Metro Atlanta is a sprawling city, home to many of the best suburbs in Georgia. Below you will find detailed guides to the best Atlanta suburbs. Each of these suburbs of Atlanta has something unique, but all of them have fun things to do, great restaurants and amazing outdoor activities.
One may even be the right fit for your next home!
Many of the inner suburbs, began to incorporate and separate from Atlanta proper. We recently saw Brookhaven do this and there is talk that Buckhead may be following soon. This makes them their own cities near Atlanta.
If you found this page, perhaps you are thinking about living in Atlanta or maybe you are just visiting and exploring the area.
Either way, this guide will assist you in locating the best things to do, see and where to eat in all of the Atlanta suburbs no matter whether inside (ITP) or outside the perimeter (OTP.)
If you want to explore the suburb further, there are detailed guides of many of the suburbs linked on this page and contain detailed information on the history, demographics, attractions, dining and overall visitor guide.
Who is ready to explore the metro Atlanta suburbs?
Contents
A Few Notes On This Guide To Atlanta Suburbs
- The detail within this page will get better and be built out over time, likely years. There are so many Atlanta suburbs to visit and explore, it is impossible to see everything at once. If I miss something you love I urge you to share in the comments what is great to see and I will check it out. That’s part of the fun, finding the hidden secrets of the Atlanta suburbs.
- As I complete each detailed guide, you will be able to “double click” and see everything the city or neighborhood has to offer.
- My intention is to write in detail, first hand from what I see exploring, and may make a mistake from time to time. Call me out on it, please.
- If I didn’t cover your suburb of Atlanta. Please share why it is great. Just know that I am one person, and metro Atlanta is enormous. Each one of these guides takes months to build out the detail with pictures and information.
- Population data below was taken from census.gov
What Makes For The Best Suburbs of Atlanta?
Naming a best Atlanta suburb is very difficult and subjective.
I am biased as I live in one of these amazing suburbs of Atlanta (which I love), so I will refrain from doing that.
As you will notice, each of these Atlanta suburbs are unique and have their own amazing qualities.
The vast majority of these suburbs in Atlanta are great places to live, work and play.
Which suburb is best for you? It’s best to first consider what is important. When considering which suburb is best, there is a age old decision of OTP versus ITP.
OTP versus ITP
When moving to Atlanta, I remember discussing with my wife whether we should live OTP or ITP. For non locals, this means outside the perimeter or inside the perimeter, with the perimeter being the 285 beltway.
While every local will tell you why you should do one or the other. Everyone’s circumstance is different.
For us, it came down to where we can find the best schools for our kids, reasonable home prices and proximity to our jobs.
Given our life stage, we really didn’t need constant access to downtown.
Given all of this criteria, we decided OTP was best for us.
However, if my criteria changed- I would probably want more access to the city, as long as we were in a safe neighborhood. Although, as you read on, many of the Atlanta suburbs in the outskirts are developing some pretty amazing, walkable downtown areas.
Let’s see what makes these Atlanta suburbs great to live and play!
North Atlanta Suburbs
Alpharetta
Population: 65,818
Distance from Atlanta: 26 miles
The Main Appeal: Great schools, wonderful restaurants, growing nightlife, world class shopping and great tech jobs.
Alpharetta is home to a blossoming downtown city center where you can find many restaurants, breweries and retail shops. There are many great shopping destinations like the Avalon and North Point Mall. It also has many of the best schools in the state.
Top Things To Do
- Explore downtown Alpharetta restaurants, like steak or seafood from Lapeer or Italian from Crust.
- Enjoy the nightlife at one of the breweries like Jekyll Brewing or grab a cocktail at the speakeasy Roaring social, or the rooftop bar Up on the Roof. There is plenty more so check out the detailed guide at the end of this section.
- Go shopping and dining at the Avalon, a large outdoor mall. If hungry stop at one of these best Avalon restaurants like Bocado, Oak Steakhouse or South Main Kitchen.
- Enjoy the many attractions like Amerisbank Amphitheater, TopGolf, The Main Event or Fairway Social.
- Ride your bike down miles of paved trail along the Alpharetta Greenway.
For more information, please see our complete guide to Alpharetta.
Johns Creek
Population: 82,453
Distance from Atlanta: 28 miles
The Main Appeal: Johns Creek is a sprawling suburb known for its excellent schools, affluent suburbs, international restaurants, a vibrant art scene and world renown golf and country clubs. It is one of the safest cities in metro Atlanta and is a top choice for families.
Top Things To Do
- Go out and explore nature at the Autry Mill Preserve or one of the stops at the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area like the Medlock Bridge Park or Jones Bridge Park.
- Enjoy exhibits and classes from the Johns Creek Art Center. Or walk the Johns Creek tunnel and enjoy the murals.
- Enjoy a night out at one of the best Johns Creek restaurants. There are many excellent international restaurants to choose from.
- Grab a pint from the local 6 Bridges Brewery, named after the 6 Bridges in Johns Creek.
- Grab your tennis racket or golf clubs and go play at the many country clubs.
Milton
Population: 41,296
Distance from Atlanta: 36 miles
The Main Appeal: Rural – yet close, large homes, safe neighborhoods, great schools, excellent golf and equestrian centers.
Milton is an affluent suburb located between Roswell and Alpharetta. It is located in the outskirts of Atlanta, yet is still in Fulton County.
Milton is best known for its rural setting that feature winding roads and lush forests, with subdivisions scattered amongst the many horse farms in the area.
