The “Big Peach,” Atlanta, GA, is widely known for its vibrant music scene, Southern cuisine, Coca-Cola, and of course, peaches. Home to top colleges like Georgia Institute of Technology and Spelman College, and iconic sports teams like the Atlanta Falcons, there’s something for everyone living in Atlanta.
While Atlanta has so much to offer, even the most loved cities have drawbacks. So the cost of living, large population, and traffic may outweigh Atlanta’s positives. Thankfully, you have options if you want to live near Atlanta without buying or renting in the city center.
We’ve gathered a list of 8 cities near Atlanta, all within 50 miles of the city, that you may want to consider living in this year. Let’s take a look.
#1: Brookhaven, GA
Miles from Atlanta: 11
Population: 55,000
Median home sale price: $650,000
Average 1-bed rent: $2,183
Walk Score: 27
Bike Score: 20
Transit Score: 24
Homes for sale in Brookhaven, GA
Apartments for rent in Brookhaven, GA
Brookhaven has a lot of Atlanta’s historic charm, even though it was only incorporated in 2012. With a population of 55,000, it’s small enough to have that community feel while remaining only a 20-minute drive from downtown Atlanta. Brookhaven welcomes the community for festivals and events and has plenty of green space to wander or have a picnic on a nice afternoon.
#2: Smyrna, GA
Miles from Atlanta: 16
Population: 56,400
Median home sale price: $445,000
Average 1-bed rent: $1,607
Walk Score: 34
Bike Score: 23
Transit Score: 28
Homes for sale in Smyrna, GA
Apartments for rent in Smyrna, GA
Smyrna is located about 16 miles northwest of Atlanta. Downtown Smyrna is home to Village Green, where you can find a community center, library, and arboretum. The Market Village is the heart of downtown and sits adjacent to the Village Green. In between these two areas, you’ll find the 20th Century Veterans Memorial. Lastly, Smyrna’s historic district is home to the Concord Covered Bridge.
The Smyrna History Museum is definitely worth a visit to connect with Smyrna’s rich 200-year history. The museum is located in an old 1910 train depot and features thousands of photographs, objects, and documents.
#3: Sandy Springs, GA
Miles from Atlanta: 17
Population: 108,000
Median home sale price: $676,433
Average 1-bed rent: $1,773
Walk Score: 27
Bike Score: 25
Transit Score: 20
Homes for sale in Sandy Springs, GA
Apartments for rent in Sandy Springs, GA
Sandy Springs is a great place to live in Georgia. The city has a lot to offer, whether its amenities and activities or its close proximity to Atlanta.
There are many things to do in Sandy Springs. A few examples include visiting the Chattahoochee Nature Center, going for a hike at the Big Creek Greenway, and checking out the Sandy Springs Museum.
#4: Dunwoody, GA
Miles from Atlanta: 17
Population: 50,000
Median home sale price: $549,500
Average 1-bed rent: $2,248
Walk Score: 33
Bike Score: 25
Transit Score: 25
Homes for sale in Dunwoody, GA
Apartments for rent in Dunwoody, GA
Although it was established in the early 1830s, Dunwoody didn’t become an official city until 2008. Living in this town offers the benefit of a small-city lifestyle with the perks of big-city convenience. Every year, the area holds a Butterfly Festival where visitors and locals can admire different types of free-roaming butterflies.
There are many things to do in Dunwoody, including shopping at the Perimeter Mall, going on a nature hike at Dunwoody Nature Center, playing golf at Dunwoody Country Club, and exploring the historic village of Dunwoody.
#5: Marietta, GA
Miles from Atlanta: 20
Population: 61,000
Median home sale price: $455,750
Average 1-bed rent: $1,343
Walk Score: 36
Bike Score: 21
Transit Score: 27
Homes for sale in Marietta, GA
Apartments for rent in Marietta, GA
Marietta is famous for its plentiful nature preserves and historic buildings. The city is home to the Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, where the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain took place during the Civil War, and has numerous history museums, including the Gone With the Wind Museum.
There are a number of things to do in Marietta, including visiting Marietta Square, the Marietta Museum of History, and the Marietta Cobb Museum of Art. There are also a number of parks and recreation areas in Marietta, like the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area.
#6: Roswell, GA
Miles from Atlanta: 22
Population: 95,000
Median home sale price: $615,000
Average 1-bed rent: $1,315
Walk Score: 22
Bike Score: 14
Transit Score: 22
Homes for sale in Roswell, GA
Apartments for rent in Roswell, GA
Roswell is filled with history. It’s known for its 640-acre historic district, which features a trio of house museums that exhibit the city’s 19th-century roots. Roswell is a great place for foodies of all kinds as there are countless restaurants to check out. From southern BBQ to cozy tea rooms and sidewalk cafes, there’s always a new restaurant to visit.
There is plenty to do in Roswell, such as shopping in historic downtown Roswell, exploring the Chattahoochee Nature Center, visiting the Roswell Mill, and taking a walk or bike ride on the Big Creek Greenway.
#7: Alpharetta, GA
Miles from Atlanta: 27
Population: 70,000
Median home sale price: $700,000
Average 1-bed rent: $1,910
Walk Score: 22
Bike Score: 15
Transit Score: 24
Homes for sale in Alpharetta, GA
Apartments for rent in Alpharetta, GA
The city of Alpharetta is known for its technology industry and historic buildings. Many of these historic buildings and homes in the area feature wrap-around verandas and Greek Revival architecture.
There are many things to do in Alpharetta, including shopping at the North Point Mall, visiting the Ameris Bank Amphitheatre for an outdoor concert, taking a walk through Avalon, playing golf at Windermere Golf Club, and enjoying a meal at one of the many great restaurants.
#8: Johns Creek, GA
Miles from Atlanta: 28
Population: 85,000
Median home sale price: $620,000
Average 1-bed rent: $1,719
Walk Score: 18
Transit Score: 21
Homes for sale in Johns Creek, GA
Apartments for rent in Johns Creek, GA
Johns Creek is located in Fulton County and is one of many Atlanta suburbs. The city is named after John Rogers, who settled in the area in the 1820s. There are many things to do in Johns Creek, whether you love the outdoors or prefer to stay inside.
You can visit the Johns Creek Environmental Campus, take a walk or hike through one of Johns Creek’s many parks, play a round of golf at one of the golf courses in the area, and visit the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. Check out one of the malls and shopping centers in the area, dine at one of Johns Creek’s local restaurants, or visit the Johns Creek Arts Center.
Methodology:
All cities must have a population of more than 50,000 and be less than 50 miles away from Atlanta. Median home sale price data from the Redfin Data Center during August 2022. Average rental data from Rent.com during August 2022. Walk Score, Bike Score, and Transit Score from Walkscore.com during August 2022. Population data sourced from United States Census Bureau.
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