suburbs when we first moved here 8yrs ago. It is still great, though there's a little more traffic and a little less green space. The outlet mall was put in a great spot, I love having a Costco and our little, historic main street has turned into a hopping, trendy street with great little stores and delicious restaurants. The friendly suburbs and easy access to Atlanta has remained despite the growth!
    Read 182 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Public Schools
    • 30,362 Population
    View Nearby Homes
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