Top Things To Do
- Hop on your road bike and cycle the winding roads through horse country.
- Explore downtown Crabapple and the many Milton restaurants like Milton’s Cuisine or Campania.
- Stop in one of the pubs like Olde Blind Dog or grab a pint at the Six Bridges Brewery in Crabapple.
- Grab your tennis racket or golf clubs and go play at the many country clubs.
- Take a walk down dirt roads and marvel at the impressive farms and stables.
For more information, please see our complete guide to Milton, GA.
Roswell
Population: 92,833
Distance from Atlanta: 22 miles
The Main Appeal: Historic southern charm, great parks and nature, fantastic restaurants and wonderful schools.
Roswell is known for its historic landmarks like the Roswell Mill and the surrounding mansions and charming downtown area on Canton Street. It also borders the Chattahoochee River and has many trails, parks and green spaces to explore.
Top Things To Do
- Explore the downtown Roswell’s restaurants. You could grab a burger from Lucky’s, enjoy southern fare from Table and Main, oysters and seafood from Hugo’s.
- If you are up for drinks, check out one of the many breweries like Variant or Gate City. You could also visit one of the many bars like Mac McGee’s.
- Explore Roswell’s history by touring the historic mansions and the Roswell Mill.
- Walk or ride your bike down miles of trail along the Roswell Riverwalk on the banks of the Chattahoochee.
For more information, please see our complete guide to Roswell, GA.
Woodstock
Population: 35,065
Distance from Atlanta: 31 miles
The Main Appeal: A walkable downtown city center, rural setting, plenty of outdoor activities.
Downtown Woodstock is a quintessential, charming southern town. The town has many great restaurants, breweries and parks. All of this while retaining the historic essence.
Woodstock has many parks for hiking, biking or go kayaking down the Little River.
It also has many family farms perfect for a day out berry picking or at the pumpkin patch.
Top Things To Do
- Explore the downtown Woodstock restaurants like Century House, Canyons or Salt Factory Pub.
- Stop in for a pint at Reformation Brewing.
- Grab your mountain bike, hiking shoes or kayak and explore Olde Rope Mill Park.
- Walk the Noonday Trail to Woofstock Park. Continue on the Town Lake Trail.
For more information, please see our complete guide to Woodstock, GA.
Chamblee
Population: 30,133
Distance from Atlanta: 12 miles
The Main Appeal: Chamblee a suburb of Atlanta that is seeing explosive population growth due to its proximity to downtown Atlanta, diverse population and somewhat affordable home prices. There are also some amazing international restaurants.
Top Things To Do
- Go antique shopping at Antique row. The area features hundreds of antique vendors.
- Visit the Atlanta Chinatown Mall for authentic restaurants and shops.
- Enjoy the best Chamblee restaurants like Southbound or Hopstix.
For more information please see our complete guide to Chamblee, GA.
Brookhaven
Population: 55,161
Distance from Atlanta: 11 miles
The Main Appeal: Brookhaven is located inside the perimeter and borders many of the attractions in Buckhead. Brookhaven is know for its historic mansions, many parks and green spaces around its neighborhoods. It is known for being an active, family friendly community with great schools.
Dunwoody
Population: 51,683
Distance from Atlanta: 17 miles
The Main Appeal: Dunwoody is norther suburb of Atlanta that is close to everything. It has easy access to 400 and the perimeter which makes for easy access around Atlanta. It also is a great choice for families as there are great schools in the area. It is also one of the few suburbs with MARTA access.
Things To Do:
- Head out for a leisurely day at Brook Run Park. There are walking trails, sports fields, a skate park and even the Treetop Quest.
- Shop until you drop at all the premiere stores in the Perimeter Mall.
- Find some of the best burgers in Atlanta at NFA burger, Village Burger or Farm Burger.
- Enjoy a night out at one of the best Dunwoody restaurants.
Sandy Springs
Population: 108,080
Distance from Atlanta: 16 miles
Sandy Springs is a great place to live and work. It is home to many Fortune 500 companies. Sandy Springs borders the Chattahoochee river to the north and has many parks and recreation spots. It is also home Concourse at Landmark Center, commonly referred to as the King and Queen building.
West Atlanta Suburbs
Marietta
Population: 60,972
Distance from Atlanta: 20 miles
While Marietta proper has over 60,000 residents, there are over 300,000 people who share a Marietta address. Marietta is a historic city with plenty to explore at the Marietta Square. There are many museums like the Gone With the Wind Musuem and an Aviation museum. It is very close to Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park with miles of trails to explore.
Smyrna
Population: 55,663
Distance from Atlanta: 17 miles
Smyrna is one of the fastest growing cities in the state, thanks in part to being part to being on the edge of Cumberland and Cobb Galleria. Market Village is the heart of Smyrna, with the Village green right next door. This is the social hub of the town.
Vinings
Population: 12,581
Distance from Atlanta: 11 miles
Named one of the best suburbs for millenials, Vinings is a small quaint suburb, yet close to everything in Atlanta. It’s no wonder why so many love the town. It also borders the Chattahoochee, putting it is close proximity to some great hiking and river access.
East Atlanta Suburbs
Decatur
Population: 70,522
Distance from Atlanta: 7 miles
On one visit to Decatur Square, you will know why the locals love living here. There are many great restaurants and things to see and do. Decatur also hosts the Dekalb Farmers Market which has great organic foods and specialty markets.
Didn’t see your favorite Atlanta suburbs listed here? Please drop a comment and let us know why your suburb is the best suburb in Atlanta and we will be sure to check it out!